Winter weekend work, Wimpy and walkies

We’re a little low on pics this week alas, as not only was Husband working the weekend shift but I was also glued to my laptop downloading images and compiling tables for the Cannes Lions. I still had a few delicious moments though…

Thursday, 22 June 2017: Bertie beach walk

Husband took Bertie for a trot along the seaside on Thursday as he was off that day. Bertie had lots of fun hopping along in the waves and was still a slightly damp dog when I got home that evening.

Saturday, 24 June 2017: Sunrise snaps and Italian treats

Husband snapped this shot of the sunrise sky as he left home for work first thing on Saturday morning.

Mum was meeting a friend for coffee mid-morning on Saturday so dad treated me to breakfast at Wimpy as I’d only need to work afternoon-onwards. I also had a lovely ripple hot chocolate with Flake on the side.

We stopped off at Forneria Italia on the way home for a selection of Italian tea time treats, as my parents would be entertaining the doglets while I got a head start on that evening’s winner lists. We ended up with these delicious lemon ricotta tarts, nutty canneloni and almondy puffs.

Bassie got some affection from grampa while snuggled in a blankie on the couch.

Bertie was quite happy to have his on the floor.

Sunday, 25 June 2017: Post-Cannes relaxing

When Husband left for work on Sunday morning I was happy to snuggle in bed with a book, coffee and the doglets for a few more hours.

Mum served a delicious soup with cheese rolls later that afternoon.

For dins, a cashew-nut chicken curry with slices of banana.

For dessert, only the freshest lemon loaf!

The doggies had lots more affection on Sunday as I was no longer glued to my laptop.

Wednesday, 28 June 2017: Office doughnuts

Wednesday was our CEO’s birthday, and while that’s usually our ‘non-lunch’ day of the week, he treated us to an assortment of deliciously hot, fresh doughnuts.

Husband’s on night shift again next week so I took today off work so that we can at least spend a weeny bit of time together, hope you have a relaxing weekend!

Ziplining at Acrobranch Constantia, Father’s Day flapjacks and high tea

What a busy week it’s been! In addition to Cannes Lions’ week of advertising awards kicking off with a bang, it was Father’s Day last weekend,  Husband’s turn to be Marvin again and last Friday was a public holiday so that meant doing five days of work in four – make that 3.25, as Thursday was also our office teambuilding day, which we spent swinging through the trees of Constantia. I’ll explain in pictures, so you can see exactly what I mean…

Thursday, 15 June 2017: Teambuilding at Acrobranch Constantia and Eagle’s Nest Wines

You really get a feel for the beautiful mountains and ancient trees of Constantia at Acrobranch. And while we didn’t rely on each other to complete the circuit in any way, it’s now a fun shared memory.

Some pre-circuit team jumping shots on the harness mat, the blue band shows we were doing the most complicated course (eep) and the medal-looking object in my hand in the orange-framed photo is actually the harness used for ziplining. We can pretend it’s a medal though.

Ha. I seem hesitant top left but persevered throughout (we didn’t touch solid ground for almost two hours after we started.) No wonder most of us were still complaining of stiff muscles and sore arms when we reconvened in the office on Monday. Sadly, this is the only proof I have of me ziplining. Some sections were much longer/higher off the ground/scarier than this!

Tummies rumbling from all that physical exertion we were more than ready for a late lunch at Eagle’s Nest, just up the road from Acrobranch. If you’ve never been, go go go! While the food menu is limited to platters and soups, they are truly amazing and worth every penny. Plus, gorgeous setting in the Constantia Valley hollow, surrounded by greenery and doggies and even heaters if you choose to sit outside – I’ll be back!

Friday, 16 June 2017: Youth Day French toast and Saint’s Winter menu

I’m not sure why I tend to think of Tables at Nitida in Durbanville when we want a late breakfast on a public holiday, but it’s yet to disappoint. A late breakfast it was as Husband got in from night shift at an hour most are getting up to start the day. We celebrated having some free time together with cappuccinos, the smoked salmon-cream cheese open omelette, the brioche French toast with bacon and caramelised banana and a soul-resetting view.

After a lazy day of napping we ventured out to Saint’s in Eden on the Bay to sample their new Winter menu. I ended up with their enormous serving of chili con carne-topped cheesy chips and Husband had the Comfortably Numb chicken burger with sides of sweet potato fries and salad.

