Art in the Forest – Constantia

Posted on January 27, 2012 by

I found a hidden gem last week.

While visiting The Original T-Bag design company in Hout Bay, Gill the owner asked if I had been to see ART IN THE FOREST.  She proceeded to give me directions and we decided that even though we were supposed to be on tour – with the heat wave on – the idea of exploring something in a forest was rather appealing.  As such we headed up the mountain from Hout Bay, at the circle you turn left as if you are turning to Newlands and then do an IMMEDIATE left onto a little dust road – there is a little sign that shows you are on the right path to Art in the Forest.  This little drive through the forest is gorgeous!

After a few minutes you arrive at an absolutely gorgeous house in the forest.  This is the home of a non-profit organization and is a venue that artists can work and sell their goods.

There is some amazing art here – so it is well worth the drive.  In my opinion it is well priced as you are in fact buying from the artist.

In order to fund the project they are always looking for ways of fundraising – a fun way to raise funds would be for people to use this awesome building for functions or for picnics – on a smaller scale – have some coffee when you are there – and leave a donation for the coffee.  This project really appealed to me!  For more info contact Bianca Pieper from the Light From Africa Foundation. www.lightfromafrica.com www.facebook.com/lightfronafrica Tel 021 7940291

Posted in Cape Art, Cape Town Visitor Information | Leave a comment

Art in the Streets of Stellenbosch – 20Stellenbosch – two decades of South African Sculpture

Posted on January 25, 2012 by

I am loving Stellenbosch town at the moment – there is art scattered everywhere.  What a brilliant concept!! With the white canvas – ie the gorgeous white houses all over Stellenbosch – as its backdrop the sculptures just “pop” out as you walk around.  It has lent a real creative atmosphere to the town.  The first time I saw lots of sculptures was just before world cup.  I assumed it was an initiative of Dylan Lewis – a famous local sculptor that has opened a studio in Stellenbosch’s Kerk (Church) Street.  Turns out I was wrong!  It was part of using the town as an open display to show off some of our country’s top talent that had not necessarily been exposed enough to the world.   What a great platform to show off art to the public!  The recent display of sculptures is set to be up for a year.  The choice of the

Stellenbosch living sculture display

artists seems to have been very much on the same premise as the initial display.   I love that all of the art is tangible – yes literally so – I have stroked the suitcase display – I have felt the rubber bull as I walked past.  With all of these displays there has been a lot of creative stores opening in the town.  So – if you have not walked Stellenbosch for a while – do yourself a favour and go and walk Dorp Street, Kerk Street and then walk around the Braak………..and then report back! Click here to visit the 20Stellenbosch copyright 20Stellenboschwebsite that shows you sculptures.  Click here to print the map of the exhibition and where to walk to see them.

Note that there is also an explosion of small and wonderful places to eat around the town centre area.   Some ideas for lunch while you are there:

  1. Basic Bistro in Kerk Street – very simple – fab little bistro to sit outside and people watch
  2. Java – stop for a coffee in Kerk Street – if you can find a table – they make seriously good coffee at a seriously cheap price – a winning formula for university students – so they are always packed!
  3. The Big Easy – Dorp Street – located in a beautiful old Cape Dutch home – this is a wonderfully stylish spot to stop for lunch.  I have not explored their menu much – I have been twice and had their gourmet burger twice and it is a complete taste sensation.  Note the rest of the dishes are more fine dining – but you are also welcome to stop for a drink – such a lovely setting – really well worth popping in.
  4. Cupcake – in Dorp Street – does delicious salads and sandwiches at lunch – their secret is that there is a big courtyard behind them – and it is like a green oasis in summer – I love it – tinkling sounds of water and a slightly funky creative feel – I lurk here often when in Stellenbosch.  It is definitely a favourite.
  5. The Apprentice – Andringa street – just off Kerk Street – this is the student restaruant of a culinary academy – it is great fun – yes – the dishes may flop – but then, they may be amazing that day.  It is a fun place for foodies to go and play!
  6. De Oewer – Aan de Wagen Rd – just off Dorp Street – is an absolute favourite – note this is just off Dorp Street and looks like nothing from the road – it is however set right next to a river and is wonderfully tranquil.  The food matches – simple – light – delicious and fresh.  Also well priced!!  A wonderful place to relax all afternoon with a group of mates!
  7. Cafe Dijon – 35 Plein Street – yes – this one is for you if you are a foodie – they are unapologetically a French Bistro – everything is rich and delicious!
  8. Casperus – 59 Dorp Street – Tues – Sat lunch & dinner – this is one of the Cape’s most famous chefs and one of the oldest still playing – Etienne Bonthuys is a South African culinary legend – so if you are a foodie this one may be worth exploring.   This one fits with doing an art ramble of Stellenbosch as the chef has paired with a local artist Strijdom van der Merwe to create a combo of part gallery and part restaurant and an extremely cool and contemporary eating space.   Note: this one is fine dining!
  9. Greengate Deli – De Wet Centre – corner Church (Kerk) and Bird – it is in a hidden courtyards – walk down Kerk and ask someone to point out the alley you must walk down – if you see the SMAC art gallery you are heading in the right direction – it is just past here.  This deli has been a favourite for many years.  They prepare fresh salads and veg dishes and usually one meat dish a day – you simply weigh and pay.  The emphasis is on healthy options.  It is also fantastically quick – perfect for a quick lunch!

Note all the pictures in the post belong to 20Stellenbosch and are their copyright (© Copyright reserved 2011 – 20 Stellenbosch)  Visit their website to see more of the sculptures that they have placed around Stellenbosch.

Thanks to 20Stellenbosch for granting me permission to use their pictures!

