Pete Goffe-Woods has made good use of the small space he had to create his new restaurant.  The fireplace and gourmet dishes make for a grand and inviting atmosphere.

The first thing that strikes you as you enter Pete Goffe-Wood’s new restaurant in Hout Bay is the huge gammon on the bar counter. It’s by Lucas Jamon of Prince Albert, and Pete will happily slice you a piece of this dry-cured ham as you sip your first cocktail of the day.

Though the venue is quite small, Pete has made optimal use of the available space. On ground level is an
Italian family-sized table next to a huge fireplace. One level up, and leading from the bar, is a bright yet comfy seating area that extends to the open patio with great views over Hout Bay Harbour.

The thinking behind Wild Woods was to create a place where families can come and enjoy Pete’s regional, honest cooking.

The menu changes seasonally and everything, from the bread and ice cream to the cured duck breast, is made from scratch. Other ingredients are sourced locally, such as buffalo mozzarella from Buffalo Ridge and beer from Black Jack breweries.

The kiddies’menu has all the usual suspects –readfish‘nchipsandmac ‘n cheese, while adults are treated to free-range chicken liver parfait with toast and onion marmalade, rare grilled hanger steak with caramelised shallots and red wine jus, or Pete’s signature pan-fried angelfish with mussels and saffron (main picture).

Desserts include grappa panna cotta with raspberries and a chocolate pot with malt ice cream. All meals are excellently priced, as is the well-chosen wine selection.
Find Wild Woods is next to the Chapman’s Peak Hotel on the Main Road, Hout Bay
Tel: (021) 791-1166.

To learn about Pete's cookery classes, click here.