Full Lion’s Head hike with Wally’s Cave and the Beerhouse float reward

Last weekend we braved the Lion’s Head hike with brother Spec, as he’d not tackled it before. But first…

Friday, 20 October 2017: Galliova Awards at Landtscap, Stellenbosch

Last Friday, I covered the 2017 Galliova Awards. I started my day in the office, then caught a shuttle from the CTICC to Landtscap wine farm in Stellenbosch, and rubbed shoulders with celeb chef Zola Nene and this year’s ‘broiler champion’ for chicken-writing, Abigail Donelly.

Obviously the food for an event celebrating ‘food writers’ has to be exceptional. Landtscap outdid our expectations – click here for a full list of all the ‘chicken and egg’ themed food we ate.

T’was a truly lovely afternoon. Click here for all my words about it on Biz.

It was also #ChampagneDay, so I was happy to do my bit…

Saturday, 21 October 2017: Musselling and braai at our house

The three faces of Bassie when I had my first coffee of the weekend – “Mmm, that smells nice Mom, what is it? Oh it’s coffee. OK then, as you were.” What a cutie!

The entire Andrews family was going musselling on Saturday morning, an event that had been planned for months, with the resulting ‘catch’ to be eaten as starters at the braai at our house later that afternoon. Spec had driven over from Fish Hoek the night before to spend the weekend with us, so we all met up at Doodles on the beachfront for their weekend buffet breakfast.

A-musselling we will go! Tummies lined, we headed up the beach to Husband’s favourite spot for musselling, permits in hand.

Here’s the overall mussel haul. Soaking, about to be debearded and scrubbed for cooking.

As we were in need of the extra man power to complete the task, we took advantage of having Spec in the house to help replace the old helicopter fish tank centrepiece with this shipwreck. Also topped up the gravel and gave it a good grit vaccuum.

The doggies were on their sweetest behaviour during the braai later that afternoon.

Sunday, 22 October 2017: News Cafe brekkie, Lion’s Head hike

We knew we needed a big breakfast to sustain us on the hike ahead, so we joined my parents for breakfast at News Cafe in Marine Circle as you can’t beat the value of their R35 early bird English breakfast special.

We knew the task ahead of us so took it slow, with lots of breaks to admire the view along the way.

The best thing about the Lion’s Head hike is that it’s not a straight, endless line up to the top (ahem, looking at you Platteklip and Skeleton gorges!) Instead you wind around the peak a few times so there’s a new view every few metres.

Proof that we made it to the very tippy top of Lion’s Head.

Peak summitted, we began our slow climb down with a detour along the way. Success! Wally’s Cave isn’t easy to find if you’re coming at it from the top, as we were. We took a few wrong turns but eventually reached our destination. That’s Lion’s Head done and dusted in full.

We were in desperate need of a treat after that, so headed off to Beerhouse on Long Street. The Andrews brothers never say no to a beer, and as for me, well…

This is what I came for – the ‘beer float’ – listed on their dessert menu as it’s a mug of milk stout topped with salted caramel and bourbon ice cream, with honeycomb crumbs on a cloud of whipped cream above that, ribbons of dulce de leche and chocolate ganache dripping down the sides and cherry on top. Also served with a side of grilled marshmallow skewers.

Two more angles of my beer float, and Husband framed with his draught.

Coffee with cream and coconut-jam tartlets at Mum’s that evening.

Monday, 23 October 2017: Gourmet Guide launch at The Stack

I was invited to the launch of the second edition of the JHP Gourmet Guide on Monday morning, at The Stack in Gardens. It was a foodie event packed with delicious treats, tiger ceramics and sunny views.

The Stack is all animal-print carpets, wooden artwork and bright colours. I like.

Coffee and a scone? Don’t mind if I do!

