July Food and Wine Pairings at Mezepoli Restaurant

Marry full-flavoured dishes and first-rate varietals at this chic Mediterranean eatery

Mezepoli Meze and Wine Bar, a late 2011 addition to the Camps Bay seaside strip’s upmarket restaurant scene, together with Vergelegen wines, the world-renowned Somerset West-based estate, have put together a one-month offering that is as pleasant on the palette as  it is on the pocket: Every Thursday evening throughout the month of July 2012, tables of four or more – and they’re firm on this criterion – can enjoy a four-course set menu paired, course by course, with a handpicked selection of four Vergelegen varietals, two reds and two whites, for R155 each. Such an exclusive special affords diners the rare opportunity to sample a wide variety of the restaurant’s delicious dishes while sipping on wines that have won multiple esteemed awards.

A sister establishment to Johannesburg’s celebrated Plaka restaurant, the contemporary Mediterranean eatery boasts an impressive menu to complement an interior that’s stylish and chic. Although a wide number of authentic Hellenic specialities are available – souvlaki, dolmades and baklava, for instance – Mezepoli prides itself on its decidedly universal appeal, offering an assortment of mains that draw inspiration from different countries across the international arena; even sushi is an option here. Running through and connecting their whole eclectic range of dishes, however, is a general commitment to fresh, quality ingredients and simple, no-fuss food.

With meze, a Greek take on tapas, being a main draw for the restaurant, a key emphasis is also on sampling, sharing and social eating; hence patrons are encouraged to replace their traditional individual meal with a vibrant variety of smaller plates. And it is on this communal dining concept that the July food and wine pairing evenings are based, essentially giving guests the chance to indulge in a full-flavoured taste experience.

The first course, for instance, couples Vergelegen’s premium 2011 Sauvignon Blanc – a lively, fruity vintage – with a mouth-watering combination of pita bread pockets, Mediterranean salad, tirosalata (a feta, peppers and mild chilli mix) and melitzanoslata (finely chopped, garlic-dressed aubergine) (see below for full details of the four-course set menu).

All such food and wine pairings have been carefully selected for complementary combinations by key decision-makers at both the restaurant and Vergelegen farm, and waiters have been trained in the details of the matchings to provide diners with tutoring on request. As this exclusive offer is quite the steal, booking is essential, and, as noted earlier, it is only open to tables of four or more people. Rumour has it that Mezepoli will also be offering a similar special in association with a different wine estate in August, so stay posted for those particulars.

Mezepoli’s July Food and Wine Pairing Set Menu

First Course:

• Double-layered Middle Eastern pita bread pockets
• Tirosalata: creamy feta blended with fresh peppers and mild chilli
• Melitzanoslata: roasted aubergine, finely chopped and blended in a light garlic dressing
• Mediterranean salad: rocket, cherry tomatoes, mixed peppers, gruyere cheese, croutons, olive oil and balsamic vinegar

Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Second Course:

• Chorizo: spicy Portuguese sausage seasoned with vinegar, garlic, cumin, oregano and chillies
• Haloumi: Cypriot cheese served grilled or deep fried

Wine Pairing: Shiraz 2008

Third Course:

• Keftethes: “Mamma’s” homemade meatballs
• Calamari with feta: Falkland calamari stuffed with feta and peppers

Wine Pairing: Chardonnay 2011

Fourth Course

• Beef fillet: 300g of juicy, sliced fillet, lightly basted and grilled to perfection

Wine Pairing: Cabernet/Merlot 2008

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Keen on trying out some mouth-watering meze? Read more about swanky Camps Bay-based international tapas bar, Mezepoli Restaurant.

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