Rambling Litchi’s best of 2016

Just when you thought I was done for the year, I decided a ‘best of’ compilation post was necessary.

See the list below for some of our favourite things from 2016, all in and around Cape Town obviously, and expect an annual update*. Some categories will remain, others will change. Note that most of these came to mind instantly, but some were dismissed as we experienced them last year, not this year, and others I had to manually search my blog(s) for mentions and reminders – links included if you want to walk down my memory lane again. If there are any categories you feel I’ve left out, let me know! 🙂

Milkshake: There’s no denying milkshake is my favourite treat. This year, I’ve learned that if an establishment goes so far as to title something a ‘Freek shake’ best you believe it. Gibson’s Peppermint Caramel Freek Shake was enormous and I probably should have shared it. Ditto with the Festive Underground Eatery or FUE‘s cocopine shake much earlier this year.

Gibson’s peppermint caramel Freek shake.

Burger: What goes with milkshake? Burgers, of course. You just can’t go wrong at Jerry’s. The patty is tasty, cooked to perfection on a brioche bun and the side of fries doused in Sriracha is a treat in itself. The bacon, cheese and onion ring-topped buccaneer beef burger at Catch22 also gets a thumbs-up from me.

The cheese, rocket and caramelised onion topped ‘Jerry’ burger at Jerry’s, with fries doused in Sriracha sauce.

Hike: We’ve done quite a few hikes this year to work off all those burgers and shakes – most recently the Skeleton Gorge version up Table Mountain – but our faves all involved caves. That’s because you want a good view, sense of accomplishment and a body that’s not on the point of collapse once you reach your destination. Wally’s Cave in Lion’s Head was this year’s hidden hideaway gem.

Wally’s Cave, conquered! If you know where to go it’s quite an easy climb up Lion’s Head.

Conference venue: It’s not all about weekend activities though. Conferences are the lifeblood of my worklife. The Artscape Theatre and trusty CTICC are always a good bet for Wi-Fi, tasty snacks and temperature control, but my best was the Vineyard Hotel.

The distracting view from my seat in the Vineyard Hotel ballroom, where I attended a few conferences this year.

Night away: Living in Cape Town is a little like living in paradise, but everyone needs a break away from their daily routine once in a while. For us, the best version of this was at Majeka House in Stellenbosch. Just over an hour from our front door, the suites are enormous, the spa treatments are heavenly and the food is simply superb.

Chandelier-style lights lit up the spa and pool area at Majeka House. I spent a lot of time in the jacuzzi at the far end.

Romantic dinner: You also need to celebrate special occasions as they arise. Maybe just because we went there to celebrate our ninth wedding anniversary, maybe because they’re just up the road, but Homespun is at the tippy top of our ‘lovey-dovey locations’. The food, drinks, setting and service are all commendable.

The lamb shank at Homespun.

Once-in-a-lifetime meal: This category is for those breathtaking meals that cost quite the pretty penny and offer course after course of plates you simply can’t help but take photos – and videos – of. The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français in Franschhoek was our winner here. Go soon if this is something on your foodie bucket list, as chef Margot Janse is leaving these kitchens early next year.

Posing with the wire win glass to prepare for the eight-course pairing dinner at Le Quartier Français’ Tasting Room.

Road trip: Whether you’re staying the night or just out for a few hours on the road, there’s nothing like a few empty hours to fulfill your wanderlust. We did so a few times this year, enjoying a few afternoons in the unspoilt beauty of Gordon’s Bay and Langebaan, both around two hours from home.

Beautiful views along the road that hugs the coast from Pringle Bay to Gordon’s Bay.

Winter special: One of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets is that many of its fine dining establishments offer warming meals at pocket-friendly prices in the cold winter months. Some of this year’s best include the half-price chicken curry specials at Inside in Eden on the Bay.

Two of our half-price winter chicken curries of 2016, at Inside Lounge in Eden on the Bay. That’s a bunny chow and a mild korma.

