Fine diners were treated to a first of its kind in George, an extraordinary evening of Graham Beck bubbly perfectly paired with five courses superbly prepared by Douglas. The food, bubbles and atmosphere proved once again that the restaurant's name, Serefé, which means 'cheers to good health', was definitely well-chosen.
Once Graham Beck cellar master Peter Ferreira and Douglas chose the five Graham Beck Cap Sec sparkling wines, Douglas set about pairing the bubbles with a five course meal. The result was sensational.
To start the evening, guests enjoyed a glass of Graham Beck Brut Zero with Kafe Serefé's canapés.
The five courses were cooked to perfection and most definitely brought out the delicate flavours of all the Graham Beck bubbly.
Kafe Serefé is no newcomer to the restaurant business and was opened in 2005 by Carolien van Rensburg as a Turkish coffee shop.
Douglas (née van Rensburg) took over the running of Kafe Serefé from Carolien in 2010 and started to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Although Turkish elements are still present in the food and ambience, the emphasis moved to serving outstanding South African cuisine at the most affordable prices.
In celebrating spring at Kafe Serefé in true Turkish style, diners were treated to the sultry moves of Kafe Serefé's belly dancer, Elsa Barnardo. She even enticed several of the guests to join in and soon had their hips swaying to the Persian music.
"The food was beautifully paired with the champagne and brought out the best in both. It was plain to see the smaller bubbles rise to the top of the glass, which is a sure sign of a good champagne," said diner, Don Bands.
Kafe Serefé and Douglas have a won a host of awards including:
- 2012 – Gastro Nomix Chef of the Year 2012;
- 2011 – Best Value for Money in the Garden Route;
- 2011 – Top 20 Culinary Destinations in the Garden Route;
- 2010 – Best Value for Money Menu in the Garden Route;
- 2010 – Top 20 Culinary Destinations in the Garden Route;
- 2009 – Best Value for Money Menu in the Garden Route;
- 2009 – Top 20 Culinary Destinations in the Garden Route.
Ensuring that the guests of Kafe Serefé's champagne evening were well taken care of is, from left: Herman Hanekom (Graham Beck), Helga Doughlas (chef and restuarateur, Kafe Serefé) and Peter Ferreira (Graham Beck cellar master).
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