Velvet cakes, mum’s Moyo 63rd and mum-in-law’s 65th at Steenberg Bistro 1982

I think every August blog post I’ve ever published has mentioned that it’s been a very birthday-filled month. Add my Loeries work coverage to the mix and it’s almost impossible to fit in everything we want or need to do. Despite the craziness we did still get to see both our moms for their birthdays in the past few days, as you’ll see below…

Sunday, 13 August 2017: Mum’s birthday lunch at Moyo

My mom usually cooks Sunday lupper for us, so we decided having her NOT cook would be one of her gifts, especially as her birthday fell on a Sunday this year. We went to Moyo for something different, and as we’d let them know it was Mum’s birthday, she was presented with a special dish of ice cream and berry sauce, was sung to, made to wear a hat AND fed the first spoonful.

To eat, we went with the sweet potato soup (me), the flame-grilled chermoula fish (Husband), the Maputo peri-peri chicken (Mum) and the oxtail with dumplings (Dad). We were all licking our fingers afterwards, so delicious!

We tried the ‘Independence’ shooters to end the meal in style. They’re yummy Pina Colada-y concoctions!

We took a photo of our Moyo-painted faces when we got home before the paint started flaking off.

Sunset from my parents’ house later that evening.

Tuesday, 15 August 2017: Velvet Cake Co sneak peek

I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of some of the Velvet Cake Co’s new treats – my parents came along. Click here for all the words, this is just proof I was there in front of the lovely cake-painted walls.

Aren’t these the most gorgeous cakes? Really special.

Probably the prettiest slice of cake I’ve ever seen.

Little bites of all sorts of niceness. An enormous strawberry, caramel-popcorn-meringue topped cupcake, and red velvet cupcake.

Wednesday, 16 August 2017: Opening of CEM Africa Summit

Scenes from the first day of the CEM Africa Summit – gin stands, a packed panel session, interesting art work in the Century City Conference Centre and proof I was there covering it.

Saturday, 19 August 2017: Mum-in-law’s birthday breakfast at Steenberg’s Bistro 1682

My mum-in-law decided she wanted to host her 65th birthday breakfast at Steenberg’s Bistro 1682 all the way back when we first took her there in November last year, before they had officially moved down here from Johannesburg. The weather played along beautifully on the day.

If you’ve been to Bistro 1682 for breakfast you’ll know the wonder of this surprise – the warm, sweet rolls with toffee sauce to dip in that are served while waiting for your meals to arrive. Drool!

“Happy birthday to you!” Oysters were shucked, pork belly-bacon benedicts devoured, bubbly toasts were made and a special birthday plate of treats was presented to the birthday girl. All in all a lovely birthday experience.

The other side of the table – an almost-well-from-his-cold Husband, a just-starting-to-suffer-the-symptoms dad and a smiling-happily brother-in-law.

Bellies full, we trotted outside for some family photos. First up, Husband with his clan.

Then it was our turn.,, ❤

Now one with everyone, minus my father-in-law as photographer. On taking this pic we realised we had all dressed to a blue/green theme without realising. Stylish!

Husband whisked me away to our nearest Spur with a view of the sea much, much later for a quick Saturday afternoon treat between batches of work. We ended up with a Pina Colada, hazelnut latte and chicken-bacon-avo salad to share.

Sunday, 18 August 2017: Coffee tasting tray at The Daily

We popped in at Seaside Village’s Daily Cafe for a quick breakfast bite before more work rolled in. Here is Husband with his coffee, the new menus and my Nutella-banana pancakes. Always start your day with chocolate, where you can!

Of course I went for the coffee tasting tray when I saw it on the menu. It’s three tiny cups of plain espresso, espresso con panna (with cream) and their famous ‘tin cup’ with condensed milk. A must for coffee lovers like me. I’m trying their hot chocolate tasting tray next!

Apologies for the lack of doggy pics this week, kids – here’s a pic of our little angel Freckles to make up for it.

That’s all, folks! Have a happy, sunny weekend and click here for more of our Velvet Cake Co experience.

What to do in Franschhoek: Stay at Leeu Estates

This past weekend we had the opportunity to do a little pre-10th anniversary celebrating at Leeu Estates in Franschhoek. I narrowed down the hundreds of photos we took to the following few, and hope they give you the sense that this was one of our most relaxing, fun and luxurious weekends yet…

Saturday, 12 August 2017:  Wine-tasting at Mullineux and Leeu, Tex-Mex dinner at Tuk-Tuk, Leeu House Madiba selfies

Destination: Leeu Estates in Franschhoek, just 80km from Cape Town. Temperature: Cool, drizzly and wintery. Expectation levels: All-time high.

