Last weekend I was knocked down by a cold (not the flu, as I had my flu shot this year), but despite that meaning lots of rest time was required we still got out a fair bit, as you’ll see from the pics below…
Thursday, 25 July 2019: Star Wars quizzing at Exclusive Books
Look at those happy faces! Mum had seen a sign for a Star Wars quiz at the Exclusive Books in Table Bay Mall, so Husband and Spec opted in as a team on Thursday evening. They did really well, coming second out of eight teams! Dad and I went along as their cheering team.Celebrating their quiz victory with some sushi at Best of Asia.
Last Friday, I started my work day at the latest Creative Mornings Cape Town event at AAA School. Click here to catch up if you missed my coverage of Kurt Minnaar’s talk.I was even snapped by the official Creative Mornings photographer, snapping a photo at the event!Say cheese! We had our much-awaited team lunch at the Fat Cactus last Friday, walking distance from the office. Even Rod was there!Deciding what to eat was tough. In the end I went for this, the Happy Hog quesadillas, with BBQ pulled pork, cheese and chilli pineapple salsa. Yum! Washed down with an espresso shake, of course.If all goes to plan for Husband, he gets to leave work a little early on a Friday afternoon. The stars aligned for him last Friday so he got home before me for once, and trotted down to the local pub with dad for a quick beer while waiting on my bus to arrive.
Saturday, 27 July 2019: 3D putt-putt, rugby and cake for Spec’s 37th birthday
All in the Kitchen deli was open Saturday morning with a limited menu, so we popped in for the bacon-egg croissant with flat white special.Seaside Village held a Lego expo of sorts on Saturday, so of course we went along to browse with great interest. The Guardians of the Galaxy set is adorable!As Saturday was Spec’s birthday, he stayed over at his parents house for the night. Husband treated him to a round of putt-putt at Glowing Rooms’ 3D blacklight mini golf in Milnerton, along with his parents. I wasn’t up for the adventure (and luckily had played before) so opted for a nap at home instead.I was feeling a little better later that afternoon so bundled up tight to accompany Husband, Spec and their dad to the local Unimil rugby match at Theo Marais Park.We all popped in at Husband’s parents that evening for some birthday singing. Love love love the pic of Husband and Bassie in her hoodied tracksuit top-right.
Sunday, 28 July 2019: Ou Meul breakfast, Reload coffee break
It was the ‘Winteriest’ day on Sunday so we sat inside at the new Ou Meul Bakkery in Melkbos (where the farmstall used to be). See Husband’s eggy toast and my toasted banana bread, as well as our coffees – a flat white and honey-nut latte, respectively.Husband decided I was in need of a Reload coffee treat early Sunday afternoon so we popped into the Parklands branch for a flat white and peppermint-choc latte. He was right, it was just what I needed!Trying to keep warm with the doglets in the lounge on Sunday afternoon.Strawberries, choc cake and ice cream with coffee for Sunday evening dessert at Mum’s.
Wednesday, 31 July and Thursday, 1 August 2019: CEM Africa Summit at CTICC
The 8th CEM (Customer Experience Management) Africa Summit took place on Wednesday and Thursday at the CTICC. See some of my favourite moments here (yes, that is Darth Vader bottom right), and click here for my overview of how government is reducing red tape in the experience economy.Always big smiles when I run into Chantel Botha of BrandLove at the CEM Africa Summit!
That’s all, folks! Husband has since caught my cold, so we’re going to take it easy again this weekend…
This past week has been another busy one packed with events and delicious food, as you’ll see from the snaps below…
Thursday, 20 June 2019: Kantar’s ‘Innovation for Growth’ workshop
Last Thursday, I attended Kantar’s ‘Innovation for Growth’ workshop, at their photogenic offices on the Foreshore. Click here for a reminder of my event overview article.
Friday, 21 June 2019: Orange sky before the storm
A line of orange clouds last Friday, before an enormous storm that evening.Cold weather means lots of cold doggies snuggling up under blankies. And watching the rain from between the curtains.
