I was on leave for the start of this week, recovering from the usual mid-year work stresses, so there are few more pics to scroll through below than usual, even though Husband didn’t take any time off…
Friday, 28 June 2019: Creative Mornings, burny bunny chow and pastel sunsets
I made my way to AAA School of Advertising again last Friday, as it was time for the next Creative Mornings Cape Town event. See some of the sights, and click here for my overview of the event.Pinky-purple sky, as seen from home that evening.We opted for burny bunny chows from Tandoor Palace for dins last Friday, to end the week on a spicy note.
Saturday, 29 June 2019: Cocktails and taco bowls at El Barrio
We had a spot of mall admin to sort out first thing on Saturday, so breakfasted at Bica Cafe in Bayside Mall. See our cappuccinos as well as my early bird special with scrambled eggs and Husband’s croissant with chorizo and egg.We’d not been to El Barrio in Eden on the Bay for a long time, so that’s where we had our Saturday lupper. See my coco-pina frozen margarita and his ‘little mamasita’, as well as my carnita (pork) and his ‘carne con chile’ taco bowl.Proof we were both there.
Sunday, 30 June 2019: Pork and potatoes for Sunday lupper
We met Husband’s parents for breakfast at the Pink Olive in Stark Ayres nursery last Sunday as it’s walking distance from their home – Spec had slept over at their house the night before, so he joined us. See everyone except for Husband’s dad (he was off blowing his nose when these pics were snapped). Also see my French toast with cooked banana, syrup and cream cheese, as well as our flat whites.We stopped in at MIlky Lane in Table Bay Mall for our Sunday afternoon treat. See Husband’s Crunchie whizzer and my ‘Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup & Crunchie creamy coffee’ shake. Yes, really.The cold weather has really set in, so Mum’s roast pork, potatoes and zucchini was perfect for Sunday lupper!Bertie promptly hopped in when we put Bassie’s day bed in front of the fire on Sunday evening. Such sweeties.
Monday, 1 July 2019: Roadtrip to Stellenbosch, Doodles dins
On Monday, my parents and I took a little roadtrip to Fairview in Stellenbosch. If you look closely you’ll see a squirrel in the tree, top-right.Various shots of our Monday lunch at Fairview’s Goatshed.Mmm! We had a light lunch of gammon sandwiches and cured fish platters, with lovely cappuccinos. We left with full bellies.Of course we also stopped to look at all the goats before leaving. They slowly made their way up and down their tower and stopped for a snack.The goat tower, as seen from the Goatshed restaurant.Mum stopped to smell a rose in the garden on our way out.Husband wanted an adventure when he got home that evening so we headed off to Doodles on the beachfront, just in time for sunset. Also see my caramel shake and Husband’s snail starter. For mains, we had the chicken schnitzel Monday special and pork-bangers-and-mash winter special.Such a pretty sunset over Table Mountain, as seen from Doodles.
Tuesday, 2 July 2019: Rainy day pasta at 95 at Parks, waffles at Tasha’s
After a lazy start and attending Mum’s weekly Ageless Grace seated fitness class, Tuesday afternoon was rainy and cold, perfect pasta weather. We went to 95 at Parks for some of the ‘pasta ripiena’ Mum and I had sampled at chef Giorgio Nava’s masterclass the week before. See the rainy setting and lovely breads with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to start our lunch.Our pasta bowls. All was delicious and just what we had hoped for! See my butternut-filled ravioli, Dad’s seafoody spaghettoni and Mum’s gorgonzola-nutty gnocchi. Mmm!Pasta perfection – the cappuccino was also a win.Next stop, waffles! We needed something sweet to end the meal so went to Tasha’s Waffles in Constantia for waffles and coffee. Just the way to spend a Tuesday afternoon!Everything is so bright and beautiful that we wanted to add it all to our waffles. In the end we both had a scoop of caramel ice-cream, with a Smarties-Astros mix on mine and Turkish Delight for Dad.
Wednesday, 3 July 2019: Pie, chips and gravy at Limnos Bakery
On Wednesday, my last day of leave, we popped in at Limnos Bakery in Table Bay Mall for their ‘pie, chips, gravy and cappuccino’ lunchtime special.The doggies spent much of the week wrapped in blankets and getting snuggles, as seen here.
That’s all, folks! Stay warm and dry, we’ll see you same time, same place next week. 🙂
This past week has been busy but filled with delicious moments, as you’ll see from the pics below…
Tuesday, 4 June 2019: Terroir lunch at Kleine Zalze
On Tuesday, 4 June I was invited to celebrate Kleine Zalze’s second straight win as best New World Producer. Perfect way to prep for a media roadtrip – takeaway cappuccino from Tasha’s, then onto the shuttle!This view of the submerged windwill is visual proof that you’re almost in Stellenbosch.The wintery scene that met us at Terroir in Kleine Zalze, Stellenbosch.More pre-food moments at Terroir.The bread and antipasti on arrival, as well as stuffed chicken and Picanha steak. All the words are in my overview on Bizcommunity!Delicious desserts! A selection of petit fours, cheese board platters and a cappuccino just before the rain started up again.
