Cape Town - When you think about Stellenbosch, the first thing that comes to mind is wine farms.
To be sure, there are dozens of them, but you should not overlook the delightful little town.
With some time before our dinner reservation last weekend at the newly opened Restaurant Jardine, we headed up – or down, I’m not sure which – Andringa Street.
It was dusk and we strolled along, marvelling at the wonderful oak-lined cosmopolitan street vibe. Even though it’s only about 40 minutes from Cape Town, Stellies feels far removed from home.
Our first destination was Balboa Balcony Bar, one of the hottest hangouts, according to our sources. It’s an upstairs venue with wide open windows overlooking the street. The name is a Rocky reference and there is a mild boxing theme – the cocktail menu is in the shape of a glove and there are posters in the stairwell depicting Sylvester Stallone.
Sexy Deborah had a refreshing watermelon daiquiri, one of the bar’s most popular drinks, and I had a glass of Jordan’s Chameleon red blend. Another great thing about Stellenbosch places is that, since it’s in the Winelands, you will find a great selection of wine by the glass and bottle and reasonably priced.
Besides a wide range of hot and cold beverages, the venue also serves pizzas, platters, salads and bar snacks.
Balboa has a no under-23s door policy.
After dinner, we went around the block to Ryneveld Street, getting almost to the end where we’d turn the corner back to the hotel when we struck gold. The last place on the right is teeny tiny, with one pavement table, a veranda, and warm soft light spilling out. We were instantly attracted.
There is no sign, but it’s called De Stomme Jonge and is officially my new favourite place. Inside there is a bar and another small room on the side.
The floor is old and worn, tables are covered with red and white checked plastic cloths and it’s crammed with all sorts of fascinating stuff – books, records, games and memorabilia.
On a chalkboard in the side lounge – where there are couches and blankets – there is poetry signed simply “ec” in small letters. Apparently this is a local woman who comes in from time to time and writes the poems.
The barman is super hot, as are many of the patrons, and shooters are served in those miniature jam jars you get at hotel breakfasts.
I was utterly charmed. Water also comes in a jar, a different size and shape and I was slightly disappointed my whisky was in a normal glass.
The music was great even if it wasn’t live, and De Stomme Jonge has in the sum of its parts a certain je ne sais quoi.
The food speciality here is roosterbrood cooked on a small braai and served with various toppings.
l Balboa Balcony Bar is at 18A Andringa Street, 021 886 7110. De Stomme Jonge is at 3 Ryneveld Street, 082 054 0125.
Bianca Coleman, Weekend Argus