Franschhoek Dining at Allée Bleue Wine Estate

Cape Town has long been associated with an impressive culture of viticulture and wine tasting. Here, you will find numerous wine farms, wine routes and vineyards. Even if you are not a wine lover, you will certainly find yourself enjoying the beautiful wine estates and routes that wind around the countryside. From Cape Town, many of these wine routes are a perfect day trip; allowing plenty of time to drive as well as visit numerous wine establishments within the local area. Allée Bleue wine estate is situated between Stellenbosch, Paarl and Wellington near Cape Town.

Allée Bleue offers Franschhoek diners (lunchers) The Bistro, the Courtyard & Wine Tasting and the ever so popular Picnics at Allée Bleue. Our menus..

The Bistro at Allée Bleue

 



Starters and Light meals

Smoked salmon trout roulade with herb cream cheese, homegrown rocket R92
Quiche of the day  R62
Soup of the day  R48
Tagliatelle with baby spinach, crispy bacon, olive oil, poached tomatoes and pecorino cheese R82

Main course

Seared Duck breast, Asian vegetables, orange reduction and pinotage jus R112
Beef olive slow braised Veal with wholegrain mustard mash potatoes and vegetables R98
Allée Bleue Gourmet burger served with wedges R78
Catch of the day  R97
Allée Bleue Steak Corner served with a glass of Starlette Rouge
- Fillet  R145- Sirloin  R115
- Rib-eye  R128

Dessert

Cheesecake  R48
Baked bitter chocolate tart with gluwein ice cream  R52
Crème Brule   R48 

Subject to change! 

Picnics at Allée Bleue @ R 150.00 per person

 

Olive tapenade

 Chicken liver paté

Peppadew snoek paté

Cold meat platter with caper mayonnaise

Butternut and Feta quiche

Greek Salad

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!

 

Vegetarian Picnic Menu

 

Coriander and peach salsa

Humus

Paprika cream cheese

Meze platter with crumbed aubergine, caprese salad and potato salad,

rémoulade and pickles

Butternut and Feta quiche

Rocket salad with sundried tomatoes, olives and parmesan cheese

Avocado cocktail topped with mayonnaise served with cucumber and cherry tomato salad

Cape cheese platter with preserves and biscuits

Fresh baguette

Baked cheese cake with summer fruit salad marinated in Allée Bleue grappa

Subject to change!

 

So for a not so formal dining experience, head to the fruitful Franschhoek valley where Allée Bleue is the order of the day - no wonder a few of the country's best restaurants are located here, cooking up a storm in this quaint village.

Dining Franschhoek - French Inspired Three Course Lunch @ R195

BOOK TODAY AT INFO@ALLEEBLEUE.COM

The Bistro at Allée Bleue's Three Course French Menu @ R195 p/p

• Des escargots à l’ail et au persil beurre et servi avec des toasts Melba (Escargot with garlic and parsley butter and served with Melba toast.)
• Chateaubriand, poêlé four rôti filet de bœuf servi avec oignons rôti, tomates et sauce béarnaise (Chateaubriand, seared oven roasted Beef tenderloin served with onion rings, roast vine tomatoes and Béarnaise sauce)
• Tarte au chocolat avec glace nappée Bourdon (Tarte au chocolat with Bourdon Ice-cream)

Enjoy our post on a short history of French Cuisine with a glass of Allée Bleue wine

French food of the 1920s paints a portrait of one of the country's most exciting culinary periods, when ancient recipes had new life breathed in to them and the food of the poor became fine dining for the rich.

Ironically, French food of the 1920s was not centered around the creation of new dishes, (although this was the period during which the crepe suzzete made its debut), but instead grew out of new preparation techniques for haute cuisine, or high dining.
More efficient preparation allowed the nation's chefs to capitalize on the growing number of hotels that featured its restaurant as a highlight of its guests' experience. For the first time, haute cuisine (dishes featuring meticulous preparation and expensive ingredients) could be prepared much faster and subsequently on a much grander scale.
The groundwork for French food of the 1920s was laid by Georges Auguste Escoffier, who during the course of the late 1800s through the first decade of the 20th century revolutionized the way haute cuisine was prepared.
Escoffier is credited with dividing the modern kitchen into various stations at which a chef was responsible for only a specific part of a dish or meal's preparation. For example, a garde manager was responsible for preparing only cold dishes while a rotisseur was solely responsible for ingredients that needed to be fried, grilled, or roasted.
This meant that dishes which previously could take up to 30 minutes to be prepared could now be completed in half the time since different chefs worked on different components simultaneously.
Escoffier is also credited with helping to pare down French menus and advocating dishes be served as separate courses on individual plates.