Thursday, 6 June: Doggy burger-bun beds and Rocomama’s dins with Gords
Sweet Bassie finally using her burger-bun bed when I worked from home on Thursday.Speaking of burgers… Gords was in town for a few days of business so stayed with us on Thursday night. We treated him to dins at our nearest Rocomama’s.Two milkshake slurpers in action! Gords had strawberry, I went for espresso. Yum.
Friday, 7 June 2019: Pink, streaky sky over Woodstock
Pink, streaky sky over Woodstock as seen from work as the sun rose around 8am.Doglets warming themselves in front of the fire that evening.
Saturday, 8 June 2019: Woolworth’s breakfast repeat, lamb roast
We started our weekend with a dose of mall admin, so W Cafe in Woolworth’s, Table Bay Mall was our first stop. See my vanilla-cinnamon cappuccino and croissant French toast, as well as Husband’s chilli-egg omelette. Yes, this is a carbon copy of last Saturday’s breakfast!Husband far out to sea later that day. This is his “Winter? What Winter” pose.Husband’s parents invited us over for a lamb roast on the braai on Saturday night. See our happy faces.Husband and Bassie pre- and post-dins. Lol! Bertie was there too, but moved too fast for photos.
Sunday, 9 June 2019: Red velvet lattes and sweet moments with the doggies
We breakfasted at Ou Meul Bakery in Willowbridge Centre on Sunday morning. See my delicious red-velvet latte and Nutella-berry croissant French toast, as well as Husband’s hummus toast and flat white (unpictured).Sweet doggy moments later that day (some them literally sweet, with cake and doughnuts).
That’s all, folks! We hope you have a lovely long weekend and Father’s Day with your family.
*Disclaimer: My food and drink at Terroir in Kleine Zalze was part of our review package. All else came from our own pockets. All enjoyed equally.
We had yet another day off work this week as it was national voting day on Wednesday – the last public holiday for a while, so we made the most of the chance to relax…
Saturday, 4 May 2019: Braai at Husband’s parents
We decided on a little bit of a road trip for our Saturday breakfast, eventualy ending up at Melkbos Kitchen. The coffee was delicious, as was the food. See Husband’s salmon-eggs benedict, as well as my bacon-egg buttie.The doggies enjoyed running around and taking in their other granny’s garden, as their last visit was the day we moved – Bertie’s birthday, on 1 March.Results of all the braai-ing effort.
Sunday, 5 May 2019: Kauai breakfast and honeyed lupper
We wanted something on the healthier side of the street for Sunday breakfast, so went to Kauai at Eden on the Bay. See the lovely view as well as my almond oat pot and Husband’s Mexican egg bowl. Not pictured: Our strong flat white coffees.Mum made a delicious honey-mustard chicken meal for Sunday lupper, as we still have lots of honey from our bee hive removal. Click here if you don’t know what I’m talking about.Mini doughnuts for dessert!A beautiful sky at sunset, as seen from home.
Tuesday, 7 May 2019: French toast breakfast treat
I worked from home on Tuesday as I had a very late night of work the night before so opted to skip the commute into the office. Added bonus: homemade French toast with bacon, syrup and honey, made by Mum.
Wednesday, 8 May 2019: Voting day in South Africa
We slept in a little later than normal then headed to Wimpy at Bayside Mall for breakfast. See Husband winking without his streaky bacon breakfast (plus cheese griller), and me with my regular Wimpy coffee and Bar-one waffle.We kept an eye on the queues outside the voting stations all day, then decided on lunch at the Italian Club before making our mark. See the ribs and chips, red wine, gnocchi bolognaise and my coffee shake.A group ‘thumfie’ as proof that we all eventually made our mark that afternoon.Sweet, sleepy doglets as snapped throughout the week.
That’s all, folks! Tune in next week – same time, same place for my next update…
Last weekend was longer than usual as it was the Easter weekend, and we took an extra day’s leave on the Thursday…
Monday, 15 April 2019: After-work book launch in Woodstock
I popped in at the Test Kitchen in the Old Biscut Mill after work last Monday, for the launch of Sandalene Dale-Roberts’ latest cookbook, The Inside Job. See some of the decor and food that we sampled from the book.Couldn’t resist snapping this wall art outside the Old Biscuit Mill, on my way home that evening.
Wednesday, 17 April 2019: Start-of-weekend dins at CTFM
Our gardener pointed out an enormous beehive in a corner of the garden, which we had removed. The bees were taken to safety, and we were left with lots of honeycomb!Bee rescue complete, we headed to CTFM in Seaside Village for a ‘welcome to the long weekend’ meal. See the parents’ prawns, my beef burger, Husband’s Teriyaki salmon and the top of my berry bomb gourmet shake.The whole family, enjoying our CTFM dins – especially as we used our Entertainer vouchers for added value!