Alcohol tasting: You’re really spoilt for choice if wine is your thing, but those who prefer a more refined tipple are also in for a treat in the Cape. Val du Charron in Wellington does so with beautiful legends behind each wine blend, and many wine farms offer an MCC tasting of their bubbliest bubbly, but it’s the KWV brandy tasting that got Husband’s seal of approval this year.

KWV’s ‘brandy and Huguenot chocolate’ pairing.

Weekend lunch: This list proves it’s not all about the bustling CBD. In fact, on weekends there’s lots of appeal in driving a little off the beaten track to find a new venue where you can spend a few hours eating, drinking and laughing with loved ones. Glenelly Estate in Stellenbosch is a beautiful spot for this, with panoramic views of the estate’s 123-hectare vineyards, an adventurous menu and their own wine varietals on The Vine Bistro‘s menu.

View of the vineyards from Glenelly Estate.

Seafood meal: Unless you’re allergic to it, a meal out in Cape Town should include seafood. I passed the baton the Husband on this one, and a few of his favourites were the fettuccinne marina and platter for two at Panama Jacks in the Cape Town harbour.

The seafood platter special at Panama Jacks.

Wild meal: Eating out in South Africa often means eating unusual dishes. The tasting menu at Catharina‘s on Steenberg Estate is an excellent way to do so. Though seasonal, you’re likely to find delicacies like wild boar, crocodile and zebra on offer.

Grilled zebra with aubergine maize meal and spicy chakalaka, part of the eight-course wild tasting menu at Catharina’s.

Eggs benedict: Husband’s weekend breakfast staple, we’ve sampled quite a few this year. The ones we kept going back to were the salmon version from Company’s Garden and the pork-belly bacon benedict at Steenberg’s 1682. Tart Hollandaise, yolk that pours at just the right pace and not-your-average toasted base. Yum!

Eggs benedict with Steenberg’s 1682 pork-belly bacon. Yes.

Dessert: Sometimes you don’t want a full meal. Sometimes it’s just your sweet tooth looking for satisfaction. I seem to have a mouth full of sweet teeth as I’ve had a jaw-dropping amount of desserts this year. My best have been the caramel bar at Majeka House’s Makaron, and the winter chocolate fondant and the summer raspberry ice cream sandwich at Grande Provence’s The Restaurant. Beautifully plated, these are the type of sweet treat you swirl around in your mouth with your eyes closed, and follow with a sip of strong coffee to enhance those flavours.

The Restaurant at Grande Provence’s ‘berry ice cream sandwich’.

Speaking of…

Coffee: My bloodstream is coffee. I’m not fully functional before at least a cuppa or two, so the weekend hasn’t officially started before I’ve had a caffeine-filled cappuccino or latte. My favourites this year include the cappuccino at Village Place Cafe, with a shot of toffee syrup, and the regular cap at The Hart Breadhouse and Eatery in Melkbos.

I’d expect nothing less than a heart swirled into the foam of my strong cappuccino when breakfasting at The Hart Breadhouse and Eatery in Melkbos.

Over and out, folks! Here’s to sampling the very best of 2017, watch this space…

*All photos my own. Disclaimer: Some of these were experienced free-of-charge as I reviewed them for work, but most came from our own pockets. No payment was considered for this ‘best of’ list as it’s all based on personal preference.

Hiking Table Mountain’s Skeleton Gorge, touristy fun at the Waterfront and Christmas 2016

As we’ve been on leave for exactly a week, you can expect a double dose of the usual amount of pics below…

Friday, 23 December 2016: Brother airport collection, Spur breakfast and my first Dunkin Donut

First thing on Friday, our first day of leave,  we headed off to the airport. Next step, the brothers reunited! This scene was all the more touching as we’d just watched the ultimate ‘Christmas airport reunion’ movie the night before, Love Actually. I also liked the pretty tree of light on the right.

First stop, breakfast! We went for the Unreal breakfast at Canal Walk’s Spur.

We ran a few errands at Canal Walk that morning, and I finally got to try a Dunkin Donuts’ pastry. All cost R14, so you pay for quantity then select the one you want. They didn’t have yellow smiley faces so tried a ‘snowman’ – and was pleasantly surprised when I bit into a rich chocolatey centre.

