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Here’s to Catharina! -
Here’s to Catharina! -
Here’s to Catharina! -
Here’s to Catharina! -
Here’s to Catharina!
WORDS Debbie Loots
Constantia Valley’s oldest farm, Steenberg, recently had its restaurant Catharina’s renovated. The project wasn’t only inspired by all that’s gorgeous in current interior decorating trends, but consultant Linda d’Holt-Hackner also delved deep into centuries past to unearth the remarkable story of the restaurant’s feisty and progressive first owner and namesake, Catharina Ras, which is vividly woven throughout.
And what a fascinating tale Catharina’s is. An unconventional and pioneering 21-year-old, she arrived in the Cape in 1662 as stowaway and dressed as a man, just 10 years after Jan van Riebeeck put his foot ashore. It was a wild country then and no place for a young widow, so Catharina married soon afterwards and lived a life peppered with all kinds of dramatic events. In her lifetime, she had five husbands of which a lion and an elephant killed two. She also became the first female landowner in 1682, after Simon van de Stel granted her request for 25 morgen of land at the foot of Steenberg mountain.
Catharina was also known for her hospitality and love for generous feasts on her farm, she then called Swaaneweide. It was these fledgling farm days of Steenberg that brand and visual consultant Vivienne Barratt drew inspiration from for the levitating origami birds in the restaurant’s dining area as well as, among other works on the walls, the renderings of the two animals responsible for the deaths of two of her husbands.
In celebration of Catharina’s gregarious and hospitable entertainer’s heart, the restaurant put together a fabulous new menu, with dishes made from only the freshest produce, and all served with generous spirit by waiting staff donning period uniforms.
Certain specially selected furniture, objects and images also pay tribute to Catharina’s life, times and heritage, such as the fabulous yellow carpet in the entrance, reminiscent of the historical tapestries found on the walls of homes in Europe.
All these classic pieces and pictures may tell the stories of a time way back, but they also work together beautifully when combined with selected modern elements. A powerful visualisation of Steenberg’s design philosophy set around “contemporary heritage”.
Catharina’s new look pays tribute to a remarkable woman, while her love for generous feasts is at the essence of the restaurant’s rejuvenated menu. And, with Steenberg boasting a contemporary winery, which produces some of South Africa’s most fabulous wines, we say: here’s to Catharina!