Tuesday, 24 October 2017: Working lunch at Montebello

I had the opportunity to interview a team of very bright ‘design thinkers’ on Tuesday afternoon. Their office is in the Montebello Design Centre in Newlands so that’s where we met, with a wonderful lunch at The Gardener’s Cottage on the same grounds. See my cappuccino and chicken burger topped with cheese and pineapple-mayo. So yum, and such speedy service!

Wednesday, 25 October 2017: Adams & Adams IP crammer at 15 on Orange

I spent my Wednesday covering the Adams & Adams crammer day on intellectual property issues at the 15 on Orange. Very interesting topics I’ll write about soon, and so many snacks to keep us alert!

In case you missed it, this also happened this week… I’m the only South African to be shortlisted for the Women in Marketing #WIMawards2017! Click here to read all about it.

That’s all, folks! I’m on leave Monday and Tuesday next week so looking forward to a few days of rest and switching off.

Hillcrest Quarry Oyster and Champagne Festival and all the chocolate cake

Yes, we really did slurp oysters and swig champers in the Hillcrest Quarry last weekend. See for yourself…

Friday, 13 October 2017: Work meeting with Design Indaba team

There’s always something different to see when visiting the Design Indaba/Interactive Africa offices. We loved their wall art when we popped in for a brief catch-up meet last Friday.

Saturday, 14 October 2017: Family breakfast at Cafeen, Oyster and Champagne Festival in Hillcrest Quarry

The bike was ready for collection first thing on Saturday so Husband’s parents transported us there. This was so we could all breakfast together on the way as we had a busy afternoon planned, so a braai was out of the question. We decided on Cafeen in Claremont for breakfast as it was fairly close for Spec to reach from his end of the Cape, too. The decor is lovely.

I remembered my envy over the creme brulee latte Husband had sipped on our last visit to Cafeen – Valentine’s Day of 2016, click here for proof – so that’s what I ordered. Also see a happy Spec, Husband peppering his breakfast and the parents in conversation.

And the food? Looked, smelled, and tasted delicious. See various eggy options and my amazing French toast – cinnamon-sugared, syruped, baconed and lemon curded. Yes please.

Next stop once the bike mission was complete was the Oyster and Champagne Festival at Hillcrest Quarry. Parking was full – so much so that we were directed onto an adjacent field. There was then quite a queue for shuttles to the quarry on Hillcrest Estate but it’s a short walk up hill – roughly 1km – so we hoofed it, rather.

Once we had huffed and puffed mildly up the hill, we joined the queue of folk waiting to enter. Once in, we bumped into Terence, a former camping buddy back when we all still lived in Joburg ages ago. See the complimentary branded champers flutes with five tasting coupons each, and some of the white-and-gold dressed attendees.

The oyster section is separate to the champagne section – housed in a different tent and at a price of R12 per oyster (over and above the R160 entry fee) We did not pay this as had media passes, but coughed up for all the oysters Husband guzzled.

One could choose from all manner of MCCs, sparkling wines and even authentic Champagne from France to sample – some cash bar only, though – as well as live music and even a coal-heated ‘jacuzzi’.

The silvery candyfloss was a hit. Photo with Husband for size, he didn’t have any.

Cheers to pink bubbly! Full description of all we sampled in my official review.

If you’ve not seen the quarry at Hillcrest Estate, it’s a gorgeous surprise. We were admiring the view when we bumped into another friend from our Joburg days – Michael Rorke, a former colleague from Caxton!

We decided to shuttle back to the car once we were done. Just to say we’d experienced the Festival in full. Not because we didn’t have the energy or anything (ahem).

The doglets were on their sweetest behaviour that afternoon. Excuse the colour-contrasting blankets.

We had dinner at Catch 22 on the beachfront that evening. It was too chilly to sit on the outside balcony for a view of the sea and Table Mountain but we still had a good time. See my blueberry cheesecake shake and Buccaneer beef burger topped with bacon and cheese, along with Husband’s Castle Lite draught and seafood curry.