With this foundation in place, French cuisine, largely varied with recipes based on regions, began to develop a national character. Dishes and recipes formerly cooked and eaten by the poor, or "peasants dishes," began to find their way into haute cuisine. Chefs would often simply replace the economical ingredients with their more expensive counterparts, such as substituting cheap wine with one of a much higher quality.
So it's not surprising that French cuisine of the 1920s featured rising popularity of the peasant dish coq au von, a soup primarily consisting of chicken stewed in wine, became popular. Although an ancient dish (one legend claims it was cooked for Caesar when he conquered the area that would become France), it was not until the 1920s that it became a staple dish not only for peasants but for fine-dining restaurants as well.
Although originally published in 1903, Le Guide Culinaire, a recipe book incorporating much of the foundation of French cooking, such as using fresh, local ingredients, was updated twice during the 1920s and reflected both advanced preparation techniques and the tweaking of ancient recipes into modern masterpieces.

French food of the 1920s produced recipes in which regional diversity melded into one cohesive culinary theme and is a testimony to the success of modern efficiency combined with tradition. Allée Bleue Bistro and Executive Chef Glenn Ferus wants to welcome you for lunch the French way!

The Bistro @ Allée Bleue Wine Estate

Franschhoek Picnics "Chicnics" at Allée Bleue

If you are a parent and thinking of proven ways by which quality time can be spent with your family, it is likely that a family Franschhoek picnic "Chicnics" is the way for you to go. Download our picnic menu here. Parents who did tell of the many benefits your family can get from family picnics. You may wish to consider these benefits yourself and see if you can have them for you and your family as well.

FRANSCHHOEK PICNICS "CHICNICS"

The main idea behind family Franschhoek picnics "Chicnics"is squeezing in quality time for the family from an otherwise tight work schedule among parents. This balancing act does not come easy for parents hard pressed with work-related commitments. A picnic comes in handy because parents can plan it for as short as several hours or for as long as the whole day. A change of ambiance provides picnics a touch of magic; and maybe that is what picnics are all about, even if the scenery merely shifts from the kitchen table to the wine estate.

Planning for family picnics is also relatively easy, which is one more reason why picnics are more than worth the effort and, therefore, rewarding. Franschhoek Picnics "Chicnics" for small groups, like members of your immediate family, are much easier to organise, compared to picnics for bigger groups. Allée Bleue function coordinators can make this a summers breeze.

Pleasure, fun, and camaraderie from a variety of activities are priceless benefits you get from family picnics. You can share stories and laughter, hear music or play games. If you decide to take you family picnic to Allée Bleue, you can also make the most of the facilities that are available. If you decide on Allée Bleue to have your family picnic, you can think of many ways or activities that can enhance your bonding experience and enrich the quality time you share with your family. It may further help if you get your family members involved in planning for your family picnic.

FRANSCHHOEK PICNICS

Family Franschhoek picnics "Chicnics" are opportunities for you to strengthen your filial ties. They are relatively convenient because you can have them in lots of places and at practically anytime of your waking hours. It is also a great idea to have your family picnic as an occasion for celebrating special days, such as somebody's birthday. Whenever and wherever you may find reason to have a family picnic, you can be sure of a wonderful and perfect time spent by the family together. After all Allée Bleue has not been voted as one of the top five family friendly wine farms, for nothing! Contact us at info.alleebleue.com to book your family picnic.

 

Franschhoek Jazz Up Sundays at Allee Bleue

 

"Music should be your escape" - so said Missy Elliot and there is nothing truer in the Cape Town music scene, which has, over the decades, been a route for musicians to change their world. And what a legacy they have left in Cape Town with their varied mix of global influences!

Everywhere you look - on the sidewalks, in the bars and clubs, you will feel the influences of their history, their struggles and their joy. Jazz is particularly important to the Cape Town music scene, blending American Ragtime, East Africa and of course the subtle Malay influences of Java. Like a great combination of coffee bean, the infusion combines to bring the best out of the separate elements. And the sound is magnificent!

For something... well, a little different from the frenetic heat and beat of the city... you must make time to visit Allee Bleue Jazzed Up Sundays. All musical tastes are catered for with a choice as diverse as jazz and big band swing.

The menu for the Jazzed Up Sunday’s includes:

Pork neck, Beef Roast and shoulder of lamb served with a variety of sauces.

Fresh Chef's choice vegetables

Variety of salads

SA Cheeseboard and biscuits

Choc mousse, cherry jubilee, Malva pudding and Brandy pudding

R145.00 per person (R85.00 for children under 10 years)

In the picturesque valley of Franschhoek, tucked between gigantic Drakenstein mountains, you will find Allée Bleue Wine Estate. Here you will discover a unique place that’s not only one of the oldest vineyards in the Cape, it offers visitors an exciting combination of new and old, tradition and innovation, and history and modernity. If you haven’t been here yet, here’s 10 reasons why you should go:

1. The Artwork of Emil Sogor

Think untouchable grand nature combined with local heritage and the rebirth into the 20th century – a total exploration of the senses! Here you will discover real state-of-the art luxury with contemporary art surrounded by the breathtaking African nature.

2. The Bistro at Allée Bleue

You can indulge in the scrumptious food at Bistro Allée Bleue 7 days a week (in season) from 8am to 5pm. Here you can enjoy typical South African delicacies in a stylish atmosphere paired with top-class Allée Bleue wines. Most of the ingredients reflected in the menu are sourced directly from the farm. They offer candlelight dinners (only R380.00 per couple) every last Friday of the month.

