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5 Must-Try Dishes at Manna Epicure: A Culinary Journey Through Cape Town
When you step into Manna Epicure, you’re not just entering a restaurant—you’re going on a culinary journey that blends the rich flavors of French cuisine with the vibrant tastes of South Africa. These are the 5 must-try dishes at Manna Epicure.
Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, Manna Epicure offers a dining experience that’s both refined and unforgettable. To guide you through this culinary adventure, we’ve curated a list of five must-try dishes that exemplify our commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation.
1. Snail Persillade: A Classic French Delight
Start your journey with our Snail Persillade, a dish that perfectly captures the essence of French cuisine. This traditional delicacy is served in the shell, bathed in a luxurious garlic butter sauce, and accompanied by a slice of our homemade bread. Each bite is a harmonious blend of rich, buttery flavors and the subtle earthiness of the snails, making it a perfect introduction to the Manna Epicure experience.
Origins and Flavors: This dish hails from the heart of France, where snails, or “escargots,” are a beloved appetizer. The garlic butter, infused with parsley and a hint of lemon, adds a depth of flavor that complements the tender snails beautifully. Paired with our freshly baked bread, it’s a dish that’s both rustic and elegant.
2. Chateaubriand: A Feast for the Senses
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, our Chateaubriand is a must-try. This premium cut of beef is served with onion rings, a house salad, Pont Neuf potatoes, and a choice of Béarnaise sauce or a rich red wine jus. The Chateaubriand is known for its tenderness and flavor, making it a true showstopper on our menu. The bonus is that this is one of a few dishes that is carved table-side and is the perfect dish to share. We also have a stunning Rib-eye for two done in the same way.
Origins and Flavors: Chateaubriand is a classic French dish named after the French writer and diplomat François-René de Chateaubriand. It’s traditionally prepared from the center-cut of the beef tenderloin, offering a texture that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. The accompanying sauces and sides provide a balance of flavors, from the creamy Béarnaise to the robust red wine jus, making each bite an experience in itself.
3. Beef Cheek Bourguignon: A Hearty French Staple with a South African Twist
Our Beef Cheek Bourguignon is a dish that combines the slow-cooked richness of traditional French bourguignon with a uniquely South African twist. Served with a samp risotto, this dish is the epitome of comfort food, offering deep, savory flavors that are perfect for any occasion.
Origins and Flavors: Bourguignon, a classic French stew, is traditionally made with beef braised in red wine, garlic, onions, and mushrooms. At Manna Epicure, we use beef cheeks, which are slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a dish that’s tender and full of flavor. The samp risotto adds a South African touch, offering a creamy, slightly nutty base that complements the rich stew.
4. Cape Malay Seafood Curry: A Fusion of Cultures on a Plate
Experience the vibrant flavors of Cape Town with our Cape Malay Seafood Curry. This dish is a celebration of the Cape’s rich culinary heritage, featuring a mix of mussels, calamari, hake, and kingklip, all simmered in a fragrant Malay curry sauce. Served on a bed of samp risotto, this dish is a perfect example of the fusion cuisine that Manna Epicure is known for.
Origins and Flavors: The Cape Malay curry is a unique blend of spices and flavors that reflect the diverse cultural influences in Cape Town. Our version features a medley of seafood, cooked in a curry sauce that’s both aromatic and slightly spicy, with hints of turmeric, coriander, and coconut. The samp risotto provides a creamy contrast, making this dish a true standout.
5. Moules Marinière: A Taste of the Sea
For a taste of the ocean, look no further than our Moules Marinière. This dish features fresh mussels cooked in a white wine and garlic broth, served with a slice of our homemade bread. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the natural flavors of the sea, enhanced by the rich, buttery sauce.
Origins and Flavors: Moules Marinière is a classic French dish, particularly popular in the coastal regions of France. The mussels are steamed in a broth of white wine, garlic, and shallots, resulting in a dish that’s both light and flavorful. The broth is perfect for dipping with our homemade bread, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
Bonus Dish: Braised Lamb Tails (“Skaapstertjies”)
Did that first picture get your mouth watering? Well, as a special treat, we recommend trying our Braised Lamb Tails, or “Skaapstertjies.” This traditional South African dish features lamb tails that are slow-braised to tender perfection, then finished off in a hot pan with butter and thyme. Served with gremolata and a salsa verde mayo, this dish offers a unique combination of textures and flavors that’s sure to delight.
Origins and Flavors: Skaapstertjies are a beloved South African delicacy, often enjoyed as a snack or starter. The slow-braising process ensures that the meat is tender and flavorful, while the gremolata and salsa verde mayo add a fresh, zesty finish. It’s a dish that’s rich in history and flavor, offering a taste of South Africa that you won’t find anywhere else.
And there you have it! A culinary journey throughour menu that fuses French and South African dishes in perfect harmony!
If you would like to see what else is on our beautiful menu, feel free to hit the button below!
