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Aubergine Review

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Aubergine

Address: 39 Barnet St., Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Phone: 021/465-4909

Price range: $$$
Cuisine: Eclectic
Location: Cape Town Central

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Fodor's Review:

Aubergine's timber-and-glass interior matches chef-owner Harald Bresselschmidt's classic-with-a-twist cuisine. A beaded Strelitzia flower in the entrance hall is a clue to what will come: South African produce, prepared with strong classical methods, that surprises and requires a closer look. This is serious cuisine. You may notice yourself sitting more upright than usual—not because of stuffiness or any pretentious formality, but out of respect for the food. The fish-and-crayfish duo in a saffron gelée with mizuna (bitter-green) leaves served on a fragrant bell-pepper coulis is a fresh burst of clean flavors to start. Crocodile-tail fillets in a classic piccata (light batter) come with eggplant and geranium flowers. Most outstanding is the springbok medallion with bitter-chocolate flavors, celeriac, and baby carrots. Enjoy the accompanying mini potato soufflé as the comma before dessert. The highly recommended surprise du chef selection of mini-desserts might include melon soup with wine gelée and rhubarb sorbet, chocolate fondant with cherry ragout, crème brûlée, magnificent apricot linzer tartlet, and passion-fruit ice-parfait with deep-fried chocolate. The Cinq à Sept lunch menu is unexpectedly affordable.

Keep in mind: Reservations essential.
Credit Cards: AE, DC, MC, V
Closed: Closed Sun. No lunch Mon., Tues., and Sat.