I think most Capetonians are aware that Virgin mogul Sir Richard Branson owns property in Franschhoek, but I don’t know many people who have visited. Last month, however, we were kindly invited to experience their Sunday roast lunch and were looking forward to having a little Virgin magic in our lives.
Mr John and I drove up the estate, having spent the night at the Ivy Apartments, and slowly wound our way up the hill. Mont Rochelle and its restaurant, Miko, offer alternative views across Franschhoek as it’s one of the few farms on the west side of the valley.
Parking was easily found at the top of the hill before strolling under the thatched roof walkways. We were warmly welcomed and pleasantly surprised at the light conservatory and bold, funky colours of the dining room at Miko.
The restaurant was quiet on the day we visited, which suited us just fine as we were able to relax, execute our photographs and enjoy the clouds passing over the valley below while sugar birds fluttering around the restaurant, in peace and quiet.
Sunday Lunch Starter
The Sunday roast special is a 3 course meal for R395. To start, I chose the butternut soup as I don’t eat seafood. Verdict: real talk; soup is throw away food. Usually, a first course chucked in to ensure guests don’t leave hungry. For me, a dish without any real swag. BUT! There are always exceptions to the rule with Mont Rochelle being one of them.
Is this not one of the most beautiful soups you’ve ever seen? The garden outside is brought inside with this curried butternut and cinnamon soup. Crispy roosterkoek croutons add a touch of South Africa and vibrant coriander oil offers freshness throughout the plate.
The bible-page thin layers of caramelized butternut woven into the smooth liquid, the bitter-sweet leaves laying like butterflies and the clean, crunch of croutons against the pop of coriander oil, is a masterpiece.
Sunday Roast at Miko
For mains we tucked into a classic Sunday roast, that had been brought into this century. Instead of packing the plate, Miko serves the vegetables in a separate bowl. This not only looks like a mini harvest table, beautiful and bountiful, but it gives diners the space on the plate to enjoy the meal instead of having to play “keep the veg on the plate” so common with occasion meals.
The roast beef was cooked to perfection (medium rare) and the horseradish mayo was the perfect accompaniment with the gravy. The Yorkshire pudding was a delight, with the root vegetables adding an earthy, honest undertone to the meal.
Something Sweet
For dessert Mr John ordered a trio of sorbets, which were fresh, sour and sweet. A light and flavourful way to complete the meal. I ordered a sago pudding, which I didn’t enjoy very much. It lacked flavour, but I don’t think there was anything particularly wrong with the dish. It just wasn’t to my taste – I’m a chocolate not vanilla girl. 😉
Sunday Roast at Miko Restaurant
The Sunday roast at Miko costs R375 per person for a 3 course meal. Visitors can choose between 3 starters, 3 main options (roasts) and 3 desserts from a set menu.
We enjoyed our visit to Miko, following lunch with a stroll around the hotel gardens. I can imagine that the lounge would be a lovely place for a lunch time drink in the summer time. Find Miko at Mont Rochelle, Franschhoek. Alternatively, enjoy their Taste of Miko, 5 course taking menu with wine (R550 pp) or without wines (R750pp).
For Miko reservations you can reserve online on their site or contact them directly: reception@montrochelle.virgin.com or call +27 21 876 2770.
Open hours are 7 days a week:
Breakfast: 7am – 10:30am
Lunch: 12pm – 3pm
Dinner: 7pm – 9:30pm
Thanks for having us Miko! Here’s to visiting again in the future.