Thuesday, 18 April 2019: Car service day, swing benching with Bassie
We had taken Thursday off from work as our car was booked in for a service, walking distance from home. That was our first stop on Thursday…Breakfast is much more satisfying if you’ve worked – made that walked – for it! See the lovely sun-dappled path, and our breakfast at Reload, Flamingo Vlei. Husband had the Turkish eggs and a double flat white, I had a peppermint-choc latte and the chicken-mayo bacon bagel. Just right, before the walk back home.Bassie loved sitting on the swing bench with me on Thursday evening.The tree is quite a sight when it’s all lit up! We ate outside that night.
Friday, 19 April 2019: Good Friday hot cross buns, Irish nachos and jalapeno poppers at Saint’s
We all breakfasted together at News Cafe on Friday morning. See my early bird full English breakfast.Sweet little Bassie was Very Interested in my chocolate hot cross bun, especially as I’d filled it with Caramel Treat. Caramel-chocolate hot cross buns were advertised anywhere, but none were in stock, so I made my own.We stopped in at Saint’s for a late-afternoon treat. See my cafe Capri – a latte with chocolate and coconut, as well as Husband’s spiked shake with black beer, Irish whiskey and Nutella, his ‘green hot’ jalapeno poppers wrapped in bacon and my ‘Irish nachos’. Yum!It was cold enough that evening for us to put our new fireplace to use for the first time. Bassie enjoyed it but Bertie LOVED it. See various phases of his evening enjoyment here.
Saturday, 20 April 2019: Velvet Cake Co’s Easter slice
Makro was our first stop on Saturday, so we ate at the in-store restaurant, Cafe De La Fe. See my toasted chicken mayo and Husband’s full cooked breakfast, as well as his large cream-topped cappuccino – my latte is just out of sight.Sweet Bertie boy stretched out to fully enjoy the Saturday sunshine.We popped in at Husband’s parents for a quick pre-Easter visit on Saturday afternoon. See the delicious slice of ‘Easter cake’ from the Velvet Cake Co top right.Beautiful citrussy skies at night.
Sunday, 21 April 2019 Easter Sunday fondue fun at home
We had a mall admin morning on Sunday, so breakfasted at Woolworths Cafe. See my vanilla-cinnamon cappuccino and poached egg bowl, as well as Husband’s chilli omelette and double flat white.Husband made friends with what the Robben Island website tells us is a Cape Dwarf chameleon that had been exploring the garden. Much larger than the little guy from a few weeks ago, so it’s probably his dad or older brother. Click here if you’ve forgotten!Happy Easter! See our pretty pink roses, Dad with leafy ‘bunny ears’, and our lovely pork and veggies fondue.
Monday, 22 April 2019: Easter Monday breakfast at On the Rocks, lupper at Rocomama’s
It was a crisp but beautiful day on Monday, so we started ours with breakfast at On the Rocks. See our cappuccinos as well as Husband’s croque Madame and my French toast with berries and ice cream.After much lazing around, we had an ‘end-of-the-holiday’ treat visit at Rocomama’s that afternoon. See our smiles and my espresso shake. Not pictured – our delicious burgers and Husband’s draught beer.
Tuesday, 23 April 2019: Chocolate bunnies to get back into work mode
The return to work on Tuesday was sweetened by the Lindt bunny waiting on my laptop.
Wednesday, 24 April 2019: Pre-work coffee treat at Tribe
Husband had a work meeting in town first thing on Wednesday, so dropped me off at work on the way. But first, coffee! We love the blend at Tribe, which is over the road from my office, and all coffees are R15 if ordered before 9am. See our tall flat whites, the wall mural outside and some literal spilt milk on the steps outside. We didn’t cry over it.
That’s all, folks! We hope you have a restful weekend ahead 🙂
This past week has been a blur of conferences, sunsets and good food, as you’ll see from the pics below…
Friday, 15 March 2019: Afternoon tea at home
I worked from home last Friday so took a quick afternoon tea break when my in-laws popped in for a visit. See the tea and stack of egg-mayo sandwiches Mum made.
Saturday, 16 March 2019: Breakfast at Park’s End, Catch22 cocktails
We needed to do some weekend admin in the Southern Suburbs on Saturday, so stopped in where Cafeen used to be – it’s now called Parks End. See Husband’s salmon eggs benedict, my creme brulee latte and various interesting things in store.The name may have changed, but the menu basics are the same. See my French toast topped with bacon and bruleed banana, as well as syrup, cinnamon sugar and lemon curd. Yum!Lovely scenery on the way back home from Constantia side.We had our Saturday afternoon meal at Catch22. See the palm-tree light and my tiramisu shake. Yum!Also see my buccaneer beef burger topped with bacon, cheese and onion rings, some of Mum’s sushi and Husband’s coconut bay fish curry.Of course Husband had a dip in the sea that afternoon.
Sunday, 16 March 2019: St Patrick’s Day 2019
Some of the themed balloons we saw on display for St Patrick’s Day. We always celebrate as my dad is Patrick!We met Husband’s mum for breakfast at the Pink Olive on Sunday morning. Note all the green outfits, for St Patrick’s Day.Some of the Pink Olive decor as well as the flat whites, egg-and-mince on toast, and fresh scones with jam and cream.Sunday evening’s fiery sunset.