All the food and drink fairly filled the table. That’s my empty latte mug and Husband’s non-ginny Rocknrolla Cola.

Perfect spot for viewing the sunset over the sea from Big Bay.

Taken just after sunset. I think we snap a similar photo each winter. You can see the pinky-red of my last-week hair quite clearly here. (If you’ve seen me since Sunday you’ll know this week it’s purple).

Saturday, 17 June 2017: Petiscos family brunch and Cannes Lions 2017 begins

My hair looks quite gingery red here but it’s just the lighting. We had time to pop out for a quick bite to eat before I’d need to take my seat in front of the laptop on Saturday morning. We got it all at our local Village Place Cafe – see my cappuccino with shortbread biscuit and the bacon eggs benedict we shared. Just right when you know you’re having a big lunch later. That’s just what happened…

Some Joburg rellies were down in Cape Town for a few days so mum arranged a family lunch at Petisco’s. I did a little bit of work right at the table. That’s my Lindt Flake shake top left, Dad’s full chicken a cafreal and mum’s peri-peri chicken xai xai (my favourite, but I order it lemon-herb to be safe). Also see skull of their own brand of hot sauce. I love it! (The bottle, not the sauce. It’s delicious but guarantees your tastebuds are singed for hours.)

Still chatting away after eating, you can see almost everyone left with takeaway boxes.

My in-laws were up in Joburg sorting out the last few house-sale items so we joined brother Spec for a braai later that evening – just the three of us (plus the doggies, of course). I was still so full from our Petiscos meal that I only ate what you see on the left – potato salad, pasta salad, a bacon-wrapped cherry skewer and garlic bread. Plus a third of the ‘caramel chocolate malva pudding’ you see on the right, because my dessert stomach was ready to roll. Teehee.

And so it begins… I marked the first late night of Cannes Lions week with this enormous mug of Milo. The tissue box is a permanent feature, am neither ill nor crying. Poor Husband has been very generous with hugs and hot drinks!

Sunday, 18 June 2017: Father’s Day breakfast at Stacked Diner, high tea at Mum’s

We fetched my parents bright and early on Sunday morning to treat them to Father’s Day breakfast at Stacked Diner. Dad ended up with the plain dog topped with gerkhins, Jalapenos and hot English mustard as well as a stack of blueberry flapjacks. Well-balanced tastes!

The rest of us ate the following: Banana caramel waffle top-left and bottom-right (me), the Parmesan French toast with ham top-right (Mum), and the hash brown stack with extra avo bottom left (Husband). Delicious!

Father’s Day ❤ Sadly I had to rush home after this to do still more urgent Cannes Lions work, but we saw dad again much later in the day, when Mum treated us to all sorts of delicious afternoon tea goodies instead of our usual lupper.

Mum whipped up ALL the goodies you see on the table, luckily brother Spec was invited to help us polish it off. See mini scone topped with jam and cream on the right. Yummy.

These pics were all taken in the space of an hour at Mum’s that evening. Pretty winter sky.

Work week coffee treats during all hours of Cannes Lions work

Two of my much-needed office treats during the week – warm croissant while unimpressed elk mug looks on (the jealous owlie mug was retired after it got chipped). And on the right, the lovely Angie who popped an unexpected coffee on my desk on Wednesday morning. Just what I needed to keep going this admin-intensive week!

That’s all, folks! Cannes Lions comes to an end on Saturday evening and Husband is working all of this coming weekend, so wish us luck!

What to do in Paternoster

The simple answer? Stay at Abalone House and dine at Reuben’s, of course. That’s just what we did last weekend…

Saturday, 10 June 2017: A night at Paternoster’s Abalone House, with dinner at Reuben’s

We reassured the doggies that we’d be back in 24 hours and that they’d be in good hands with their uncle Spec, then off we went!

Rainy road trip! It’s comforting knowing there’s a luxurious destination at the end of the road. Also see my takeaway Wimpy coffee, a road trip essential.

Destination Paternoster! Less than two hours since setting off from home, including a few stops along the way for snacks and scenery snaps, we’d reached the sleepy town.

Some of the pretty things you’ll see in Paternoster – sea views from almost anywhere, whitewashed houses, the striking ‘see kat’ statue, and helpful sign boards to almost any destination.

