Winebar & Grill
The Big Easy
An extension of what Ernie’s career and passion for great food and wine represents. A commitment to excellence and quality, executed to perfection.
You feel at home here
Like going to Ernie’s place
The Big Easy does not pretend to be anything it isn’t. You should not feel guilty having a burger with an award-winning wine as your main course. We serve up the classics the way you wish, with something more around the corner if you want to explore.
Eat at the kitchen counter, in the casual family room or the slightly more formal dining room. We support local environments, flavours and suppliers with the same care we give our wine farm in Stellenbosch.
Comfort food with a South African edge
A menu shaped by David Higgs
The culinary programme was developed with South Africa’s Chef of the Year 2010, David Higgs, whose Stellenbosch restaurant reached #1 in the TimeOut awards and 98th in San Pellegrino’s Top 100 Restaurants in the World.
Ernie Els Wines
From our Stellenbosch estate
Since its launch more than a decade ago, Ernie Els Wines has grown into a multi-award-winning enterprise with a portfolio of six South African red wines, joined in 2011 by Big Easy wines: everyday affordable excellence.
Ernie is closely involved in the tasting process, in partnership with winemaker Louis Strydom.
The Team
The people behind the Big Easy
Culinary Director
David Higgs
South Africa’s Chef of the Year 2010 and a leader of the fresh-to-table movement.
Executive Director of F&B, Dubai
Andre John
Leads our flagship restaurant at The Els Club Dubai, after a career with Ritz-Carlton, Kempinski, Leela and Jumeirah.
Interior Designer
Therese Virserius
Creates compelling hospitality environments across the US, Europe, Africa, Asia and Russia.
Restaurant & Brand Development
Tobias F Mattstedt
Founder of BEYONDHOSPITALITY, formerly of Ritz-Carlton, the Peninsula Group and MGM Grand.