Constantia's Steenberg Hotel Completes Renovation of Catharina's Restaurant

Studio Botes was brought in to reimagine a formal fine dining room into a space that is light, bright and airy and to bring to life the story of Catharina Ras, the Cape's first female landowner, a feisty, outrageous, but beguiling historical figure.

“While steeped in history, the design and décor juxtapose the traditional and the modern, creating a visual overview of the eclectic nature of the Cape as a trading outpost in 1682, as well as Steenberg's past and present,” says Brandt Botes, founder of the studio that bears his name. To achieve this, the studio used a mix of vintage, eclectic and contemporary elements including a copy of the actual 17th century deed granting Catharina the right to the land as well as a modern diorama and light boxes customized for the space. In the book-like menus, Catharina's life is portrayed by six different illustrators through six illustrations united by design and color.

The huge windows of the dining room allow light to flood the room that is finished out in shades of steel, gray, blue and white. Heavy barnwood tables inspired by farm-style harvest tables further impart an informal, family-style feel to the space. The restaurant's acclaimed chef, Garth Almazan says: “The new dining room is reflective of the inviting and unimposing elegance of Steenberg. We look forward to welcoming diners to our new home. Our Summer Menu [November – February] is very much inspired by the dining room's fresh feel,” says Almazan.

As guests enter the dining room, they are likely to see the multitude of origami swans suspended from the ceiling. These figures serve a symbolic purpose – Steenberg's original name was “Swaaneweide” – The Feeding Place of Swans. Back in 1682, Catharina had mistaken the spur-winged geese of the Steenberg region for swans!

A single black swan also hangs from the ceiling, acknowledging Steenberg's past and future. “The black swan represents Catharina Ras who truly stood out, in her time and in ours. Furthermore, the black swan nods to Steenberg's logo, unique offerings and indomitable spirit, inspired by Catharina herself,” says Anetha Homan, Marketing Manager of Steenberg.

Notes to Editor:
About Steenberg
Steenberg holds the distinction of being the oldest farm in the picturesque Constantia Valley, which is generally considered to be South Africa's premier wine growing region. With its cool, sea-facing slopes and majestic granite ridges, this vineyard has developed a worldwide reputation for producing excellent Cape wines. The estate boasts a state of the art modern winery, producing some of the country's finest wines.

Steenberg Hotel
Tel 021 713-2222
Email reservations@steenberghotel.com
www.steenberghotel.com