Monday, 18 March 2019: Women in Tech Africa Conference
On Monday I popped into the first Women In Tech Africa conference, at the Century City Convention Centre. See some of the treats that were on offer…Proof I was there, as well as the much-needed coffee and some of the sessions taking place. Watch for my coverage highlights in Monday’s #FairnessFirst column on Bizcommunity!
Tuesday 19 and Wednesday, 20 March 2019: eCommerce Africa conference
Tuesday and Wednesday this week were all about the fifth ever eCommerce Africa conference at the CTICC. See some of the eats and views here.These were some of my favourite moments of eCommerce Africa 2019, click through to my overview articles of the best talk on day 1 and day 2.Sweet Bassie napping with her grandpa.
Most of our eating out last weekend was due to the 2-for-1 vouchers offered by the Entertainer App – plus, the usual R495 registration fee is free if you’re using FNB’s Banking App and earn eBucks! See some of the treats we sampled below…
Thursday, 10 January 2019: Mid-week dins at Doodles
Last Thursday evening we had just downloaded the Entertainer app for free through the FNB banking app, so decided to try it out on a local dins. We used a ‘2-for-1 mains’ voucher at Doodles – so we paid for Husband’s linefish – the angelfish served with veggies and tartare sauce – while my Cajun chicken pizza was free. Also see Husband’s glass of red, as well as his Orange Fanta and my caramel shake. A very good dins!
Friday, 11 January 2019: Work-from-home treats
I worked from home last Friday, so treated myself to the following mid-morning snack – a cup of ‘cinnamon bun’-flavoured Hug in a Mug instant cappuccino, and a pack of Hot Fudge Sundae-flavoured Pop Tarts. Yum!
Saturday, 12 January 2019: Artideli breakfast, El Barrio cocktails, CTFM family dins
We breakfasted at Artideli in Melkbosstrand on Saturday morning. See Husband’s mince-and-egg-on-toast and my caramel- and banana-filled pancake. Not pictured – our Peacocks cappuccinos, as they were already finished. Not on Entertainer app.Pretty clouds in the sky looking across from Blouberg to Table Mountain that afternoon.We stopped in at El Barrio for our Saturday afternoon treat. We shared a portion of the jalapeno poppers, with the margarita el muerte for me and the pink mask cocktail (El Jimador, strawberries, coconut water and Malibu) for Husband. Not on Entertainer app. (Yet).The margarita la muerte (death) with Olmeca black, blackberry liqueur, tamarind and black salt rim. Just look at it. Very tasty and top marks for presentation, but taste-wise I think the pineapple-habanero version I sampled the week before is the clear winner! Click here for a reminder.After a brief nap at home, it was time for dins with Husband’s parents. See the view from our table at CTFM in Seaside Village, Big Bay, just before sunset.Husband had the East Coast potjie, presented as such.See my chicken schnitzel with chips and pepper sauce, one of our free meals for using the Entertainer app again.Lol! None of us have our ‘photo faces’ ready for this photo.Sun setting over the mountain as we finished our dins. Beautiful!We only noticed the pretty lights strung up outside CTFM on our way out.
Sunday, 13 January 2019: Pink Olive breakfast, Village Place mini cakes
We used the Entertainer app again on Sunday, this time on a 2-for-1 breakfast voucher at the Pink Olive in Stark Ayres Nursery. See the pretty decor as well as one of our flat whites, my French toast with cream cheese, bananas and syrup (free, as it was the cheaper of the two meals we ordered) as well as Husband’s standard weekend breakfast: the egg- and mince-topped toast.A sunflower-themed long table outside the Pink Olive, waiting for its party to arrive.Husband standing ankle-deep in the sea that afternoon.I barely even dipped my toes as the sea was so cold, but that ‘beachy smell’ was amazing!Our Sunday afternoon treat was a shared red velvet cheesecake (mini cake) and coffee shake at Village Place Cafe. Not on Entertainer app.Little Miss Bassie decided to travel in the backseat with her brother for a change, while on our way to her grandparents. She seemed in awe of his big, lolling tongue.Mum made a sunny pineapple mousse for dessert after lupper on Sunday.
That’s all, folks! Have a delicious, relaxing weekend. 🙂
This past week has been wonderful as we’re over the ‘eat eat eat’ Christmas week of the annual December-January break, yet we still had lots of fun times before we start the new work year next week…
Thursday, 27 December 2018: Rocomama’s ribs and shakes
We started last Thursday at The Daily in Big Bay. Queues were long so we just had a coffee to start the day – the condensed milky ‘tin cup’ for me, with the now off-menu tasting tray for Husband.And so, next stop was Cup & Cake in Eden on the Bay for actual food – the three cinnamon-sugar pancakes at R20 for me, while Husband had the hashbrown-mushroom stack.Following a quiet day of rest, we met my parents at the new cashless Rocomama’s in Parklands for an early dins that afternoon. See the order sheets, chilli-cheese fries, BBQ pork ribs and current specials.Milkshake mouths! Mine was espresso, the boys each had a creme brulee, and Mum had a Sprite Zero instead.Dessert much, much later that evening – a fruit-mince pie and coffee in reindeer mug.Bassie thought the mince pie was for her. She had one of her Christmas biscuits instead.
