3 Vee vd Merwe - 4 months ago
I have been coming to eat at Middlevlei Wine Farm (Stellenbosch) for at least 4 + years. I have witnessed first hand how they diligently built up their restaurant and their wines....to where they are today-a successful business.
Unfortunately I must add, my past visits were very disappointing....and although I didn't immediately take to rating them, I rather wanted to see if what I experienced was not perhaps " off days" , but this was not the case.
What was very noticeable was the portion sizes of the chicken Keebabs ( they were always well sized) to the point of the dish lid not being able to close. The Keebabs we received yesterday ( and a few times before)....were nothing short of miserable, they looked boiled ( no colour, and taste) and most times tough, the chops were ridiculously thin ( but nicely braaied), yet the size took centre stage above the taste-very disappointing from previous times. The coffee seemed watered down, and really had no taste!
What really sealed the disappointed was their pricing....for just two of us, (including one bottle of their average Red wine) it cost us over R630 excl the tip. I just don't think they are aiming at the locals for support anymore ( rather bus liads)....*what would it cost an average family of 6 cost to eat here?*.( local support).
I cant help thinking that if they don't adjust, or bring out a slightly more competitive menu, they might lose local favour/support, when it would most definitely be needed in the winter months.
My 3 stars are awarded for: *The venue, because it truly is a lovely peaceful venue. *The wine was stunning, and that on its own deserved 5 stars, and was well priced.... *The taste of the spiced chops was also very good.
If you are looking for something different, I still think it's a unique experience for those liking a "farm-styled" environment within the city limits.
But, I didn't take away the feeling of a "good meal" experience, rather that I had a good wine experience.
