A Delectable Culinary Experience at Hartford House in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands

When it comes to incredible food, Hartford House in the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is a culinary gem. Executive chef Jackie Cameron is a master of her craft, and her inventive dishes have earned Hartford House numerous accolades. For years, this restaurant has consistently found a place on South Africa’s prestigious top 10 restaurants lists.

Imagine embarking on a foodie adventure through the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Meander. No trip would be complete without indulging in the amazing gastronomic delights offered at Hartford House. Recently, my colleague Christie Fynn and I embarked on such a journey, and Hartford House was our magnificent third stop.

So, I checked into this really fancy romantic suite that had the most amazing view of the lake. Let me tell you, this suite was huge! It was like having a whole apartment to myself. It had a lounge, a bathroom, a walk-in cupboard, and a shower that was as big as my office. And guess what? It had not one, but two giant egg-shaped baths! Talk about luxury. And to top it all off, the suite had under-floor heating and a really cool Afro-chic decor.

After settling in and getting all comfortable, I headed over to the main house, which was an old colonial mansion. The place was filled with antique things that gave it a really charming vibe. It was the perfect setting for a romantic dinner.

As I sat down for dinner, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder. The whole experience was like stepping into another world. Everything was so beautifully designed and thoughtfully put together. I couldn’t believe I was actually here, living this dream.

The food was out of this world. Each dish was a work of art, carefully crafted and bursting with flavor. From the appetizers to the main course, every bite was a delight. And the dessert? Oh boy, don’t even get me started. It was like a little piece of heaven on a plate.

As I savored each bite, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this incredible experience. It was a true escape from the ordinary, a chance to indulge and pamper myself. It reminded me of the importance of treating myself every now and then.

As the night came to a close, I headed back to my suite feeling content and relaxed. The combination of the beautiful surroundings, the delicious food, and the luxurious suite had made for an unforgettable experience. It was a night I would cherish forever.

If you’re looking for a truly special getaway, I can’t recommend this place enough. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Just make sure to book in advance, as this hidden gem tends to fill up quickly. So go ahead, treat yourself. You deserve it.

What a feast it was! I can’t even begin to describe how amazing it was. We had five courses of the most incredible dishes you can imagine. Each one was a masterpiece in its own right, a work of art that tantalized the taste buds and left us wanting more.

We started off with a bowl of caramelized onion soup that was out of this world. The flavors were so rich and intense, and the wholegrain mustard and sesame seed ice cream that accompanied it added a perfect touch of creaminess and sweetness. It was a combination that I had never tasted before, and it blew my mind.

Next up was a smoked salmon salad-nori terrine that was absolutely divine. The delicate slices of salmon were arranged beautifully, and they were topped with quail eggs, micro herbs, and caper berries. It was a dish that looked like a work of art, and it tasted even better than it looked. Each bite was a burst of flavor that danced on my tongue.

While the meat-eating folks at the table were enjoying their pan-seared beef fillet with horseradish potato creme, roasted garlic, and red wine sauce, I was savoring every bite of my local trout. It was cooked to perfection and served with mashed potatoes in a rich and buttery sauce. The trout was so tender and flavorful, and it paired perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes. It was a dish that warmed both my heart and my stomach.

And let’s not forget about dessert. We were treated to a local cheese platter that was a cheese lover’s dream come true. There were so many different types of cheese to choose from, each one more delicious than the last. It was a truly indulgent ending to a truly indulgent meal.

But the dessert that stole the show for me was the “peanut butter and syrup on toast.” I know it sounds simple, but trust me when I say that it was anything but. It was a dessert that was both creative and fabulous. It consisted of peanut sauce semifreddo, maple syrup ice cream, sugar-glazed banana, and vanilla creme anglaise. The flavors and textures were out of this world, and each bite was like a party in my mouth.

Overall, the meal was an experience that I will never forget. It was a feast for the senses, a celebration of food and flavors that left me in awe. Each dish was a work of art, and each bite was a moment of pure bliss. It was a meal that reminded me of the sheer joy that can come from something as simple and essential as food. It was an experience that I will treasure forever.

Can you imagine? After a refreshing morning jog along the enchanting trails of Hartford’s stunning stud farm, we gathered our appetites for an extraordinary breakfast. And let me tell you, this was no ordinary breakfast. Oh no, it was a three-course affair! That’s right, I indulged in a menu featuring starters, a main course, and yes, even dessert. A breakfast bonanza, if you will.

Now, I must confess, I had never before encountered such a lavish morning feast. It was a true gastronomic adventure, and I simply couldn’t resist the allure of trying it all. Christie, on the other hand, opted for a more modest two-course option. But hey, to each their own.

So, let me tell you about this amazing breakfast experience I had. First of all, the options were plentiful and it was hard to decide what to have. I ended up choosing fruit with berry coulis and honey-glazed yogurt. It was so refreshing and the perfect start to the day. My friend Christie decided to go for a banana, yogurt, and cinnamon smoothie. It was creamy and had just the right amount of sweetness.

After enjoying our delicious starters, we moved on to the main course. We both went for omelettes with mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, and pesto. Let me tell you, it was one of the best omelettes I’ve ever had. The mozzarella added a creamy texture, the sundried tomatoes gave it a burst of flavor, and the pesto tied everything together perfectly.

Now, I have to admit, we were already pretty full at this point. But when we saw the dessert menu, we couldn’t resist. I decided to try something a bit different and went for the Maltabella ice cream with Amarula cream and prune compote. It was certainly an adventure for my taste buds. The ice cream had a nutty flavor that wasn’t too sweet, and it paired surprisingly well with the indulgent cream sauce that had a hint of liquor. It wasn’t your typical breakfast choice, but it was definitely worth it.

By the end of our meal, we were both so stuffed that we jokingly considered putting on stretchy tracksuit pants for the rest of the day. It was more than just a breakfast; it was an experience that we’ll never forget. If you ever find yourself in the mood for a breakfast that’s a little out of the ordinary, I highly recommend giving this place a try.

I wouldn’t recommend staying at Hartford House for more than a weekend because you might not be able to fit into your clothes when you leave. But for a weekend getaway focused on food, it’s amazing. If you have the means, splurge and stay in one of the suites. They’re actually a great value, especially in the winter, and they provide a super romantic experience.

Of course, if you’re staying at Hartford House, you absolutely have to have dinner in the restaurant. Just make sure you eat a light lunch that day!

Here are the contact details and rates for Hartford House:

– Tel: 0332632713

– Email: [email protected]

– Web: www.hartford.co.za

– Rates: Lakeside suites cost from R1370 per person sharing, and suites in the house cost from R550 per person sharing. Both options include breakfast. These rates apply until September 30, 2011.

If you’re interested, you can read about my foodie trip in the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands in the August 2011 issue of MzansiBride.