Walking along the Sea Point Promenade you’ll see people enjoying ice cream, sipping a glass of wine to compliment the sunset, or a few Capetonians trying to revive rollerblading. Situated on the famous Platinum Mile in Mouille Point, The Butcher Shop & Grill not only offers a beautiful view of the ocean and picturesque lighthouse, but also a menu of culinary delight. This year The Butcher Shop & Grill hosted a feast to celebrate their milestone of 25 years in the meat and restaurant business, and TravelGround was there to celebrate with them!
This family-owned business can trace its heritage back to the 1940s when Dave Pick, a butcher, and Fay Pick, South Africa’s first female butcher, acquired the license to open The Kalk Bay Butcher. Their son, Alan, went on to open several successful restaurants, including The Butcher Shop & Grill in 1994. Today The Butcher Shop & Grill boasts two flourishing branches in Cape Town and Johannesburg ─ the latter being the flagship and able to seat 600 customers.
The Butcher Shop & Grill is more than just a restaurant ─ it’s an experience. On the day of the birthday celebrations, we were greeted with glasses of Méthod Cap Classique and given a tour of the restaurant and butchery by Dani Pick, Alan’s son. It was an absolute joy to see someone so passionate and knowledgeable about the restaurant and keen to share it with the world. We were taken through the wide selection of meat and cuts available at the restaurant. Customers can have their pick from mature-aged beef, local beef and lamb, Dutch veal, Kobe-style wagyu and Argentinian ribeye. The prime rib and T-bone are aged for 21 to 40 days, and you are invited to pick your own cut of meat at the counter.
You also don’t have to be a sit-down customer to enjoy these delights. This fine establishment also runs as an independent butchery. Customers can come in and order their meat at the counter to take home. A seafood section is also available with a selection of fresh fish, prawn, langoustines and mussels. Should your cellar run out of stock, The Butcher Shop & Grill has its own wine boutique, Pick’s Pick, stocked with the country’s finest grapes endorsed with their very own Pick’s Pick label, and operates during restaurant hours. And just in case you’re not quite sure what to pick, the in-house sommelier will be more than happy to assist.
For their birthday, The Butcher Shop & Grill pulled out all of the stops. We started off with a calamari salad, Greek salad, and large mushrooms topped with breadcrumbs and blue cheese. We then moved on to the beef and pork ribs ─ you are highly encouraged to put your pride aside and eat the ribs with your hands. Just as we thought that we reached the final course, more trays would arrive to continue the feast. Platters of rump, fillet and wagyu beef decorated the table, along with classic creamed spinach and pumpkin, pap, and oxtail that would put your mother’s recipe to shame ─ it’s even cooked and served in a little black potjie! As our glasses and tummies were kept full, this 25th feast was ended off with the arrival of a few sweet treats including all time favourites; chocolate brownies and lemon meringue.
When visiting The Butcher Shop & Grill you can expect quality meat and generous portions. They offer private dining at both branches, but also cater for private functions and will bring their griller to your home! So, if you haven’t already, be sure to book your table at The Butcher Shop & Grill for an unforgettable and delectable dining experience.
Why not stay the night in the Mother City? Book your accommodation with TravelGround for a carefree night out on the town:
Mouille Point | Sea Point | Green Point | V&A Waterfront
Cape Town plays host to several museums and fun things to do. Visit the District Six Museum, The Castle Of Good Hope, V&A Waterfront or take the cable car up Table Mountain and bask in the beauty of Cape Town. Click here to find out more.
Feature image: Jeanne Carstens
