The Beck is a large spacious restaurant with a bank of windows running the entire length down one side. The significance of these windows and their position is that you get a magnificent view over the manicured lawns leading down to Troutbeck Lake, which in turn is positioned in front of a small mountain. What a spectacular view!
We were ushered to our table (with a view) by a smartly dressed maitre’d. Although there was an impressive buffet spread available, my partner and I decided to indulge in the à la carte menu while the kids decided on the buffet. If I may suggest a quick tip when you go to a restaurant with children and there is a buffet on offer; choose the buffet for the children. There are a number of advantages to this, the most obvious being that the children get to choose exactly what they want and more importantly, will, eat! A second advantage is that the kids get to eat straight away without delay.
My partner ordered crumbed mushrooms while I ordered grilled cheese. Given that the hotel was catering for three separate functions simultaneously, we were very impressed with the timing and efficiency of service. Having reawakened our taste buds, we moved onto our main courses. It is not possible to go to Nyanga without having trout. My partner had the whole grilled trout while I tried the pork chops. I was a little disappointed with the accompanying vegetables, but I was reliably informed that the trout was absolutely magnificent, like only a fresh fish could be. We both enjoyed our main courses to the accompaniment of a Nederburg Merlot. Nederburg wine is obviously the choice of the hotel, as they appeared to carry a full range.
The kids must have been enjoying themselves as we hardly noticed them during our meal, as they went up and down to the buffet and selected various options from a very impressive display of choices. Apart from the soup for starters, there was a good range of salads. For main, there were a number of different meat choices followed by a choice of starch items followed by a wide selection of vegetable options. An impressive display of desserts finished off the buffet.
With all the staff turned out in smart uniforms, coupled with the magnificent view which had since passed as the sun had set, there was a real appreciation of something special. All the staff from waiters to restaurant management consciously made an effort to enhance our culinary experience, and did so with a smile on their face. If you are visiting any destination in the Nyanga area, then you must treat yourself to a trout at The Beck.
Family Restaurant4 PlatesExpect to spend US$15 to US$30 per headTroutbeck Hotel, Nyanga.