Friday, 28 December 2018: Enormous burgers at the NOB, Tyger Falls waterfront
Various stages of home-cooked breakfast – French toast with bacon and coffee for me, full fry-up for Husband, and hopeful doglets as always.We saw on Facebook that The NOB (No Ordinary Burger) of food truck fame has opened a permanent eatery at the Tyger Falls waterfront, so headed that way for last Friday’s lunch. See the enormous burgers and views. Hand for size.We needed to walk off some of that food before making our way home. Luckily the Tyger Falls waterfront is beautiful and easy to walk all the way around. It’s also surrounded by birdies, like this duck on the pier.
Saturday, 29 December 2018: Breakfast toasties at Reload
Reload is a good breakfast choice as it’s close to home, surrounded by greenery and we enjoy their coffee.Our Saturday breakfast at Reload in Parklands comprised a ‘bacon-egg-cheese toasty’ on brown and flat white each. Coke Zero and Tabasco sauce for Husband.Bellies full, we spent quality time at home with the doglets last Saturday morning. Such cuties!We needed long, cool drinks after completing the Woodbridge Island-Lagoon Beach and back walk on Saturday afternoon. See Husband’s Bloody Mary and my Key Lime Pie shake at the Beach Tavern.Beautiful blue mountain and glassy sea rolling in, later that afternoon.
Sunday, 30 December 2018: Sea swims and summery lupper
Husband coming up for air during a rock pool explore after a home breakfast on Sunday morning.Mum put together delicious summery plates for our Sunday lupper.
Monday, 31 December 2018: New Year’s Eve in Langebaan
We so enjoyed our swim at Shark Bay in Langebaan last Christmas that we did so again with Husband’s family these holidays.Sea swimming! Shark Bay is a magical spot between the lagoon and the open sea, as you can walk out almost to the other end of the inlet before you’re beneath the ‘waves’. We had a wonderful morning splashing about.One of the best things I saw in Shark Bay – this doggie calmly going out for a paddle with his family.Swim done, we took a cool cruise through town in search of lunch.Pearly’s is a popular spot but they had a table for us, so that’s where we lunched. See Husband’s Thai fish curry top-right, the butter-chicken special bottom-left and my coffee shake bottom-right.Er’rybody eating at Pearly’s! See Husband with his Thai fish curry, Spec and Father-in-Law with the butter-chicken special, Mother-in-Law with her snoek quesidilla special and me with the toasted chicken, chips and coffee shake. Various beers and wines for the rest. We left for home soon after and had a quiet evening in, with the doggies.
Tuesday, 1 January 2019: Happy New Year!
Loved this on the wall of Seattle Coffee in Exclusive Books at Table Bay Mall, when we stopped in for Husband to have a New Year’s Day espresso con panna.We spent the day easing into the new year with a family braai at home with my parents, and more quality time with Bassie and Bertie. It was a scorcher, so they were happy to cool down under the fans.
Wednesday, 2 January 2019: Rocomama’s burgers and chilli-cheese fries
We had breakfast at Woolworth’s W Cafe in Table Bay Mall on Wednesday. See Husband’s flat white, Coke Zero and chorizo bowl, as well as my honey-nut latte and cakey coconut loaf with espresso cream.After some reading under the fan, we were ready for food again. We had so enjoyed our burgers at Rocomama’s the previous week that we were there again for an early dins on Wednesday, this week. Also see my Belgian chocolate shake and our shared portion of chilli-cheese fries. Yum!
That’s all, folks! We’ve had a lovely, lazy break and luckily there’s a full weekend to go before we hit the office. Here’s to a super successful 2019!
This has been our most family-filled Christmas in a long time, as we got to celebrate with both sets of parents as well as extended family on both sides. We were also lucky enough to start our December holiday with a stay at La Petite Ferme in Franschhoek, what a magical place!
Our souls are happy and bellies full – you’ll see why from all the snaps below…
Friday, 22 December 2018: Holiday waffles and Blowfish dins
Mum and Dad treated me to a waffle at Milky Lane in Table Bay Mall to mark my first day of holiday last Friday. See my Crunchie waffle, Dad’s lemon meringue version and Mum’s churro ice cream cup that looked just like Stitch from Lilo and Stitch.By then, Husband was done with his morning of work so he joined us for a strong flat white at Limnos Bakery in the mall. Let the holidays begin!The colours at the beachfront were just gorgeous that afternoon. If you look closely, you’ll spot Husband waving from the waves.We started the weekend with an early lupper at the Blowfish restaurant in Dolphin Beach that afternoon. See Husband’s seafood pasta and my butternut-feta gnocchi.