Posted in Cape Art, Cape Town Visitor Information | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Bruce Robertson’s new restaurant venture – dining in his home in Scarborough Cape Town – The Boat House

Posted on January 19, 2012 by

From 1 February Bruce Robertson, one of South Africa’s most well known chefs (former owner of the Showroom in Cape Town), will be opening a spot that celebrates  ”The Art of Table d’ Hôte” - ie the opportunity to dine in his home in Scarborough.  The new venture is called the Boat House.  To me this is quite exciting as I have been watching this trend on the television in a number of documentaries – it has become very popular in New York.  In NY – people open up their homes for dinner – ie they pile up the lounge furniture and fit in as many tables as possible into their home and start cooking  - it looks fantastic.  Bruce is going to be doing this from his home in  Scarborough.  I think this will be a really fun one to book for the weekend for us locals – Scarborough town boasts a gorgeous beach and is a really lovely drive to get there.  For foreigners – I would suggest you get up early and do the penguins and Cape Point – and then book for a late lunch with Bruce in Scarborough.   Note that The Boat House will only be open for lunches  from Monday – Saturday.  I have not been to try it out yet – but as soon as I have – I will report back!

Below is a press release to the Travel industry which gives you a feel for what he is planning.  I have reverted with a request to know if one would need a minimum number to book and have also asked what the price will be.  I will report back!!

Posted in Cape Town 4 Foodies and Wino's | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New Tours of the Cape Town World Cup Stadium and the Biodiversity Gardens created around it

Posted on January 13, 2012 by

Cape Town Tourisms latest newsletter has advised that the Cape Town Stadium Visitor Centre was recently opened to the public on December 28, 2011. This 64 000-capacity, world-renowned stadium, which hosted nine matches for the 2010 Fifa World Cup™, is a must-see attraction for families, local and international tourists, sport enthusiasts and those who appreciate architectural feats.

The City of Cape Town has designed a special tour where visitors are guided through the hallways of the stadium to the players’ change rooms, the on-site police cells and the VIP hospitality areas. Sport lovers will also get the chance to “run onto the field” as they are granted the opportunity to see the world-class pitch up close.

Visitors to Cape Town Stadium can also explore the Biodiversity Showcase Garden located in the adjacent Green Point Park. It features over 300 plant species from the greater Cape Town region, as well as themed areas and displays including “Gardening for Biodiversity”, “Everything is Connected”, a Khoikhoi food garden, medicinal plants and a display of veld types.

Visitors are led through three fascinating biodiversity-themed areas focusing on people and plants, a biodiversity discovery trail, and a wetland walk.

Tickets for the guided tours of the stadium and the Biodiversity Showcase Garden are available from the Cape Town Stadium ticket office, situated on Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point.

Tours commence daily from Tuesday to Saturday at 10h00, 12h00 and 14h00.

Ticket prices:
Adults
Stadium tour only: R45,60
Biodiversity Showcase Garden Tour: R34,20
Combined Stadium and Biodiversity Garden Tour: R68,40

Children under 12:
Stadium tour only: R17,10
Biodiversity Showcase Garden Tour: R11,40
Combined Stadium and Biodiversity Garden Tour: R22,80

For bookings and enquiries please contact Nafeesa Williams on +27 (0)21 417 0101/08 or Nafeesa.Williams@capetown.gov.za

Posted in Cape Town Visitor Information, The Cape for kids and families! | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Paternoster – an amazing foodie retreat in the Cape that is well off the beaten track.

Posted on December 26, 2011 by

Paternoster is my favourite gourmet retreat in the Western Cape.   It is literally in the middle of nowhere –  two and half hours drive from Cape Town.  Here you can experience a little foodie paradise.  It would be a drawcard just for the food – but there is a reason that the foodies wish to retreat out here – the place is quite simply beautiful.

Paternoster is located on a beach on our dry coastline – the West Coast.   There was originally a small fishing village over here (and still is!).  The family that owned the farm next door gradually started selling off pieces of the land that they owned and a little village was formed.   Most of the village has followed two styles with building – they have chosen between white West Coast style cottages with thatch roofs or building with the rustic stones of the area (or a combo).   Both are quite simply gorgeous.

This little village offers the following combo that matches what I am looking for completely:

  • A couple of really great restaurants and dining experiences
  • The opportunity to buy crayfish (lobster) straight from the fisherman as the boats come in (make sure it is crayfish season when you are there – as purchasing from the fishermen out of season will get you arrested!)
  • A lovely beach for walking and sun tanning (note swimming is only for the brave as it is really cold – it is the Atlantic!)
  • It is fun to walk around and explore the village – the architecture is lovely and it has a really quaint seaside village feel to it.


Pam’s Guide to eating out in Paternoster:

Note I would recommend that you put some bookings in place if you are going to be there over the weekend – this is a weekend break away and the locals come in from Cape Town and the region for the weekend………and yes the restaurants do get fully booked!  Dining options:

