Bosman's - Paarl

I enjoy when I get to go to the Paarl region and surrounds, there are just so many hidden gems, somewhat unappreciated and sometimes going by unnoticed by us city folk. <br/ <br/ I recently had the pleasure of enjoying one of package deals offered by the Grand Roche Hotel in Paarl. The deal included overnight accommodation with a welcome drink on arrival followed by a 3 course dinner prepared by Michelin trained Chef Roland Gorgosilich and a buffet breakfast the following morning.<br/ <br/ The setting is beautiful and it’s always a treat to be nestled amongst the vineyards. We had some time to kill, so we made our way around the grounds enjoying the sights and sounds before freshening up for dinner.<br/ <br/ When we eventually arrived for dinner we were welcomed by the management and quickly whisked away to our table. Our party was spoilt for choice, glancing at the menu, and took the opportunity to savour and sample all the fare on offer. <br/ <br/ • Starters consisted of Chalmar Sirloin Steak Tartare and poached saldanha bay oyster, soft poached quail egg, rye cracker and flamed celeriac<br/ <br/ • Then there was the Oven Roasted Baby Beets, caramelized goat’s cheese praline. Balsamic flavoured beetroot crème, sweet sour pickled onion leaves and pumpernickel soil<br/ <br/ • Next was the Slow Braised Pork Belly and Roasted West Coast Squid. Bell pepper-olive salad, anchovy garlic mayonnaise broad bean squid ragout<br/ <br/ • The final starter was the Jus Glazed Veal Sweetbread Medallion. Cauliflower mousseline, crispy black pudding sausage , flamed cauliflower florets, braised baby onion leaves and blood sorrel<br/ <br/ The first course was superb and certainly raised the expectations around the courses to follow; aesthetically they were beautifully plated and presented. Our Sommelier was excellent and particularly knowledgeable, sharing some insights around the wine we were enjoying.<br/ <br/ • Our main courses consisted of Pan Fried Fish Medallion, which was kingklip, Saffron-Chorizo Risotto Praline. Black mussel-dill fumet, slow braised baby fennel, olive oil aioli, chorizo dust and crispy sea lettuce.<br/ <br/ • On the bone Roasted Free Range Quail Breast and Leg served with carrot-garlic crème, butter glazed parsley potatoes, raw marinated oyster mushrooms and an orange –szechuan pepper jus<br/ <br/ • Chalmar Ribeye and slow braised bone marrow ragout served with salt braised celeriac cream, barigoule of portabellini, king oyster and red pot onion with pommes dauphine.<br/ <br/ • Last but most certainly not least was the Homemade Broccoli-Ricotta tortellini with grilled broccoli tenderstem, glazed white grapes, roasted hazelnuts and white pepper foam<br/ <br/ Our table found it hard to fault any of the main courses as they were executed to perfection and flawless. It’s was clear that considerable time was taken to ensure that all the elements of the various dishes were complimentary; the attention to detail was amazing. Very often when all the courses are of such a high standard and quality one is often left contemplating if the dessert courses are of the same high standards, I’m happy to say they were.<br/ <br/ • There was the Melktert-Nougat Delice. Cape gooseberry compote, butterscotch cream and spiced cinnamon crumble.<br/ <br/ • The delicious range of both international and local cheese selection with a homemade fruit bread and butter brioche<br/ <br/ • Poached semolina-pumpkin seed dumpling with a garden berry coulis, micro sponge and red port wine ice cream<br/ <br/ It would be easy to run out of superlatives describing this meal, it really was that good and most certainly worth every penny. I must add though the service and attentiveness of all the staff and management made this experience truly memorable. They were professional at all times and eager to assist, the manager came to our table once or twice but it never felt forced or obtrusive. Our sommelier made sure our drinks were always topped up, but again, you hardly noticed he was even there. This was an amazing allround worldclass experience.

Bosman's also a place which I needed to visit and none other than during restaurant week. <br/ <br/ Upon arrival we were seated and given drinks in the lounge area until we wanted to move to our seats for the meal. The sommelier assisted us with pairing wines for our mains as for R50 extra we could get a Sauvignon Blanc or a 1998 bottle of Grande Roche red wine (I think it was a blend but oh my word mmmmm can I just have that for starter, main and dessert ; very cool touch! <br/ <br/ My partner tried the yellowtail and I went with the beef. My meat was so soft and cut easily with the juices and sauces bringing out the amazing flavors; <br/ <br/ The dessert was a chocolate pudding and a panna cota both were amazing. <br/ <br/ Service was great, food was amazing and we got a whole lot more for our monies worth. Good visit ; Can only imagine the views at night ..

We had a lovely evening, beautiful setting with a decadent 3 Crouse meal. The food and fusion of tastes was very nice. The service was good and friendly. Dishes do take quite a while to come out, so put aside plenty of time for this dinning experience.

Lovely evening. Service was efficient and polite. Setting is beautiful and food was simply amazing. Great evening out in Paarl. I will certainly come back here and recommend it.

For me, Bosman's is one of those restaurants you always return to when you,plain and simply, just want a good meal with a luxurious backdrop.<br/ <br/ Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted by the manager who welcomed us back, which is something I really appreciate and find to be a hallmark of a fine restaurant. The manager at Bosman's is superb. She is very hands on and makes all guests feel like VIPs. <br/ <br/ I had the beef sirloin as a main, which was very generously portioned and well-cooked. I enjoy my meat with lots of sauce. I, thus, requested more from the manager and the kitchen kindly obliged. <br/ <br/ For dessert, I had the vanilla cheesecake. The dish was very well decorated, but seeing as I am very picky about my cheesecakes, it was not to my liking.<br/ <br/ Our waiter was a little absent-minded and upon asking for the bill, it probably took 15 minutes for it to arrive.<br/ <br/ As for the general setting, the decor, most importantly the heavenly chandeliers, was beyond luxurious and the pianist's playing added perfectly to the general atmosphere.<br/ <br/ Overall, Bosman's should definitely be on your restaurant bucket-list.