If you ask Wellington locals to point you in the direction of their favorite restaurant, chances are pretty good that you’ll be directed to Twist Some More. The somewhat peculiar name, I discovered, is a tribute to the owner’s son, Oliver, and the famous fictional character of the same name who wanted ‘some more’. The owner, Johan van Schalkwyk, also happens to run the kitchen.
It’s easy to see why this child-friendly bistro is such a hit with the locals: great scenery, hearty food, and good service. The restaurant, which occupies a converted barn just outside the town of Wellington, has something to offer regardless of the season. In summer, you can sit outside under the oak trees, with views of the surrounding countryside, while your kids play in the treehouse; and, in winter, a roaring fire keeps the restaurant cozy.
The chalkboard menu, which has a strong focus on slow-cooked meat dishes in winter, changes daily depending on the whims of the chef. A favorite that often makes it onto the chalkboard is a wild boar, apple and sage burger, topped with onion marmalade and gorgonzola, and served with French fries and coriander mayonnaise. Chef Johan, whose experience includes stints at Buitenverwachting, Spaansmacht River Café at Uitsig and Seasons at Diemersfontein, believes in using local, seasonal produce and making everything from scratch. As such, you might wait a short while for your food, but long lazy lunches are part of the charm.
At times a little unpolished, the service is nevertheless attentive – particularly that of the manager – and the waiters have a good understanding of the menu. The chef makes an effort to come out and chat to the guests, which certainly adds to the restaurant’s appeal.
In addition to the restaurant, the premises is also home to a Twist Some More bar and a pantry, which stocks olives, cheeses, tapenades, honey and fresh produce from local farmers.
Expert Review
If you ask Wellington locals to point you in the direction of their favorite restaurant, chances are pretty good that...
If you ask Wellington locals to point you in the direction of their favorite restaurant, chances are pretty good that you’ll be directed to Twist Some More. The somewhat peculiar name, I discovered, is a tribute to the owner’s son, Oliver, and the famous fictional character of the same name who wanted ‘some more’. The owner, Johan van Schalkwyk, also happens to run the kitchen.
It’s easy to see why this child-friendly bistro is such a hit with the locals: great scenery, hearty food, and good service. The restaurant, which occupies a converted barn just outside the town of Wellington, has something to offer regardless of the season. In summer, you can sit outside under the oak trees, with views of the surrounding countryside, while your kids play in the treehouse; and, in winter, a roaring fire keeps the restaurant cozy.
The chalkboard menu, which has a strong focus on slow-cooked meat dishes in winter, changes daily depending on the whims of the chef. A favorite that often makes it onto the chalkboard is a wild boar, apple and sage burger, topped with onion marmalade and gorgonzola, and served with French fries and coriander mayonnaise. Chef Johan, whose experience includes stints at Buitenverwachting, Spaansmacht River Café at Uitsig and Seasons at Diemersfontein, believes in using local, seasonal produce and making everything from scratch. As such, you might wait a short while for your food, but long lazy lunches are part of the charm.
At times a little unpolished, the service is nevertheless attentive – particularly that of the manager – and the waiters have a good understanding of the menu. The chef makes an effort to come out and chat to the guests, which certainly adds to the restaurant’s appeal.
In addition to the restaurant, the premises is also home to a Twist Some More bar and a pantry, which stocks olives, cheeses, tapenades, honey and fresh produce from local farmers.