If you happened to notice that the doors of your favourite inner-city lunch spot, Bistrot Bizerca, have closed, we have the best news for you.

While chef Laurent Deslandes might have moved on, he hasn’t exactly left the historical courtyard that hosts what is thought to be the oldest vine in South Africa – rather, he has joined forces with the former bistro’s neighbour, HQ.

The partnership comes as the popular steakhouse looks to move beyond its trademark sirloin-and-salad. Laurent has already added his influential touch to their tapas menu and popular Fine Wining and Raise the Steaks evenings.

Now, French-born Laurent will open ‘The Courtyard by Laurent’ at HQ, which will serve a “Bizerca-influenced tapas and plat du jour menu for lunch – Monday to Friday – with the eatery staying open until 8PM on Fridays for those lingering after-work drinks and eats,” explains EatOut.

This is what you can expect to find on the menu:

The dishes will be a combination of some Bizerca classics along with some new dishes.

Visitors can look forward to the likes of beef tartare with pommes gaufrettes; raw salmon salad with rocket, goat’s cheese, pine nuts and soy dressing; sautéed baby squid and chorizo with roasted pepper and parmesan; and Moroccan-style pulled lamb shoulder with toasted brioche, raita and hummus.

As for the beverages, The Courtyard will offer the same delicious menu as HQ.

The full menu is set to be revealed on Tuesday, April 18, and we are offering you the chance to win a table for two in celebration.

The meal, to the value of R1 000, will include petit plats and wine for two to make use of during their opening times.

To stand a chance of winning, either email henk@2oceansvibe.com OR tweet @2oceansvibe and @HQCAPETOWN, telling us your favourite thing about tapas.

Who knows, you could be dining like royalty for lunch next week – after all, Laurent has been hailed as one of the top chefs in South Africa, and also as an award-winning chef in Australia.

Some of his local awards include Eat Out Best Bistro in SA, Fleur de Cap Restaurant Awards’ Top 10, and a 3-star rating from Rossouw’s Restaurants.

Winners announced next week Wednesday.

[source: eatout]