In keeping with current culinary trends, the restaurant features a variety of half and full portions of its exciting bistro style menu, allowing diners the opportunity to sample and share dishes. Executive chef Melissa Bruyns (previously at Haute Cabrière and Westin Grand) explains: “The half portions are larger than a conventional tapas serving, so ideal for sharing, or having as a starter. I believe in using fresh seasonal ingredients, and letting them speak for themselves, beautifully prepared and presented, but without over-elaboration. We have planted a herb and vegetable garden at Rickety Bridge to ensure that I have plenty to work with.” “Favourites include the seafood risotto (served with braised fennel and topped with Café de Paris butter and pecorino), crisp pork belly (with fried greens, wasabi mash and sweet chilli and ginger sauce), chicken and tiger prawn coconut curry (served with fragrant Jasmine rice) and salmon trout fish cakes (served on a beetroot roll and topped with a lime aioli). Vegetarians are well catered for, and the leek and asparagus flan (drizzled with chive oil and greens) and vegetable tempura (with 3 dipping sauces), are especially popular.” Some of the dishes are served as main portions only, for example the rib eye steak, line fish, gourmet burger and pan fried gnocchi with truffle oil. Newly appointed restaurant and functions manager Joanna Hurlston explains: “The menu recommends a pairing of each dish with one of Rickety Bridge’s excellent wines, many of which are available by the glass. This is a great way to taste a variety of dishes with wines that are perfectly suited to the food.” Paulina’s is open for lunch seven days a week, and will open for dinner on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from December. In the evenings guests will have the choice of either a four course or six course tasting menu, preceded by an amuse bouche. These menus will change regularly, depending on seasonal local produce. The restaurant spills out from a cosy thatched area onto decks with views over the vineyards and mountains. Umbrellas and a Bedouin tent provide cover and shade. Bookings are recommended. Call Rickety Bridge on 021 876 2129, or Joanna Hurlston on 083 377 4103. Tel: 021 876 2129 Email: info@ricketybridge.com www.ricketybridge.com RICKETY BRIDGE OPENING TIMES Rickety Bridge is open seven days a week. Rickety Bridge Wine Tasting Centre: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 - 19:00 (December - March) Monday – Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00 (April - November) Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00 Closed: 25 December and 1 January Paulina’s Restaurant: Paulina’s is open for lunch seven days a week, and will open for dinner on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from December. Closed: 1 January