Saturday, 22 June 2019: Munching at Trecastelli and Colala on Marine Circle
See our breakfast at Trecastelli on Marine Circle last Saturday morning. Flat whites and the cooked breakfast for Husband (it’s not on the menu but quite a popular choice), while I had the cappuccino-croissant special.I was in dire need of a coffee refill when we were at the Mall later that afternoon. Nothing a R10 dirty chai latte from Xpresso can’t fix!On Saturday afternoon we popped into Colala on Marine Circle for an early dins – they serve Asian fusion food, so you can have sushi and a creamy curry like Husband, or chicken cashew nut with egg fried rice like me. They also serve milkshakes like this caramel one, yay and bonus, they’re on the Entertainer app – we’ll be back!
Sunday, 23 June 2019: Reload Leadville breakfast
Sunday was a ‘Reload Leadville’ kind of morning, so we popped in for breakfast. See my mashed avo bagel and peppermint-choc latte, as well as Husband’s ‘trim’ mince, cheese and onion omelette. We also gret numerous happy doggies having walkies with their owners.Coffee on our pretty new coffee side table.Homemade creme caramel for dessert at Mum’s on Sunday. Yum!Sweet, sleepy doglets as seen throughout the week.
Wednesday, 26 June 2019: Pasta Ripiena master class at 95@Parks
On Wednesday, I attended a ‘pasta ripiena’ master class at 95 at Parks, where chef Giorgio Nava shared tips and techniques to make his legendary stuffed pasta dishes. Mum came along too! See her with chef Nava, as well as the delightful setting.I also had my pic snapped with Chef Nava, of course! See the delicious cheese we snacked on, the cosy setting, our first course of spinach and butternut ravioli, and the deep-fried Pasta Montenara.The master class in action! Chef Giorgio Nava, with his two ‘helpers’, Giovanna and Jonas. All three showed us various aspects of the filled pasta creation process.See the pasta ripiena menu, on offer until end-July, as well as the pea-and-ham cappelletti, pineapple sorbet (this is the answer to where pineapple belongs in the Italian kitchen – certainly not on pizza). Also see our espresso and cappuccino to end the meal. Click here for my official review on Biz, as well as to download Chef Nava’s pasta recipes from the master class!
Thursday, 27 June 2019: Surprise 50th office birthday party
We surprised our CEO with a birthday party a day early on Thursday. See some of the decorations and snacks.Happy birthday! See Andre in white, just to the left of the gold ’50’ balloons, with the rest of team Biz gathered around.We had pots of delicious Thai curry and rice, as well as stacks of sweet treats – always doughnuts for Andre – to celebrate.
That’s all folks! I’m taking a few days’ leave next week for a ‘digital detox’ of sorts, see you for next Friday’s 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 jam-packed on the work and home front, as you’ll see from the pics below…
Thursday, 7 March: #MayDayMeander at Allee Bleue
After a brief stint in the office before the sun had fully risen, I met a friend at Tasha’s at the V&A Waterfront for a quick work-related chat, over Nutella-marshmallow hot chocolate. Yum!Next stop, a media tour for the day in Franschhoek. Welcome to Allee Bleue! This translates to ‘blue avenue’ and makes sense when you take in all the blue Eucalyptus trees and touches of blue dotted throughout the grounds.Taking in some of the scenery at Allee Bleue.The drizzle was on and off, which made for lovely Franschhoek landscape photos.Freshly plucked herbs feature strongly in Allee Bleue’s tasting options.More of the herby bites and sights along the way as we continued our May Day Meander preview around the grounds of Allee Bleue.Mmm. Even more of the stops along the way – keep in mind the whole ‘meander’ only takes an hour or so, meaning we were taking in lots of food, drink and information in that time.Finally all meandered out, it was time for lunch. See the blue hydrangeas on the table and some of the lovely eats we were treated to. Not seen in these pics – the sweet grey squirrels that roam the property.
