Waffle churros, all the French toast & pizazzy fun with Zip Zap Circus

Woohoo, tis a long weekend ahead! Husband worked all of last weekend and I’ve been at it ever since, so we’re looking forward to finally spending a bit of time together, Not that we were like ships in the night, exactly, as you’ll see below. But first…

Forgot to post this last week, from when I had an office visit from Sarah at WE Joburg. We shared enormous cappuccinos downstairs and she took these snaps of the space we work in. Now you know, too 🙂

Saturday, 22 April 2017: Handle-less coffees at Hemelhuijs and Zip Zap Circus sunshine

On Saturday morning, I went to Hemelhuijs in the De Waterkant end of the CBD with Mum and Dad for breakfast. Just look at their painted ceiling mural, handle-less coffee ‘bowls’, flakes of black salt (delicious) and stash of fresh quinces just waiting to be pureed.

Such a lovely way to get that essential caffeine down your gullet, guarantees you wrap your hands around the bowl and close your eyes to breathe deeply while doing so. No wonder we were smiling so!

See our coffee bowls top left, Mum’s mosbolletjie toast with rocket, avo and bacon; Dad’s salmon version of the same; and my French toast with bruleed banana. A delicious start to the weekend!

A forkful of Dad’s breakfast. Such pretty colours!

All these baked goods were calling my name too, but my belly was full to bursting by the time I saw them.

Next stop, Zip Zap Circus! It’s animal-free and training comes at no cost to the diverse kiddies in the various programmes. I brought Mum and Dad along to review the first of their 25-year special monthly shows. Click here to read it in full!

While waiting for the show to start (it was cooler outside than in the tent), Mum and I noticed our outfits matched this feather quite well. Coincidence!

Dad didn’t match but was happy to spend three tokens (the princely sum of R15) on this stem-filled glass of red.

A tiny selection of acts from the two-hour-or-so show that’s filled with juggling, trapeze, comedy and more. Go see it if you’re near the Artscape, it’s right there!

The doggies were the only animals I saw that day. Look how sweetly they snuggled together on the couch, with overlapping ears.

Sunday, 23 April 2017: Work kitties and FroZenYo waffle churros

Husband sent me this pic of his company at the office that morning. Cute kitty.

Once Husband was home we stopped in at the new FroZenYo in Marine Circle. Husband had a white chocolate-raspberry yoghurt shake, I had these waffle churros with warm chocolate dipping sauce. So good!

Wednesday, 26 April 2017: Chocolate tartlet

Wednesday was a good day for a mid-afternoon chocolate-y treat from the bakery downstairs. Just look at those jealous mug-owlies, caught in the act again.

Thursday, 27 April 2017: Freedom Day French toast

After a much-needed public holiday lie-in, it was time to fit in some fun. First stop, breakfast! We’d been to Cassia at Nitida a few times but never ventured further down the dirt road to Tables at Nitida. We’re so glad we did. It’s such a quaint setting and the food is lip-smackingly good. I mopped up my excess toffeed bananas with bits of French toast dotted with nuts, and Husband positively devoured his eggs benedict on savoury waffle.

My stripey doughnut from Dunkin’ Donuts in Tygervalley was pretty as a picture. Tasted good, too.

Once I’d done a bit of work from home we ventured off to our weekend/holiday favourite Eden on the Bay for a treat. We ended up at Saints Burger Joint. I had this single latte and ‘Irish nachos’ (potato skins), while Husband had their Bloody Mary-style tall el Mexicano cocktail and this here ‘comfortably numb’ chicken burger from their jukebox menu, with crispy side of sweet potato fries and green side of Greek salad. We barely made a dent, I’ll be eating those Irish nachos for days to come.

Ahh. This golden light before sunset is my favourite time of day to be beside the seaside. Especially with a view of Table Mountain in the distance.

That’s all, folks! Here’s hoping for a happy weekend for each of you. 🙂

*Disclaimer: Obviously our Zip Zap Circus tickets were part of our review package. All else came from our own pockets. All enjoyed equally.

