On the heels of an exclusive trip to South African wine country, Cape Dutch executive chef Philippe Haddad reveals his plans for a revamped dinner menu at the Cheshire Bridge restaurant, nearing its first anniversary this November. Cape Dutch debuted in the Morningside neighborhood as a global destination, drawing influences from owner Justin Anthony’s South African background and chef Haddad’s Belgian heritage. Now, one year in, the team is celebrated for the modern South African steakhouse and is excited to showcase menu updates from new pairings and organization to fresh, fall flavors.
In late September, chef Haddad traveled to Cape Town, South Africa, his solitary firsthand exposure to Anthony’s roots and an opportunity to experience and deliver the country’s culture into Cape Dutch’s kitchen. Journeying to Franschhoek wine valley with days spent at Boschendal Winery – home of the delightfully renowned chardonnay pinot noir blend available at all of Anthony’s restaurants – along with the DGB production plant, which produces a handful of distinguished South African wine labels, among other destinations, Haddad relished in not only a bounty of wines but also traditional South African braai experiences and dishes.
“At Cape Dutch, we strive to transport guests to South African wine country, enjoying a braai with friends and family, and now I feel I can enhance upon this continuous goal with my personal experience,” explains Haddad. “I returned to Atlanta with a newfound appreciation, along with immense inspiration for creating our fall menu, and am ready to premier it to both loyal patrons and new customers.”
The refreshed menu features a polished selection of starters, including pickled root vegetable salad with king mushrooms, small brunoise, nasturtium edible flowers and lemon vinaigrette, “kudu” carpaccio with biltong-coffee crusted venison loin, caramelized figs and nasturtiums and Szechuan pepper tuna complemented by seaweed and cucumber salad with ginger soy vinaigrette. Begin your meal with a dish listed above, or return to an old favorite: the charcuterie board, embellished with five meats, four cheeses, chutney and additional accompaniments. The refined braai section highlights Chicago’s Meats by Linz, a filet, bone-in rib eye and tomahawk ribeye, along with branzino, whole Maine lobster, peri-peri chicken and more. Not forsaking his roots, Haddad continues to offer his famed braised rabbit leg with Belgian ale, grain mustard sauce, shallots, carrots and spinach-whipped potatoes, in addition to porcini ravioli, elk chop and seared sea bass. The menu, designed to adjust seamlessly with the seasons, will feature anticipated additions when the time comes – including black truffles.
“This menu makes me feel like we are brand new again – maintaining crowd favorites but tweaking them just enough to stir up conversation – and adding plates that won’t be found elsewhere in Atlanta,” describes Anthony. “We want Cape Dutch to be recognized for its identity, its ambiance and more than anything, its food and the experience it delivers.”
Cape Dutch additionally revamps its beverage selection, offering a selection of original cocktails highlighting seasonal ingredients and creative accompaniments. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and 5 p.m. until midnight on Friday and Saturday. For more information or reservations, please visit www.capedutchrestaurant.com or call 404.343.0313.
About Cape Dutch
Cape Dutch Braai + Bar, located at 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road NE, is a modern South African steakhouse, deriving an unforgettable menu and interior design from South African wine country. An additional fine dining destination from Anthony, Cape Dutch celebrates the traditional South African braai, with an open-faced grill as the focal point of the restaurant and a menu featuring prime braaied steaks, seafood and vegetables. Located in Atlanta’s Morningside community, executive chef Philippe Haddad delivers international cuisine to the developing neighborhood, perfectly complemented by a globally sourced wine list and lavish bar program. For more information, visit www.capedutchrestaurant.com or call 404.343.0313.