Friday, 8 March 2019: Table View sunsets
You can just see Table Mountain popping out a very blue shoulder behind our yellow house here – view on my walk home from the bus…Husband happily putting the gas stove to the test.Such pretty sunsets, as seen from home on Friday evening.
Saturday, 9 March 2019: Family housewarming braai
It was a ‘breakfast at Reload’ type of Saturday, as we’re now walking distance from the Flamingo Vlei branch. See my peppermint-choc latte and smashed-avo bagel, as well as Husband’s cooked breakfast with triple-shot espresso. Love the kudu-painted wall.The boxes are all unpacked so we held a housewarming braai at our house that afternoon.Various snaps as the sun went down on our housewarming braai.Braai food! See the cheese and crackers, strawberry mousse and Don’s famous lemony chicken wings.Bassie prefers to sit on a lap when there are many other folk around. Her uncle Spec slept over but the rest all made their way back to their own homes as all live nearby.
Sunday, 10 March 2019: Carlucci’s breakfast
We set off for Carlucci’s, just down the road from home, for Sunday breakfast. See my dirty chai latte and Husband peppering his plate.Our full table of food. See my dirty chai latte and chocolate croissant, the brothers’ flat whites, Husband’s Coke Zero and egg-topped mince on toast, as well as well as Spec’s classic breakfast plate.We sampled some of our housewarming gifts on Sunday afternoon – see the dry Prosecco and assorted De Villiers chocolate slabs.Little Bassie hasn’t quite figured out all the ins and outs of the new house yet so will often wait outside until we see her and let her in.
Cheers! We got to the V&A Waterfront’s Cruises Terminal a little earlier than necessary for our six-star dining experience after work on Tuesday evening, so had a quick drink at Panama Jacks first, as we could see the Crystal Serenity clearly from our table outside. See Husband’s carafe of red blend and my blueberry shake.We got to explore most of the nooks and crannies of the Crystal Serenity. There’s so much to see! Note the local bagpipers behind Husband in the bottom-left pic. They were boarding for the night’s performance.Some of the lovely sights we saw onboard the Crystal Serenity.Even more things aboard the Crystal Serenity.As seen on the wall of the kiddies’ room of the Crystal Serenity.We were also treated to dinner at Crystal Serenity’s Waterside restaurant. See my parma ham-topped gnocchetti, Husband sipping away at the endless supply of wine, food being professionally snapped, as well as Husband’s starter of ‘Ahi tuna tartare and scallop crudo, and main of broiled corvina on a tomato rice pilaf.Six-star dins? Don’t mind if I do! See my roast duckling, Husband’s vanilla creme brulee, and my coconut-chocolate trifle and cappuccino.
Wednesday, 13 March 2019: Heavy Chef’s ‘Instagram for Business’ masterclass at Workshop 17
Wednesday was gloomy and wet, which made some of the sights around Workshop 17 all the more eye-catching. See the turquoise-and-gold striped rhino, as well as snacks and treats in the Heavy Chef masterclass. Click here for my overview of the event!
That’s all, folks. Click here for more on the #MayDayMeander, here for more on our Crystal Serenity experience and here for more on Workshop 17’s ‘Instagram for Business’ masterclass. Over and out! 🙂
*Disclaimer: Our meals at Allee Bleue and at Crystal Serenity’s Waterside restaurant were part of our review package. All else came from our own pockets. All enjoyed equally.
We’ve been back at work for a week already so it seems very long ago that we were living the last week of our Summer staycation, even though it was just last week. Of course it whizzed by in a blur of sunshine, sea swims and sunset-gazing…
Thursday, 3 January 2019: Reload Flamingo Vlei breakfast, afternoon at Blouberg beach
We met my parents for breakfast at the Reload in Flamingo Vlei last Thursday morning. See our various-sized flat whites, Dad’s basic breakfast, Husband’s ‘trim’ omelette, and the avo bagels Mum and I enjoyed.That afternoon, we set up a shady spot with beach umbrella, towels and books, then Husband headed off for his sea swim. His dad joined us a little later to test the water, too.Husband diving into the deep blue sea at Bloubergstrand.Candyfloss-coloured sky that night.
