Franschhoek Dining: Christmas Lunches at Allée Bleue

It’s Christmas Day. The food’s ready, the music’s blasting and everyone’s having a fab time. Everything’s going better than planned and in a few minutes, you’ll pop the cork on the Christmas champagne.
Even in these penny-pinching times, Christmas needs a little sparkle. It’s time to pop the corks and enjoy the effervescent, light-coloured wine we know and love, whether it’s at the Allée Bleue Christmas Picnic or Buffet or 5 Course Set Menu or just to kick-start your festive party. Allée Bleue latest release “MCC’s” will provide the best choice this Christmas.
Allée Bleue’s fantastic and delicious menus will complement your choice of “Bubbly” regardless of your setting at Allée Bleue Wine Estate.

BISTRO CHRISTMAS SET MENU
25 December 2012
TO START
Prawn Cocktail
or
Asparagus Fumet
Berry sorbet
MAIN COURSE
Beef fillet
Grilled and served with bone marrow butter, Brussel Sprouts, bean and bacon parcel ,
Pomme William and marinated beetroot
or
Salmon Trout and Crayfish Galantine
with Herb Risotto and whole mustard Beurre Blanc
Cheese course
DESSERT
Trio of desserts
Chocolate Salami , Cassata and Christmas
pudding with vanilla custard

PICNIC CHRISTMAS MENU
25 December 2012
The menu includes the following items:
Olive tapenade
Chicken liver paté
Peppadew snoek paté
Cold meat platter with caper mayonnaise
Butternut and Feta quiche
Allée Bleue herb salad with parmesan and marinated peppers
Curried prawn cocktail with pineapple
Cape cheese platter with preserves and biscuits
Fresh baguette
Baked cheesecake with summer fruit salad marinated in Allée Bleue grappa
Subject to change!

BUFFET CHRISTMAS MENU
25 December 2012
TO START
Smoked Salmon Pastete with herbs, goose berries and caper cream
A coarse country game terrine
Trio of cream cheese terrine
Roquefort, celery and walnut quiche
Trio of peppers served with beef strips and Marie Rose sauce
Potato salad
Wagon wheel salad
Pineapple and carrot salad with a honey dressing
Fennel bulb salad
SOUPS
Butternut and ginger
Pea and Mint
MAIN COURSE
Chicken breast stuffed with gremolata in a rich Napoli sauce
Salmon in an almond crust served with a red butter sauce
Herb crusted pork belly with apple and mustard lentils
Slow roasted lamb shoulder with peppers and herbs
Roast Turkey served with a Cranberry sauce
Roasted green beans with tomatoes and garlic
Duck fat roasted potatoes with thyme and garlic
Roast Mediterranean vegetables
Sautéed brussel sprouts served with caramelized onion and bacon.
Savoury rice
DESSERT
Traditional Christmas pudding with vanilla custard
Cassata
Chocolate salami
TEA & COFFEE

There are 15 hectares where the grapes for Allée Bleue wines are cultivated, at the same time additional areas are being developed producing grapes particular to the Franschhoek climate with their fresh, fruity characteristics. Reds reveal the unique terroir of Allée Bleue, after maturing in French oak, they offer spicy aromas and earthy undertones.

Allée Bleue Méthode Cap Classique Brut Rosé 2011 is perfect for any celebration with hints of ripe strawberries and scented rose petals. Balanced, refreshing and sparkling with a zesty finish. The Allée Bleue MCC has been made in the traditional way using a blend of pinotage, chenin blanc and pinot noir emphasising the fruitiness of the Brut Rosé. Drink now or rest for two to three years.

Jazz Up Sundays Allee Bleue Style

Jazz Up Sundays Allee Bleue

Jazzed up Sunday at Allée Bleue

A Jazz buffet – Sunday roast

Date: 24 June 2012

Time: 12h00 – 15h00

Artists: Andre van Vuuren  & Jacek Domagala

Violin vs. Accordion

This Sunday brings about an interesting combination to Jazzed up Sundays, Andre van Vuuren on accordion and Jacek Domagala on Violin – a continental sound. This interesting duo gives a complete new spin to jazz up Sundays, so come and enjoy.

Andre van Vuuren plays on a true muzette accordion, especially suited for French café music. André distinguishes himself from the rest not only by his high standard of performance, but also because he is totally mobile and moves around while playing.

Polish Born Jacek Domagala started playing the violin at the age of seven, after completing his Violinist Master’s Degree in the year of 1985. He started playing violin for the Wrocła Philharmonic Orchestra. With them he traveled the world, playing in countries such as Germany, Soviet Union, Holland, France, Norway, Italy, Denmark etc.

In 1990 after auditions in Warsaw, he was offered a position in the National Orchestra in Johannesburg and together with his wife Mirosława Domagała and two children he moved to South Africa. After just two years they both could not refuse an offer from the beautiful mother city of Cape Town and joined what was then, the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra. Today they are two of the forty five musicians in the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra.