It was a rainy afternoon but we were happy to spend it at home, catching up by playing Star Wars Trivial Pursuit, blogging and braai-ing.

Saturday, 24 December 2016: Big Bay morning, Woodbridge afternoon

Saturday was sunny and we had lots and lots to do, so we started our day with breakfast at The Daily Cafe in Seaside Village – that’s my cappuccino and Nutella flapjacks on the left, with Husband’s bruschetta and brother-in-law’s breakfast wrap on the right.

I couldn’t say ‘no’ to trying a Slo-Jo ‘Coffee in a cone’ when we passed Village Place Cafe in West Coast Village while running a few errands on Saturday. You down the coffee before it can melt through the chocolate and cone, then munch through the shell. I’ll be back! 🙂

View of Table Mountain from Big Bay, where brother-in-law dunked his feet in the sea for the first time during this visit as it had been raining the day before.

Husband and his brother in the yellow Nat Geo picture frame of Table Mountain from Big Bay.

That afternoon we did a very mild hike from Woodbridge Island, across Lagoon Beach and back. We rewarded ourselves with chilli poppers at Woodbridge Island’s Ilha.

We gave the Star Wars Trivial Pursuit another bash later that afternoon. I came last, even with Bassie’s help.

Sunday, 25 December 2016: Christmas lunch at our house

Cheers, Merry Christmas! Pose of all attendees at this year’s lunch, doggies are at our feet so sadly not in this shot.

But the doggies had lots of fun moments. Bertie tugged his new stuffed toy and his Mickey Mouse Christmas stocking, while Bassie sat on my lap and admired the view from her granny’s shoulder. Most of all they looked at the Christmas lunch spread.

Christmas lunch! Look at all the lovely baked potatoes, turducken, corned beef, gammon, ‘salad wreath’, trifle and mojitos.

Hills also treated Bassie and Bertie to these personalised Christmas stockings, each filled with a can of tasty age-appropriate stew for their Christmas dins.

After all that attention and all that food, the doggies nodded off happily.

Monday, 26 December 2016: Road trip to Langebaan

We had a busy day ahead so decided to fill up on the buffet breakfast at Doodles on the Blouberg beachfront as it was a public holiday. There are my three courses, and note the couple photobombing me and brother-in-law in the bottom left.

Duckies and geese all on patrol at the Vyge Valley farm stall on our road trip to Langebaan.

Finally there, we popped into Husky’s to wet our whistles and for a bite to eat. See my very pink strawberry shake and the samo basket once we’d eaten all the ‘samos’, chipolata sausages and tiny chicken wings (see how small in Husband’s wrist).

Brothers examining the sea at Shark Bay just outside Langebaan.

Some of our Langebaan seaside activities. See if you can spot Husband and brother-in-law, the tiny dots in the sea on the top and bottom left!

Tuesday, 27 December 2016: Skeleton Gorge hike up Table Mountain

Tuesday was hiking day. We’d dithered over tackling Lion’s Head or Table Mountain, eventually opting for Table Mountain through Skeleton Gorge – we parked the car at Cecelia Forest, then hiked into the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens and started the trail. It looks very sunny in these pics but quickly became overcast.

Once in Kirstenbosch we ambled across the slightly swaying Boomslang canopy walkway before the heavy hike began. Quite the view.

We were completely exhausted by the time we reached the top of Skeleton Gorge. Some of us literally lay down to nap among the flowers, some gazed at the view.

Success! We reached the rock cairn of Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point of the Table Mountain park, after a good six hours of hiking.

After trekking across the top of the mountain we finally reached the upper cable station – there’s no way we were hiking back down! See some of the cloud and sights from the top, and how unimpressed Husband looked after 9km of hiking.

Wednesday, 28 December 2016: Touristy things at V&A Waterfront, dog walkies in the suburbs

We had an Entertainer voucher to use on Yacoob Yachts’ Ameera before the end of the year, but got to use it on the slightly larger Tigresse as Ameera wasn’t running that day. No seasickness in sight, but we got a little sunburnt. Spotted a few dolphins and other sea life and felt a little more like we were on holiday after.