It had been quite windy the past few days so we couldn’t do a doggy beach walk, as Bassie hates having sand blown into her eyes. Conditions looked good when we woke up on Friday so we set off for a nice long doggy beach walk first thing at Kreeftebaai. Success!Husband and boy dog in and around the ocean.Post-doggy beach walk we’d worked up quite an appetite. We’d not been to our local Wimpy in a while, so that’s where we breakfasted last Friday. See our coffees as well as Husband’s streaky bacon breakfast with extra cheese griller, and my breakfast waffle. Yes, we finished it all.Treats later that afternoon – a coconutty Cafe Capri and ‘Devil Wears Black’ cocktail at Saint’s in Eden on the Bay, followed by a shared, crispy-based Nikita takeaway pizza from Portalia. Just right!
Saturday, 5 January 2019: End-of-holiday meal at El Barrio
We met Husband’s mum at McPherson’s on Saturday morning, as his dad was out cycling. My plate of toast, bacon and eggs bottom-right cost just R25!Our full table of breakfast things.We decided on EL Barrio at Eden on the Bay as the place we’d celebrate the end of a Summer holiday well spent. See my delicious pineapple-habanero margarita and Husband’s ‘Mexican flag’ shooters. Ole!The food was delicious, too. See our taco bowls – the chicken for Husband, pork for me.
Sunday. 6 January 2019: Village Place breakfast, make your own chicken burgers
Sunday morning saw us having our last breakfast of the holiday, at Village Place Cafe in West Coast Village. See our flat whites as well as Husband’s eggy breakfast and my muesli jar.We made our own chicken burgers for lupper at Mum’s that afternoon. Yum!The sweet doglets in sleepy mode. Yes, that’s Bertie watching the Christopher Robin/Winnie the Pooh movie bottom-left. He loved it.
That’s all, folks! We hope you have a delicious weekend ahead 🙂
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 last week saw an intense heat wave hit, so we spent much of our free time gazing at, walking beside, and swimming in the ocean. And let’s not mention all the milkshakes I glugged down…
Friday, 26 October 2018: After-work espresso shake at Fat Cactus
A colleague and I went for an after-work chat with milkshakes at the Fat Cactus across the road from work.How cute are the cactus-shaped milkshake glasses? That’s my espresso shake. Yum!We started our weekend early, with Friday evening dinner at Earth Cafe. I chose the crispy honey chicken, while Husband had two salmon hand rolls and the black bean curry.
Saturday, 27 October 2018: Bagels at Reload, oysters at Catch22
Proof that I follow instructions well: My peppermint-choc latte at Reload in Parklands on Saturday morning told me to smile, so I did. Also see my bagel with smashed avo, and Husband’s trim portion of open Mexican omelette. It was lovely.Husband gazing at Table Mountain from the rocky outcrop in the bay in Table View.All the blues and greens we saw at the beach.It was so very hot that he spent more time than his usual quick dunk in the sea.It was the perfect weather for a meal with a view of the beach. See Table Mountain and the sea as seen from the balcony of Catch22. Also, Husband’s glass of red and my Peppermint Aero milkshake.Husband was delighted with the jumbo-sized oysters – R25 each, followed by the Calypso’s Catch seafood salad. The Buccaneer beef burger, topped with cheese and bacon and onion rings, was also delicious, as always.Hot dogs cooling down under the fans that evening.