Family Easter celebrations and first fireplace fire of 2017

Last weekend was a long one as t’was finally Easter weekend, plus Husband was on leave all of this week bar today, so we have a few more pics than usual below…

But first:

Bassie hasn’t been feeling well the past few weeks. She’s finally on the right meds and feeling a bit better – but that’s her standard sad face on the right, with her brother grinning away on the left.

Also, behold:

Easter time is the time for eggs, and the time for eggs is the Easter time! Teehee. Assorted Easter treats including a handful of second-hand books, an Easter-themed cake and toffee egg with coffee at work.

Friday, 14 April 2017: Good Friday brotherly beers

It seemed Winter had hit when we woke on Good Friday so we dragged out some warm clothes and stopped at News Cafe in Marine Circle for their early bird breakfast. Always a win.

We took the doggies for very brief walkies at their favourite beach for a change of scenery. Bertie and his dad ran off into the waves while Bassie and I took it slow.

We finally got to spend some time with Husband’s brother Spec later that day, newly relocated to Cape Town. Note their matching haircuts (given at same barber shop). We had a liquid break at Saint’s in Eden on the Bay – that’s my banoffee shake while they perused the craft beer menu.

Of course we took the ‘sitting on Table Mountain frame’ photo on our way back home.

T’was quite chilly that evening. Here you can see me having a quick coffee at Husband’s parents’ house when we dropped off Spec, as well as my hot-cross-bun muffin and coffee at home, and little miss Bassie huddled in front of the fire Husband lit that evening.

Saturday, 15 April 2017: Pre-Easter braai

We breakfasted at Cup & Cake in Eden on the Bay on Saturday morning. That’s my slice of custard cake and cappuccino, and the avo-cream cheese-eggy toast Husband ended up with, pre- and post-Tabasco saucing.

I now present to you the first official braai at the Andrews seniors’ last Saturday.

Little Bassie and Bertie had fun trotting around their Granny’s garden, stopping for lots of attention and treats along the way.

It was quite the feast, once all the foodies were ready.

Main meal eaten, it was time to try the ‘braai pudding’ – brownie topped with caramel and marshmallows that gets heated on the braai. Plus coffee, of course. Bassie was very interested.

It was a lovely sunset once we got home that evening.

Sunday, 16 April 2017: Easter beach walk(s)

By Saturday morning the weather had cleared into summer sunshine again, so we ventured out to Melkbos for brekkie – I Love Melkies had just been renovated and looked most appealing, so that’s where we sat. See Husband with his cola and eggs on bacon-hash, with my cappuccino and bacon-marscapone-strawberry single waffle.

As you can see from my beach jump pics, this is what we did after we’d eaten.

Do you see that little speck of a husband in the distance? He really loves the sea, that one.

That afternoon we did the Woodbridge Island-Lagoon Beach round trip walk. There were lots of flamingoes in the water.

Post-walkies we stopped in at The Beach Tavern in Woodbridge. We sampled a bacon-wrapped chilli popper and fancy milkshake each. I went for the strawberry cheesecake, Husband had the alcoholic apple version. Jeepers they tasted as ‘colourful’ as they looked!

Monday, 17 April 2017: Family day with our little family

The weather was still lovely so we ate outside at Lacomia’s on Monday morning. That’s my cappuccino, Husband’s salmon-cream cheese omelette and my toasted cheese and tomato.

Monday was a lazy day with the doggies and finally going to watch Beauty and the Beast at the cinema. We always walk around the perimeter greeting the Koi before going into GrandWest Casino.

We stopped at the ‘pose and press’ photo booth in The District before the movie, as you do. These are our happy faces.

We were quite hungry after watching Beauty and the Beast so popped into the practically empty Hussar Grill. I’d been drooling over the thought of their chocolate-chilli chicken on mash for months, and Husband tried his first carpetbagger steak stuffed with oysters and topped with a brandy sauce. All in all, most delicious!

