Steenberg’s family-friendly Tryn and Bistro1682 restaurants announce their excitingly sumptuous summer menus. Creating a summer menu that resonates with Cape Town’s local and international visitors during peak season is no easy feat.
Particularly at elegant, family-friendly restaurants like Steenberg Farm’s Tryn and Bistro1682, it becomes even more considered since patrons have come to expect the very best of everything at the estate, only recently named one of the top ten hotels in Africa in Condé Nast’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Yet it is a challenge that Steenberg Executive Chef Kerry Kilpin and her team relish.
Year after year they win over even the most obdurate palates with their sumptuous creations, all of which pair perfectly with the estate’s award-winning wines, gorgeous setting in the Constantia Valley and, of course, the Cape’s magnificent summer days and nights.
Developing the summer menu begins months in advance and, as Kilpin explains, is a “thoughtful process that balances the inclusion of beloved old favourites with exciting new dishes”.
“We begin by analysing guest feedback and seasonal availability to identify which classic dishes resonate most with our clientele. By retaining the same high-quality proteins, we ensure consistency and familiarity, allowing us to focus on refreshing accompaniments and creative flavour profiles,” she says.
“While some dishes may change, the core proteins remain, ensuring that loyal guests can enjoy their favourites, and the core of what people have come to know as my food while also exploring new options.”
Kilpin has certainly provided plenty of food for thought in her 2024/25 summer menu, with both Bistro Sixteen82 and Tryn showcasing some absolute showstoppers.
The summer menus at Tryn and Bistro Sixteen82 offer a refreshing change from the winter offerings. Where the colder months tend towards heartier cuisine, summer fare is all about bright flavours, zesty dressings, and fruity accents.
Patrons can look forward to dishes featuring fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits, along with an array of grilled items that capture the essence of summer dining. The menus highlight a bounty of seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients at their peak freshness, such as heirloom tomatoes, fresh herbs, and stone fruits.
A standout on the new summer menu is Ethically Sourced Fish served with lentil and butternut ragout, coconut curry velouté and apricot chutney.
Equally tantalising is the Confit Duck, comprising pulled duck and crisp potato mille-feuille with a rhubarb compote, swirls of black cherry jus and belnori mousse.
That is not to say the menu doesn’t feature Tryn and Bistro Sixteen82 favourites such as the unique Bistro Pickled Fish, the result of a collaboration between Steenberg chefs and their families’ traditional pickled fish recipes. The dish is beautifully presented in the form of a taco and accompanied by a tangy atchar.
Then there is the ever-popular Bistro Beef Tataki, which melds Japanese tataki with French influences. Tender beef is seared to perfection and served with a delicate sauce that harmonises the rich umami of the meat with a creamy corn and truffle emulsion, offering a unique and refined experience.
Kilpin also believes the Tryn Chocolate Sphere will be a huge hit among diners of all ages this season.
“It features a handcrafted chocolate shell that, when melted, reveals a luscious filling of chocolate mousse, fresh berries, and a hint of popping candy. This visually stunning dish delights the palate and evokes a sense of childhood nostalgia with its playful popping candy.”
Kilpin adds Steenberg’s inviting outdoor spaces make summer dining even more enjoyable, with shareable dishes that are perfect for al fresco meals. “Guests can enjoy refreshing cocktails on the stunning terraces at Tryn or sip crisp, delicious bubbly overlooking the reflective pools at Bistro Sixteen82.”
It almost goes without saying that the two Constantia restaurants are in high demand as meeting and occasion venues during the warmer months.
As the work year nears its end, many local businessmen and women enjoy the refined setting and attentive service at Tryn and Bistro as they conduct meetings. The diverse menu options also cater to various dietary preferences, making it easy to impress clients or colleagues.
The restaurants really come into their own when the ties are loosened, and suits are put away for the festive season. Their welcoming ambiance and shareable dishes make them ideal for casual family outings as well as birthday, anniversary, or special milestone celebrations.
“We also think our restaurants are perfect for date nights. Thanks to the combination of our stunning views and exceptional cuisine, the stage is always set for a special evening,” Kilpin says.
Then of course there are the wine tastings and culinary events for which Steenberg has become legend. Both Tryn and Bistro Sixteen82 play host to such occasions, and it is no exaggeration to say that for many, they are the highlight of the season.
Kilpin is exceptionally proud of the two restaurants, believing they stand out in the Constantia Valley and Southern Suburbs by offering a superb culinary experience that combines classic flavours with a contemporary twist.
“The sophisticated ambiance, featuring elegant design and stunning views, enhances the overall dining experience, while personalised service ensures that every guest feels valued. The carefully curated wine selection expertly complements each dish, and the commitment to sustainable seafood, sourced from local Abalobi fishermen, appeals to environmentally conscious diners,” she says.
“Additionally, with versatile private rooms and both indoor and outdoor dining options, Tryn and Bistro cater to various occasions. We have such a diverse clientele – locals, food enthusiasts, families, and well-travelled diners – and we strive to make the experience unforgettable for all of them.”
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