Sunday, 28 October 2018: Doggy beach walks before breakfast at On the Rocks
We took the doglets for an early Sunday morning beach walk at their favourite, Kreeftebaai. See various stages of said walkies.It didn’t take much time to coax little Bassie into the sea too, to cool down her feeties.Our lack of sleeves in these pics shows you how hot it was on Sunday morning. We opted for breakfast at On the Rocks, with a strawberry shake and the berry French toast for me, and a cappuccino, Coke Zero and the breakfast pan for Husband.We stopped off for a walk around Eden on the Bay that afternoon.It was so very hot that Husband set up the air-conditioner machine in the kitchen, then sat in front of it for a while, cooling down with Bertie. Bassie also enjoyed the air that was reaching her from the couch.Ice-cream with blueberries and a cup of coffee at Mum’s after lupper that evening.
Wednesday, 31 October 2018: Halloween dins at Petisco’s
We found ourselves at Petisco’s in Parklands for dins on Wednesday evening. It was Halloween, so there was bunting and decorations galore. We ended up with a plate of the chicken xai xai each, as well as a Fanta orange and the mocha shake.Loved the Halloween decorations!
Thursday, 1 November 2018: BrandZ launch at Kantar MillwardBrown
The first BrandZ results, for the top 30 most valuable SA brands, launched on Thursday morning at the Kantar MillwardBrown offices on the Foreshore. It was such a nice event.
That’s all, folks! We’re in for a slightly cooler weekend, with some rain even set for Sunday, so expect a few more sleeves in my next update. Teehee 😉
Last weekend was chilly but bright, so we took advantage of the sunshine to take in some of the sights we forget when we stay closer to home in the wet winter months…
Friday, 7 September 2018: Spring Day braai at work
Scenes from our Spring braai at work last Friday, after our monthly staff meeting. We were just finishing off when the rain came, good timing!
Saturday, 8 September 2018: Trecastelli breakfast, Fat Greek lunch
Last weekend’s mantra was all about trying new places to eat. We started first thing on Saturday with breakfast at Trecastelli in Marine Circle. See my cappuccino and ‘Nutella cornetto’ – R40 for both, as well as Husband’s cooked breakfast of two eggs, cheese, tomatoes, bacon and avo. Yum.Pretty kites near Melkbos that afternoon.Sticking with our ‘try something new’ mandate, we decided on lunch at the Fat Greek, on Marine Circle. See my very pink shake and chicken gyro with chips, as well as Husband’s lamb kleftiko and glass of red. Lovely!These post-lunch pics give an idea of the weather here – sunny but chilly. Various spots in and around Blouberg.
Sunday, 9 September 2018: Hout Bay roadtripping
With a road trip you never know when exactly you’ll stop for breakfast, so it’s a good idea to get a coffee for the road. Our cappuccinos were from Reload. Love the cute sugar bowls.It was Yours Truly’s ‘Today and Tomorrow’ on Kloof Street where we finally stopped for breakfast. Husband went for the eggs benedict, and my banana bread breakfast with a chai latte was just right.You can’t help but take beautiful mountain-ocean landscape shots when travelling along the Atlantic coastline.Ah, Hout Bay. We stopped for another stroll and a spot of lunch once we reached Mariner’s Wharf.The tunnel through a bit of mountain along Chapman’s PeakChapman’s Peak has numerous ‘scenic’ stops’ for snaps like this, back towards Hout Bay.The train, complete with passengers, was stopped near Fish Hoek beach throughout our 10-minute or so walk above the beach.We went back to one of our favourites, Saint’s in Eden on the Bay, for our final treat of the weekend. See my Insomniac alcoholic shake – chocolate with espresso, Amarula and Frangelico.Proof that Husband was there, too – see his mint- and lime-heavy blueberry mojito.We also stopped to smell the flowers, or rather sit amongst them, that afternoon. That’s how you know Spring is in the Cape!Sweet Bassie was very interested in all the foodies when we had lupper at Mum’s that evening.Some of the delicious Trecastelli Italian delicacies we ate at Mum’s that afternoon – not from our visit, they went for their own breakfast on Sunday, following our recommendation.