  1. Dinner with Chef Arnold Hoon at Ah! Guesthouse – Arnold is a chef who came on holiday from Joburg with his wife and fell in love with the village of Paternoster – they ended up buying a little piece of land and building a small guesthouse on the ground.  The guesthouse reflects the artistic nature of the owners and is really comfy and luxurious.  Each night Arnold opens the guesthouse for dinner to those that have booked.  The maximum number is around 12 people for dinner.  Each day Arnold starts prepping food from around 3pm – if you would like lobster – make sure you ask in advance – alternatively you go with the menu as it is served.  It is always delicious!  For a foodie this is a great place to stay as breakfast is a continuation of the foodie journey!!  Note that Arnold is a highly talented chef and I would highly recommend that you place a booking for dinner here.  It is also great fun to meet up and chat to the mix of people who turn up for dinner.  This is a great social evening! Check out some of the pictures of their food here: http://www.ahguesthouse.com/great-food To book contact Arnold on +27 824645898 or e-mail info@ahguesthouse.com
  2. Gaatjie – this is owned by West Coast foodie Suzi Holtshausen who has written books on West Coast Cuisine.  Suzi owns Salt Coast Guesthouse and has expanded to this lovely location just above the beach in Paternoster.  This is a gourmet celebration of what is local and loved along the West Coast.  Expect West Coast Mussel dishes, oysters, sardines, lobster dishes in season and a creation of anything that is fresh.  This is a foodie feast  - do not plan to rush this meal – this is the perfect place to spend a long lazy afternoon working your way through the menu.  There is apparently a minimum charge of R150 per person during peak summer season.  I would highly highly recommend that you put a booking in place well before you arrive in Paternoster.  I love this spot and our last meal there was one of the best I have enjoyed in my life.  Contact Suzi at (022) 752 2242 or email: saltcoast@tiscali.co.za
  3. The Noisy Oyster Paternoster – this spot has an absolutely magical setting – it is set back from the coast under milkwood trees which have tibetan prayer flags tied between them.  The whole ambiance is delightfully bohemian and you feel relaxed immediately.    I like to do the coast restaurants during the day and to visit the noisy Oyster at night.  They always have wonderful signs such as “visit us for West Coast Viagra”…………oysters!  The setting is wonderful, the food is a celebration once again of West Coast cuisine and I would also highly recommend this spot!  To book call 022 752 2196 or Email: dkj@netactive.co.za Closed Sunday and Monday
  4. Voorstrand – we love the Voorstrand Restaurant – it has the best location – it is right in the centre of the beach and it is one of my favourite spots to have a long lazy lunch and just chill and have drinks for the afternoon.  Tell them to place your table on the beach if there is no wind – there is something so fun about having sand in between your toes while you enjoy a lovely bottle of wine!  Note that the Voorstrand offers good honest food – they are not as gourmet as the others – but it will be perfect for those who like their food a little more simple in preparation.
  5. Cook yourself!! This is the secret to Paternoster – it is really worthwhile hiring a holiday home while you are in Paternoster – this way you can go and buy your own lobster in season and cook your own – such bliss!!!   We have enjoyed lots of lovely lunches with lots of crayfish and champagne!   My idea of heaven!

Pam’s Guide to Accommodation in Paternoster

  • Ah! Guesthouse – a wonderful foodie guesthouse right at the end of the old village next to the beach. www.ahguesthouse.com
  • There is a variety of gorgeous homes that are available for renting as many owners only go on weekends or a few weeks a year.  One website that we have used to book before is www.stayinpaternoster.co.za (tip: the nicer houses are usually the one with a few bedrooms – the ones with one bedroom are basic – so even if you are just two people – it is worth looking at the larger houses for a more stylish stay!)
  • The Blue Dolphin - this has the most perfect location!  It is in front of Ah! Guesthouse in the old part of town and right on the beach.  This is owned by a wonderful slightly eccentric couple called George and Courtney.  The guys can cook really well and if you are staying there you can ask them to prepare you crayfish (lobster) or a traditional South African Braai (BBQ) on their terrace.  The guys bring a delightful Afrikaans slant to the cuisine and do a wonderful local celebration of flavours with their breakfasts.  The guesthouse is basic - but really comfortable and the hosts are really welcoming and warm.  The guys also rent out a self catering cottage right on the beach called Baby Dolphin – we stayed at the cottage and absolutely loved it!! George had to come and assist us with prepping the crayfish!! He looked at us like we were slightly mad!!  We are after all city girls and were very squeemish to put the live crayfish in the boiling water!!  www.bluedolphin.co.za
  • Abalone Guesthouse: This is a fairly new little boutique hotel in Paternoster and they have done a really lovely job with it www.abalonehouse.co.za

Heres hoping that if you are a foodie and you are traveling to South Africa that this inspires you to go and have an amazing time in Paternoster.  I cannot express how much fun it is to explore, meet the people and to taste the cuisine.  It is indeed a little piece of paradise.


Ps via e-mail I was advised that a good lady to get crayfish from during seasons details are: Ersula – 073 992 5628.  Have not tried her out – but will let you know once I have.  You can also simply watch for the boats coming in on the beach – but if you wish to be organized for a dinner party – chat to Ursula in advance!  (Note Crayfish are lobster for those who are not local)
Posted in Cape Town 4 Foodies and Wino's | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Dine with a local in Cape Town in their home – a fun way to meet Cape Town locals over their dining table!

Posted on November 29, 2011 by

For quite a few years I have had requests from overseas visitors and from agents asking whether I can organize a dinner party to connect locals and foreigners.  An example of a request would be: an American architect who would like to dine with a locals that are architects who are also interested in history.  My first thought was “are they crazy!! What local architect would wish to spend their night with a foreigner and go to the hassle of making dinner – there is no financial incentive!!”  Well – the bit I did not factor in, is that of course not everyone does everything for money.  There are a lot of people who reckon it would be fun to have a random interesting assortment of people from all over the world turning up for dinner!!   Recently Kim Evans went on Cape Talk (a local radio station) to discuss the launch of her new business dine-with-a-local.  After the program she was inundated with people who were keen to host dinners locally!!  It shows that despite my negative thoughts – there is indeed a group of people out there who are very keen to connect and simply meet foreigners!

So – for those of you out there that are traveling to South Africa who would really enjoy connecting with local people for a dinner – simply check out the dine-with-a-local website www.dinewithalocal.co.za or e-mail them on info@dinewithalocal.co.za or call them on +27-82-306-6453.

Note that this is currently only available in Cape Town – but they have plans to spread to other hubs in the country in the future.  At this stage dine-with-a-local is looking for more locals who would like to host dinner in the following areas – city/above the city/Atlantic Seaboard, Langa Township & the Bo-Kaap.  Please contact Kim directly if you are interested!

Congrats to Kim on launching a wonderful new business!!!

Posted in Cape Town 4 Foodies and Wino's, The Cape for kids and families! | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

EAT OUT AWARDS – SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP RESTAURANT AWARDS

Posted on November 22, 2011 by

Each year I wait with eager anticipation for the results of the Eat Out Awards.  South Africa does not have a Michelin rating system for food – as such awards such as the Eat Out Awards, Rossouws Restaurants guidelines and American Express ratings of the restaurants mean a lot to us.  But out of all of them – the Eat Out Awards have always been my definitive guideline.  This year however, it seems that they got rid of the panel of chefs that provided advice on the final choices.  The result is that the industry will start to debate the credibility of the results into the future.  Perhaps this now leaves a gap for another rating system to become the definitive guide in the country or perhaps Eat Out will work with the industry and gain its footing back by the next awards.  This years results were interesting – 9 out of 10 are in the Western Cape.  I was not surprised by any of the inclusions – other then the Greenhouse.   I almost fell off my chair when they announced it as the top restaurant in the country.  Admittedly the last time I ate there was two years ago – perhaps things have changed since then.  There has however been no “buzz” about this spot which is a very established restaurant in our city.  As such it feels almost as if it dropped from the sky into the first place!

