The Big Easy Grill is an extension of what Ernie’s career and passion for great food and wine represents. A commitment to excellence and quality; executed to perfection with the right partner.
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 are friendly and serve up the classics that way you wish, but we also have something more around the corner if you want to explore. Being at the Big Easy is like going to Ernie’s place; one can eat at the kitchen counter, in the casual family room or the slightly more formal dining room.
We support and are considerate of local environments, flavors and suppliers with the same kind of care and sustainable approach we look after our wine farm in Stellenbosch.
You feel at home here…
The culinary program of the Big Easy has been developed in close cooperation with South Africa’s Chef of the Year 2010, David Higgs. His creativity and talent catapulted his restaurant in Stellenbosch not just to #1 in the TimeOut awards, but also on the 98th place in San Pellegrino’s Top 100 Restaurants in the World and three stars from Rossouw’s Restaurant Guide.
Higgs’ personal titles include Young Chef of the Year from the Chaine des Rotisseurs, which he won as young chef. When asked when he received his greatest award, the reply is “In 2009 when I was able to persuade Ferran Adrià of the existence of South African haute cuisine” The exceptional Spanish chef was bowled over by the high quality and creativity in David’s kitchen.
Since its launch more than a decade ago Ernie Els Wines has grown and matured into a successful and multi-award winning enterprise with a magnificent portfolio of six South African red wines.
In 2011, Big Easy wines were added to the portfolio – as everyday affordable excellence.
Ernie himself is passionate about wine and is very much involved in the tasting process. In partnership with experienced winemaker Louis Strydom their shared passion for wine is reflected in the quality of the product right across the price ranges.