Saturday, 22 December 2019: A stay at La Petite Ferme, Franschhoek
Bread & Butter in Sunningdale has extended its trading hours over the festive season, so that’s where we had our early Saturday morning breakfast. See our flat whites and single eggs benedicts – Mexican for Husband. bacon for me. Bellies full, we were ready for a road trip…We were excited to see a different side of Franschhoek that weekend, as we were reviewing a night at La Petite Ferme, set on the foot of the Oliphant’s Pass. See fields of lavender and the lush green maze of Terbidor’s Big Dog Cafe on our way into town.Views of the valley, vineyards and vino at La Petite Ferme – ‘the little farm’. It’s different from the typical ‘Main Road Franschhoek’ accommodation as you’re situated up above the town with a view of the mountain on the one side and on the other, twinkly lights of the valley below. Highly recommended!We were lucky to stay in the Provencale Vineyard Suite as the accommodation is pure luxury, complete with a view of the blue mountains and vineyards right from the bathtub, and delicious cookies at the in-suite coffee station.Some of the scenery around our private cottage suite – inviting shady tree-lined walkways, a welcome bowl of fruit, and of course our private pool.View of our private pool from the main living area of the suite. It was heavenly!Husband spent most of his afternoon in the pool. The dark green tiles made it feel like we had slipped into the background and were part of nature.I’ll drink to that! Husband enjoying a taste of La Petite Ferme’s oak-barreled Chardonnay.Guests are welcome to a private wine tasting and tour of the vines on the property. See the five wines we sampled, each paired with a specific savoury bite from the kitchen. Watch for my full wordy review on Bizcommunity in the new year!Mr and Mrs Andrews making their way from their suite to the restaurant – we couldn’t stop gazing at that beautiful view!Sunset signals supper time at La Petite Ferme. See the magical glow over the mountains and valley below – you can just spot me in the picture on the top-left.The food tasted as good as it looked. See our breadboard, including charcoal rolls with harissa paste, two views of our shared zucchini roll starter and our mains – the deboned whole trout for Husband, and the pulled lamb for me. Both were all so delicious we left our plates clean. Not pictured – the caramel milkshake I slurped to the last drop.A feast for the eyes before we’d even had a taste. See another view of our mains – lamb top-left and trout top-right, as well as our desserts – chocolate torte bottom-left and pumpkin doughnuts with peanut-butter ice-cream bottom-right.The ‘gownie shot’, once back in our suite that evening – this was the best option of about 20 takes, I promise.
Breakfast at La Petite Ferme is a treat, with so many delicious choices from the buffet table – see the pastries; fresh fruit and fish; my ‘first breakfast’ bowl of granola with berries, cranberry juice and cappuccino; and Husband’s beautiful plate of eggs Onassis – spinach, salmon and Hollandaise sauce.More of the buffet spread; along with my prettily plated hot breakfast order of French toast topped with bacon and cooked apple slivers; and my ‘third breakfast’ nutty pastry plait with cappuccino; as well as Husband enjoying his plate of eggs.I’d heard about the beautiful peacocks at La Petite Ferme and we spotted a few during our stay – they often leapt into the trees to sing their odd ‘mewling’ cry. But more impressive that this…Look! A little chick on the peahen’s back! Two eggs had just hatched during our stay.After checking out we made our way back home, then stopped in at Pakalolo’s on the beachfront with Spec for Christmas cocktails that afternoon. See Husband’s bloody mary, Spec’s mojito and my ‘champagne mojito’, complete with sparkly MCC.The celebrations kept coming! We had Peche Royale sparkling peach, as well as salad and toasted sandwiches to literally ‘toast’ the start of the holidays with Spec at Mum’s house that afternoon. Also see our coconut ice cream with caramel sauce and Bertie’s Christmas present from his granny-grampa – a soft blue monkey, his newest best friend.
Monday, 24 December 2018: Blaauwberg Beach Hotel breakfast and Christmas Eve family dins
The Blaauwberg Beach Hotel has finally opened its doors, so we had breakfast at their Waves restaurant on Monday morning. See my peanut-butter waffle, Husband’s eggs royale and Spec’s breakfast taco. Portions are generous, so go hungry!Of course we explored the rest of the hotel, too – just look at the views from one of three pools! We’ll definitely be back once their cocktail bar opens in the new year.Sweet little Bassie on Christmas Eve. She turned into a shy girl with so many family members saying hi at her grandparents’ house. The food was lovely, too – pre-ordered individual portions of chicken, gammon and ham with rice, roast potatoes, creamy cauliflower, carrots and butternut. Yum!Merry Christmas Eve! The full family enjoying our festive feast.
Tuesday, 25 December 2018: Christmas lunch in Big Bay
Woolworths Cafe was one of few places open for breakfast on Christmas Day, so that’s where we topped up our tummies again, this time on vanilla-cinnamon cappuccinos, flat whites, Labneh apple-toast and chorizo hash bowls. My parents also popped in for generous portions of scrambled eggs, bacon and avo on toast.Merry Christmas! We spent much of the rest of the day at the beautiful new Big Bay house of relations on Mum’s side. See the slide-cover pool and view across the ocean to Table Mountain.See some of the Christmas day laughs captured here.Full family (apart from Eleanor, taking the photo) at Christmas lunch at the Conradies’ newly built house. Also, Gillian presenting the beautiful Christmas tree starter Mum created.Did we eat and eat! See the cheese, fruit and crackers; roast potatoes; Christmas pies – steak, chicken and venison; pigs in ‘scarves’ (their bacon ‘blankets’ shrunk in the cook); and the beautiful cheesecake made by my cousin, Erin. There was also homemade malva pudding with custard and Uncle Al’s bread-and-butter pudding.No wonder some of us were very sleepy that evening, dreaming Christmassy dreams.
