Greenhouse Gastronomy

Greenhouse Restaurant, found at the historic The Cellars-hohenort Hotel in Constantia, Cape Town, is set in the refurbished greenhouse of the estate, which traces its heritage back to its first owner, the chief surgeon of the Dutch East India Company, Hendrik ten Damme, in the 1600s. In the 1750s, the estate began its history as a wine cellar, but it was not until the 1900s, when the farm was bought by Arnold Spilhaus, that the construction of the Hohenort building began.

After his death in 1947, the farm was split into sections and sold off. Founder of the estate as it stands today, Liz Mcgrath, purchased a single cellar building in 1991, and by February 1993, Mcgrath had taken over the whole property. After extensive renovations and restorations, the hotel reopened its doors in November of the same year.

Today, the historic building that once serviced this grand estate as a greenhouse is now completely transformed into a modern restaurant that serves up a gourmet menu of the highest standard. Although the character and charm of the old building remains, Greenhouse is a haven of contemporary luxury, which offers spectacular views of the estate garden – one could not imagine a more peaceful and elegant place in which to enjoy a meal.

If you are a foodie, you simply cannot miss the opportunity to dine at this upmarket restaurant. Headed up by renowned chefs Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss, Greenhouse prepares a heavenly tasting menu with unique dishes such as the Atlantic tuna served with home-fermented kimchi, beetroot kombucha radish, compression of apple, and some show-stopping nitro sesame. For dessert, tuck into a decedent Madagascan chocolate pudding with crispy caramel crumble, bitter caramel pears, honeybush tea cremeaux, and a decadent drizzling of Amazi chocolate milk.

For culinary enthusiasts, Greenhouse is offering the opportunity to become a Chef for a Day. The Chef for a Day will get firsthand experience of what it is like working in the Greenhouse kitchen, under the guidance of Chef Peter and Chef Ashley, by working either a half or full day at the various food preparation stations within the kitchen, assisting to prepare multiple award-winning dishes while learning professional skills and techniques. After a day of working, learning, and observing, the Chef for a Day will dine in Greenhouse to experience either a four-course lunch menu or the 12-course dinner menu.

For more information, please visit www.greenhouserestaurant.co.za.