Winding through the streets of Paternoster we soon found our lovely location for the night – five-star boutique hotel, Abalone House. See some of the sweet kitties that roam the premises, an abandoned boat and the inviting but absolutely off-limits cold pool in the wintery rain. We’re desperate to return on a warmer day and try it!

Abalone House is extremely warm and welcoming in winter, partly due to the old-fashioned charm, partly due to the blazing fireplaces dotted around the main property. We learned from the general manager that the outside sitting area you see bottom right will soon have glass sliding doors instead of these tarps, ensuring the weather stays out in winter and that you can let the sun shine in during the warmer months by just folding them away. We’ll have to return to report back on that, too!

Tretchikoff ladies everywhere! On the cushions in Reuben’s, on the wall in our lounge, in our bathroom, and on a stack of cushions in the library.

Pretty patio set, inviting bed, underfloor heating beneath soft carpets and loungers beside the Jacuzzi on the roof – we braved it for a good 40 minutes or so after dinner.

Our room at Abalone House was a real sight for sore eyes. Instant stress relief. Soon after check-in there was a knock at the door and we were presented with flutes of welcome bubbly and assorted warm canapes. The decor was bright, warm and just what we needed.

Here is Husband gazing at the gorgeous stormy seascape. Once settled in our room we had a warm, cosy nap and listened to the soothing sounds of the rain outside. The sound of birdies chirping alerted us to the fact that the rain had stopped and we could safely venture out to explore the beach.

What a wonderful beach. We saw a few couples heading that way once they realised the rain had eased off, and watched the stunning sunset.

Various things on the otherwise deserted Paternoster beach – me, swirls of foam, and Husband as the sun set.

Many know Paternoster’s Abalone House as it’s the setting for local foodie favourite Reuben Riffel’s Reuben’s – and boy, did we eat well!

Our dinner drinks at Reuben’s – a glass of Merlot and an ice-creamy strawberry shake (not on the menu, but just ask).

See my spicy tomato ragout meatballs with Melba toast-style health bread, amuse bouche of pulled pork from two angles and my lemon cheesecake with mint sorbet, berry coulis and Terbodore cappuccino.

More food – Husband’s ‘mushrooms on mash’ starter with mustard drizzle, his braised lamb shank, my pork belly ribs and the malva pudding dessert with granadilla sorbet. Watch for my review on Biz soon, for all the descriptive words!

Ahh. My ultimate sign of ‘quality place to stay’ is if there are fluffy white terrycloth gowns to prance around in once evening hits. That’s just what we did, as you can see from these numerous shots – we even had matching bedside slippers!

Sunday, 11 June 2017: Breakfast at Reuben’s, sightseeing at Saldanha Bay

Ordering a hot breakfast like the eggs benedict or full English means you can also have your fill of the continental buffet – one of the most varied and value-packed I’ve seen! As we were the first eager beavers to arrive, we got to take the prime table at the bay window with a view towards the sea. Just heavenly.

We’d seen the big anchor on our way into town the day before but didn’t stop as it was raining. We stopped on our way out so Husband could pose for a variety of photos, from polite tourist the ‘this is my wrecking ball’ swing. Teehee!

Having seen a field of wind turbines in the distance we took a slight detour off the tarred road home onto a dirt road to take a closer look. They’re really quite majestic and awe-inspiring up close as they whoosh methodically overhead.

We also visited the Saldanha harbour on our way home. The wind was picking up by then and rain started up again so we only took a few snaps – Husband was fascinated by the mix of sea-ready boats and shipwrecks.

That’s all, folks! One of the most beautiful places we’ve reviewed, we’re sure to return and hope you’ll venture out that way, too – you won’t be disappointed.

*Disclaimer: Obviously our meals at Reuben’s and accommodation at Abalone House were part of our review package. All else came from our own pockets. All enjoyed equally.

Rainbows after #CapeStorm and life-size elephant cakes at GFWS

Last weekend was all about the Good Food and Wine Show held at the CTICC, but first, I attended the Integrated Marketing Communication or IMC Conference on my first day back at work after our Citrusdal break…

Thursday, 1 June 2017: IMC at White Space, Salt River

The Conference was held in the White Space in Salt River, also the grounds of Red&Yellow School – what a wonderful venue, with views of the mountains and harbour far in the distance. Click here for some of my favourite insights from the conference.