Wednesday, 26 December 2018: Day of Reconciliation (AKA: Christmas leftovers)
We filled our bellies (again) with the early bird English breakfast special at News Cafe on Marine Circle.Day of Reconciliation means lots of Christmas leftovers. We found ourselves back at Husband’s parents’ house with his extended relations for a final taste of Christmas. It was yummy but we are so done with cooked ham for a while!
That’s all, folks! We hope you had an equally delicious Christmas week. Excuse us while we try walk off some of those calories. 🙂
*Disclaimer: Our meals and accommodation at La Petite Ferme were part of our review package. All else came from our own pockets. All enjoyed equally.
Last weekend saw us in Stellenbosch, where we had the most wonderful time. I’ll let the pictures do the talking so you can see for yourself…
Saturday, 4 August 2018: Lunch at Majeka House’s M Bar, chocolate pairing at Waterford Estate
We had some weekend admin to sort out first thing, so Saturday’s breakfast was enjoyed at W Cafe in Woolworths, Table Bay Mall. See Husband’s eggs benedict and flat white, with my poached pear-topped French toast and vanilla-cinnamon cappuccino. Yum.What’s a road trip without caffeine? We ended up with a cafe mocha for me and a Coke Zero for Husband, and enjoyed watching the scenery become all woodsy the closer we got to Stellenbosch.What a welcome! When you see that tree in the middle of the road, you know you’re in whisper distance of Majeka House. Also see one of the quirky pig ornaments (they’re everywhere at Majeka House), and the herbal infusion from Majeka’s own herb garden, served in the prettiest floral cups.The M Bar at Majeka House is beautiful, with gold touches and pops of royal blue everywhere. There was a toasty fire blazing inside, but we opted to eat out in the elements, amongst the unusual cacti.Our lunch choices from the Majeka Menu. We opted for just a main each – the line fish for Husband and the pasta for me, with the vanilla creme brulee for dessert.There were no burgers in stock and the menu was quite seafood-heavy, so I the coriander-chilli-broccoli-bocconcini pasta was my best bet, especially when paired with a gingery rose martini. Also see husband’s asparagus and the linefish – Cape breem on the day, cooked to perfection, as well as the vanilla creme brulee topped with a cookie and paired with a cappuccino.Strong, rich coffee, a crisp breeze, bird song and blues and greens everywhere you look. That’s Majeka House!Bellies full, it was time to explore our room! We were in one of two with access to a private (very cold) pool. Also see the pretty pink and grey birdy theme, even on the glass doors on the bathroom.I won’t tell you how many takes we took at getting it to look like I was wrapped up in the flamingo birdy. 🙂See the beautiful but chilly pool. The base is striped and would be good for a few laps! I didn’t brave it much more than this, alas. The coffee was much needed, and even that didn’t do the trick so we decided it was time for a quick explore of the local wine farms. What a good idea!Waterford Estate is like something an artist imagined and brought to life with a magic paintbrush.You just can’t go wrong with visiting a wine farm in the Western Cape, but Waterford Estate has a special touch. From the game viewing vehicle to the pretty trees…To the classy country setting with lights and log fires everywhere you look…To the chocolate-wine pairing, which is complementary if you’re staying at Majeka House. Waterford Estate was actually the first local wine farm to offer a chocolate-wine pairing, and we can see why it’s been such a success. The chocolates are specially crafted and can only be bought at the Estate. We highly recommend this activity if you’re visiting Stellenbosch!But the best part, for us? The tiny fruit dotted on trees in rows and rows across the estate. They were sweet and seedless, and left our fingers orange-scented.Dornier is on the same road as Waterford Estate, so we stopped in for a quick visit – see why I say you can’t go wrong with visiting a wine farm in the Western Cape?Some of the things we saw while travelling those semi-rural roads of Stellenbosch.Juice and dessert! We’d just returned to our room when there was a knock on our door in the early evening, and we were presented with fresh, spicy juice and a yummy berry-chocolate panna cotta.Later that evening we made use of the fitness centre and the steam room, sauna, indoor pool and jacuzzi. This is bliss!This was the best option from our standard gown photo shoot. I promise. Not seen: Just how fluffy and soft and warm they were.Night time! See the sky at sunset and how the Majeka House archways light up once the moon rises.