T’was sunset when we left. What a wonderful long weekend.

Thursday, 20 April 2017: Male family golf morning

The men-folk played golf at Burgundy Estate on Thursday morning (victors in order from left to right), the women-folk went for tea and I went to work. Sob.

That’s all, folks! Hope you had a happy Easter break and that you’re looking forward to the week ahead. 🙂

Late-summer swimming and buffet breakfasts at the President Hotel

I almost titled this post ‘a tale of two presidents’. Last Friday we both had a day of leave from work so took part in the peaceful protests across the country – we didn’t march to town but stood as part of the human chain in the suburbs while passersby honked, cheered and showed the thumbs-up sign.

But that’s not all we did…

Friday, 7 March 2017: Save SA peaceful protest

We set out Durbanville way last Friday morning for breakfast. It was a beautiful day.

We ended up at Urban Wines, which offers a wide range to buy as well as a few delicious breakfasts…

See some of the deliciousness here. A strong cappuccino, wall of brightly labelled craft beers, Husband’s egg on mushroom breakfast and my Nutella pancake topped with plain yoghurt, syrup and assorted nuts.

We ‘manned’ the corner of Tryall Street and the R27 in Sunningdale during the Save SA peaceful protest from around 10am to noon.

Saturday, 8 April 2017: Review night at the President Hotel

You’re looking at our Saturday morning breakfast at Lacomia in our nearest Builder’s Warehouse. That’s a latte on the left, their chocolate cheesecake in the middle and the bull’s eye fry up on the right.

We spent some quality time with the doggies when we got home as we would not be seeing them that night…

The doggies went to stay at their granny’s house for a sleepover as we were off to the President Hotel in Bantry Bay/Sea Point for the night. They had a fun time sniffling around her garden together before we left.

View of Table Mountain as we left Table View for the Bantry Bay/Sea Point side of Cape Town.

The President Hotel entrance.

Keycards, check. Sunnies, check. Summer pairings specials menu, check.

All the pretty sights inside the President, but the main attraction for us was outside…

View from our room on the fourth floor. One of the prettiest pools I’ve seen, and just look at the Sea Point sea beyond!

We unpacked and trotted down to the pool as soon as possible. Perfect way to unwind!

Gulls sitting on the lip of the the pool and sipping from it.

Sunset at the pool, so pretty with all those lights and the peachy sky.

Cocktails in the gin bar that night, with our toes in the sand on the wooden deck. Not very well lit, I’m afraid, but highly recommended! I had the pina colada on the left, Husband had the Long Island Ice Tea on the right.

Dinner at the Islands Restaurant we sat outside under the stars and ate all of the above (click through to my official review for the full descriptions).

Assorted drinks while we ate the above included a chocolate shake, a glass of red and a strong cappuccino. Mmm.

Sunday, 9 April 2017: Islands buffet breakfast, Sea Point promenade stroll and afternoon sushi stop

When we got up the next morning the poolside lights were still ablaze even though it was 7am, as the sky was dismal and grey. Our moods were chipper though, because were were heading down for a much-anticipated buffet breakfast.

The breakfast buffet at the Islands restaurant in the President Hotel sure is impressive. Look at all the choices!

What we ended up eating – top left is my bowl of muesli, hot oats, stewed fruit, yoghurt, nuts and cup of filter coffee; bottom left is Husband’s eggs on toast with streaky bacon, assorted fish, and mushroom; and on the right my second course – mini croissants, cold meats and cheeses, slices peppers and more bacon. Yes.

Bellies full, it was time for a spot of exercise. Note how warmly dressed we were. This is the plaque stating the hotel was officially opened by Nelson Mandela in 1998.

We made it down to the Promenade for a brief stroll and took this photo as proof, then high-tailed it back to the hotel as we were so windswept.

After checking out we spent more time with the doggies before heading out again. We didn’t feel for much though as it was Sunday afternoon, so simply stopped in at The Orient in Eden on the Bay for a quick snack. For me a hot chocolate, for Husband a double portion of sushi sashimi.