3.  Country side picnics

Shaded by an historic oak tree, tables clothed in starched white drapery, freshly made picnic baskets are served to you from the picnic gazebo and an ice bucket ensures your Allée Bleue wine is always chilled. Menus are priced at R145.00 per person and R80 per child.

4. The Manor House

The Manor House has a series of elegant dining and meeting rooms. Upstairs, in what was originally a storage barn, there is luxurious accommodation in two spacious and private suites. Outdoors, there’s a terrace and walled garden with lawns edged in iceberg roses and lavender, and beyond a citrus orchard and herb garden.

5. Olives and Olive Oil

Premium olives and olive oil are obtained from the fruits of the Allée Bleue Olive trees and are available for purchase at the deli. You will also find a 1000 year old olive tree on the estate.

6. The Kendel Cottage

Make a weekend of it and stay over at the luxurious Kendel Cottage, a stylish residence in the kendel  middle of the estate. The cottage consist out of two en-suite bedrooms, a stylish lounge area and a veranda overlooking the vineyards. At R900 per night including breakfast, you will definitely feel like royalty.

7. Wine Tasting Courtyard and Cellar tour

Sit back and relax in the magical courtyard while you enjoy the wide range of wines on tasting. You can also pre-book a cellar tour and discover the magical world of winemaking. Pre-booked cellar tours are conducted on a daily basis.


8. The Scenery

Avenue of trees, meandering rivers and breathtaking views. The snow-white, thatched buildings surrounded by lavender bushes creates a picture-perfect setting and all you want to do is sit back, relax and take in the beautiful scenery.

9. Spot a Bride

All white and bright and such a sight! Be sure to spot a bride when you visit the estate. Allée Bleue boasts a choice of elegant reception venues, which are sure to meet any bride’s requests and desires.

10. The MCC

The Méthose Cape Classique Brut Rosé 2010 is something truly amazing and seeing that quantities are very limited, best you get your hands on some.  This proudly South African MCC consist out of Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. It’s beautiful salmon colour and pop-corny nose is something to die for and at only R124 it’s a real bargain!

Franschhoek Dining "Jazz Up Sundays"

ALLÉE BLEUE is much more than just a wine farm. ALLÉE BLEUE is the ideal place in which to indulge yourself in Franschhoek and relax. A fascinating and beautiful landscape, a pleasant atmosphere and top-class cuisine are what make the ALLÉE BLEUE Estate so very special. At ALLÉE BLEUE we pride ourselves with exceptional service and classic contemporary cuisine using local seasonal products served in a quaint environment with charm. This time around we have created an ideal Jazzed Up Sunday menu to lighten up the winter blues..

JAZZ UP SUNDAYS BUFFET

Bring the family to the winelands on Sundays. Our buffet lunch incl. roast meets, salads, desserts and local cheeses accompanied by estate wines and superb live jazz. R145.00 p.p (R85.00 for children under 10 years)

Or perhaps you want to relax in the casual atmosphere of our Bistro restaurant and just enjoy the wonderful food. Many people prefer the atmosphere of a smaller restaurant that does not have as many rigid requirements as a formal dining restaurant. While it is nice to dress up and head out for a night on the town, it is sometimes more enjoyable to enjoy the same fine foods without the formality of dress that is often required at larger restaurants.

The Bistro trades Monday to Sunday from 8:00 - 17:00. We look forward to welcoming you to Bistro Allée Bleue. For further information please contact +27 21 874 1886 or e-mail us.

• 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

 

DO GOOD, EAT OUT at a STREETSMART RESTAURANT

ALLEE BLEUE BISTRO

 

 

ENJOY SUNDAYS AT ALLEE BLEUE BISTRO

Winter Hotties at Allee Bleue Franschhoek Dining

Allée Bleue in Franschhoek will be warming Franschhoek Dining hearts and palates during the upcoming chilly winter months with some fabulous "Winter Hotties" from head chef Glen Ferus.

BOOKINGS AT 021-874 10 21

With plenty of global experience and a mandate to develop a dynamic food culture on the estate, Ferus is making full use of the wealth of gourmet ingredients on offer under the Allée Bleue banner, from fresh herbs to extra-virgin olive oil. The emphasis in all his dishes is on fresh produce with local provenance and an intensity of flavour.

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

 At ALLÉE BLEUE we pride ourselves with exceptional service and classic contemporary cuisine using local seasonal products served in a quaint environment with charm. Most of the ingredients on the menu are sourced from the estate's fertile gardens or from the local winelands area.

CHEF GLENN FERUS

With the summer season at its end, the Allée Bleue team is still looking forward to enjoying many more wine, dine and entertainment experiences with you!

WINTER ALLEE BLEUE

 As one of the oldest vineyards in the Cape, the ALLÉE BLEUE Estate has not only witnessed an eventful past but is also set to witness a challenging future. It lies in a picturesque location in the Franschhoek Valley - an area with a distinct French influence - 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.

Get to know ALLÉE BLEUE and discover a unique place which offers an exciting combination of new and old, tradition and innovation, and history and modernity.

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