Sunday, 15 October 2017: Cafe Lacomia brekkie and strawberry lupper

It was time for breakfast at Cafe Lacomia in our nearest Builder’s Warehouse on Sunday. I went for a toasted chicken mayo and latte, while Husband had the bullseye washed down with a Cola, as he does.

Later that afternoon, lupper at Mum’s was all about strwaberries – look at them in the salad on the left and adorning the chocolate cake she whipped up. We got to take some home with us and Bertie was hopeful he would get to claim a slice when I had some as a treat. He didn’t, as chocolate isn’t good for dogs.

Monday, 16 October 2017: Office birthday cake

I really lucked out on the chocolate cake front this week, as my colleague Arlene brought in her sister’s famous Whispers-topped chocolate cake on Monday morning to celebrate her birthday. It was delicious, with the topping a mix of melted chocolate mixed with cream.

Wednesday, 18 October 2017: Kantar Millward Brown Re-imagining Marketing talk at 15 on Orange, cloud-flocked sky

I attended a breakfast presentation at the African Pride 15 on Orange hotel first thing on Wednesday. Excellent breakfast, excellent presentation, coverage coming up soon!

Stripe of scattered clouds in the suburbs.

Sunset that evening – about half-an-hour later – was another example of pretty cloud play.

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

#Workworkwork events and Bassie has a taste for bubbly

I know I’m starting to sound like a stuck record but it’s been yet another super busy work week, as you’ll see below. Luckily, we managed a few treats between the scenes…

Saturday, 7 October 2017: Cocoa Wah Wah breakfast, dog-friendly braai

You probably can’t tell, but this is the inside magnet-and-graffiti wall corner of Cocoa Wah Wah on Main Road near Rosebank. We were in the Southern Suburbs to drop off the bike for a service, so stopped off there for a bite to eat.

See my cappuccino with chocolate biccie top left, Husband’s Popper breakfast with side of chillies and Tabasco sauce and my full portion of chocolate-almond French Toast. Yes, that’s exactly what I ate the last time we visited Cocoa Wah Wah, click here for a reminder.

Ching! Saturday evening usually means it’s braai time for the Andrews family. See what we ate and drank here (the bubbly was to celebrate the sale of Fairbridge, a house all five of us in the photo have lived in). But we’re not the only ones who enjoyed the celebrations…

One minute I was merely holding my glass of fizz, the next Bassie had her tongue in the glass to try some.

The sweet girl hopped around like a little ping-pong ball for most of the visit but also had a few quiet ‘napping moments.

Bertie boy was also being as sweet as ever – see how he snuggled up to both grandparents.

Pretty cloudy sky just after sunset.

Sunday, 8 October 2017: Scones for breakfast and Milky Lane treats 

We decided on the Pink Olive in our nearest Stark Ayres nursery for Sunday breakfast. See my cappuccino and fresh scones topped with jam and cream on the left, and Husband’s bacon basket’ on the right. He rated those among the best mini tomatoes he’s eaten.

When we lived in Joburg, Milky Lane was top of my list for weekend treats, especially for the berry-meringue whizzer. That’s why I was thrilled to find a proper sit-down Milky Lane at the new Table Bay Mall. No mere ice cream counter here, there are tables and seats and full menus to browse. This tasted just as good as a remember!

Little Miss Bass also had lots of lap time at her other grandparents’ house on Sunday. Everyone loves this little brownie.

Tuesday, 10 October 2017: Spark Media breakfast talk at The River Club

On Tuesday, I attended Spark Media’s presentation on mental availability for marketers at The River Club. It was a gorgeous day and I learned lots – click here if you missed my overview.

Wednesday, 11 and Thursday, 12 October 2017: Business of Design

Business of Design is one of my favourite conferences, and it was finally time for the 2017 version on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Held at Red & Yellow School in Salt River, it’s filled with inspirational speakers from the design realm. Click here, here and here for my feedback articles so far.