Saturday, 3 June 2017: Good Food & Wine Show at the CTICC

Husband sent me this photo of the sun rising when he left for work on Saturday morning.

Soon it was time to head to the CBD with Mum and Dad as we were attending the Good Food and Wine Show or GFWS for the first time. We got there a little early so popped into the Westin hotel next door for a pre-expo coffee. What a lovely idea! We also parked at the hotel and just trotted across the road to the CTICC when we were done.

Elephant cakes! The main mission I’d set myself was to locate the life-size elephant cake I’d heard would be displayed as part of the GFWS. I didn’t know there would be a precious baby calf cake, too!

There were also food trucks galore to explore, and a handy FNB ATM truck for those who didn’t come prepared.

Look at all that FOOD! It was a real treat to experience.

Some of the prettier stands at GFWS2017: Top left is round and heart-shaped graters, followed by a selection of chocolate and fudge samples (yes please), a green garden in the making, stacks of gingerbread people and assorted Lebanese food.

If there’s one thing that stood out for me at GFWS it was the cakes. Just look at some of these amazing creations – the peacock cake was my favourite!

Another highlight? Meeting giggling gourmet Jenny Morris. She’s just as ‘yumcious’ in real life and was ever so friendly.

Another thing to point out – while there’s wine aplenty, there’s also everything from ice tea to kombucha, coffee, gin, craft beer and more. See my dad trying out the ‘gin-smelling’ wall bottom right. He confirmed that it smelt strongly of juniper gin.

Then my dad spent a good 20 minutes at the Johnnie Walker experience.

This Easter Island-type sculpture was near all the alcohol-related stands in one of the far corners of the expo space.

Sunday, 4 June 2017: Captain’s Kitchen pizza and Wonder Woman at GrandWest Casino

Once Husband got home from work on Sunday we dashed off for pizza at Captain’s Kitchen in Eden on the Bay. That’s also my latte and his Long Island Ice Tea.

Next stop, GrandWest Casino with Spec, to watch Wonder Woman at the cinema that evening. Us comic book-movie fans thoroughly enjoyed it.

Monday, 5 to Thursday, 8 May 2017: Mid-week office sunsets, storm-scared doggies and birthday cupcakes

Monday was an office-birthday cake day – this pretty Woolworths’ cupcake was just delicious.

The doggies were concerned about the cold weather this week. They spent lots of time snuggled in, on and under blankets.

Here you can see some early morning shots of the sky from my office this week. The pink-streaked clouds were from Tuesday, day before the Cape storm, and the double rainbow was on Thursday morning, the day after – you can just see the repeat above the main rainbow in both pics.

That’s all, folks! We’re set for a few more splashes of rain this weekend, so stay warm and dry, and lend a helping hand to help others in need, if you can – donating beds space at Haven Night Shelter from just R60 per person per bed for five nights is an excellent idea.

Stacked Diner flapjacks, fancy Langa lunches and stunning Citrusdal sunsets

We were on leave for the start of this week, doing a bit of a digital detox in the peaceful mountain town of Citrusdal. It went by in a flash and seems like a dream now when I think back to it so luckily we took photos as proof – highly recommended, especially if you’re slightly under the weather! But first…

Saturday, 27 May 2017: TTKXLangaProject lunch

We started our Saturday with a shared halloumi toast breakfast at our local Foodlover’s Market as we knew our tummies would have quite the luxurious lunch later. Also see my cappuccino and the sweet snowman wall art inside.

Presenting Langa. A township many avoid if they can, this was the setting for The Test Kitchen’s pop-up restaurant-charity event this past weekend, which was a roaring success. See some of the sights, including aeroplane wing-lights in the ceiling of the Guga S’thebe theatre-come-eating-hall, itself cleverly constructed from converted shipping containers.

Our menu for the afternoon. All this for R250, I’d say highly worth it – clearly others agreed as the weekend raised over R200,000 for charity, with only 280 seats in total over the 2 lunches – click here for my full coverage of the event!

The four food courses, left to right top to bottom ranged from duck to tuna to beef to lemon tart. My full review has all the descriptions!

We were still full-to-bursting from lunch but one does not turn down creme caramel dessert after the parents’ braai.