Lupper at Mum’s later that evening included a wonderful chicken briyani and pumpkin fritters in caramel sauce. They were restaurant-worthy!

That’s all, folks. We hope you’re having a relaxing Easter weekend. Don’t miss my full review of our stay at the President Hotel on Biz! 🙂

*Disclaimer: Obviously our night’s stay and meals at the President Hotel were part of our review package. All else came from our own pockets. All enjoyed equally.

Fancy foodies at Vineyard Hotel, Khayelitsha tree planting and Bassie turns 10

Despite us both having been on leave today it has been another very busy week, as you’ll see from the pics below…

Wednesday, 29 March 2017: Cape Legends & Artisan Spirits Inter Hotel Challenge 2017 at the Vineyard Hotel

Wednesday evening as the finale regional launch of the Cape Legends & Artisan Spirits Inter Hotel Challenge at the Vineyard Hotel. We attended to cover it for Biz and had a lovely time…

This is where we sat – I believe it was table ten.

See some of the fancy foodies we sampled between ourselves as alternating dishes. Click through to the overview article if you’re curious about descriptions of the individual dished.

Thursday, 30 and Friday, 31 April 2017: Blue Magnet’s content marketing and social media course at Business Centre in Century City

I covered a two-day practical workshop on content strategy and social media training at the Business Centre in Century City at the end of last week. It was a wonderful one – click through to my overview of the first day of the course if you’re interested.

My customary ‘conference bathroom filled with pretty flowers’ selfie.

A number of us attendees became fast friends after spending two days together, as you can see here.

Saturday, 1 April 2017: Tree-planting in Khayelitsha with Greenpop

Husband dropped me off at Eclipse PR’s offices before he set off for work on Saturday, as I’d been invited to join their team on a tree-planting day in Khayelitsha with Greenpop. They even brought me a ‘snack in the box’ as I’d be missing breakfast, what a thoughtful thing to do!

Tree planting underway at the Sinovuyo Old Age Group and the Litha Methodist Church, both just off Msombovu Road in Khayelitsha. Click here for a full account of the day.

They’ve already planted a veggie garden that’s somehow flourishing in the sandy soil so there’s hope that the trees will do well, too.

The clouds were streaky on the day – just the way I like them.

The attending media were invited for a meal at Kefu’s afterwards, which offers an expansive view of Khayelitsha from its upstairs patio.

Then, of course, we ate! As Heineken and Strongbow had sponsored the tree planting day of course lots of their drinks were on hand.

Strongbow had hired a green ‘living wall’ which quickly became the best spot for a photo, as you can see here – that’s the current Miss Khayelitsha, Lona Gweva.

Once we were both home again we headed off to Schwarma Express for a quick bite and look at the sun setting over the waves.

When we were both home that evening it was time for the barely tolerated birthday-hat photo session. Bassie is relieved that’s done for the year.

Sunday, 2 April 2017: Bassie’s birthday cake

Husband was at work again on Sunday so I had lots of quality time with the doggies. Bassie pretended she was not interested in this cake.

THIS cake, however, she couldn’t get enough of. When we got to mum’s for lupper she’d baked this amazing caramel cappuccino cake in honour of Bassie’s birthday. It was truly delicious, we relished every bite!

Further scenes of Bassie’s birthday party at her Granny’s house include a full family sit-down meal (with Bassie on my lap for most of it) and tasty treats for the birthday girl and her brother.

Savouring a slice of cake with coffee and a crossword puzzle later that evening.

Tuesday, 4 April 2017: Dinner at Mother’s

Mother had invited us for dinner at her house after work on Tuesday. She’d made a chicken dish and my mum brought along her famous peppermint crisp tart, so yum! Bertie was there too, he just moved too fast to feature in a photo.

That’s all folks! Next week’s update will include pics of our participation in the Save SA human chain in Sunningdale earlier today. Hope you have a relaxing, peaceful weekend! 🙂