I believe there is no greater validation of the rapid growth of veganism than when an establishment like the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa takes a culinary tradition and offers a vegan version.
Address: Victoria Rd, Camps Bay
Hours: 10am-4pm Mon-Sun
The 12 Apostles Hotel has once again acknowledged the demand for plant-based dining and followed up their Vegan Tasting Menu with a Vegan High Tea. With teeth a sweet as mine I literally couldn’t get there quick enough!!
Vegan High Tea by the Sea as it is officially known is served in the Leopard Bar allowing for sweeping, uninterrupted views of the ocean. It can also be taken in the Conservatory if you’d prefer.
There is a selection of teas to choose from including the hotels own 12 Apostles blend as well as coffee and even iced versions of both for those sweltering summer days! The folks behind the scenes are also able to offer you a hot chocolate if you are so inclined. I behaved this time and ordered an iced tea!
Once our drinks had arrived the tiered stand was presented at the table. Gobsmacked, we starting plotting our dining strategy – how best to devour everything presented in front of us!
Executive Pastry Chef Gina Marziani and her team have created the perfect balance between sweet and savory items:
Savoury
- Mini vegetable crudities
- Roast seasonal vegetables with peppadew hummus sandwich
- Fried aubergine and dukkha spice sandwich
- Roast pepper, olive, tomato and basil sandwich
- Avocado, hummus and marinated tomato tortilla wrap
Sweet
- Valrhona Manjari chocolate & hazelnut cake slice
- Banana & oat cookie
- Toasted coconut and date bar
- Valrhona Manjari chocolate and peanut bonbons
- Vegan scones served with jam and mix berry compote
- Forest berry jellies
- Banana and walnut loaf
- Coconut Pannacotta with passion fruit and pineapple compote
The hardest part was knowing where to start… but we soon got over that hurdle! Just pace yourself and take in the views between indulging!
My personal stand out treat was the dark chocolate cake and the scones.
Overall I found there to be strong variety in terms of texture and flavour throughout the entire offering – a sign of care, dedication and of course lots of thought being put into creating this experience.
At R375 per person, this is a plant-based treat that you should book an afternoon off and make time for. The teas and coffees are unlimited as is the food, so just ask if you want more! Surprisingly we didn’t! Those little rich and nutrient-dense treats are deceivingly filling!
The hotel asks that (where possible) you book 24 hours in advance to allow the kitchen prepare for your visit.
With food and views this amazing, the entire experience is a totally worthwhile one. And because it is in the Leopard Bar you get all the formality of 12 Apostles experience without having to dress in a jacket and suit pants! What more could a Cape Town Vegan ask for?
Peace xx
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Oh wow! Sounds a lot more exciting than the offering Mount Nelson. Wait, what!?!? Look at us having high tea options!
I know right – CHOICE! Who would have thought??
Looks amazing but only Zuma, Ramaphosa & all the ANC officials can afford to eat at that price.
Maybe we will pop in for coffee and some scones, just for the view over the ocean.
Maybe only Cyril now!! Maybe someone can treat you to a birthday present?