After having one of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever had, and writing a review that got people talking, I was thrilled to be invited to The Woodlands Eatery Food and Wine Pairing Evening. Full disclosure, I was quite ashamed of the comments my previous post got. I really wanted the focus to be on the delicious food and the restaurant itself, but that wasn’t the case. I thought I’d blown it, and it left me feeling embarrassed to go back, which would have been a great shame because the food is absolutely amazing. To my surprise, I got a message from Woodlands thanking me for the positive feedback, asking if I’d like to be a part of their event. I don’t know if I was more relieved or excited, but it was a big yes for me! 

“Every course was thoughtful, every pairing intentional, and every flavour told a story of care, tradition, and true Italian soul.”

Fast forward to Tuesday evening, I arrived and was greeted by so many smiling, familiar faces who genuinely looked happy to see me. Matteo came up to me and gave me a big hug. This is going to sound very cringeworthy, but this warm welcome made me feel quite emotional, a good kind of emotional, don’t worry. It really felt like coming home and seeing your family for the first time in a long time. Something I’ve really missed since my mom’s passing. So this was very special to me. We were shown to our table, which was next to a window where the golden hour glow was spilling through. We were a bit early so it was still relatively quiet, just a hum of happy conversation, relaxed but with a hint of excitement. The space has that cosy Cape Town meets Italian Village charm. Soulful, warm, and real. As it got darker, the room filled with warm lighting from the hanging lampshades that looked like they'd seen countless dinners and stories. We were in for a wonderful evening, where good food meets good people, and everything slows down just enough to be remembered. 

By the time everyone had found their seats, the room had come alive. It was that moment when conversation started to blend with laughter. And just like that, it was time to begin. We were greeted by the hosts and were given a bit of a rundown of the evening. Then, one of the Zevenwacht (Wine Farm) team members spoke about the collaboration and how the wines were chosen to complement each dish. Or rather, how the food was chosen to complement the wine… Who’s to say! There is something special about hearing directly from  the people behind the pour, it makes you appreciate the details.

Our first course was Insalata Caprese Con Prosciutto Crudo paired with 7Even Rose 2025. I’m a Rose girl through and through, so I knew this first sip was going to be my kind of night. It was fresh, lively, and had just enough acidity to cut through the richness of the food to come. Our starter looked beautiful, vibrant, and confident. Just as it should.  Everything was arranged with that effortless elegance Italians just seem to know. It was love at first bite, I mean, obviously. Glossy cherry tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, fresh basil, all drizzled with slightly sweet balsamic glaze and nutty olive oil? Yes, I just listed all the ingredients. Why? Because that’s what it’s all about. Letting good quality ingredients speak for themselves. On the other side of the plate was parma ham on a bed of pesto. Of course the parma ham was amazing, smoky and salty, what more could you ask for? I forgot to mention this course was accompanied by golden little Pinzini Ferraresi, lightly deep fried bread pockets. These came in handy for scooping up the garlicky pesto. Tastewise, it was harmony, every element played its part, and it was just super fun to eat. I love a bit of mixing and matching. The rose wove through it like a finishing touch, lifting each flavour, keeping everything bright.

The second course was Tagliolini alle Vongole e Limone paired with Estate Sauvignon Blanc.  This was literally everything I love about Italian cooking. Simple, honest, and living by the “less is more” principle. No theatrics, no unnecessary twists, just quiet perfection. The pasta had that homemade magic to it, a little uneven in the best way. It was coated in a subtle but layered white wine sauce, kissed with lemon and a hint of chilli that just woke everything up. The clams were the definite star of the show, they were tender and clean, and had that pure briny sweetness that makes you feel you’re somewhere on the coast, rather than the city. I loved that the chef didn’t drown the dish in sauce or overpowering flavours, everything was just enough and well balanced. Everything felt very intentional. Now, for the wine, excellent choice. It was bright, elegant and practically danced with the lemon in the pasta. Every sip reset your palate and somehow made the next bite even better. I couldn’t help but think of my mom. Sav was her wine, her glass no matter the day. This course reminded me of the dream we shared, a mother-daughter trip to Italy… I promise I’ll go mom, I’ll take your spirit with me. I’ll make a toast to you, with a glass of Sav and a big bowl of pasta! Kisses.

By this point, the room had a warm buzz of contentment. Glasses clinking, laughter growing, the space was alive and glowing under those mismatched lamps. You could feel everyone settling in, ready for what was next. And next was Calzone Con Salsiccia and Funghi paired with Z Collection Syrah. I’ll be honest, I was nervous for this one. I’ve never actually had a calzone before, and in my head it was going to be oily, too heavy, or one of those doughy half baked disasters. But wow… I was wrong (yes, I can admit that). This was phenomenal. The dough was perfectly thin with just enough chew, and golden at the edges. Inside, everything just melted together. The sweet, slightly tangy tomato sauce, that rich and juicy Italian sausage, and a touch of creamy mozzarella binding it all in this gorgeously balanced way. It was that kind of comfort food that doesn’t sit heavy, it hugs you from the inside. Honestly, I’d come back for this alone. The wine pairing was bold and beautiful, the Syrah stood up to the richness without overwhelming it. The perfect partner for something as rustic and soulful as this. After three courses and three very heavy handed glasses of wine, I’m sure you can imagine what the room was like. It felt like a proper Italian dinner, warm, connected, and just a little bit loud. Stunning!

This brings us to the absolutely out of this world Stinco Di Agnello Con Salsa Verde, which was paired with Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Oh. My. Word. This IS the best lamb dish I have ever had in my 26 years on Earth. I am truly not exaggerating. The last time I was there, I called their lamb pasta the best I’d tasted, so I shouldn’t be surprised. But this… this was next level. The lamb literally fell off the bone, like, the bone was clean. Squeaky clean. You could lift it with a fork and it would just slide off like butter. It was rich and deeply flavoured. I feel silly trying to write about it because there are no words to describe how delicious this was. Every bite was tender, juicy, and packed with soul. And then there was the salsa verde. It was fresh, punchy, and herbaceous. It wasn’t spicy, just beautifully acidic and bright, cutting through the richness of the lamb perfectly. Whoever thought to pair those two together deserved a medal… and a trophy. It was heaven. The wine was bold, dark, and full bodied. The kind of red that makes you slow down between bites. It had this beautiful balance of fruit and spice. It grounded the richness of the lamb, rounded the sharpness of the salsa, and made every mouthful feel complete.

After four generous, flavour packed courses, a beautiful Cannoncino alla Crema arrived like a gentle exhale. It was simple, delicate, and exactly what the night needed. A crisp, golden shell dusted with icing sugar, and filled with the silkiest vanilla infused custard cream. Not too sweet, not too rich, just right. It had that nostalgic “baked with love” quality you only get from true Italian desserts. There was no pairing this time and probably for the best after four going on eight glasses of wine. It stood beautifully on its own too. This felt like the kind of dessert you end a family dinner with, that little bit of sweetness before heading home. That’s how the whole evening felt, authentic, warm, and full of heart. 

From start to finish, this evening at The Woodlands Eatery felt like being part of something genuine. The kind of experience that lingers, not just on your palate, but in your memory. Every course was thoughtful, every pairing was intentional, and every flavour told a story of care, tradition, and true Italian soul. There’s something about this space that makes you want to stay a little longer. It’s homely without trying and honest in all the best ways. I can’t wait to be back again soon. Experiences like this don’t come around often, and when they do you hold onto them.

Thank you Woodlands Eatery! Till next time!