With roots dating back to 1682, Steenberg Farm is one of Cape Town’s first registered farms and boasts an oasis of elegance and tranquility. In the majestic Constantia Valley, this charming property is surrounded by a beautiful garden with colourful floral arrangements featuring roses, salvia, and fragrant herbs.
If the breathtaking scenery doesn’t convince you, the food will. We sat down to chat with Executive Chef Kerry Kilpin to hear more about the tantalising and transformative food experience she creates at Tryn and Bistro Sixteen82, along with her team.
What do you love about working at Steenberg?
I love the absolute beauty of the farm. Being a farm girl at heart, it’s as close as I can get to my home roots of growing up on a farm. I am surrounded by like-minded people who are very passionate about what they do and all love Steenberg. They will go above and beyond to constantly evolve the business and the beauty of the property.
What makes the process of creating seasonal and delicious menus for the restaurant so special?
I like to use local ingredients and keep a low carbon footprint where possible while still producing a 5-star menu that appeals to both local and international clients. Sourcing of local produce can be challenging at times and often producers have their own challenges which in turn can make availability difficult for us. We find ourselves having to adapt at the drop of a hat.
Explain the passion you have for food, how did it come about?
From a very young age, I always enjoyed cooking and baking. A Sunday ritual in our house was baking scones for breakfast. On the farm I used to bake cakes to sell to the farm workers and later when I went to boarding school I used to bake and sell to my classmates. I only really found my passion for cooking when I went to study at Silwood. I always thought I wanted to be a pastry chef – 1 week at Silwood and I fell in love with cooking!
How do you feel about the staff you work with at Steenberg?
They are my second family. I spend more time with my team than I do with my own family, so they all have a very special place in my heart. Many have been with me for a very long time.
What is challenging about working in such a highly regarded place?
Consistency. You are only as good as your last experience
What do you hope for the future of Tryn?
My hope for Tryn is that it becomes as popular as Bistro Sixteen82. Our outside terraces at Tryn are in the process of being revamped and once complete it will be absolutely beautiful to sit outside, and sip a cocktail while having a delicious meal.
What is your favourite meal to make/plate and what is your favorite meal to eat?
I really enjoy making and teaching my team how to make sauces, they are the foundation of my food. I am a sucker for a good old roast leg of lamb with all of the trimmings roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, gravy etc.
How would you like to inspire other aspiring chefs who are just starting out?
Food is an incredible career and there are many avenues in the food industry that you can go into after college. My advice is to make sure you choose the direction that’s suited for you, not every great Chef is found in an industrial kitchen. Cheffing is a hard lifestyle, but if you are passionate about it, you won’t mind the sacrifices.
Book a taste experience at BistroSixteen82 or Tryn
Bistro Sixteen82 Hours
Monday to Sunday
- Breakfast: 09:00 – 11:00
- Lunch: 12:00 -15:00
- Tapas: 17:00 -21:30
Tryn Hours
Monday to Sunday
- Breakfast: 08:00 – 11:00
- Lunch: 12:00 – 15:00
- Dinner: 18:00 – 21:00
More about Steenberg Farm
With Spring in full bloom for South Africa and the gloom of winter behind us, Steenberg Farm is the ideal location to enjoy this season’s beauty. The historic estate boasts vibrant coloured flowers, inviting scents and an abundance of beautiful, budding oak trees.
The five-star hotel’s 300-hectare deluxe setting includes a spa which offers a range of luxurious therapies that promote well-being. As an additional option, guests can indulge in a spa treatment in the Scented Garden, which is set in a natural environment – the ideal indulgence to celebrate new and brighter things. Two of Steenberg’s dining establishments, Tryn and Bistro Sixteen82 offer luxurious dining experiences to satisfy the senses. Located adjacent to Steenberg’s winery is Bistro Sixteen82, which offers guests a unique wine and restaurant experience, serving breakfast, lunch, and late-afternoon tapas menus. Steenberg’s understated, unique, and versatile offering truly provides guests with a sensational spring experience.
We love that Steenberg Farm is adorned with a luxe spa, two award-winning, locally-inspired onsite restaurants, a tasting room, a championship 18-hole golf course, and world class wines. It is home to the 5-star Steenberg Hotel and original manor house that offers 24 beautifully appointed rooms, including three luxury suites and two bespoke private villas, all with vineyards and mountain views.
Steenberg Farm Summer Specials
Tapas and Cap Classique for Two – Valid for the month of September 2022
Steenberg Hotel and Spa Summer Celebration Package – Valid from 1 October to 19 December 2022
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Sjaan is a food stylist and recipe developer for Food & Home. She aims to create mouth-watering images and exciting How To videos on our Instagram, hoping to inspire people to try new recipes and have fun in the kitchen.