My happiest new inclusion in the TOP 10 was NOBU at the One & Only Hotel in Cape Town.  We ate there recently and had one of the most sublime tasting experiences of my life.  They are masters of raw fish and flavours.  Amazing – I cannot recommend it highly enough!   Visit www.eatout.co.za to see their reviews, as well as the reviews of dinners that have visited the restaurants.

RESULTS FROM THE AWARDS ON SUNDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2011: 

Chef of the year: Luke Dale-Roberts
Restaurant of the year: The Greenhouse
Service Excellence Award: The Roundhouse (Pam: completely agree!! The most amazing service in Cape Town!)

Best Bistro: Bizerca Bistro (Well deserved!!)
Best Steakhouse: The Local Grill in Boksburg, Parktown North and Sandton
Best Country Style Restaurant: The Table at De Meye (brand new – plan to try it soon and will report back!!)
Best Asian Restaurant: Kitima (Wonderful restaurant in Hout Bay Cape Town – authentic Asian staff that cook delicious combo’s – this was hard to get into before and with being named as the best Asian Restaurant – I would anticipate it getting harder to get a booking!)
Best Italian Restaurant: 95 Keerom (Wonderful for Georgio Nava to be back in the limelight – his restaurants are all very good – I love his Northern Italian Steakhouse – Carne & his Mozzarella is amazing and super delicious)

TOP 10 RESTAURANTS IN SOUTH AFRICA:

EAT OUT TOP 10 2011

  1. The Greenhouse - International, African - Cape Town (Western Cape)
  2. The Test Kitchen by Luke Dale-Roberts -  Contemporary, Fusion - Cape Town (Western Cape)
  3. Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français - Contemporary, tasting menus - Franschhoek (Western Cape)
  4. The Roundhouse - Contemporary, French - Cape Town (Western Cape)
  5. Overture - Contemporary, Mediterranean, South African Stellenbosch (Western Cape)
  6. Terroir - Bistro, French - Stellenbosch (Western Cape)
  7. DW Eleven-13 Contemporary, International - Johannesburg (Gauteng)
  8. Jordan Restaurant - Bistro - Stellenbosch (Western Cape)
  9. Nobu - Sushi, Japanese - Cape Town (Western Cape)
  10. La Colombe - Fusion, Asian, French - Cape Town (Western Cape)

My consensus – if you were to work your way through this list while in the country – as a foodie you would have a very good time!   So – do I agree with the list – oh yes – she is bang on the pulse and has selected a fabulous cross section of our restaurants!

So happy eating in 2012!

Posted in Cape Town 4 Foodies and Wino's | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Harbour House – Cape Town Waterfront opens!!

Posted on November 5, 2011 by

One of my favourite restaurants in the Cape is Harbour House, Kalk Bay.  I eat there about twice a week on tours.  It is consistently good and people just simply love it there.  Part of the magic is the fact that they have a great location in Kalk Bay – they are in the harbour next to the community fishing boats and boast floor to ceiling views of the ocean and the peninsula. Combine this with great decor and you have a winning formula!

Harbour House opened a second shop just over a week ago in the V&A Waterfront – hence netting themselves a second Harbour venue – albeit a slightly less rustic location!  I was extremely lucky to get an invite to the opening function this week and was thoroughly spoilt to some great wine, lots of amazing sushi, delicious prawns in avo and sweet chilli and lots of little snacky bits!   We had great service from Mo during the evening – a big thank you Mo!!!

This spot is going to be a hit this summer – I plan to be there at least once a week to visit their bar!  The bar is upstairs and boasts a sweeping view over the Harbour.  It has stylish couches and you will be able to relax, enjoy great wines, oysters and sushi up there.  The Waterfront lacks stylish places for drinks – combine this with their view and we may have trouble finding space there this summer.  I can’t wait for the summer heat to hit us so that I have an excuse to get down there!!  The restaurant looks lovely downstairs – a similar feel with the decor to Harbour House Kalk Bay.  I have already heard good reports about the food – but will of course have to get there to try it and then will give you feedback.

For the first time in my blogs I am going to include some information below that came in the press release from Harbour House.  It continues to amaze me that Harbour House does not have a head chef in their restaurants and yet manage to produce such a high quality of food.  Check out the press release below!!!

MORE ABOUT HARBOUR HOUSE

Harbour House V&A is situated in a prime position on Quay 5 at the Waterfront in Cape Town. It opened to the public at the end of October 2011.

The restaurant does not have a head chef or sous chef per se as they do not work with the typical hierarchical structure common in the industry. Rather, a system of team leaders, each of whom has responsibility for the kitchen on his or her shift is employed. The staff in the different sections in the kitchen are trained to multi task and to be able to work as many sections as possible. This is required if one is attempting to provide a fine dining standard when doing consistently high volumes. This approach has led to a loyal staff of highly skilled kitchen stalwarts, many of whom have been with the company from the outset. The focus is on doing a reasonable number of dishes very well, rather than on constant menu changes. Line fish presentations do however change daily, depending on the species of fresh fish available on any given day.

The menu (and wine list) for Harbour house V&A is online at www.harbourhouse.co.za – it is the same as the Harbour House Kalk Bay menu. Signature dishes are the line fish dishes such as Yellowtail with an orange beurre blanc sauce, blanched spinach, potato, sage and artichokes; Yellowfin Tuna with garlic mashed potato, fine green beans, rocket, poached egg, Japanese Mayo and salsa verde and Kingklip with a basil cream sauce, roast Mediterranean style vegetables and rosemary baked potato. The restaurant has its own separate bakery at each of the Harbour House stores, and bakes its own bread fresh daily.

