IT is law that anything enjoyed at a hotel, that you sneak into your bag to take home, will not be quite as satisfying as it was at that establishment (the criminal thrill notwithstanding). I’m not talking about the big ticket items like the robes or the kettle or the pillows. Don’t take those; pens and miniature soaps are fair game and exempt from this law. A perfect example is the chocolate chip cookies in the jar at the tea and coffee station in Grande Roche suites, which is how I justified eating them all during my stay.
The Grande Roche in Paarl is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, traditionally marked by the pearl for marriages which reach this milestone, and beautifully tied in with the the town first named for the “pearls” of granite which shimmer on the mountain slopes above. For the unilingual, Paarl is die Pêrel in Afrikaans – literally “the pearl”.
Peruse the offerings at your leisure. I have purposely not looked at the breakfast menu, which I skipped because I was eating cookies on my stoep, with Red Espresso espresso (I only lost one unused capsule inside the machine); if I look I might be sorry to see what I missed. For dinner, I decided to have two starters: the grilled lettuce with anchovy butter, toasted almonds and nori jumped off the page for me, and it was even better when I found it had slivers of white anchovies as well. Damn, I love those little things, and grilling or charring lettuce is something that should be done more often. The wine pairing was the same Under Oaks SB that I had in my suite.
Back in the suite, the housekeeping fairies had laid out my robe and feet pillows, a pamphlet with sudoku puzzles was on the night stand (a sweet thought but I’ve never learned the rules; I swept the pen into my bag), and a cream-filled chocolate bon bon under a glass cloche with a bottle of water were on a mirrored tray. The bathroom lighting had been turned to subtle, and a bubble bath beckoned.
Anyway. In other news, Grande Roche has bottled its first wine from its own vineyards, a Cab/Shiraz blend. It will be available exclusively in the restaurant.
Grande Roche 30th Anniversary Package #1
- One night’s accommodation for two guests in a Terrace Suite, breakfast included
- Sunset canapés and signature cocktail of the day
- A four-course gourmet dinner experience at the Restaurant at Grande Roche
- A bottle of selected Under Oaks estate wine to be enjoyed with dinner
- R5 450, based on 2 persons sharing
Grande Roche 30th Anniversary Package #2
- One night’s accommodation for two guests in a Terrace Suite, breakfast included
- Sunset canapés and signature cocktail of the day
- A 4-course gourmet dinner experience at Grande Roche Restaurant
- A bottle of selected Under Oaks estate wine to be enjoyed with dinner
- A 60-minute couples’ massage
- R6 950, based on 2 persons sharing
Both packages may be extended upon request, with additional nights booked at a cost of R3 850 per night, including accommodation and breakfast. Valid from 1 March 2023 – 30 June 2023 and subject to availabilitity. Terms and conditions apply. For booking enquiries, email info@granderoche.co.za or call call +27 (0)21 863 5100. Also enquire about the beautiful High Teas on offer as well as Kevin’s monthly Food & Wine Celebration Dinners.
For more information about Grande Roche Hotel and Grande Roche Restaurant, click here or email info@granderoche.com. The Grande Roche Hotel is located at 1 Plantasie Street, Paarl. Follow the journey to re-birth on Twitter @Grande_Roche, Facebook (GrandeRoche) and Instagram (Grande_Roche).
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