The launch of a sous vide menu in Montagu struck me as a rather strange idea. Montagu is not exactly a gastronomic capital – although there are a few quaint coffee shops and brunch stops to be found. But Werner and Adele Joubert, together with chef Heinrich-Werner, have surprised all with their new sous vide dishes at Jessica’s.

 

Sous vide is directly translated to mean ‘under vacuum’ and is a method of cooking that is intended to preserve the flavours and moisture of the ingredients by heating them in sealed plastic pouches for an extended period at low temperatures.

Our sous vide menu began with a dill-butter poached trout served with vanilla cream potato and saffron veloté paired with a glass of Weltevrede’s Travelling Stone Sauvignon Blanc. This was followed by pickled belly of pork – that had been slow cooked at 65°C for 24 hours – served with spicy risotto and black pudding together with a smoked apple and brandy ice cream­. The hot-cold combination may not be for everyone, but the flavours worked well together, especially in conjunction with a glass of Weltevrede Rusted Soil Chardonnay 2006 that displayed characteristics of marmalade, peaches and a rich finish.

A veal loin followed, with wild mushrooms and potato mille-feuille. The veal was perfectly tender, and while some may have liked a sauce to accompany the dish, this would have spoilt the delicate flavours of the meat. The Bon Courage Bruére Gold Reserve 2006, an interestingly complex, spicy Pinot Noir, rounded off the dish.

The meal came to a resounding end with one of the best desserts I have ever eaten – and I’ve eaten my fair share! – a coconut, ginger pannacotta and cinnamon ice cream served together with cumin-infused apple and a clove and rooibos tea reduction – I’m salivating already… This was unfortunately somewhat overpowered by the Weltevrede Ouma se Wyn 2007, but the dessert was refreshing light – a welcome departure from rich decadent desserts that one so often pushes away after just a few bites.

Does the menu sound a bit fancy to be found in a small town? I have to confess that I’m not sure that those travelling through Montagu on their way to the Garden Route will necessarily have the time, money or inclination to stop overnight for a four-course gourmet menu. But the food at Jessica’s is good enough to warrant a stopover (or weekend away) on its own.

47 Bath Street, Montagu, tel 023 614 1805