点评:Don't be fooled by the unassuming entrance because the true heart of South African hospitality beats at the wine bar/restaurant at Esona. New owner David Malan personally greeted us at the door and showed us to our places: a table with both a sunny spot for me and a shady spot for my husband. His superpower is his hospitality and deep knowledge of and love for all things wine related, including food that pairs well with wine. David spent years in the wine regions of France and is therefore well able to impart both wine information and interesting stories. He sources wines from both Esona's historical cellars as well as the region and so is perfectly placed to introduce one to unusual cultivars such as Mourverde, Sangiovese and Alberino as well as old favorites such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Shiraz. All this while casually tempting one with a trio of starters; braai broodjies, melted halloumi skewers and braaied lambs liver frikkadels. The culinary temptation continued with ostrich fillet with roasted vegetables and came to a rousing finale of cardamom infused creme brulee with a perfect crackle and a soft creamy centre. Two and a half hours later we left with bottles of wine and memories; perfectly satisfied and happy having had one of the most interesting wine experiences anywhere. Forget about the paths well trodden and turn in to Esona in the Robertson wine valley; a truly unique and rewarding experience!
翻译:别被埃索纳酒店低调的入口所迷惑,因为南非热情好客的精髓就蕴藏在这家葡萄酒吧/餐厅里。新老板大卫·马兰亲自在门口迎接我们,并带我们入座:一张桌子,阳光充足,适合我,而我的丈夫则坐在阴凉处。他最令人称道的是他的热情好客,以及他对葡萄酒的热爱和渊博的知识,包括与葡萄酒完美搭配的美食。大卫曾在法国葡萄酒产区生活多年,因此他能够轻松地分享葡萄酒知识和有趣的故事。他从埃索纳酒店历史悠久的酒窖以及周边产区采购葡萄酒,因此他能够完美地向客人介绍一些不常见的品种,例如慕合怀特(Mourverde)、桑娇维塞(Sangiovese)和阿尔贝里诺(Alberino),以及霞多丽(Chardonnay)、灰皮诺(Pinot Grigio)和西拉(Shiraz)等经典佳酿。与此同时,他还贴心地奉上了三道开胃菜:烤面包、哈罗米芝士串和烤羊肝丸子。美食诱惑接踵而至,鸵鸟肉配烤蔬菜令人垂涎,最后以一道令人振奋的焦糖布丁完美收官——焦糖布丁外皮酥脆,内里绵软。两个半小时后,我们带着美酒和美好的回忆离开;心满意足,无比快乐,因为我们拥有了一次难忘的葡萄酒体验。忘掉那些人迹罕至的路线,走进罗伯逊葡萄酒谷的埃索纳酒庄;这将是一次真正独特而难忘的体验!