EIKENHOF – Heading the restaurant is Peter Karam, the name behind many of Johannesburg’s longest-running and best loved establishments, including the Thunder Gun in Northcliff, Kyalami’s Blueberry Grill, and Chef and the Fat Man in Fourways.
As we drew up to the restaurant, lightning and thunder with heavy rain and wind descended on us but it certainly didn’t dampen our enthusiasm and the reception we received as we entered the restaurant.
The service is exceptional, not to mention the amazing food. For starters I couldn’t decide between Salt and Chilli Calamari or Feta and Olive Crumbs, so had a little of both. My husband chose Halloumi Cheese. Absolutely delicious!
For our main meal I selected a prime Fillet Steak, which was cooked to absolute perfection, my knife cut through it like butter, served with Dijon Mustard Sauce, crispy golden potato wedges, creamed spinach and butternut. Colin enjoyed Grilled Falkland Calamari with lemon wedges, crispy chips and vegetables and he said the chips were the best he’s ever tasted.
The dessert menu was just too good to resist and we had to taste the Chocolate Hazelnut Tart, buttery pastry filled with decadent chocolate and hazelnuts, with fresh strawberry coulis.
A chilled bottle of Durbanville Hills Sauvignon Blanc accompanied our meal. The wine list is extensive with some of the best to offer and if you enjoy finishing off with a liqueur, there’s many to pick from.
Breakfasts are served daily from 07:00 and you won’t be disappointed with the choice, traditional farmhouse bacon and eggs, fluffy omelettes with a variety of savoury fillings, or a more healthy option of fresh fruit platter served with nuts, oats and a honey drizzle are just some of the options.
Golfers are able to enjoy snack platters, a burger and chips, or a fresh crispy salad, and for afternoon tea Douw Egberts coffee served with delectable cakes.
Pizzas are raved about and I know why! We tasted a Chicken and Mushroom pizza – Napolitano sauce, mozzarella cheese, oregano, chicken and mushrooms, to die for!
The look of the restaurant is very pleasing with an extensive use of wood, giving it a rich, earthy atmosphere and special features include an exposed grill. For sport lovers there’s a big screen TV, so you won’t miss out on that important game!
As we ended our meal and looked out across the golf course, the skies were beginning to darken but it certainly didn’t deter from a spectacular view from inside a wonderful restaurant.
The restaurant is open daily from 07:00 until late, with the exception of Mondays and it’s advised you phone 071 106 1440 before you arrive so a code to enter the magnificent estate can be organised for your arrival. Safety is of the utmost importance in the Eye of Africa and this will entail in you enjoying a relaxing meal.