Violin vs. Accordion is a combination not to be missed this Sunday, 24 June at Allée Bleue.

Buffet price: R145 per person (R85.00 for children under 10)

Booking essential Tel: 021 8741021 or email info@alleebleue.com

Jazz Up Sundays Allee Bleue

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Wining and Dining at Allee Bleue on your way to Franschhoek

Franschhoek not only offers some of the world’s finest wining and dining, but also superb accommodation at Allee Bleue Estate. Tantilize your taste buds at Allee Bleue with our Winter Hotties Menu:

Our Winter Hotties Menu

Braised Oxtail with Potato Mash and Vegetables  

R75

Prawn Curry with Rice and Vegetables

R75

       Springbok Shanks with Celery Puree and Pumpkin

R75

Lentil Stew with Frankfurters

R75

Bookings at email: info@alleebleue.com

The character of Franschhoek is reflected in the hospitality of the friendly people who live here, and the scenic vineyards, spectacular views and awe-inspiring mountain landscape have long since enchanted the hearts of tourists and locals alike.

Franschhoek has a collection of world-class, restuarants (Bistro at Allee Bleue), art galleries and craft shops.

The spectacular mountains surrounding Franschhoek provide the perfect setting for numerous walking trails for the more energetic visitors. The La Motte Forestry Station offers hiking, horse riding, fly-fishing and cycling. Trout fishing is possible in various streams and dams surrounding the village. Experience a wine tour with a difference – on horseback or in a carriage. Local tour guides are available to advise and help you to explore all that the region has to offer.

If you visit Franschhoek in the winter, remember the 14th of July. This is Bastille Day, when the village celebrates its French heritage with a wine and gourmet fair that attracts visitors from near and far. (Visit this blog for updated information on Allee Bleue at Bastille Day 2012)

The Boland area is a truly special destination. With breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage, warm and friendly people and an unrivaled wining and dining experience, what better place to spend some time than in the Cape.

Location:

Situated +-45 mintutes from Cape Town.

Breathtaking views of the Drakenstein mountains will greet you as you enter the gates of Allee Bleue estate. Slowly take a look around and watch as a Peacocks and Peahens welcomes you. This is one of many unique sights that will entertain you when you visit Allee Bleue.

The tranquil Dwarsrivier (river) runs through the farm and is fabulous for fishing or picknicks  at Allee Bleue “Rivers Edge” in Summer. A tour of the farm on horse back will give a different perspective as they splash through the river. Perfectly situated between Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch wine routes. Tantilize your taste buds at Allee Bleue with our Winter Hotties Menu/ Jazzed Up Sundays – renowned for it’s culinary delights.

Allee Bleue Rivers Edge

There is fun to be have by everyone. Truly a unique and fabulous experience!

If you are lucky enough to stay in one of Allee Bleue’s guest accommodation, the exotic birdlife will deliver your wake up call. We invite you to visit this wonderful place to view the varied birdlife especially the Ducklings.

Activities in Franschhoek:

A variety of adrenaline pumping activities includes / river adventures, gliding, kloofing and mountain biking, are available. The region also boasts some of South Africa´s most rugged and challenging 4×4 trails.

For those with a more laid back time in mind, what better way to unwind than to enjoy a leisurely hike along one of the various hiking trails and gain first hand experience of the wealth of indigenous fauna and flora (fynbos & succulents) the Cape Winelands is world renowned for. Golf enthusiasts are spoilt for choice this winter with over ten top golf courses to choose from, some of which designed by golfing legends such as Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus.

Freshwater fishing:

Whether you are experienced or not try your hand at this relaxing sport.

Mountain biking:
Bring your own bikes, we don’t keep any on the premises. What we do offer is very exciting terrain to explore on the farm or on the neighbouring nature reserve.

4 x 4 / Off-road:

A day trip can be arranged for a full day of adventure in the nature reserve. This must be pre-booked.

Biking:

Off road scramblers are available for hire on the premises or bring your own and explore.

Hiking / walking:

Just bring your walking shoes! Unlimited territory for your pleasure. There are nine hiking trails in the reserve and seven in the Franschhoek surrounds.

Golf:

Not on the premises but literally five minutes away you can visit the well known Pearl Valley Golf Estate and a little further is the Boschenmeer Golf Estate. Both of these golf courses are 18 hole.

We invite you to come for a visit.

Allee Bleue Bistro Winter Menu 2012

Nestled in a fertile valley and ringed by majestic mountains, Franschhoek may appear to be merely a picturesque rural village, yet this is the food and wine heartland of South Africa and one of the premier destinations in the world of wine and South Africa’s cuisine.

The spectacular scenery of this beautiful valley, where vineyards stretch across the mountain slopes and mighty oaks tower over original Cape Dutch farmhouses, nurtures this peaceful settlement that tells a colorful history.