In terms of the food, the emphasis is on (genuinely) fresh fish. The bulk of Harbour House’s sales are made up of line fish, so over the years they have become experts in the field. Fish is purchased fresh and whole, never filleted. This is to ensure that the gills are red and the eyes are bright and shiny, the two definitive indicators of fresh fish. Harbour House is a member of the South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) and is eco conscious, recycling its glass, cardboard and plastic.

The Interior design is a collaboration between architect Thomas Leach and Magda Viotti. Leach explains that the dramatic location on the edge of the old quay required a bold architectural solution; the design was inspired by an older arts and crafts tradition of solid timber post and beam structures once prevalent in warehouses and on the quay-sides of the old harbour. The wooden structure is allowed to become the main feature; its authentic and hand-made craftsmanship bring a warmth and rustic feel to the interior. The palette of materials is kept to a minimum so as not to compete with the beautiful location and brings an unpretentious, relaxed and inviting feel to the restaurant. Warm natural woods, oak floor boards, mussel shell plastered walls, a white painted concrete ceiling and beautiful lighting….all work towards creating this most unique dining environment.

The project also has an interesting eco/green aspect to it; the wooden structure is entirely made from alien hardwood timber – namely Eucalyptus or “blue gum” trees that were harvested locally, thus lowering the project carbon footprint significantly. Other green initiatives include the internal painted rubble stone wall and the roof top decking planks which are all made from recycled timber.

The owner of Harbour House V&A and Harbour House Kalk Bay, Polana, Live Bait, Lucky Fish and Sirocco, is Michael Townsend. After making his mark in the fashion industry in his earlier years, Michael has applied his creative vision and unwavering commitment to quality to the restaurant industry for the past 15 years. The result has been signature venues that feel as if they have always been there, and which boast an interesting and quality conscious following.

Ps it was delightful to meet Michael Townsend – a completely down earth and lovely guy!! I got to meet his Dad, his girlfriend, his brother and even found out that his brother brought the shirt back from Spain for him!! I felt part of the extended Harbour House family immediately!  Thank you Michael and Lameze for treating us to a wonderful opening! 

Posted in Cape Town 4 Foodies and Wino's | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Biscuit Mill Market – Cape Town – a few delicious pictures to make you hungry!

Posted on November 5, 2011 by

I spent last Saturday at the Biscuit Mill Market – and took some delicious pictures to share with you!!

The Biscuit Mill Market was the first artisenal market in Cape Town which celebrated our small local suppliers of anything from fresh produce to chaucuterie products through to cider, beer & the great art of cocktail making!

This is where you will find Cape Town foodies on a Saturday morning – be warned it gets packed – so go early in order to enjoy anything from fresh oysters through to the wonderful stir fry noodle lady who claims to have the perfect cure for a Saturday morning hangover!!

Note – as locals we go to the markets to eat – not only to shop.  It must be added that we also go to relax, socialize, drink champers/cocktails/artisenal beers and to hang out with our mates.  As such it is a “must include” when visiting Cape Town.

For opening details and details of our other markets check out my full article which covers many of the Cape Town markets

Posted in Cape Town 4 Foodies and Wino's | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Kitchen and a creative revolution in Woodstock Cape Town

Posted on September 14, 2011 by

Every time I blink, something new opens in Woodstock, a somewhat grungy suburb in Cape Town.  It all seems to have started with the renovation of an old biscuit mill building into a creative/arty small funky shopping centre.  Woodstock boasts some beautiful architecture – which over the years has been allowed to run down as the areas property prices remained depressed.   The opening of the Biscuit Mill shopping centre and the start of the Fresh Goods Market (Cape Town’s first truly foodie market which allows product producers to connect directly with their clients) proved be a huge draw card to the area.   It has been followed by the opening of two of the country’s top art contemporary art galleries in the area - The Goodman Gallery and Michael Stevenson.  Both the Main galleries and the Biscuit Mill have provided a drawcard for other creative shops/galleries/designer furniture stores/delis to open around them, resulting in wonderful hubs of creativity.  The bonus is that they are so close to the city that it makes for a wonderful Saturday morning ramble!  My suggestion would be to start at the Biscuit Mill very early, explore the market, explore the shops and delis around it and then head to the top road in Woodstock to explore the shops around the main galleries. (Note that to visit The Kitchen for lunch you need to go on a weekday!)

Across the road from the  main galleries you will find a little “gem” called The Kitchen. A review in a New York newspaper led to the shop being chosen for lunch by Michelle Obama on her recent visit to Cape Town for lunch with her family and friends.  I thought there might be a picture up of her visit somewhere – but I had a small chuckle when all I could find was a Michelle Obama action doll on a counter!  Read their blog about her visit here – it reflects their excitement and joy of having her visit The Kitchen.

There are a couple of things that strike you as you walk into this spot:

It is small and seems impossibly crowded with nic  knacs on every surface and over most of the wall space

Every counter is covered with food – it is a complete visual assault of delicious dishes everywhere.  There is a really awesome, very creative salad selection in the main fridge window – perfect for anyone who loves fresh goodies for lunch and for vegetarians.  There are also dishes with delicious home cooked meats on top of the counter and a wonderful sweet tooth counter that you can simply select from.

  • The smells hit you as you enter!  It is a mix of great coffee being made, with spices and a hint of sweetness.  Mouthwatering!

Seating in the shop is limited to only about 15 seats. So try and visit before 12h30 to get a seat. People stampede in from the offices in the area from 12h30 onwards – and organized chaos ensues. Luckily most are aiming for a take out lunch – and the clever thing to do would be to call through from the office before going! This shop is also wonderful to stock up for dinner on those lazy nights that you do not feel like cooking. In addition Karen Dudley, the owner, will gladly cater for anything from a small dinner party to a large function.

I loved the place! I loved the vibe and the happy feeling. You can see that this is a team who loves what they are doing and have fun doing it – one of the girls was even dancing behind the counter! I tried to capture it with my camera – but just was not fast enough! I admit to being biased – I love salads – the more creative and interesting the flavours the better – and they had heaps to chose from.

