LIVE THE MOMENT

La Motte Eat Out People's Choice Award

When fortune smiles on you, you'd better remember just how illusive these things are. The six consecutive National Breeders' Titles that've befallen Summerhill in recent years, have been matched almost blow-for-blow by the "little sister" Hartford House, and it's much acclaimed restaurant.

Most followers of these columns are already aware that Hartford once again made the Country's Top Ten Restaurants at the Eat Out Gala Function in Cape Town last weekend, the only recipient in KwaZulu Natal. And that this followed hard on the heels of it's second year-in-row billing as House and Leisure / Visa's Best Restaurant in South Africa in October.

But there was more to come; in a brand new initiative this year, Eat Out launched a parallel competition on the web to find South Africa's most popular restaurant, sponsored by the makers of La Motte wines, spectacular gems of Franschoek.

By a margin of more than double of it's nearest pursuer, Hartford House was polled the "Top Dog", the best sign if ever it was needed, of the loyalty of its customers and that it is, without any doubt, the "People's Choice".

Spare a thought though for where we are. Surely the remotest of all the leading 20 restaurants in the nation, and in a province, assuming the critics got this right, not entirely celebrated for it's culinary hot spots, on a little old Zulu farm 10km outside of the dustiest dorp in the KZN Midlands.

Goes to show, when the show's good, anything is possible. We look forward to that case of La Motte. If you voted for us, come and enjoy it with us!

For more information please visit :
www.hartford.co.za

LA MOTTE PEOPLE'S CHOICE

Hartford House Restaurant
(Photo : Hartford House)

"Thank You Team Hartford House..."

Following is an extract from an article published in the Eat Out website :

"In keeping with sponsor La Motte's ethos of celebrating excellence, we asked you to vote for your favourite restaurant from our list of 20 Eat Out Award nominees.

As our inbox was flooded with votes, it became clear that each of the 20 restaurants had fiercely loyal supporters. Team Hartford House proved to be the most persistent of the bunch, however, and cast almost double the number of votes of their closest competitor in favour of the KZN Midlands restaurant.

What can first-time diners expect from executive chef Jackie Cameron's kitchen? In a nutshell, fine dining finesse with just a hint of playfulness. According to 2011 Eat Out reviewer Shirley Jones, a good bet would be to order the butter-poached prawns or gourmet bunny chow for starters, and the pan-seared beef fillet or duo of rabbit for mains. And, judging by Jackie's description of her favourite dish on the current menu, you can't go wrong with the peanut butter and syrup on toast dessert, comprised of peanut butter semifreddo, maple syrup ice cream, sugar-glazed bananas and vanilla.

For more on the dynamic chef and her sumptuous food, get your copy of the 2011 Eat Out restaurant guide, on sale now."

Visit
www.eatout.co.za

DON'T MISS THE CHANGING OF THE MIDLANDS SEASONS

COME AND VISIT...

As autumn slowly crispens into winter, the change of seasons invites a less frenetic pace, a slowing down and taking stock of life. Hartford House is just the place to do that in. Enjoy wines from our award winning Platinum Wine list, or indulge in the five star cuisine of our own renowned chef, Jackie Cameron.

Being situated on Summerhill Stud, five-time champion racehorse breeders of South Africa, there’s plenty to do at Hartford House. The changing seasons have transformed the farm into a riot of colours and moods, and there are numerous walks on the property which take in the beauty of the farm and the glorious changing colours of the trees.

If you are feeling particularly energetic, and wish to venture off the farm, there is plenty to do in the surrounding Midlands area. There’s the Midlands Meander which showcases some of the best Arts and Crafts in the country and provides endless pleasures and opportunities. Of course, one cannot miss the Royal Show at the Pietermaritzburg Show grounds which runs from the 28^th May to 6^th June. The show has something for everyone’s tastes; from tractors and farm animals to food halls and crafts.

Once you’ve finished your daily Midlands adventures, you can return to the warmth and comfort of a world-class hotel and indulge in some of the finest cuisine around. Our winter specials make the pilgrimage to Hartford House all that more worthwhile. 

For more information please visit :
www.hartford.co.za