Sunday, 5 August 2018: Breakfast buffet at Makaron
The moment Husband’s eyes were open on Sunday morning, it was time for breakfast in Makaron. See the hot breakfast menu, some of the treats to choose from the continental buffet, and tea equipment.This little piggy guarded the breakfast buffet.The seating arrangements at Makaron restaurant in Majeka House are quite something. Look at these fancy chairs!We had bowl after bowl of beautiful assortment of food. See our strong coffees served with hot milk, clusters of honeyed muesli with nuts and yoghurt, the American pancakes with hot, jammy blueberries and Husband’s full breakfast including tomato, mushrooms and sausages.Suspicious Bassie, once we were safely home again that afternoon.Bertie having a snuggle with his dad.
Monday, 6 August 2018: Sunrise in Woodstock
The most beautiful citrus-streaky sunrise when I got off the MyCiti bus at Woodstock Station on Monday morning.
That’s all, folks! We hope you have a relaxing weekend ahead. 🙂
*Disclaimer: Our meals and accommodation at Majeka House and Waterford Estate were part of our review package. All else came from our own pockets. All enjoyed equally.
Last week was really busy and quite chilly but filled with happy, delicious moments, too…
Wednesday, 4 April 2018: Autumn Risotto Pop-Up Experience at 95 Keerom and Gords’ visit
I’d been invited to review the Autumn Risotto Pop-Up Experience at 95 Keerom on Wednesday afternoon, so of course I accepted the offer. Each bowl was delicious, especially accompanied by Steenberg Wines’ finest.The food and the drink. Yes, I ate all this. Click through for details and full descriptions in my official review on Bizcommunity.Gords, one of Husband’s oldest friends from our Joburg days, was in Cape Town on business on Wednesday so we jumped at the chance to see him at Husband’s parents’ house. See various happy moments below – yes, the doggies were there, too.Husband’s Mum cooked up haggis, chilli con carne, potatoes and various veg in honour of Gords’ visit. See how thrilled Bertie was to greet Gords, also see my Mum with Bassie (my parents popped in for a quick visit, too).
Friday, 6 April 2018: Doggies warming themselves at the fire
The doggies warming themselves at the fire last Friday evening.Sleepy sweethearts.Precious little Bassie peeping out from under her blankie.
Saturday, 7 April 2018: Coffee-filled breakfast at The Daily
The Daily at Seaside Village in Big Bay had revamped its menu so we went for a quick taste. As it was first thing in the morning, we started with coffee! See various shots of Husband’s ‘con panna’ (espresso topped with cream) and my latte.To eat we went with old favourites – toasted chicken mayo in white for me, eggs florentine for Husband. See shots of how they were served on the left and after we’d doctored them with sauces on the right.After a fair deal of weekend admin we decided on an early dinner at The Orient in Eden on the Bay that evening. See various hand rolls, sashimi and maki consumed by Husband, and my cashew chicken dish bottom left.
Sunday, 8 April 2018: Coffee at Reload, breakfast at Tables at Nitida, liquid treats at Pakalolo
We were up earlier than necessary on Sunday so stopped for a fancy coffee treat first thing. The outside seating area at Reload in Parklands is inviting.See my peppermint-chocolate latte and various weekend newspapers. Sunday morning bliss.As we’d not seen them the day before, we met Husband’s parents at Tables at Nitida for breakfast. It’s such a pretty spot!Love the mosaic tables at Tables (lol) – also see my Milo shake;, the general ‘bacon-eggs-mushrooms-tomato’ brekkie ordered by Husband’s parents; my brioche French toast with jar of scrumptious caramelised bananas and nuts; and Husband’s Italian-style chorizo-pepper-feta-spring onion open-faced omelette. No wonder their tagline is ‘For the love of food!’Tables at Nitida always makes us feel welcome. “May all who enter as guests leave as friends.”After we’d ‘left as friends’, we stopped in at Klein Rosboom for a look around. The entry table is just so pretty. Insert heart-eyes emoji.Some of the lovely sights at Klein Roosboom. We found ‘die hang gat’, where you can sit in a swing chair while tasting wine. Such fun!You can see us peeking into another of the tasting room ‘caves’ at Klein Roosboom in the mirror here.Much later that afternoon, after lots of manual labour in the garden, we stopped in at Pakalolo on the beachfront for a liquid treat. It was a frosty Castle Light draught for Husband and raspberry virgin daquiri for me. Delicious!You can just make out Husband behind my virgin raspberry daquiri here. Lol.Ahh. That’s how you spend a Sunday afternoon. Sipping daquiris and staring at sea views.Mum outdid herself with homemade gnocchi and a crunchy salad for lupper that eve.
Wednesday, 11 April 2018: Overcast fiery skies at night
Overcast sunset sky at night…
Thursday, 12 April 2018: ‘Feel better’ pastries from Trescatelli Bakery
Cloud-flecked sunrise sky in the morning.There was a bus strike on Thursday and I wasn’t feeling 100% so worked from home that day. Day made when my parents popped in with delicious pastries! See huge mug of coffee with chocolate and vanilla-cream cannoli from Trescatelli Bakery here. Mmm.
That’s all, folks! Have a delicious weekend 🙂
Ramblings, rumblings and random ruminations, version ii. Also reviews, recommendations and alliteration. Based on living the good life in the fairest Cape. Eating is my favourite pastime. Updated weekly
Rambling Litchii 