Gorgeous by Graham Beck at Steenberg, the first brand-exclusive bubbly bar in South Africa, has introduced a new Canapé and Cap Classique menu, featuring five gourmet canapés prepared by Executive Chef Garth Almazan, to be savoured with selected Graham Beck Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines.

Gorgeous is the latest addition to the world-class Steenberg estate, recently voted among the Top 100 Experiences in the World by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler in the US.

Chef Almazan, who heads up Catharina’s Restaurant in the same historic building as Gorgeous, has conceptualised each sumptuous creation to complement a particular Graham Beck sparkling wine, to offer a sophisticated food and wine journey in a very elegant and glamorous setting that is quite simply, well - gorgeous!

With the option of ordering just one or two canapés, or turning the menu into a dinner feast, these can be enjoyed to add sparkle to any occasion.  The new menu is available until 1 September 2012.

According to Almazan, bubbly is especially delicious enjoyed with seafood, and it’s no surprise that he has included two choices on the new menu.  The Sugar Cured Grilled Salmon Trout with teriyaki sauce, salmon caviar and fried seaweed (R30) will be enhanced by each sip of the flirtatious and fruity Graham Beck Brut Rosé 2009 (R65), with its lingering overtones of ripe strawberries and raspberry, rounded off with a long, fine creamy mousse.

The smooth, velvety texture of the Saldanha Bay Oysters with lime wedges, tabasco, and crushed black pepper (R18) perfectly balances the crispness of the Graham Beck Brut NV (R40), with its citrus notes of lime on the nose and rich, velvety complexity on the palate.

The marriage of tender Thai Ostrich Tartare with micro greens, coriander oil and melba toast (R30) with the rich, creamy aromas and fresh lime and tangerine overtones of the Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2008 (R65), is a another palate-pleasing triumph, as is the delectable duo of Watercress, Goat’s Cheese Risotto Croquette with pickled shemeji mushrooms and micro herbs (R25) with the latest addition to the Graham Beck MCC collection, the avant garde Brut Zero 2005 (R65).

The rich minerality and dry, fruity tones of this pure and natural sparkling wine contrast exquisitely with the wild and salty flavours of this creamy dish, to create a symphony of flavours that linger.

Another favourite, the chef’s bubbly and dessert option of Vanilla Panna Cotta with berry & lemon grass consommé (R25) is served with Graham Beck Bliss NV (R40) to add a tantalizing tingle to each spoonful of this classic Italian dessert.

Graham Beck sparkling wines are on offer at Gorgeous either by the bottle or per flute. (Prices quoted above per flute) Guests may also opt to taste the iconic flagship, Cuvée Clive, or to try a specific range, choosing from three non-vintage Graham Beck sparkling wines, or the three vintage cuvees.

Opening hours are from 12pm to 10pm seven days a week.

Limited seating is offered and no reservations are taken.