Eight Restaurant, Stellenbosch, South Africa

4forks

EightStellenboschLogo

Baden Powell Dr,
Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
+27 21 809 1188
http://www.spier.co.za/food/eight-restaurant

Neighborhood: Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch, SA
Cuisine: Contemporary Light Meals, Health, Bistro
$$ = $25 and less – Moderately priced (cheap eats when you consider the exchange rate to the dollar!) 
Four Forks = Defines excellence in local dining. Worth the investment

Hours:
Lunch is Tuesday through Sunday 12PM – 4:30PM
Serving Dinner from 6:30PM – 8:30PM
The restaurant is available for private functions. Breakfast is also available for private group bookings.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
Handicap accessible: Yes
Parking: Private lot
Vegetarian options: Yes
Kid friendly: Yes
Liquor served: Wine and Beer
Wine List: Spier’s award-winning wines will complement the menu
Outdoor seating: Yes
Reservations: Yes

Unique:  There were interesting elements to the decor including an impressive ceiling on the terrace that has been lined with over 10, 000 individually crafted flowers made from recycled white plastic milk bottles, and lit with low voltage LEDs. The light fittings in the main part of the restaurant were made from recycled plastic bottles.  The outside dining area was cozy and our friend had mentioned bringing their children previously, where they enjoyed playing.

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We were there with a couple of friends on Tuesday 2,23, 2016. around 1 PM.  The truth is we were on the grounds at Spier in the Stellenbosch Winelands in search of the newly opened craft bakery and café called Hog House Bakery & Café. That restaurant is situated inside the restored Jonkershuis building. We had heard that the eatery is equipped with a spanking new, custom-built, wood-fired oven, so the team can serve up hot and fresh artisanal bread and pastries, but it was closed!  Our other friend had previously dined at Eight, also on Spier wine farm.

Spier chose a symbolic name for the restaurant, something that captures the essence of the experience. The number 8 signifies balance, cycles, harmony, infinity, and abundance. It also represents Spier’s closed-loop approach and its integration of natural cycles into business cycles.  A key component of the décor features lights made from recycled bottles.

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This restaurant prides itself on its farming methods, advertising that they are a farm-to-table with an expression of balance, harmony and abundance of balance. They offer natural and organic ingredients grown on site or bought from surrounding farms. No chemical fertilizers, pesticides or artificial chemicals. The cows are grass-fed, and the chickens range free.

It was a warm day so we chose an umbrella shaded table out on the patio. In spite of no reservation, we were seated quickly outside under the trees in a very relaxed atmosphere.

Complementary: Beautiful house made fresh bread, including succulent butter wrapped like little candies.

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Entrees: three of us chose the Pasture-reared beef burger, with brie, caramelized onion and hand cut chips, (R105 or about $7)

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The burgers were cooked perfectly and were moist.  They were actually quite good on the fresh buns, but there was a bit much bread per meat ratio. The fries were hot and crispy with tender, soft filling but they did not have mayonnaise available upon request.

The other guest enjoyed the free-range chicken, mango and feta salad with red onion and rocket (R95 or just over $6).

I didn’t grab a photo of her meal, but she requested extra chicken.  Whether or not she actually received it, we’re not sure but the waitress was humorous and prompt because all of the food came out pretty quickly.

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The chefs at Eight combine these ingredients into simple but delicious dishes which accentuate the natural flavors and qualities of the food. The standard menu will be small and seasonal, and specials will make the most of the daily available ingredients to ensure that guests enjoy healthy, wholesome, delicious and nourishing food.

All of the food came out pretty quickly.

The beer and wine list was very affordable and though we didn’t have room for dessert, the plates sure looked good on the neighboring table.

it was a great casual lunch.

Bon appetite!
~Chris

 

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