We decided to use another of our 2016 Entertainer vouchers while at the Waterfront, for a two-for-one trip around the Cape Wheel. Another touristy thing to tick off the to-do list.

We stuck with our nautical theme for the day by lunching at Panama Jacks in the harbour. I felt like a plate of chips while the boys went for the fettuccine marinara. We had to hold onto our hats as it was really windy.

It was too windy for beach walkies that afternoon but the doggies were keen to stretch their legs so we went a few blocks around the house. They loved it.

Thursday, 29 December 2016: Mussel morning, Cape Point afternoon

Thursday morning was for mussel collecting as it was the best tide for it. I read under a beach umbrella while Husband bravely ventured into the sea to collect a bag-full.

By then we all had rumbling (and rambling) tums, so stopped off at Village Place Cafe in West Coast Village. I had a delicious cappuccino with a shot of toffee syrup, so yum.

There’s Husband with my cappuccino, my banana-peanut waffle, brother-in-law’s big breakfast on top and Husband’s pesto breakfast below.

Next stop, Cape Point! We saw the most beautiful ocean views and smelled delicious sea air the whole way there.

We didn’t follow all the cars on their way to Cape Point, instead turning off before then to reach the not well-known tidal pool.

Venus Pool is only accessible by short hike, so short hike we took. The pool was pretty empty and just right for my first swim of the summer.

Husband had a wonderful time splashing about and gazing out at the sea from the sea wall.

That’s all for now, folks! Brother Spec is with us for a few more days and we have another week of leave to look forward to, so expect another image-heavy post next week (make that ‘next year’… ) 🙂

Muizenberg delights and Gibson’s gourmet burgers & Freek shakes

It’s here, it’s here! 🙂 The end-of-year holidays are upon us, and we collected brother-in-law Spec from the airport this morning, so will have fun times with him well into 2017.

Until then, here’s our most recent batch of highlights…

Friday, 16 December 2016: Bar-One poppers at I Love Big Bay market

Last Friday was Day of Reconciliation, but Husband had to work. I had a lazy morning with the doggies then went with Mum and Dad to Eden on the Bay’s ‘I Love Big Bay’ market – usually held on the final Wednesday of the month, but a public-holiday Friday works, too. We tried various fresh and fried goods, like chilli bites and Bar-One ‘poppers’.

We also had some slightly healthier options, like a wholewheat shwarma with chilli, chicken and lots of veg.

Saturday, 17 December 2016: Muizenberg and Fish Hoek morning, Gibson’s burgers & shakes afternoon

We set off for Muizenberg first thing on Saturday, and were surprised to find a relatively empty beach.

Some of the lesser-known Muizenberg sights – colourful beach huts as usually seen in St James, and striking giraffe graffiti.

Of course we needed breakfast before further sightseeing. We stopped in at Empire Cafe and Husband opted for the ‘poached eggs on butternut rosti’ and I tried the bacon, lettuce, tomato or BLT croissant with balsamic glaze, both delicious.

Husband sat in front of the coffee machine but I’m the one who tried the cappuccino. Just perfect with the BLT croissant.

Bellies lined, we set off up the road to Fish Hoek. Husband swam in the sea right along the shark net, while I read in the shade.

Next stop was Boulders Beach, a little past Simon’s Town. We spotted lots of little penguins far down on the beach below but didn’t have time to go explore properly.

You can just see the penguins on the beach through the hollow in the trees.

By then it was lunchtime, and we had a date at Gibson’s Gourmet Burgers & Ribs at the V&A Waterfront. Husband gave Gibson’s own brand of craft beer a shot.

Just look at those choices! There are pages and pages to flip through, with over 40 burgers and 100 shakes to choose from. I went for the Governor burger, top left, and the peppermint caramel Freek shake, middle bottom. Both were huge and delicious.

Everything we sampled: A minty mojito, the Tex-mex burger with nachos and a baked potato, the cheesy Governor burger with sweet potato fries and the peppermint caramel Freek shake. Click here for my official review!

