With just one night to spend in the beautiful Cape before heading back to Joburg, I was treated to the opulence of Taj Cape Town.
Where to start when detailing my experience at this jewel elegantly set in the heart of The Mother City? I arrived, laden with luggage from my travels in Langeberg and my load was immediately lightened by the wonderfully welcoming staff. My bags were whisked up to my room as I was ushered into the elegance that is Taj’s lobby. For a few moments, I stood simply taking in the splendour of this stately space which was the original headquarters of the South African Reserve Bank and Temple Chambers and later the Board of Executors (BoE).
Once checked in, I was escorted to my room for the evening. A simply gorgeous one-bedroom suite in the Tower wing. I decided to take some time in the spacious living room to indulge in the bottle of Dorrance Rouge which was waiting on the table. Drinking in both the full bodied Swartland Cinsault and the panoramic Table Mountain views was the perfect way to unwind before dinner.
Rather reluctantly, I decided to leave my little sanctuary and head downstairs for some decadent delights in the newly revitalised Mint Restaurant and Terrace. With Taj’s signature restaurant, Bombay Brasserie, currently being expanded we were still able to sample a selection of their fine-dining Indian dishes in Mint’s relaxed, casual setting.
My dining partner for the evening was my good friend Jarred who was visiting from Vietnam and we were both looking forward to a deliciously satisfying feast. Our meal was set to be laced with contemporary flavour to delight our palates and imaginations. Executive Chef David Tilly and his team of five Indian Chefs certainly did not disappoint. With much catching up to do, Jarred and I ordered some cocktails to kick off our culinary adventure.
We both opted for a Tandoor starter, Dhoodhia Tikka (chicken, cardamom and hanged curd) and Adraki Karoo Chop (ginger flavoured lamb chop). Both were deliciously succulent with just the right amount of spice. To prepare us for mains, our palates were cleansed in spectacular fashion by a fresh lemon sorbet hidden in a cloud of billowing smoke.
Next came hearty helpings of Murgh Khatta Pyazz (chicken masala with pickled shallots) and Lucknowi Gosht Biryani (lamb morsels ‘dum’ with cooked basmati). Enchanting Indian fair which left us warm and satisfied on a chilly evening.
As always, no fine-dining experience is complete without dessert. To balance the spiciness, we decided on the Saffron and Pistachio Crème Brûlée. One for each of us because there’s no sharing a dessert this divine. We ended off our evening with an espresso followed by a stroll through the hotel before heading back to the room which had been beautifully turned down for the night.
After a quick soak, it was time to turn in. The extra-length king bed was so luxurious; I woke up feeling refreshed eventhough my alarm went off extremely early for my flight home.
The breakfast at Taj was a treat in itself, with so much choice on offer. Fresh fruits, yoghurts, cereals and many hot options. I chose a salmon omelette and a strong coffee or two to make sure I was wide awake and it was time to bid all at Taj a very fond farewell.
Just one night was not enough to fully experience Taj Cape Town’s legacy and luxury. I am most definitely already planning a return visit soon. To book your stay visit https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-cape-town/ for their Bed, Breakfast and More and Book Direct and Save offers.