19 Apr, 2016
The TukTuk, a beloved 3 wheeled form of urban transport found all over Africa and South East Asia sports a simple engine and an accessible pricing philosophy. The aptly named TukTuk MicroBrewery in Franschhoek looks like it will achieve the same claim to fame. Fast, efficient, satisfying and a crowd pleaser. Mexican-inspired plates of tapas, beer tastings, fine wines and a friendly vibe make this spot as convivial as ….well the shoulder rubbing joy of sharing a ride in a TukTuk.
The Cheese Nacho’s with Guacamole, Pico de Gallo & Sour Cream cannot be resisted. A platter of crispy nacho’s drizzled with melted cheese and peppered with perfect peaks of sour cream and guacamole. Sprinklings of finely chopped fresh tomato add a splash of colour to a dish that is almost too delightfully styled to eat. The Game Fish Ceviche with Sour Cream and Tortilla Crisps is a mouth freshening delight in it’s fine balance of lime and other secrets. Equally devourable is the Spiced Tuna Taco, Pico de Gallo, Guacamole & Cabbage. Here the taco plays a supporting role. It is simply there to hold things together and in no way dominate the lead actors who are the aforementioned quartet. For a dish that presents a mélange of the healthy and the happy, look no further than the slow-cooked beef Taco with Braised Onions, Gem Lettuce and Smoked Onion Aïoli. So fragrant and delicious, it was almost inhaled.
Hydration is important in this hot little valley so before you embark on the small plates, consider a tasting of 3 or 5 beers from the Cape Brewing Company (CBC). The TukTuk branded brews are coming soon and promise to be some of the best in bespoke beers. For wine-lovers, this accommodating microbrewery has remembered it’s location in the heartland of the Cape’s vineyards and does offer some fine wines and bubbles.
The stylish industrial interior design is trend forward (remembering that copper is the new black) and has a wow factor appeal from the bar to as far as the draught-inspired bathroom taps. The terrace is well positioned for grandstand viewing of the eye-candy that is Franschhoek’s high street. Twenty-four wheeler trucks slow behind vintage cars and bikers jostle for pole parking positions, pretty frocks, heels, chino’s, GAP T’s, parasol-wielding Asian tourists and of course farmers make up a scene to soak up during a long lingering hydration.
Consider arriving (and leaving) by TukTuk
Call 072 735 3035 and in minutes, the real deal on 3 wheels will scoot on over to transfer you to anywhere (within a ten kilometre radius).
www.tuktukfranschhoek.co.za
info@tuktukfranschhoek.co.za
Find TukTuk Microbrewery at 14 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek.
Call them 021 492 2207
www.tuktukbrew.com
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