We were both so very full that the rest of the afternoon entailed spending quality time with the doggies.

Sunday, 18 December 2016: Bread & Butter breakfast, Sunningdale dog walkies

We started our Sunday at Bread & Butter. Husband had the salmon eggs benedict.

I had the ‘breakfast banana split’, filled with yoghurt, granola and berries.

We managed to fit in a quick beach visit early that afternoon.

We took the doggies’ walkies-gear along when we visited their grandparents later that afternoon. Bertie darted this way and that, exploring the bushes.

A few more snaps from the doggies’ walkies.

Lots of chicken and salad for lupper at Mum’s that eve.

And for dessert, a wonderfully fruity custard flan.

Monday, 19 to Thursday, 22 December 2016: Veggie gardening and final work week antics

Husband’s been doing quite a bit of gardening recently. See how his seedlings are taking off here…

He also built beautiful wooden planters for strawberries and tomatoes by taking apart a pallet. And the strawberry plants are already ripe! Nothing beats the taste of something from your own garden.

We had lots and lots of Christmas treats in the office this week.

The last work day of the year meant a braai for Husband and his colleagues at Clarion. See his lunch plate below the pic of him cheers-ing his colleague, and on the right my own ‘final work day’ lunch of chicken briyani, noodles and Coke.

That’s all, folks! We hope you have a wonderful Christmas week and that you have time to relax and recharge your batteries before 2017 kicks in.

*Disclaimer: Obviously our meals at Gibson’s were part of our review package. All else came from our own pockets. All enjoyed equally.

Woodbridge Island walks and lunching at Glenelly Estate’s Vine Bistro

We’ve had a wonderfully sunny week, with lots of time spent outdoors…

Saturday, 10 December 2016: Summer lunch review at Glenelly Estate

We started last weekend with a quick, shared breakfast at the closest Cafe Lacomia as we had a busy, food-filled day ahead. I love that I get two mini biscuits with the cappuccino there, and the Bulls Eye breakfast is just the right size for sharing. Plus, you’re encouraged to eat cupcakes (not that I did)…

Glenelly Estate, our lunch spot for the day on the outskirts of Stellenbosch, has some of the prettiest vineyards and views.

Nestled at the foot of the Simonsberg mountains, this is a truly lovely spot.

The vine-covered pathway.

The food at Glenelly’s the Vine Bistro! Heavens, it was good. You can see Husband’s cold red soup starter featuring octopus tentacles and chorizo, as well as his lemon-chive hake mains on the left, then my pork trotter starter and blueberry duck mains in the middle, and a bottle of the Glenelly Estate Chardonnay on the right. Click through to my official review for more words on these!

Dessert is served… Top left is my ‘warm melting biscuit’ with poached pears and yoghurt chantilly, bottom left is Husband’s creme caramel, and on the right, my cappuccino.

Tummies purring contentedly, we walked around the rest of the grounds. This is the view of the vineyards from the upstairs tasting room.

More of the upstairs tasting room’s view. Such a picture-perfect spot.

On the way home we passed a sign for Mountain View Piggery in Paarl and obviously had to turn in to have a look. The piggies were rather large and clean – not a surprise when we saw just how much the guy on the bottom was enjoying his shower.

That evening involved lots of relaxing things. Here we are with the doggies in the lounge.

Sunday, 11 December 2016: Lagoon Beach breakfast, Woodbridge Island walk

On Sunday morning we headed to The Brasserie in the Lagoon Beach Hotel for breakfast. The buffet option was quite pricy so we were happy to order from the a la carte menu. Here is my cappuccino and Husband’s breakfast Cola.

But what did we eat, I hear you ask? Husband opted for the salmony benedict you see on the left, while I went for the grilled banana-filled pancakes topped with strawberries and cream. Delicious!

Next on the agenda was a beach walk to Woodbridge Island and back. We love these palm trees outside Woodbridge.

We stopped a few times along the way to admire the view. Can just see the Woodbridge lighthouse in this shot.