Monday, 10 September 2018: Day off reading, relaxing and pizza lunching
I had put in for a day’s leave, so spent much of the morning relaxing with the doglets. See my book, coffee and even Pop-tarts for brekkie.Lol at my fashion choices! Love these kitty socks.The highlight of the day was milkshakes and half-price pizzas for lunch with my parents at Col’Cacchio in Seaside Village.
Thursday, 13 September 2018: Spark Media breakfast event
I started my Thursday at the Spark Media breakfast presentation, held at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice. So much to choose from to eat – so much brain food, too – coverage coming to Bizcommunity, soon!My sweet deskmate treated me to this new Bubbly Oreo chocolate slab on Thursday. Yum!
That’s all, folks! Have a happy, healthy weekend filled with delicious moments. 🙂
We’ve both been battling a Winter cold this past week so when not at work, we mainly stayed home to avoid the rainy weather (at last!) You’ll also notice this week’s selection of pics strongly features snaps of the doggies watching us eat…
Friday, 8 June 2018: Raisin scones drop-off
I worked from home last Friday to skip the long commute in to the office, and mum popped in with a homemade treat – raisin scones, fresh out the oven. So yum!
Saturday, 9 June 2018: Reading on couches with dogs
We breakfasted at our local Lacomia’s Cafe in Builder’s Warehouse of Saturday morning, as Husband had all sorts of odds and ends to purchase and tick off on his DIY list. See my cafe mocha and toasted chicken mayo, as well as Husband’s cappuccino, his cola in the background and his sloppy joe eggy mince on toast.I spent most of my Saturday afternoon reading on the couch with the doggies. You can just see Bassie, popping up behind my legs. They’re such sweet snuggle buddies.Mmm, soup! We were both feeling quite under the weather that evening so soup with rolls in front of a roaring fire seemed the best idea for dins. It was.
Sunday, 10 June 2018: Reload dog park breakfast, Limnos treat
We had Sunday breakfast at Reload at the Leadville dog park in Sunningdale (our not-so-social doggies stayed at home, though). See my Mediterranean bagel topped with hummus, onions and avo, as well as my peppermint-choc latte and Husband’s ‘trim’ bacon and bockwurst open omelette.The peppermint-choc latte is delicious and sweet enough that you don’t need to add any sugar.Here is Husband, tentatively sipping on a triple cappuccino. We had initially sat outside to watch the doggies play in the park but the wind soon proved too gusty, especially given our compromised immune systems.Our breakfast table looked like this.Then it was time for some weekend admin. When we saw Limnos had finally opened in the Table Bay Mall, of course we stopped in for a look and take-home treat. I went for a salambo eclair, which is just delicious – choux pastry with vanilla cream piped in through the base, and topped with syrupy almond slivers. Yum! See Bassie pretending not to watch me eat it in the last photo.This is post-salambo, pre-coffee. Bassie was happy to snuggle with me on the couch while I convalesced with a new book.Mum made a lovely trifle for Sunday lupper-dessert.You can just see the doggies watching their granny eat hers in the background here.
Tuesday, 12 June 2018: Monthly radio recording at 2OceansVibe
On Tuesday, my colleague Angie and I popped in at the 2OceansVibe recording studio in Cartel House, Loop Street for our second show. We stopped in for a post-show coffee and caught up on emails at Cafe du Cap downstairs.We were careful not to ‘drop the mic. Lol.
Wednesday, 13 June 2018: Mid-week winter dins at Doodles
We stopped in for dins at Doodles on Wednesday to celebrate both finally feeling a bit better from this change-of-season cold. Husband had the winter bangers and mash special for R59, plus a glass of red to wash it down, I had the Wednesday burger and chips special (it’s another R59 meal, but I ordered a latte instead).The cold front was due to hit the following day so watching the sun setting over the sea after dins seemed extra special as we’d be stuck indoors for the next few days.Bertie was happy to snuggle with me again that eve in front of the fire.
That’s all, folks! Stay warm and well, and have a happy Father’s Day weekend 🙂
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 