Since the start of July, more than 90 restaurants from all over South Africa have been dishing up thousands of pizzas to their loyal patrons who in turn have been casting their votes in an effort to ensure their favourite eatery stands a chance of winning this year’s Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge.
Last year’s competition saw Cape Town’s Ferdinando’s Pizza take top honours, closely followed by 2021 winner Gino’s of Robertsham with Gino’s of Stellenbosch in thirs spot. And while those three, along with other favourites from last year, are currently again in the Top 10, there’s one newcomer to the competition that’s closing the gap fast and is presently placed at number six with four weeks of voting still left to go.
And that newbie is Mooiuitsig Kombuis, located in Groot Brakrivier, an historic coastal village 17 kilometres north of Mossel Bay.
Says owner Erasmus Myburg: “Established roughly 10 years ago, it was originally one of the local bars in the area but after I acquired it about a year ago, I decided to turn it into a more family-friendly establishment.”
It wasn’t long before the restaurant had become a firm favourite with both locals and visitors to the area, with its pizzas particularly sought after.
“Since we made the change we have won the Restaurant Guru Award for the best pizzas and we were also nominated the best restaurant in the area,” says Myburg.
What inspired Myburg to call his restaurant Mooituitsig Kombuis?
“We have a huge outside deck from where there are stunning views of the ocean on one side and terrific views of the mountains on the other side, so all in all a beautiful 360 degree panoramic vista.”
Myburg also points out that there is a huge outside garden with a children’s play area and braai facilities.
Onto the all-important questions about their menu and, in light of their position on the competition leaderboard, their pizzas!
“Our menu is pretty simplistic with all the favourites there – salads, burgers, steaks, chicken dishes, curries, fish dishes and of course our much loved pizzas.”
Myburg says the restaurant’s signature pizza is the Dynamite Prawn Pizza which has a secret sauce base – which he says is “a big, big winner” – and topped with fat juicy prawns as well as peppers, onion and cheese.
Other best-sellers are the Meat Feast (bacon, salami, sausages, garlic, onion, cheese), the Oopsie (cherry sauce base, cherries, bacon, cheese) and the I Surprise (olive oil base, garlic, chilli, bacon, feta, peppadews, mushrooms, cheese).
“We use fresh, locally sourced produce for all our dishes,” says Myburg, “and everything is made from scratch. We don’t buy any pre-made ingredients.”
What does Myburg personally choose when ordering from his own pizza menu?
“I love a nice thin crispy base and always go for the Chicken Mayo option along with a glass or two of Porcupine Ridge Syrah or Merlot. Heaven!”
The Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge runs until September 30, with the Top 20 and winner being announced in early November. The challenge is open to any restaurant offering pizza on its menu and holding a valid liquor license.
Each week, one lucky voter can win a case of Porcupine Ridge wine and EarthFire pizza accessories, while a grand prize-winner drawn at the end of the challenge will receive five cases of Porcupine Ridge wine, an EarthFire TableTop Pizza Oven and pizza from their favourite pizzeria to the value of R2 000.
For more information and to vote visit: www.votepizza.wine
For more on Porcupine Ridge visit: www.boekenhoutskloof.co.za/porcupine-ridge
Mooiuitsig Kombuis is located at Voorbrug R102, Groot-Brakrivier, South Africa. Tel: 081 311 2686