We stopped to examine the ‘wreck’ at Lagoon Beach – Husband says it’s actually from a movie set.

Sunday afternoons are for milkshakes. Husband went for a Frankies’ Cinnamon Cola while I tried Bread & Butter’s ‘salted caramel’ shake. That’s a chewing-gum ball on top.

Tuesday, 13 December 2016: Pink sunsets and doggy TLC

Pink-streaked clouds like these are my favourite.

The doggies got lots of TLC when their grandparents visited for dins that eve! Bassie’s expression on the right, while getting ear rubs from her grandpa, is very funny.

Wednesday, 14 December 2016: Rogue One screening at iMax

On Wednesday, we headed off the the Cape Gate iMax after a long day of work to watch the new Star Wars movie, Rogue One. We were surrounded by Star Wars heavies but fit right in as we’d worn Star Wars gear all day and even read the pre-movie book Catalyst so knew most of the characters on screen.

That’s all, folks! There’s lots of excitement in the air as we’ll finally be on holiday at the end of this week, and Father Christmas is coming (along with brother-in-law, Spec) 🙂

*Disclaimer: Obviously our meals at Glenelly Estate were part of our review package. All else came from our own pockets. All enjoyed equally.

End-of-year work lunches at Cape Point Vineyards and Fat Cactus

We’re so close now that I can almost taste the holidays. Here’s what we’ve been getting up to while waiting…

Friday, 2 December 2016: Bizcommunity’s end-of-year lunch at Cape Point Vineyards, Noordhoek

We were so lucky with the weather last Friday, as our end-of-year office party was being held at Cape Point Vineyard in Noordhoek. What a gorgeous venue! The inside is simply beautiful but the outside area is a clear winner as you have views across to the Noordhoek beach.

Look at that delicious food! The top shot is the snacky platters brought to the table for all to share, then you can see what I opted for from the choices per lunch course: my beef carpaccio starter, rib-eye mains with tomatoes still on the vine and a caramel-macadamia nut cheesecake dessert. So delicious.

I spent lots of time laughing with my colleague Jess, who moved from Cape Town to Johannesburg earlier this year.

Team shot! Lots of happy faces.

Saturday, 3 December 2016: Breakfast at Company’s Garden, weekend beach walkies and paella at Espana

Saturday was our last full day with Husband’s parents as they were making the long trek back to Joburg the next day, so we decided on breakfast at Company’s Garden in town. Three of us went for cappuccinos, one had a coke, and three went for the eggs benedict while one tried something new: the apple-berry crumble. So yummy, as you’ll see below.

The before and mid. No picture of after as the bowl was clean.

Bellies full, we wandered around the gardens looking at all the squirrels and pigeons and plants. I also tested out this egg chair, and a squirrel darted back and forth in front of me.

Husband joined me for this shot.

Next up, a beach visit. Good shot of how the doggies go in different directions at the beach. All the while scrambling over rocks and dipping feeties in the sea.

Both looking happy, caught mid-scramble.

The three males – Husband, his dad and Bertie in a calmer-than-usual moment.

These are two very happy doggies after beach walkies.

For our final dins with Husband’s parents we ate at a firm family favourite, Espana in Burgundy Estate. Here is Husband demonstrating the outside and almost blending in with the decor inside.

To eat, we all went for the paella and all ate every morsel. My father-in-law also opted for their cinnamon-sugar pancakes. A lovely night.

The sunset over Table Mountain and the sea from Burgundy Estate is always a treat.

Sunday, 4 December 2016: Greens breakfast and 2016 Christmas trees

Parents safely on the long road back home, we stopped in at Greens in Plattekloof Village for breakfast. I had the waffle with caramel, banana and icecream, while Husband had the mushroom-spinach benedict. That’s my cappuccino and his breakfast Cola.

Amongst some weekend admin I also admired the pretty Christmas tree in a local nursery on the left, put up my own tree that evening and helped Mum decorate hers when we went for dins that eve.