Sunday, 28 May 2017: Stacked Diner breakfast

I’d heard good things about Stacked Diner on Kloof Street, so we ventured out that way for our Sunday morning breakfast. Service was fast, food was fresh, prices were good and they’re open from 7:30am each day! If they were a little closer to home I’d be there like a flash. Note my strong cappuccino, Husband’s chilli-cheese dog with side of avo and my chocolate-chip flapjack stack with milk-chocolate pouring sauce. Yum.

Doesn’t this forkful of choc-chip flapjack stack covered in cream and milk chocolate sauce and fresh strawberry look sinful? I wiped my plate clean.

Teehee. The doggies were so sweet at the Granny’s house for Sunday lupper. Note the pies and chips the humans ate bottom-left, and Bassie wolfing down pomegranate mousse.

Monday, 29 May 2017: Digital detox at Wolfkop

Such pretty road trip scenery – Citrusdal is just over two hours from home.

Destination Wolfkop! Set in a nature reserve, the chalets are clean and spacious and just shout out ‘relax’! We did just that, and also enjoyed watching the friendly lizard catch moths that flew too close to the light.

Pretty clouds streaking the sky. Greenery everywhere. Hills and dales and tiny animals. Happiness.

It’s not for nothing that we’re the water-lovers of the zodiac. Aquarians will see a body of water and get in it. (That’s Husband and me). Mum and dad (Leos) also enjoyed it but we outlasted them by a good few hours!

See? There. This is how it felt to be in a hot jacuzzi instead of the normal Monday scenario where I’m glued to numerous screens.

I very nearly missed taking a snap of the sunset on our first night there as I was having such fun relaxing in the jacuzzi. We should have been wrinkled prunes after spending hours in the warm water but somehow didn’t look any worse for wear.

Tuesday, 30 May 2017: The Lovely Grapevine breakfast, afternoon at The Baths

The Lovely Grapevine Coffee and Gift Shop is just down the street from Wolfkop so that’s where we had breakfast on Tuesday morning. It was indeed lovely, from the moment dad asked if they serve breakfast (“Het julle ontbyt”) and got the worried reply “Jy wil my byt?” (You want to bite me?) Teeheehee!

Such a lovely setting, and the food was just what the doctor ordered.

That afternoon we drove about half-an-hour to The Baths, one of Citrusdal’s top attractions – we’d booked for lunch at McGregor’s Restaurant so stopped in to fill up our bellies first. See my chicken strips and chips, Husband’s oxtail stew, Mum’s cheeseburger, Dad’s crumbed mushroom starter but not the cake-y waffle we shared for dessert as we ate it so fast.

That magical hot pool filled with natural spring water was just as we remembered from our last visit. (Click here for a reminder).

Various moments of sunset gazing on our last night at Wolfkop. The night sky was also lovely, dotted with so many stars. I wish I could press ‘rewind’!

Wednesday, 31 May 2017: Hebron breakfast and Citrusdal souvenirs

Final morning coffee while soaking up the last dregs of a gorgeous sunrise.

Citrusdal was not so named by mistake. Nosiree. Mum loved all the freshly squeezed orange juice, and we couldn’t resist bringing a few ripe samples home with us. They’re incredibly juicy and seedless. Just the thing if you’re slightly under the weather.

We’d noted Hebron on our way through Piekenierskloof on the way into Citrusdal, so that’s where we stopped for breakfast after packing up and checking out of Wolfkop. It’s a real hidden gem!

Very intriguing tables comprising old solar panels, topped with lovely cappuccino and a wonderful menu that’s changed monthly, so we were there for the last day of this exact offering. Here’s what we ate…

See my apple-bran flapjacks with bacon and rooibos syrup, the lovely nutty-fruity granola bowl Mum and Dad sampled, and Husband’s Bombay fry-up.

I got my ‘doughnut day’ fix a little early in the week – this is the chocolate-filled Mr Happy and a much-needed small cappuccino from when we did a few errands at Canal Walk’s Dunkin’ Donuts once we’d unpacked again.

That’s all, folks! We’re both back at work and seeing off the tail-end of an annoying cold. Hope you have a relaxing weekend ahead – hold thumbs that the ‘massive storm’ set to bring lots of rain to the Cape this coming week actually arrives!