It’s all warm smiles at Leeu Estates, and nothing is too big an ask for the staff. Every single member of the ‘Leeu pride’ was as pleasant and helpful as can be. So much so that I was presented with a cappuccino and we were taken on a quick refresher tour of the property before even reaching our room. We were almost tempted to spend all weekend in the cosy reading room with fully stocked bookshelf, board games, cheerfully blazing fire and inviting chess board.

This pool, perfectly reflecting the cloudy sky, must be just the thing in Summer. Imagine taking a quick dip then relaxing on a lounger while the sun licks away those water droplets.

We also stopped in at the technogym and rivalled the gym bunny sculptures in our activity. Well, not quite…

We barely had time to get acquainted with our amazing suite before it was time to be golf-carted up to the Mullineux and Leeu wine studio on the property for a wine tasting. It’s a warm, bright space with crackling fireplace and wall of glass that make a winter wine tasting all the more pleasurable, with excellent storytellers to explain the origins of each varietal, and when we examined our room a little more closely we noticed two dinky bottles of wine waiting to welcome us – cheers!

The art-loving Leeu Collection’s Mr Singh’s presence is strong in the wine studio too, with this impressive giraffe at the entry as recently added as a week before our visit. I dare you not to take a height-comparison photo next to it, like we did.

Husband in his wine-tasting element.

Winter is a wonderful year to visit the Cape winelands. Just look at the way the grey sky brings out the rich greens of those very well trimmed hedges on the walk back to Leeu Estates through the Bokkie Garden.

Sentried rows of lovely greenery in the bokkie garden between the main Manor House and the Mullineux and Leeu Wine Studio.

This sculpture is titled ‘Reflective Resonance’. Husband couldn’t resist kicking off his shoes and mimicking the pose.

Clouds. Mountains. Lavender. Breath-taking.

We made the most of our stay by changing into swim gear and then braving the icy temperature to leap into the steam room, and once suitably heated up made a swift dash into the very slightly heated pool with view out towards the Franschhoek Mountains. Refreshing, to say the least!

It’s only when I took the plunge (literally) and fully immersed myself in the pool that I noticed the rainbow right outside.

I love a room with a view, but a bath with a view? That’s the ultimate. We’ll have to return once the water restrictions have lifted to actually have a soak in that tub and sigh over the view.

Husband did try out the shower though, and had a wonderful gown-whisky-balcony moment in the break between swimming and dins.

One of the best balconies we’ve had the pleasure of relaxing from. Just look at that view!

We enjoyed that outside view so much that we barely snapped any pics of the inside of our suite, alas. See the bed and lounge on top, and the main lounge below where we spent a few minutes before dinner time.

Before we knew it, the complimentary Leeu Collection shuttle was ready to take us 2km into Franschhoek town for dinner at Tuk Tuk Microbrewery. It was well-lit, warm and completely buzzing when we got there at 7pm, so we were pleasantly surprised that service was super speedy.

Instead of the standard wine tasting you can do a beer tasting at the Microbrewery, either of CBC’s brews (my bru) or of Tuk Tuk’s own brand of ales. Food-wise, everything is tasty Tex-Mex – note my impressively plated cheesy nachos with side of pulled beef, Husband’s manageable burger and fries and see how the photo of all the liquid on our table was photographed.

For dessert, the churros with rich, warmly dripping dipping sauce are a must.

We had time for a quick after-dark stroll down the street to pose at the Madiba statue at Leeu House and greet the scary rabbit we remembered from our previous stay at Le Quartier Francais before the shuttle arrived to ferry us back to Leeu Estates for the night

Back in our room, Husband took full advantage of the underfloor heating, was impressed by the remote-controlled fireplace, and took in the pretty lights from the balcony before I noticed the cleaning fairies had left us a pre-anniversary surprise of tasty bedtime treats that we savoured right away and a bottle of MCC (which we brought home to crack open on our real anniversary).

Sunday, 13 August 2017: Breakfast at Leeu Estates

We were dressed and down in the restaurant for breakfast by 8am, in time to watch the sun rise through the adjacent glassed-in Conservatory.

Breakfast the next morning was another delicious experience. Just look at the buffet spread, Husband’s masala omelette and my blueberry flapjacks, all lit by the morning sun once it popped its sleepy head over the mountains.

