Exploring Cape Town with Chef Kobus van der Merwe of Wolfgat

Hey there! I want to share with you an incredible experience I had exploring Cape Town alongside the talented Chef Kobus van der Merwe from the renowned restaurant, Wolfgat. Let’s dive right in!

��️ Picture yourself sitting at a table, delightedly anticipating the array of flavors about to dance on your palate. The aromas of fresh seafood and indigenous plants mingle in the air, creating a sense of excitement and curiosity. You can’t help but wonder what culinary treasures await you.

�� Cape Town, nestled between the spectacular Table Mountain and the vast ocean, is a place of immense natural beauty where land and sea collide. This unique environment serves as a magnificent pantry for Chef Kobus and his team at Wolfgat, supplying them with a wide range of ingredients to create their mouthwatering dishes.

�� Foraging is at the heart of the Wolfgat philosophy. The team embraces the extraordinary diversity of the local landscape, carefully selecting indigenous plants and seaweed to infuse their dishes with a distinctive taste of Cape Town. It’s a true celebration of the surrounding environment!

�� As Chef Kobus himself says, “By embracing our natural surroundings, we get to express Cape Town’s true essence on every plate. We strive to highlight the unique flavors and textures that can be found here and share them with our guests.”

�� Cape Town’s climate helps shape the local cuisine too. The constant sunshine and cool ocean breeze provide ideal conditions for cultivating vineyards and olive groves, which add depth and richness to Wolfgat’s dishes. It’s a beautiful marriage of flavors that reflects the region’s terroir.

�� The Wolfgat dining experience is not just about the food; it’s an exploration of culture, history, and nature. The restaurant itself is located in a 130-year-old fisherman’s cottage, providing a nostalgic setting that adds to the magic of the evening.

�� As night falls over Cape Town, the skyline twinkles with vibrant energy. The city is known for its buzzing food scene, offering a multitude of diverse culinary experiences. But with Wolfgat, there is something truly special – a connection to the land and sea that is unique to this corner of the world.

�� Reflecting on my time in Cape Town with Chef Kobus and the Wolfgat team, I can’t help but feel privileged to have experienced their passion for nature, culture, and cuisine. It’s a reminder of the wonders that can be found when we take the time to appreciate and explore the treasures of our surroundings.

�� If you ever find yourself in Cape Town, I highly recommend booking a table at Wolfgat. You’ll embark on a culinary journey like no other, where the flavors of the land and sea come together in perfect harmony. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Franschhoek Life

Hey there, I’m the chef, forager, and award-winning restaurateur. I’m 38 and I’m excited to tell you all about food fads, restaurants in Cape Town, and my life by the sea.

I came into this world in the Kalahari, more specifically Sishen, and grew up in the Boland, which is Stellenbosch.

Now, let’s talk about my restaurant, Wolfgat. It’s a cozy eatery with only 20 seats, right by the Strandveld. We found an old cottage, all of 130 years old, and it offers an incredible view of the beach.

So, what’s my food philosophy? It’s simple, really. I believe in using ingredients that are in season and local. I like to keep it raw and diverse.

When it comes to creating dishes, I’m heavily influenced by the weather and the time of year. On the West Coast, the ever-changing elements have a profound effect on the landscape and its marvelous Fynbos kingdom, known as the Saldanha Strandveld. That’s where I find my inspiration. I cook with my instincts, following my gut.

I couldn’t care less about following the latest trends or fads; at Wolfgat, we simply do what we do and feel grateful to have people who appreciate it.

Cooking trends are constantly changing and unreliable – now more than ever – so they shouldn’t be given too much importance. There’s definitely been a shift in focus, with chefs, diners, and home cooks showing a renewed interest in local and ethical ingredients.

I like to think of Wolfgat’s dishes as sketches rather than detailed paintings. Our plates usually only consist of three or four ingredients, but we love experimenting with complex flavors and interesting textures.

If I had to choose one place in the world to call home, it would be Inhambane in Mozambique. This hidden gem feels like a time capsule, where local cafes serve up delicious and simple food, and breathtaking beaches are just a short drive away.

When it comes to my dream lunch date, nothing beats gathering my friends around a long table for some good food and great company.

Now, let’s talk about my favorite dish of all time – twice-cooked laver, also known as edible seaweed. This unique and flavorful dish never fails to satisfy my taste buds.

One of the things I love most about Paternoster is its untouched natural beauty and pristine shoreline. It’s the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, but still conveniently close to the big city if you ever need a change of scenery.

Speaking of food, if you’re on the hunt for the best burger in Cape Town, look no further than Osetra in Kalk Bay. I recently tried their tempura chicken burger with Kewpie mayo, and it was absolutely delicious – simple, yet packed with flavor.

Last but not least, if you’re looking for the ultimate beach experience in the Cape, Smitswinkelbaai is the place to be. Its crystal-clear waters and golden sands make it the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun.

So, whether you’re seeking a peaceful and timeless village like Inhambane, a memorable dining experience with friends, or a beach getaway in Paternoster or Smitswinkelbaai, these destinations offer something truly special. Explore and enjoy all that they have to offer!

The Brass Bell is the ultimate bar in Cape Town. It’s cozy and inviting, making it the perfect place to unwind and have a great time. If you want to have a memorable city meal, look no further than Janse & Co. The food is exceptional and will leave you wanting more. For a beautiful walk, head to the beachside pathway from Kalk Bay to Muizenberg. The views are breathtaking, and you’ll feel rejuvenated by the fresh sea air. And when it comes to a weekend getaway in the Cape, nothing beats a cozy beach house. Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves and the feeling of warm sand between your toes. It’s pure bliss. Speaking of culinary excellence, Kobus, the founder and chef at Oep ve Koep and Wolgat in Paternoster, is truly outstanding. In fact, he was named S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna Chef of the Year in 2018. His dishes are a work of art that will satisfy your taste buds. So, whether you’re looking for a fun night out, a delicious meal, a scenic walk, or a peaceful beach getaway, Cape Town has it all. These experiences will leave you with lasting memories and a longing to return. Don’t miss out on all the wonders this incredible city has to offer.