THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Cape Dutch

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Cape Dutch Restaurant Review:

South Africa-born Justin Anthony, who partnered with his father in 10 Degrees South, and Philippe Haddad, who is Belgian by birth, are longtime Atlantans. Anthony tapped Haddad as executive chef for Cape Dutch, located in the former Woodfire Grill, naming the restaurant to allude to South Africa’s Cape Dutch architecture. But the design, executed by Anthony's wife, Kelly, does not replicate that style. Stark white, suggesting the Cape Dutch palette, blazes through the interior, but warm lighting tempers any chill it might convey. The bar at the entrance is ideal for sipping, nibbling and conversing. The menu offers classics with a twist. We enjoyed the tiny dish of creamy foie gras under a light brûlée, with a slice of sautéed foie gras perched atop king oyster mushrooms. It’s completed by a fig confit and toast points. Anthony draws on the braai tradition of South Africa, offering a wide range of grilled meats, including a burger, and fish. But for vegetarians there's porcini-stuffed ravioli in sage butter to which black truffle shavings may be added (a $30 upcharge, and worth it). The chef gets in his tradition with a Belgian ale-braised rabbit leg in grainy mustard sauce. For dessert, go for the dark chocolate soup. Naturally, there are numerous South African wines on the list, but it ranges widely. One rarely seen selection, though, is the dessert wine Klein Constantia's Vin de Constance, a favorite of 19th-century enthusiasts.