What a surprise to walk in at The Marine Hotel after doing the Hermanus First Friday Art Walk. Things were different. Things have changed. Seafood at The Marine has been replaced with Origins at The Marine and it was looking good. The change extends to the addition of a number of new and friendly faces.

Executive Chef Peter Tempelhoff has teamed up with Chef Grant Parker to create a fresh menu that speaks to “origins”. The classic look of the small menu printed in earth colour and the food options listed mirror origins. The theme follows through in the textured serving dishes and plates with a choice of Small Plates, Shoots, Stems & Leaves, Hunted & Gathered and The Sweetness. The menu is interesting and with the help of duty manager Sam Koti it did not take long to make a selection. Fixated on the Small Plates meant a fun way of experiencing different flavours and sharing plates. Every bite was superb! Every bite was followed up with another to confirm the goodness. Dessert was apple tartatin.  Exceptional melt in the mouth flavours. The perfect finish to an amazing meal.

The new wine list is very local and you will find many of the newly announced Platter five star wines on this list. More importantly, the local favourites are there. Bot River, Hemel-en-Aarde, Stanford and Elim all have representation. Although this menu was only introduced on 2 November it has quickly proved to be popular. The dining area filled to capacity and it was obvious by the chatter and approving nods that followed every forkful that Origins at The Marine is a hit.