Andries Stockenstrm Guesthouse

Gordons restaurant, which forms the centerpiece of this establishment, has an international reputation for world class dining in a relaxed Karoo environment. Gordon, a self taught chef is an ex investment banker and avid outdoorsman. He has a passion for the Karoo and its food that quite literally goes above and beyond the call of duty. His uncompromising ethos of using only the freshest and finest of local ingredients ensures that only the best is elegantly plated on his exquisite Villeroy & Bosch crockery, to the delight of diners from across the globe, who often stay at the ASG specifically to dine on his sumptuous, yet simple Karoo cuisine. Gordons philosophy of knowing the origin of each key ingredient from every dish from the veld to the fork ensures the tenderest of venison and most succulent of Karoo lamb imaginable. He hunts all the venison personally and if you are lucky enough to find wild rainbow trout (lightly smoked with Rooibos tea) on the menu, you will know he has been fishing. His rather unusual, yet stunning, whiskey & honey infused Cape wild hare has quickly become one of the signature dishes in this elegant 16 seater restaurant. (Naturally, he hunts the hare himself as well) He can actually tell you where, when and how he hunted each individual dish Limited seating and a strict booking policy ensures the most intimate of dining experiences and Gordon clearly takes great pleasure in leading his dinner guests on a wonderful culinary adventure marinated in the traditions of the Karoo. Its no wonder tables are booked months in advance. The old manor house, built circa 1819 on land owned by pioneer Andries Stockenstrm, is a national monument and is steeped in the history of the region. The elegantly appointed rooms cater to the discerning, yet relaxed traveler. The organic vegetable garden in the back yard, supplying the kitchen, certainly leaves one in no doubt that this is truly a culinary oasis in the heart of the arid Karoo. The guest house staff are friendly and efficient and Roses personal touch is to be seen in all the little details around the establishment. On any given evening local Graaff Reineters could be feasting on sumptuous organic Karoo lamb and rubbing shoulders with captains of industry and high ranking international diplomats over a few bottles of magnificent South African wine in the elegant and relaxed dining room. Some regular diners fly in from as far afield as Johannesburg and Cape Town just to have dinner at this quaint, yet classy home away from home. Slow Karoo food at its best Thats what the Andries Stockenstrm Guesthouse and Gordons restaurant are all about