Allee Bleue Wine Estate and Allee Bleue Bistro lies in a picturesque location in the Franschhoek Valley and offers a breathtaking view of the Drakenstein mountain range. With its snow-white, thatched buildings surrounded by dense lavender bushes, the extensive estate stands proudly in the middle of large fields of herbs and expansive meadows. Surrounded by Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and Wellington, a perfect location to start to your wine tour of South Africa’s Western Cape Wine Districts.

The Bistro at Allee Bleue source most of the ingredients on the menu  from the estate’s fertile gardens or from the local winelands area. Our chefs at ALLÉE BLEUE are continuously creating new innovative Bistro cuisine and executive chef Glen Ferus has just released the updated Winter Menu with mouthwatering light lunches, magnificent main courses, and delectable desserts.

Starters and Light meals

 Goats cheese wrapped in Parma ham with fig chutney, rocket, and pine nut salad and honey mustard dressing R78

Duo of terrine with lemon pepper pearls R78

Asparagus,caramelized onion ,feta& tomato Quiche R68

Butternut soup R48

Braised Greek Lamb wrap, Bulgarian yoghurt, cucumber ribbons a cranberry mint sauce R79

Mains

Winter hottie’s

Prawn curry, served with seasonal vegetables and rice R75

Braised oxtail served seasonal vegetables and mash potatoes R75

 Butternut and spinach ravioli with chilli tomato relish and a plum tomato confit  R59

 Allée Bleue gourmet Burger with potato wedges R69

Homemade sesame bun, 100% pure beef patty, bacon, egg, cheddar cheese, onion marmalade, tomato, gherkins & rocket.

 Ask about our delicious Steak Corner, choice between Fillet 200g, Sirloin or Rib eye 250g, served with French fries, baked potato or Allée Bleue farm salad, a selection of flavored butters, specialized salts & a glass of Allée Bleue Starlette Rouge R115

 Grilled pork cutlet with potato gratin and lentil R89

Dessert

Mixed Berry mille feuille with crème anglaise R45

 Traditional malva pudding with vanilla custard R38

Basil, white chocolate & pistachio mousse, dark chocolate wafer & berry cointreau shot R45

 Baked cheesecake with cream and berry compote R45

Black forest cake with whipped cream and berry compote R45

Subject to change!

 Five reasons to choose Allee Bleue Bistro

• stylish atmosphere
• a comprehensive menu featuring typical South African delicacies
• fresh ingredients sourced directly from the estate
• the ideal place to enjoy the top-class ALLÉE BLEUE wines
• warm and friendly service

Please contact us at info@alleebleue.com or 021 874 1021 for more information or to make a booking.

Our well-experienced Hospitality Team look forward to welcoming you!

Please contact us at info@alleebleue.com or 021 874 1021 for more information or to make a booking.

Jazzed Up Sundays

Throughout Franschhoek, the variety of local character and color is astonishing, and Allee Bleue is no different.

Old traditions, customs, and lifestyles are still greatly respected and there is a deep attachment to the land, which is reflected in a healthy interest in food and produce, as well as the perseverance of seasonal religious and secular events. Annual festivals, whether in rural or urban areas, range from wine tasting and gastronomic celebrations to elaborate commemorations of every patron saint imaginable. From June 3rd enjoy traditional roast meats done to perfection.  Savor fresh salads and greens.  Complete the debauch with decadent desserts and cheeses coupled to our superb estate wines.

Jazzed Up Sundays at Allee Bleue

And all that whilst listening to some of the finest live light music around.

From swing to latin to light jazz, we bring you the best in the Cape to top off your Sunday experience with us.

Starting on June the third for 13 weeks, “Jazzed Up Sundays”  run from 12 noon to 3pm, a must for gourmands and music lovers.

Bookings essential! Call now; 021 874 102

Allee Bleue Wine at Dauphin Launch

The Dauphin world is colourful and varied. There is no standing still. No sitting still either.. all of this is captured in Allee Bleue MCC 2011 ( the Welcome Drink by choice) at this years Dauphin Human Design Launch South Africa

Allee Bleue MCC 2011 at Dauphin Launch

“Wine and design: Allee Bleue wine and hospitality at the launch of the Dauphin home range in Cape Town last night. Great wines, great service and Fantastic design.”

Starting with a humble beginning in 1994, today Dauphin Office Seating South Africa is one of the most respected marketing and manufacturing companies in the South African office furniture industry.
Operating under license to Dauphin Germany, our factory’s manufacturing is ISO certified and limited to office chairs designed and developed in Germany customized according to our client’s choice of fabric or leather.

With ALLÉE BLEUE, the Dauphin family has discovered a wonderfully happy place which will touch the heart of anyone who visits. The historical estate has been brought back to life with great dedication and attention to detail. The result is a fascinating combination of the typical South African farming tradition and contemporary lifestyle as well as art and nature.

The Dauphin’s would like to give everyone the opportunity to experience the picturesque magic of this uniquely beautiful location and to share in its great wealth of products.

Dauphin Home

Asparagus mousse

Allee Bleue executive chef, Glenn Ferus at work on the canapes.

Jazz meets roast!