Other sculptures to look out for if you visit Leeu Estates. They add a delightfully quirky touch to the stay.

That’s all, folks! It was over in a flash, but the memories are something we will savour for a very long time. Keep your eyes peeled for my official review on Biz.

*Disclaimer: Our meals and accommodation at Leeu Estates and Tuk-Tuk Microbrewery were part of our review package. Click through for a reminder of our previous stays at Leeu Collection’s Le Quartier Francais and Leeu House.

3D neon putt-putt and Blowfish dins for Dad’s 67th birthday

August is almost everyone else in my family’s birthday – dad, mum, mum-in-law – so expect celebrate-y pics on the blog over the coming weeks. First up was dad this last Thursday, with a public holiday the day before so we got to spend some time with him.

But first…

Wednesday, 2 and Thursday, 3 August 2017: Social media leadership workshop at Red & Yellow School

I was back in the thick of things after our mid-week break at Old Mac Daddy, covering the two-day social media Executive Education workshop at Red & Yellow School in Salt River. Click here for the four articles I wrote as a result.

Mike Stopforth presented the workshop and boy did I learn a lot! ‘Brave curious minds’ indeed.

Friday, 4 August 2017: New office reveal and Italian Experience media launch at 95 at Parks

A few snaps of what our new office space looks like. Just one floor up from where we were before, that’s our bright, colourful new entrance; clown-themed kitchen space; my desk complete with disinterested antelope mug; and a pink Mmmallow to show how it tied in the rest of the purple in the room that day.

And the view from my desk? Well if you factor in my love of Lion’s Head and pink sunrise skies, you’ll know this is about as good as it gets.

Friday afternoon saw the media launch of Giorgio Nava’s new Italian Experience at 95 at Parks in Constantia. Some snaps of the setting…

The first lot of food we sampled included calamari and veggie tempura with Prosecco, deconstructed Caprese salad and orecchiette with veal.

Even more food. This is the ravioli, gnocchi, osso bucco and gelati. Full descriptions in my official review here! Yes, I ate everything you see here.

Saturday, 5 August 2017: Wimpy waffles, relaxed doggies and family braai

I was in the mood for a waffle for Saturday morning breakfast so we stopped off at Wimpy, Canal Walk first thing. See my Wimpy coffee, sweet treat waffle, and Husband Tabasco-saucing his mince-and-egg bowl.

Sweet Saturday afternoon doggies, eating grass and relaxing on the couch accordingly.

It was once again time for us to host the Andrews’ family braai. Note assorted snacks, Bassie sitting with mommy, Bertie sitting with his dad and uncle (all bedecked in brown), and the end-result.

Sunday, 6 August 2017: News Cafe breakfast, Eden on the Bay milkshake treats

News Cafe was the place to be for Sunday morning breakfast. It was buzzing so we had quite a wait but enjoyed my early-bird special (half-price English breakfast) and Husband’s City Slicker (eggs benedict complete with avo and chorizo).

It was time for Bertie to get a new TV-viewing companion, so we introduced him to his new bear, Elephant. Look at that happy little face. ❤

We wanted fancy shakes for our Sunday afternoon treats. See my real strawberry shake and Husband’s hot-fudge-and-bourbon version at Primi in Eden on the Bay.

Wednesday, 9 August 2017: Women’s Day Snickers cookie, Driftwood Cafe mussel pot and Glowing Rooms’ 3D putt-putt

We started our Women’s Day with breakfast at the Black Forest Cafe. Just the place to get your coffee fix, clearly, and each lady ordering a coffee got a free cookie. I went for my favourite Snickers cookie, topped and filled with bits of choc. Yum!

We stopped off at the Driftwood Cafe while the car was being washed. That’s my latte, Husband’s Black Label draught and my tiramisu in a martini glass.

Husband went for the mussel pot mains – served in a creamy tomato broth, he mopped up all the last bits.

We wanted to treat my dad to a different experience for his birthday, so headed off to the Galaxy Adventure 3D putt-putt Glowing Rooms in Milnerton. What a treat it was!

Some of the otherworldly scenery. Couple this with the black lights, 3D glasses and unexpected hills and vales on the course and you feel like you’re drunk or drugged!

This is the type of photo you end up taking there. Very otherworldly!

Some of the holes were very tricky indeed but Mum and Dad each managed a hole-in-one, with dad the overall victor. No, we didn’t just let him win.