Monday 5 to Thursday, 8 December 2016: Final team lunch at Fat Cactus

T’was the birthday of one of my colleagues on Friday and as she’d taken the day off we didn’t get to celebrate with her at our end-of-year. She brought in all sorts of deliciousness on Monday so we ‘cheers-ed’ her belatedly then.

We took a break from our desks for a few minutes of sunshine and spotted a little green chameleon trotting along. See how very green he is!

Thursday was our final team lunch of the year. We went across to the Fat Cactus and were back at our desks just over an our later. I went for the pulled-pork soft tacos and espresso shake.

It’s another two weeks of work, then Husband’s brother comes down to stay with us for a few weeks over the Christmas break. Exciting times! 🙂

Steenberg’s 1682 benedicts and Grande Provence’s sensory summer lunch

This past week was very foodie, so we tried to get in a fair bit of exercise too with a few dog walks, beach visits and dips in the sea. See for yourself below…

Friday, 25 November 2016: Post-work doggy beach walk

Bassie was excited to be in the car, despite not being 100% sure where she was being taken just yet.

Both were singing with excitement when they realised we were stopping at Kreeftebaai. The beach was deserted due to the wind. Here you can see Husband leading Bertie along the rocks.

Even though it was quite windy last Friday, the doggies thought it was a wonderful idea to go for beach walkies. Bertie frollicked in the waves and along the rocks, where he met a seal.

This glazed look complete with sandy nose is always a sure sign that Bassie had a lovely time at the beach.

Saturday, 26 November 2016: Steenberg breakfasts and beach visits

Saturday morning we took the parents to 1682 at Steenberg Estate for breakfast. Here’s the menu and some of our breakfast coffees…

Their pork belly bacon is such a win that we both ordered the standard benedict, as did father-in-law. Mother-in-law went for the salmon version, and we loved the hot honey rolls served as a breakfast starter.

Some of the flowers and bottles on display at 1682.

Just look at that view, perfectly picturesque.

Later that afternoon Husband had to pop into work so I fitted in some early Christmas shopping at Bayside. This was my midway treat of coffee shake and lemon meringue slice at Peacocks’ Perfect Cup.

When we met up again late-afternoon it was such a perfect beach day we couldn’t resist a quick run down to dip our toes in the icy water, and gazed at the many kite surfers bobbing about in the breeze.

Sunday, 27 November 2016: Summer lunch sampling at Franchhoek’s The Restaurant at Grande Provence

We planned ahead and decided on a shared breakfast at our local Food Lover’s Market on Sunday morning. I had a cappuccino, Husband his standard breakfast Cola, and we shared the pesto halloumi toast. Good idea, as we lined our stomachs just enough and the bill came to less than R100, including tip!

The road is long, the lavender tall and the shrubs a deep green as you turn into Grande Provence from the Franschhoek main road.

We sat outside under the trees in the Sculpture Garden – good thing as it was a 34’C day. This is the striking table setting.

First up, their signature bread board. Those cheese straws are some of my favourite things!

Husband sampled a glass of their Chardonnay, which was fruity and light.

First starter: tuna yukhoe. Such bright colours, such a good mix of flavours! Mine was served without the tuna.

The asparagus salad starter on beautiful light-blue plate.

Husband made light work of the 18-hour smoked pork belly (his second serving of the weekend), beneath all the pastel crunch – also still a starter.

We needed to stretch our legs before we could tuck into the mains. Husband started with the kingklip.

I had the blesbok shank, with lots of seasonal veg and peppery crunch.

For second mains we were both presented with the beef short rib with Asian mustard and potato two ways and a bed of sweet date paste. Both scraped our plates clean.

And then, dessert. Creamy caramelised white chocolate pot au creme on the left, berry ‘ice cream sandwich’ on the right. Amazing and highly recommended.

Franschhoek main road is back along this tree-lined driveway.

We stopped off for a quick dip in the sea on our way home as it was still so very hot.

Mid-week evenings

Bertie demonstrated his ‘cat skills’ by sprawling along the top of the back of the couch, and was very interested in a nature show we watched with the parents.

Little Bassie insisted on sitting with us at the table while having dins.

That’s all, folks! Click here to read my review of Grande Provence in full.