On my last visit I opted for their very interestingly named LOVE SANDWICH.   This sandwich has a little of everything that they have on it – the base is there fresh pesto, followed by their fresh sundried tomato sauce, followed by chunks of delicious chicken, followed by tomato, lettuce, pickles ……………and I missed the end as I went off to pay.  Result – absolutely love at first bite!! I will be back for more.  My only regret is that I forgot to take a photograph of my beautiful sandwich – so will have to return to capture it for you!

THE KITCHEN, 111 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock.  Open Mon – Fri 08h30 – 16h00  Tel 021 462 2201.

Some pictures of the salads – great value at R40 per plate with a choice of 6 salads!


If you are in the area make sure you also visit the store ASHANTI – they are on the same side of the road as The Kitchen.  This is an interior decor shop where they are making fabrics out of used fabrics and left overs from manufacturing processes.  These bits are woven into a mixture of colours dependent on the off cuts they have – we have bought the cushions and simply love this store!   Address 133 – 135 Sir Lowry Rd.  Tel no 021 461 0367

Posted in Cape Town 4 Foodies and Wino's | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Overture Restaurant – a hidden gem in a hidden valley

Posted on September 7, 2011 by

Ok – so the local Capetonians are reading my headline and saying – it is not so hidden – we have found it!!  And no doubt many others have too, as it has consistently been rated as one of the Top 10 restaurants in the country for the last three years!  It however remains one of my personal favourites and I return regularly.

We must however not forget that fellow “foodies” visit us from other parts of the country and the world and it is important that we share our local gems.    Overture is owned by Bertus Basson and Craig Cormack.  Bertus is the head chef in Overture, while Craig looks after the other joint restaurant that they own - Sophia’s on Morgenster estate.  The drive from Cape Town to overture only takes about 40 minutes – and it transports you to another world!

Overture would work even if the food was lousy!   The restaurant is on a wine estate called Hidden Valley – which is located on top of a mountain.  The restaurant and cellar boast amazing panoramic views of the valley.  The building itself is worth visiting as it is a wonderful example of modern architecture and is made from local stone.

But the food is anything but lousy.  The menu is presented as a tasting menu and relies on seasonal fresh produce for inspiration.  It must be quite a challenge to change the menu daily in any kitchen.  However, one can tell that Bertus and his team thrive on it as no day is the same, they are all allowed to play with flavour combinations and to come up with inspired creations.   Hallmarks of all of the dishes is a basis in simplicity in order to not lose the flavours of the ingredients.  Another consistent trade mark is how beautifully each dish is plated.  You can tell that a lot of thought goes into presentation.  This is combined with a very knowledgeable service team that are unobtrusive and make sure that your every wish is catered for. In addition Bertus’s passion for great ingredients shines through – everytime he finds a new source of fresh ingredients in the area – we have a half an hour chat about it!  He is always looking and recently has started to use organic vegetables from Spier wine estate around the corner from the restaurant.  As a result of his conscientious sourcing, the flavours are enhanced in every dish presented.  I would highly recommend that you do the pairing of the wines to each dish.  This way you get to experience a food and wine journey while you are there.  Make sure you take a group of friends – this way you can get to experience and taste most of the menu.   As such – try to chose friends that are foodies and love to share!

It is really important for you to know that this experience cannot be rushed.  As locals we love to go to places where we can spend the whole afternoon relaxing, enjoying the view, eating, drinking and laughing with our friends.  So whatever you do, do not make plans for the afternoon!

However, you can make plans for the morning!  You are in an extremely good wine region, and it would almost be a sin if you did not plan to do some wine tasting in the morning! Bare in mind that you will be doing a food and wine experience for the afternoon – so despite how good the wine is in the morning – keep trying to repeat to yourself “Spit – do not swallow!”  Recommendations for the morning would include: Rust-en-Vrede which is at the bottom of the mountain pass, Ernie Els Wines which is 2/3 up the mountain pass and Uva Mira Estate which is just past Overture.   Rust en Vrede boast one of the best red blends in the country called the estate wine – this has been rated many times by US Wine Spectator magazine as one of the best 100 wines in the world.  Ernie Els is also excellent for reds and red blends – they win a 5* rating in the John Platters wine guide every year.  Uva Mira is well known for its chardonnay – however it is so popular that it is rarely available for tasting as it sells out almost as it is released each year.  But despite the fact that you may not get to taste the chardonnay – a visit to Uva Mira is worth it for the views – it is an amazing drive through to the tasting room.  I think it is the prettiest estate in the Stellenbosch region.  The views extend to the ocean.  Make sure you pop in to check this one out!

Overture Restaurant is located on Hidden Valley Wine Estate, Stellenbosch.  Click here for a map and directions. To book call +27 21 880 2721   or e-mail: info@dineatoverture.co.za  Note that the secret is out!! Book well in advance for November – end Feb.  

Posted in Cape Town 4 Foodies and Wino's | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

African Relish – a cooking school in a foodie village called Prince Albert

Posted on September 6, 2011 by

This is a “must” include in a visit to South Africa by any foodies – yes – when you look at the map – it does appear that this little town is in the middle of nowhere – but look more closely and you will see that a visit works well with experiencing the Garden Route area at the same time.

The garden route is famous for it beauty, its mountains, its forests, its adrenaline activities – but to me as a foodie – it rocks for its oysters,  little characterful restaurants like Emily Moon and my favourite little spot – Ile de Pain – a little bakery in Plett where the Belgium husband bakes the breads and his local wife makes delicious creations from it!

Prince Albert is a small village that quite simply loves food!   There are all sorts of interesting characters, food products, fresh produce and to top it off – it has a wonderful cooking school called African Relish.  Click here to go to the African Relish website.  

Some upcoming courses to whet your appetite:

They have a great line up of visiting chefs and personalities who will be dazzling and delighting at African Relish over the next few months.

