A Midlands Food Treat with Alex Poltera

Chris and I have one BIG thing in common – Our awesome good looks ;)...

Okay, not really, but something we both love is doing anything new and both being major foodies, new restaurants, coffee shops, chefs and menus are something we cannot resist.
 
There has been a recent buzz on the Midlands about Fern Hill Chef Alex Poltera… so out of our farm clothes we got for a little Date Night at Fern Hill Hotel. Being a really special treat for us – I have to admit I didn’t eat lunch and was starving by the time I got there – ready to indulge my senses.

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The Snooty Fox is a cozy restaurant with a lovely fireplace, this is always important to me because I HATE the cold – so  YAY :)! The hostess, waitress and manager on duty were all very attentive and offered exceptional service – we were happy already :)!

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I am always the person who gives everyone else menu remorse – so the challenge is always on with Chris and I! It does take me about half an hour to choose, after carefully reading all the pairings and options, but this time with some advice from Alex, we were good to go and almost 3 courses deep into an evening of food bliss :).

I started with cured Salmon Ribbons creeping through a nest of radish, cucumber & miniature choux pastry puffs –  garnished with dill & watercress. The beautiful crisp flavors of the herbs and vegetables combined with the fresh, zesty salmon and a little creamy kick from the horseradish hidden inside the crisp choux pastry – was a perfect combination :) – just drooling at the thought – take me back!

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We cook a lot at home, so for us going to a restaurant means enjoying something we can’t or wouldn’t have at home (sorry Chicken!). I love rich, slow cooked, hearty foods in the winter but often find them a bit rich, after my lovely fresh starter though, I was ready to indulge and a beautiful Duck Confit came my way :). Duck is something I have noticed only recently popping up on South African menus – this Confit was cooked to perfection – pink inside, tender and falling off the bone – served with lentils, lovely fresh vegetables, slightly caramelized orange segments, a sweet berry reduction and crisp croutons – it’s a little food Heaven :)!

On a side note, could someone learn to bottle up smells and recreate them online for later on – I NEED THAT!

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Dessert – Ok I don’t really like dessert – on occasions I have a craving for chocolate but it pretty much ends there… never the less – I was brave and had a pud! I chose the Apple & Rhubarb crumble with a ginger-miso ice cream. This is a vegan dish, which Alex does a lot of (this kid is unstoppable)! Warm, spicy apples,  rhubarb, crisp crumble and the yummiest, gingery-est ice cream I have ever had (seriously you have to taste this ice cream, Wowsers!)

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Coffee and Friandise as a little spoil ended off one perfect date night :) <3 – rolling from our chairs and to the car after pure indulgence – good food, company, atmosphere and service, there is no reason why I wouldn’t go back – often!

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Remember this name Alex Poltera – big things are coming :)!

Follow Alex and the Fern Hill team for exciting news & awesome recipes :)

Follow Alex on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & his Blog

Follow Fern Hill Hotel on: Facebook & Twitter 

For bookings contact Fern Hill Hotel on 033 330 5071

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