Thursday, 10 August 2017: DJ Yoda and Dad’s birthday dins at Blowfish

I had a meeting in Salt River on Thursday afternoon, and couldn’t resist snapping a photo of this lovely ‘DJ Yoda’ graffiti in their chill room.

We met my parents at Blowfish restaurant in Dolphin Beach after work on Thursday for Dad’s birthday dins. That’s my Turkish Delight shake, the others all had wine.

We were seated at what I call ‘the best table in the house’ – at the back with a view across the bay to Table Mountain, bedecked with twinkly lights.

All four of us had the Kite Boarders’ salad of chicken, bacon, avo, egg – yummy. Then see the calamari-prawn combo the others had for mains, and the caramel cheesecake I had for mains/dessert. DELICIOUS!

That’s all, folks! See you next week…

*Disclaimer: Obviously the meal at 95 at Parks was part of our review package. All else came from our own pockets. All enjoyed equally. Click here for my full review of the Italian Experience at 95 at Parks.

Elgin sunsets, rainbows and Sup boarding at Old Mac Daddy

While we weren’t at work for the past week in full, it sure was a busy one as we sorted quite a bit of admin, had a mini vacation and still spent quite a few long hours  in our offices…

Friday, 28 July 2017: Creative Mornings Cape Town on the Nasdak

Last Friday I attended the monthly #CreativeMorningsCT session, this time at the Nasdak. Click here to read my coverage on Biz.

Saturday, 29 July 2017: New Village Place Cafe menu, Uni Mil rugby and Orient sushi dins

We were intrigued by the new menu at Village Place Cafe on Saturday morning – note my cappuccino with heart-shaped biscuit and French toast topped with bacon, banana and nuts. Scrumdiddlyumptious, as the BFG would say.

We collected Husband’s brother and dad to support the local rugby team, Uni Mil or ‘Millies’, at Theo Marais Park. The wind was blowing away but luckily the main team had enough bluster of their own to secure a win.

We’d planned an Andrews family dinner that evening to celebrate Spec’s 35th birthday and new job, along with other things. We opted for The Orient at Seaside Village for sushi, and I had sweet-sour chicken with the chocolate spring rolls to start.

Sunday, 30 July 2017: Fancy French toast and sunny Sunday afternoons

We started our Sunday at Poplars at D’Aria in Durbanville. There was a chill in the air so we sat inside even though the outside setting looked very inviting. Note my amazing French toast.

We had our traditional Sunday afternoon treat at the Driftwood Cafe – that’s a custard shake for me and a draught beer for Husband. See the pretty birdie flying overhead and sunset from Mum’s that eve.

Monday, 31 July 2017: One night’s stay at Old Mac Daddy

Following a lazy lie-in it was time to pack our bags as we’d booked a mid-week break at Old Mac Daddy in Elgin. Lol at this photo. The wind was so strong at the top of Sir Lowry’s Pass we decided to include this photo as proof. #Messyhairdontcare.

Hidden in the Elgin Valley, Old Mac Daddy promises a getaway with a difference. Note the Airstream trailers, chilly pool and swing chairs on our porch.

The trailers are highly detailed – we stayed in The Birdie and my parents were in The Dream, which comes complete with scary naked-lady pillow.

Ahh. My favourite. Relaxing with a freshly brewed cuppa java in a peaceful setting. That’s just what we did after settling into our trailer.

Introducing the beach at Old Mac Daddy! You can swing in hammocks, sip a cocktail, take a family photo or try your hand at Sup boarding.

Next stop, off for an explore! Husband tried his hand at stand-up paddling or Supping at the Old Mac Daddy ‘beach’ – he took to it like a fish to water. Not meaning that he fell in, we’re Aquarians so natural water masters, remember?

Husband started talking about ‘bucket lists’ after seeing these bucket lights in the main eating barn at Old Mac Daddy. That’s also where we watched the sunset and had cocktails and dins.

This is the sunset I mentioned. Brittle and wintery.

The dins I mentioned – I went for the jalapeno poppers top left and apple pie-cheesecake (yes, cheesecake topped with apple pie) bottom right, mom had the Mexican burger bottom left, Husband had the chicken-prawn jambalaya curry in the middle and dad had the pizza top right.

Tuesday, 1 August 2017: Rainy doggy beach walkies

It was back to the barn for breakfast first thing on Tuesday. We then spent some time relaxing in our trailer before check out time.

It was a cold, rainy day – see the rainbow we snapped out of the Elgin Valley, and happy sandy doggies after a brief walk on the beach in the drizzle.

That’s all, folks! Have a happy weekend 🙂