Monthly Supper Club at Blanko at the Alphen Hotel
Blanko restaurant, located at The Alphen Hotel, hosts a monthly paired Supper Club evening and invites diners to combine a delicious dinner with the selected drink of the month.
Gin Supper Club at Blanko
The craft gin scene has been growing at an unprecedented rate over the past couple of years and as a result, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to great local options. So, it makes complete sense that pairing gin with food would be an obvious next step.
The March installation of the Supper Club at Blanko was gin-based and featured a 3-course menu paired with gin from Cape Town Gin. A deliciously refreshing Pink Gin strawberry daiquiri was the arrival drink and this was paired with a canapé of crispy shrimp with avo, pancetta and confit tomato. The combo was a great way to kick off the evening.
Getting to know Cape Town Gin
Jaco Boonzaaier, Operations Director at Cape Town Gin, gave a brief explanation about the gins we would be sampling and the way in which they would be served.
Our favourite gin of the evening was the Cape Town Rooibos Gin, with the subtle creamy notes of our favourite red bush tea.
The rooibos gin was paired with the starter of Cured Norwegian Salmon, served with baby beets, lemon cream and an orange and balsamic glaze. The gin was actually served neat for the pairing, which we found a little strong. Fortunately, though, the Blanko team were on it and suggested a mixer of ginger ale and the addition of a fragrant cinnamon stick. This adaption perfectly complemented the gin and the dish and we loved it.
The steak main was served with a classic dry gin and tonic, the inclusion of fresh thyme and rosemary herbs in the drink complemented the earthy notes of the meat dish.
Our dish of the day was the dessert – a vanilla panna cotta served with rose jelly cubes and fresh berries. The rose jelly cubes had the delicate flavour of Turkish delight – an aromatic note also present in the Pink Lady Gin served with it. Fresh strawberries provided tartness and together it made for a delicious way to end the meal.
April Supper Club at Blanko
The next Supper Club at Blanko takes place on the 19th of April and will be featuring Klein Constantia wine, so book your seat without delay.
Venue: Blanko, Alphen Hotel, Constantia
Date: 19 April
Time: 18h30 for 19h00
Cost: R385 per person, 3-courses all paired with Klein Constantia wines
alphen.co.za | 021 795 6300
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