Creation Wines — Restaurant in Theewaterskloof Local Municipality

My husband and I booked an overnight stay in Hemel en Aarde just so that we could enjoy our afternoon at Creation. Although the wines are of course very good, we were sorely disappointed by the food. We were given a welcome dish consisting of cold green tomato gazpacho with avocado sorbet. This is a very odd choice for an amuse-bouche as it is not to most people’s taste and you feel forced to eat something you would never order. What would have been much nicer and more appropriate is some local bread and butter (as is standard in most fine dining restaurants but was noticeably absent). We selected our dishes from the A La Carte menu due to the food pairing menu being overly complicated and including items like tofu and dairy free cheese, even on the non-plant based menu which was odd and again, not to most people’s taste. Even on the A La Carte menu I had to google many of the ingredients just to understand what I would be eating. I had the potato fondant starter and kitchari main (which was one of the dishes I had to google and I thought what the heck, I will try it!), and my husband had the broccoli salad and duck main. My potato was overcooked and chewy, and the kitchari, presented as small patties, was dry and very bland (made all the more disappointing because it was far from what my search on Google had described - a flavourful, spice-laden curry dish made with a porridge-like texture). My husband’s broccoli salad was tasty, but only because of the goats cheese and otherwise just a broccoli salad, and his duck was overcooked. The accompaniments with both mains were a little slick of orange sauce, half a tiny mushroom and a sliver of carrot. With a wine pairing, it is important to give your guests food which is substantial enough to balance the alcohol, and not leave guests hungry and carb-ridden. On the whole the menu was so focused on health, that it appears to lose sight of what people actually want. Tasty, hearty, South African inspired meals which one would expect in the winelands. It is such a shame as my husband is British and this was the one restaurant he wanted to try on his trip here, only to wish we had rather just had the wine tasting and eaten at a different restaurant. Less frills/fuss, and more plain good food, please. The service was absolutely top notch though (special mention to our waitress and Gerald) and I could tell how much effort the staff put in, so this is no criticism...

We have been to Creation a number of times over the past few years, but decided to return for the first time in about a year. Obviously, the farm is still spectacular, as is the wine, but our restaurant experience definitely left us disappointed.

We visited for a 6-course food and wine pairing:

On arrival, we asked to move to a different table and the host said that they would have to confirm availability. He never returned. Thankfully, one of the waiters swooped in after seeing us standing around for a bit. We were served rose immediately upon seating. I did not realise that this was due to go with the welcome seaweed crisp. That didn't matter though because we never received the crisp. Wine tasting portions throughout the meal were rather measly. I would generally expect more than a sip or two of wine if paired with a course. The Heart Chakra soup was bitter and unpleasant. The crisp placed on top of it was soggy. The confit duck leg did not have its fat rendered so the skin was soggy and fatty, while the duck meat was dry. For some reason, between our 4th and last two courses, we had to wait over 30mins. One of the waitresses even cleared our table during this time as our wine was finished and she couldn't believe that we hadn't yet been served. The dessert courses were meh, especially the pecorino cheese, coffee bean, and liquorice dust.

In summary, it was not a great experience. It wasn't the worst, but it certainly wasn't the standard of the Creation I remember fondly as the best fine dining experience in the Overstrand area. I'm saddened as it was bad enough that I don't think I would want to visit again or recommend it to friends and family - especially if you have visited before.

Review from 3 years ago: Absolutely wonderful atmosphere, excellent service, perfect food portions and sublime food. We had the confit duck baos, fillet steak, pork belly, croissant bread and butter pudding and pavlova. Everything was divine. Seriously, how often does...

From the moment I stepped into Creation Restaurant, I was enveloped in an ambiance of elegance and sophistication. My experience with their food and wine pairing menu was nothing short of extraordinary. The culinary artistry displayed in each course was a testament to the chef’s meticulous attention to detail and profound understanding of flavours profiles.

The dishes were a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, each more captivating than the last. The appetizers tantalized my palate with their delicate balance of sweet and savoury elements, while the main courses were a masterful orchestration of robust, full-bodied flavours that resonated with each bite. The desserts were an exquisite finale, perfectly rounding out the culinary journey with their decadent and luscious compositions.

Complementing the exquisite food was a selection of wines that were nothing short of sublime. Each wine was thoughtfully paired to enhance the flavours of the dishes, creating a symphony of tastes that danced on my tongue. The wines were not only delicious but also added layers of complexity to the overall dining experience, showcasing the sommelier's expertise and deep appreciation for viticulture.

For those who have not yet indulged in the food and wine pairing menu at Creation Restaurant, I implore you to do so. It is a gastronomic adventure that transcends ordinary dining, offering a memorable experience that is both delightful and enriching. This is not just a meal, but a celebration of culinary excellence that deserves to be savoured and cherished.

In summary, Creation Restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience that marries exceptional food with equally outstanding wine. It is a destination that every food and wine enthusiast should experience, a place where flavour and sophistication converge to create an unforgettable...