9 – 11 September – Reuben Riffel makes magic with his creative flair and spontaneous artistry. (Fully Booked)

7 – 9 October & 14 – 16 October – Preeti Bardolia is our Karoo Spice Girl. She spices up things a bit with some Indian Fusion

21 – 23 October – Sonia Cabano and Michael Olivier join forces to present Relish the Karoo, preserves relishes and wine.

11 – 13 November – Oded Schwartz from Oded’s Kitchen – Presents In Search of Plenty, Jewish food ancient and modern.

18 – 20 November – Amit Raz chef proprietor at Masala Dosa in Cape Town will be presenting Middle Eastern Delights with a few unexpected extras thrown in.

Ps while in the village – make sure you find Lucas – he is producing some of the most delicious hams in the country – and his chilly sauce rocks!!  I must find out where to buy the sauce in Cape Town!

Posted in Cape Town 4 Foodies and Wino's | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Mzoli’s – a truly African experience in a township in Cape Town

Posted on August 19, 2011 by

Mzoli’s is a smash hit among both the township locals and visitors to the Cape who are keen to get a feel of “real” Africa.   Mzoli’s is an African food BBQ/Braai restaurant located in the heart of Gugulethu township.  In Africa a meal is not complete unless there is meat!  So, whatever you do, do not take your vegetarian friends with you!

Note that in order to get there you have venture into the township areas of Cape Town – so make sure you have a good map with you, directions and Mzoli’s telephone number in case you get lost (although they apparently very seldom answer the phone!).  Most locals will know where it is too – so you can always stop and ask.

Mzoli’s was started in around 2003 by a local entrepreneurial businessman – Mzoli Ngcawuzele – as a butchery.  In our local townships it often works that the butchery will have a facility to cook your meat, and you can then buy your booze next door.  Mzoli has stuck to only doing the meat side of the business and avoided going the full hog and doing the alcohol as well.  This way the surrounding businesses also benefit from their location.  You are also welcome to bring your own alcohol – most of the locals do!

Mzoli’s is great fun – they have a butchery counter where you start your visit – here you select the cuts of meat you wish to have braaied (BBQed).  You also select your starch – a choice of Pap (local maize based porridge made from ground corn), local steamed bread or  Samp & Beans, plus a relish called Chakalaka (a must to include in the mix!).  Your meat is then taken off to be cooked while you firstly head to a local Shabeen (pub) to buy some alcohol to enjoy with lunch – there are a couple to chose from right next door.  Mzoli’s has a designated person to welcome visitors and they will usually spot you looking dazed and confused and show you the ropes.  Our welcome man (Sam) was a suave, gorgeously dressed,  very camp and extremely fun guy.  Sam made sure we felt welcome and knew the ropes of how to get ourselves sorted out and relaxed.  He also very sweetly came to check on us throughout lunch.  Note that Mzoli’s is wonderfully quiet on weekdays and completely crazy on weekends.  People come from far and wide to enjoy the vibe at Mzoli’s, the excellent meat which is rubbed in their secret spice (extremely delicious!!) and to just hang out and socialize.  Locals have warned me that it can take hours for your orders to come out on a weekend – so they recommend going early (this way you will also get a table).  There is live music often on weekends, or a DJ, which adds to the vibe.

Note that this is not a Western restaurant – it is a local township eatery and is rustic. There are outside tables under a tin awning. Here you sit on the street, there are township dogs waiting for scraps, beggars who are also hungry……………so make sure you throw nothing away – there is always someone that will be very happy to enjoy your leftovers!

Overall assessment – I loved it!  I loved our “welcome committee” – he made the visit such fun!!  The food was great – authentic, well prepared and delicious!  I loved people watching while we were there.  I loved the vibe.  I am not sure I would be up to going on a weekend – but I think I should try so that I know what it is like – but waiting up to four hours for food…………..hmmmmm!  Perhaps the solution is to take our own snacks and just join the party!  I would recommend it to those who wish to see what the “vibe” is like at a local township restaurant and to experience the food.  But be warned – this is a rustic local experience!

Opening times:  7 days a week  until around 7pm

My Directions: Take the M10 Heideveld turnoff from the N2 highway (coming form Cape Town).  Continue straight over and then turned RIGHT at the Guguletu sign (this was at the 2nd set of traffic lights).  We then turned at the M18 KLIPFONTEING sight.  Continue straight.  Look for the PURPLE SHOP with a GREEN ROOF.  Turn left here and it is on your left.

OTHER DIRECTIONS FOUND ON THE INTERNET: If you take the Modderdam Rd exit off the N2 out of Cape Town, turn left when you get to Klipfontein Road, Cross the railway line, pass a petrol station on your left, but carry on down Klipfontein.

Turn left at about the second road after the intersection, and you will see Mzoli’s immediately on your left.

For Google Maps – click here (I think this is the safest bet for directions!!)

Telephone numbers: +27 (0)21 638 1355. Mobile +27 (0)78 606 7405

Posted in Cape Town 4 Foodies and Wino's | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Foodie Markets in Cape Town

Posted on August 3, 2011 by

It has been exciting times in Cape Town.  From a city that lacked fresh markets we have gone from zero to a full  360 degrees, and it is now such fun to be a foodie in Cape Town!!  As a foodie you absolutely need to try and plan to be in Cape Town over a weekend, as this is when the activity happens!  Below I am going to give you details of a variety of gourmet markets – but the first prioirties for a first timer need to be:  The Biscuit Mill and then The Stellenbosch Market.  With both of these you need to try and get there early.  The Capetonians (locals!) have fallen in love with the markets, not just for the food, also for the social scene, so make sure you try to get there at 08h30 if you wish to have a place to sit and relax!

The Market at the Old Biscuit Mill -  The building started out as an old biscuit mill and today the lovely old building is home to various eclectic and creative outlets.  This small mall is open from Mon to Sat and on a Saturday is home to one of Cape Town’s best food markets.  Not to be missed in the Mill Complex would be the artisenal coffee roastery,  Oded’s store which is home to all sorts of sauces and pickled items as well as interesting fresh goodies such as hummus and eggplant pates as well as delicious rolls with home made sausages in them (pop in to taste – I almost walk away with half the store each time I visit!), plus walk around to see the interesting creative stores such as Andile’s ceramics.

