A Delicious Journey: My Experience with La Mouette’s Autumn Tasting Menu

Hey there! So, I recently had the chance to check out La Mouette and their famous six-course autumn tasting menu. Let me tell you, all the buzz and excitement surrounding this French restaurant in Sea Point is well-deserved!

First up on the menu was the tantalizing Sweet Potato and Harissa Soup. Picture this: a warm bowl of creamy soup with a kick of spicy harissa, accompanied by crispy lavoche and truffled cheese croquettes. To top it all off, I got to sip on a glass of Môreson ‘Miss Molly’ MCC, a delightful bubbly drink with hints of apple. Yum!

I had the chance to taste the soup, and it was no doubt delicious. However, when I had my first bite of the croquette, everything else faded away. Its crispy coating revealed a warm and smoky filling that made my senses go wild. In that moment, the world around me seemed to disappear. I could have easily devoured a whole bowl of those croquettes and been content. However, knowing my limited stomach capacity, I decided to show some self-control and save room for the rest of the meal. Looking back, that was one of the worst decisions I’ve ever made. I still find myself daydreaming about that lonely croquette, left untouched.

If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be this: indulge in every single croquette. Don’t hold back. And if you have the chance, ask for seconds. You won’t regret it.

2. Butternut and fontina ravioli with butternut purée, pickled apple, and sage noisette (paired with Alvi’s Drift Viognier 2011)

When I tasted the pickled apple, it added a delightful combination of crunch and punch to the smooth and buttery noisette and soft ravioli. It was an unexpected surprise, just like our brief encounter. Fortunately, the wine was still there to keep me company. This was my first time trying a pure Viognier, unblended with other varieties, and its rich and buttery fruitiness instantly won me over.

Next on the menu is the pan-fried line fish served with a fricassee of gnocchi, carrot emulsion, capers, aubergine puree, and a braised beef croquette. This dish is perfectly paired with a Villiera Merlot 2010. Alternatively, you can try the beetroot tartare paired with smoked goat cheese, hazelnuts, and toast, accompanied by Vondeling Petit Blanc, a delightful blend of Chenin, Viognier, and Chardonnay from the year 2012.

When it comes to these two dishes, I gotta tell you, the line fish is the winner. Now, the fish itself wasn’t the absolute best I’ve ever had, but let me tell you about those sides. I mean, seriously, they were out of this world. The gnocchi and aubergine puree alone could have satisfied my taste buds for days. And you know what? The red wine that they paired with it was a pleasant surprise. Even though I wouldn’t have expected it to go well with the smoky flavors of the fricasee, somehow it did. It was a match made in heaven.

Next up, we’ve got the roasted chicken with caramelized onions, wilted spinach, mash potato, and thyme juice. This dish is a classic, and for good reason. The chicken is perfectly roasted, the onions are sweet and delicious, and the spinach adds a nice touch of freshness. And let’s not forget about that thyme jus, it adds a burst of flavor that ties everything together. Pair it with a glass of Journey’s End ‘The Haystack’ Chardonnay 2011, and you’ve got yourself a winner.

On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for something a little more on the vegetarian side, I highly recommend the mushroom risotto. It’s creamy, full of flavor, and oh-so-comforting. The parmesan foam and mushroom ‘caviar’ add a touch of elegance, and the crispy mushrooms on top give it a nice crunch. I’d suggest pairing it with a glass of Tokara Shiraz 2010 for an extra special treat.

I’ve had my fair share of bland mushroom risottos over the years, which made me swear off them for good. However, this one was a pleasant surprise. It had a variety of textures that prevented it from turning into a mushy mess, and the flavor was rich and complex, with hints of garlic and aged wine. My dining companion even preferred it over the chicken dish – let’s face it, who hasn’t had roasted chicken before? The only downside was the Shiraz wine, which was a bit overpowering. It was like having two misbehaving kids in the car on a long road trip – I had to keep the wine and risotto separate to fully enjoy each. They just kept getting in each other’s way.

5. Waldorf Salad with gorgonzola, celeriac puree, green apple jelly, candied walnuts, and grapes

I have a confession to make: I’m not the most adventurous eater. I’m pretty hesitant when it comes to combining sweet and savory flavors. Sure, I can handle watermelon with feta, but this deconstructed Waldorf salad crossed a line for me. Just a tiny nibble of the green apple jelly cube was enough for me. I appreciated its vibrant color against the plate it sat on, but I couldn’t bring myself to eat any more. The candied walnuts also didn’t appeal to me, so they sat sadly on my plate. On the other hand, the gorgonzola cheese was absolutely delicious. I happily devoured the generous portion I was given.

Now, let’s talk about another delightful dish: chocolate orange. This dessert consists of creamy chocolate ganache, tangy orange sorbet, moist almond financiers, and a luscious orange puree. It’s a combination that may sound strange at first, but trust me, it works. The flavors play off each other beautifully, creating a harmonious and indulgent treat. Pair it with a glass of Delheim ‘Spatzendreck’ 2012 wine, and you’re in for a true sensory experience.

The dessert: Chocolate Orange

This assortment of vibrant splatters reminded me of an artist’s wild palette. I never quite grasped the concept of chocolate soil (crumbs from the bottom of a cookie packet, really?), but the chocolate ganache was a sight to behold, resembling a magnified image of a raindrop. It paired exquisitely with the zingy, chilled orange sorbet. Although, at this point in the evening, I must admit my wine-tasting skills were not at their sharpest. My scribbled notes from the night affirm that the Spatzendreck was “very, very nice indeed.” In reality, I was picking up hints of apricot and orange zest.

This was my introduction to La Mouette, and it certainly won’t be my last. This delightful menu will be available for the next two weeks, before making way for a fresh winter menu. You’ll easily spot me with a plate of truffled cheese croquettes and a blissful expression on my face.