A personal review of this great bistro in Hout Bay at the foot of Chapman's Peak.
My family and I enjoyed our first dining experience at the fairly new Wild Woods Bistro at the end of Chapman’s Peak, Hout Bay, on Friday evening.
We booked an early table (19h00) as we had the kids with us. We also checked up that they have a kid’s menu (they do) and that they’re ok to have children at all (they are – so long as said children are ‘restaurant friendly’).
On arrival, after a leisurely sunset drive over the always-beautiful
Chapman’s Peak from Noordhoek, we appeared to be the only diners and there was a high staff to patron ratio – one manager, 4 or 5 waiters and a barman, not to mention those in the kitchen. Wild Woods is owned by well known chef and ‘food alchemist’
Peter Goffe-Wood (of
Kitchen Cowboy fame) and I was wondering if perhaps this, his latest venture, was not taking off?– it was a Friday evening after all. I needn’t have worried – by the time we left – at an early 20h30 – the place was bursting at the seams with what appeared to be a blend of relaxed but well heeled locals of all ages, and some foreign visitors.
The decor is elegant with some large original modern art works gracing the walls. The restaurant opens on to a large deck with stunning views, although a thunder storm was rolling in and the air was chilly so we sat indoors, still able to enjoy the view through the glass doors.
The staff were super friendly and great with the kids, without being annoyingly in-your-face. We were delighted to see that yummy local beer
Jack Black (a personal favourite of ours) was available on tap. While Raphael and Kaira immediately chose the kid’s steak and chips (not enough restaurants offer child-sized steaks in my opinion and our kids LOVE red meat like the born and bred SAffas they are), G and I struggled to choose between the main courses, all of which sounded delectable. A new
menu is printed daily so fresh food is guaranteed.
I settled on the pork belly with sweet potato chips, while G went as usual for the steak – this one was served with a red wine and marrow bone jus.
My selection was unusual in that I seldom eat pork, but felt like something lighter than steak and was not in the mood for fish. It was a great choice, each mouthful bringing sighs of pleasure. Those sweet potato chips were also something special. G raved about his steak and the children enjoyed their food equally well.
I was pleased to see Mr. Goffe Wood himself come out of the kitchen to greet some friends at their tables – nice to know the chef himself had a hand in preparing our very good meal.
For afters we shared 2 desserts – pressed chocolate cake with crème fraisch and lemon cup with shortbread. The latter was so good I had a hard time sharing it fairly with Kaira. The boys had a spoon war over the dark chocolate cake, so I assume that was scrummy too. A strong cup of good coffee later and we were ready to leave, just as the place was really starting to get vibey.
We’ll definitely be back – next time sans children for a more adult experience of
Wild Woods.
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