Me with the ladies I sometimes work with – Business of Design’s Head of Programme Tracy on the left and Ann on the right, who covers the Cannes Lions Trends for us.

That’s all, folks! Happy weekend 🙂

Pink high tea at the 12 Apostles and Sunday evening Giggle Juice

It’s easy to see that last week’s #CuppaforCansa12A was a highlight. Just look at all those sweet treats. Read my full review of the worthy cause here, and scroll through the rest of the week’s magic moments below…

Thursday, 28 September 2017: CuppaforCansa event at 12 Apostles Hotel, Damhuis Winter burger special dins

The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa is a gorgeous venue. That’s where the Cuppa for Cansa high tea was held last Thursday. Look at those views of the sea, just a hop, skip and jump away!

Pink bubbly, pink macarons, red cappuccino, pink juice – all blended perfectly with the theme of ‘pink high tea’.

Just a sample of the pretty pink foodies. All tasted just as good as it looked!

We also had fun playing dress up for the photo booth – which then gave us physical print outs, which I then photographed.

When I got back to the office I had space for another cupcake – a homemade caramel-centred, purple glitter-topped one made by the recent birthday girl, Angie.

Thursday was a very busy day as it was also Bassie’s last vet check-up for the year. Happy with her progress on arthritis meds, she was given a special biscuit treat by the vet.

My parents had been to Damhuis in Melbos for their winter burger and beer special, and as it was the last night to taste the ‘Winter 2017’ version, we popped along, too…

All four of us had the special. R60 got you a huge beef burger topped with cooked brown onions, egg and cheese slice, with side portion of chips AND 300ml craft beer. Amazing.

Friday, 29 October 2017: Friday work things

Last Friday I wore my reporter hat and interviewed the lovely people at YoungGun Films in the AdMakers building. Look at the warm welcome I received! Lunch at Burrata in the Old Biscuit Mill followed. I had a cappuccino and the gnocchi with gorgonzola cream, broccolini, toasted walnuts and pancetta. A wonderful meal.

Saturday, 30 October 2017: Windy braai at brother Spec’s

We started our Saturday with breakfast at Reload. That’s my honey-nut latte, Husband’s Mexican open omelette, and my ‘super scrumptious’ buttermilk waffle topped with banana, nuts, chocolate syrup and caramel lumps.

The doggies soaked up a bit of sun inside as the wind was so chilly outdoors.

With brother Spec newly settled in Fish Hoek, it was time for the first official family braai at his location. This is all of us. The wind was icy so we moved indoors once the food was ready.

The food we ate. Salad and starter things top left, meat top right, charcoal nails matchy matchy with the braai coals and this week’s braai dessert. The cones are filled with chocolate, caramel and marshmallows that melt in the most satisfyingly gooey way 🙂

Sunday, 1 November 2017: Breakfast at W Cafe in Table Bay Mall

Table Bay Mall has officially opened, just 2.7km from home (as the crow flies). We popped into the W Cafe in Woolworths for breakfast. I had the Nutella French toast, Husband went for the salmon omelette.

My Nutella French toast in all its glory. If you look closely you can see the fine peanut brittle crumb on the bananas. Very yummy!

Mum whipped up a batch of apple pies when we popped in for lupper a little later in the day.

It had been an early lupper so we had our Sunday treat after dropping off the doggies at home again. These are our sunset drinks at News Cafe on Marine Circle – the Giggle Juice for Husband, and a salted caramel fudge freezo drink for me.

Monday, 2 and Tuesday, 3 October 2017: Bizcommunity office visits

It was quite the week for visits to my office! See Graham Lang on the left, currently ranked the country’s sixth best chief creative officer, who brought me an exclusive interview opportunity, and Jana Leonard on the right, who left mini donuts and some exciting PR industry news. Click here to read my interview with Graham, who’s moving to Toronto at the end of November.

That’s all, folks! May this weekend be restful and recharging. 🙂