Westin goes Gourmet: Dining on top of the world

Far down below the lights of Cape Town twinkled, a brightly-lit ship floated about at sea and the luminous Wheel of Excellence completed another slow rotation. Dinky toy cars raced along play park streets, and for once, the dark and imposing silhouette of Lion's Head did its predatorial name justice.

Sitting at a corner table of The Westin Cape Town's plush 19th storey Executive Club I was struck by the strange way in which a slight bit of elevation could transform such a familiar city into a faraway fairy world of the most laughable proportions.

Through the haze of these mystical and metaphorical thoughts clouding my already soggy, end-of-the-week-brain, I became vaguely aware of the waiter placing a rather large and sparkly distraction glass of red wine in front of me, followed shortly by a plate bearing two types of dainty bread roll and another displaying three flavours of butter. (Yes, three: biltong, avo and blue cheese, salmon and garlic.)

Instantly my attention turned from philosophical musings to the extensive menu of delectable-sounding gourmet dishes divided evenly among the three courses.

As a notoriously indecisive diner, I was obviously left umming, aaahing and wringing my hands, but finally managed to settle on something meaty for starters (Springbok Nicoise infused with a rooibos chili sauce), something fishy for mains (Fynbos Germanium and Saki seared Game Fish) and a dreamy chocolate concoction for dessert (Delice aux Chocolate).

With the noble idea of a shared experience, my dinner date opted for an entirely different set of dishes - Crushed wasabi pea inside out maki for a start, Duck liver terrine for mains and a trilogy of traditional puddings for dessert (bless his little soul). But of course, once the starter arrived, complete with cartoon-like tendrils of fragrant steam curling up into our nostrils, all good intentions of generosity wavered.

Being a gourmet meal, the portions were, of course, not the kind of size pleasing to a hearty young man, and I could feel the vibes of dismay radiating from the opposite side of the table. Fortunately the intriguing mix of flavours did much to appease him, leaving me to indulge my senses most fully.

The only complaint I had: it was over way too quickly! Once I'd swallowed that last piece of chocolate pudding, my stomach may have been quite satisfied, though not stuffed, but the rest of me was just not ready to go. So, what's a girl and boy to do, but have another glass of wine and pore over the magical view for a while longer?

Fortunately the evening didn't end there for me, as I got to experience the heavenly hospitality of the Westin Hotel overnight... and didn't even have to drop too far down, as my Executive Club room was located on the 17th floor with an incredible view of the fairy-light harbour. After a leisurely bath in the large tub, I made myself a cup of tea, sat on the uber comfortable psychologist-esque couch and, with journal in hand, returned to my thoughts once more. Total bliss.

Visitors with a penchant for culinary art and great views now have the option of booking a "Gourmet Getaway" at the Westin Hotel. This includes a three course meal at the Executive Club, a glass of wine, an overnight stay in one of the fresh Deluxe rooms and a breakfast. And, who knows, if you're lucky, you may be upgraded to one of the Executive Rooms on the 16th - 18th floor too!