The continued support of veganism shows no signs of slowing down in Cape Town and residents and visitors to Kalk Bay now have a brand new pop-up vegan event to add to their list!
Chef Mel Miller joined forces with Olympia Cafe and Deli last weekend to offer a bi-monthly four-course vegan menu in the bakery side of Olympia’s operation: a huge room that at one point in time used to be a movie theatre but is now used to bake their delicious bread and sweet creations.
The format was casual and simple.
A cocktail (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) was served on arrival before joining other guests at a choice of two long tables for some Deep South chats before the first course was served.
Before each course, Mel introduced the upcoming dishes and answered any questions the guests had.
The first course was a Celeriac, Watercress and Roasted Walnut Soup served with Baked Crostini. I’d never had this combination as a soup before but it was light and delicious.
(Believe it or not) I made an unusually wise decision not to fill up on the first course and paced myself for the rest of what was to come! Brownie points for maximum self-control!
I’m glad I did as next up was the Miso-Glazed Aubergine with Kale, Red Onion, and Pumpkin Seeds served on a bed of Fava Bean Mash accompanied by a Beetroot, Spinach and Apple Salad with Roasted Seeds and Balsamic Dressing: a beautiful combination of flavours, but it was the mash the completely made it – dense and flavorful. I’d never considered making a mash from legumes before but I’ll definitely be trying it at home.
There were extra portions of all courses for any guests that wanted (Bae had second helpings but I declined).
A lovely touch throughout the evening was the live music by local musicians which was pitched at just the right level for background ambience.
Dessert was Spiced Roasted Pears served with Almond Biscotti and Vanilla Ice Cream (locally made in Kalk Bay) with Berry Coulis which went down a treat followed by a “Finishing Plate” of Home-Made Chocolate Treats and Cashew Cheese Balls with a Chilli Pesto. This is where I let go of all self-control and went for it!
The evening was priced at R390 per person and there was a bar to buy drinks or a BYOB corkage fee of R40.
As this is a bi-monthly event, you can book in advance for the next event on www.quicket.co.za.
Overall, a great new addition to the False Bay/Cape Peninsula communities looking for an evening of vegan food on their doorstep.
This will go down well in Kalk Bay
All the very best with your venture.
Love from Riekeeksstrand💖