On a Saturday you have the added bonus of having the market, as well as the stores to explore.  The Biscuit Mill attracts many of the best small artisenal producers from around the greater Cape Town region – goodies range from organic vegetables (buy their baby lettuce leaves – amazing), through to a couple of people doing freshly baked breads, cheeses, chaucuterie meat producers, biltong, cakes,  fresh juices, local ciders, local wines, local champagnes (most sold by the glass!), cocktail makers, live music, lots  and lots of people offering tempting cooked options to sit down and enjoy immediately – from champers & oysters, through to Parma ham pizza’s.  The result is a great combination of the opportunity to taste goodies, buy goodies to take home, buy delicious morsels to sit and relax and eat at large communal tables and the chance to just relax and enjoy a few drinks with your mates.  This was the first food market to open in Cape Town – and Cape Town fell in love with it.  The love affair goes on, and as such this is the most packed market in Cape Town.  It is great for people watching – but if you do not want to get squashed – get there early!

375 Albert Rd Woodstock, Cape Town.  The Market is open from 9am – 14h00 on a SATURDAY.   Click here to visit their website to get directions from the city

Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market - ok, so this is technically not in Cape Town, it is however only about a 40 minute drive from the city centre and it is an amazing market, set next to vines.  Half the fun is the drive, which is great, the other half is making sure you do not have breakfast before you go and arriving there really hungry!   This market is officially part of the Slow Food Movement which started in Italy.  This movement aims to move away from Fast Food – and simply slow down and enjoy what we have in our communities – a movement away from mass consumption and towards supporting those around us and as such our environment.  I love the concept!  This market is brilliant at show casing the slow food movement, they have exceptionally high quality produce and products -and you are welcome to taste them all before you buy.  Once again this is a market that combines the social element with shopping – one comes to browse, to taste, to shop and then to chose what you would like to eat and head to the tables to relax with a lovely glass of Slow Wine from the region!!   Location: Oude Libertas, Stellenbosch.  Click here for directions.  (Note that they have a second market at Willowbridge – this one is MUCH smaller – and only really worth a visit if you are shopping in the centre anyway.)

HOUT BAY:  There are now two markets in Hout Bay, so if you go on a Saturday, you will be able to visit both of them.

The Bay Food & Wine Market (under La Cuccina) – this little market was started by the owner of La Cuccina restaurant and two other locals.  It aims to make the best of local produce accessible to the people of Hout Bay.  This is a completely foodie little market – there is nothing else to buy other then food!  This little market blew me away.  It is smaller then the big boys at the other markets and is less well known.  The result was a wonderful experience that you could actually chat to all of the vendors.  Each of the offerings were at a really high standard and it made you want to buy buy buy!   Try and track down the pasta guy – he makes his own pasta with Italian flour, I had his pasta pockets stuffed with organic local beef for dinner after the market – it was outstanding!!  There is a wonderful man who has almond twist breads – look for them and taste them!  He has a cheesery in Newlands as well as a little restaurant.  His cheeses were outstanding and also came home with me.  There is also a fish stand that looked amazing – they have a gas cooker set up and you can select prawns or salmon and have it cooked for you right there.  I am coming back to sample it!! I had to hold myself back as we were visiting both Hout Bay markets in one morning.   This market also has a communal seating area – so one is free to buy all sorts of goodies to try, grab a glass of vino and settle in for the morning.  I would highly recommend you try this market as well as the new Hout Bay market if you are in the area.

Every Saturday 09h30 – 14h30 and the last Friday of the month from 5 – 9pm.  Address: under La Cuccina Restaurant, Victoria Mall, Hout Bay.   (Note if you are coming from the direction of Llundudno, this is the first turn off to the left as you come into Hout Bay.  Continue for about a block and you will see this mall on your right hand side).

The Bay Harbour Market (location Hout Bay) – this is a new market that has recently launched.  I can’t believe they chose a name so similar to the other market in Hout Bay – it is sure to cause confusion!!  The location for this market is in the heart of Cape Town’s largest fish factory area and is just off the Hout Bay Harbour.  This is the area where most of Cape Town’s fish is packaged for the local and export market – and oh boy when you park – you do smell it!!!  The market has taken over one of the large fish factories and transformed it into a wonderful space.  This location is great as it is not weather dependent.  The weather in Cape Town is always tricky, in winter we have rain, in summer we often have strong winds.  The market is a fresh take that combines wonderful creative shops with the artisenal “foodie” market trend that is firmly taking over Cape Town.  It is definitely worth putting on your list to explore as there are lots of fun stores, then head into the food section and grab a bite to sit and relax with your friends.  They have a nice little kids corner for playing, wonderful fireplaces for winter to make the place cozy, lovely tables for relaxing and eating – when I was there it was packed though!  So perhaps the advice of going early is good again!  However with them open all weekend, perhaps people will spread themselves out a bit more then the other markets.  At this stage everyone is flocking as it is brand new.   They have done a good job – the setting is nice,  it feels funky and creative inside.  They have bands that play and the whole thing just feels quirky.  I think they will be a success and I do think they will soon be firmly on the “to do” list of those visiting Cape Town – which is their mission!  To summarize, I would highly recommend a visit!

Open: Currently:  Sat 9 – 5pm  & Sun 10 – 4pm   In summer it will also be open on a Friday (5 – 10pm)  For directions click here. Or simply follow your nose – drive to the end of the harbour – when you can’t drive anymore – you are at the market! For the locals – it is next to Fish on the Rocks.

   

Porter Market – Tokai (Southern Suburbs Cape Town) – this is the quintessential family & dog friendly market (must be on leads).  I visited it fairly recently, and as it is an outdoors market,  I got the impression that some of the vendors were not there due to the fact that this is a risky market to commit to for winter, as it is weather dependent.   There is loads of space here for the kids to run around and a wonderful play area (jungle gyms/ropes etc) behind the market stands.  This market had some really nice stands, a few mediocre stands and oddly enough – not a lot of stands to chose from to grab something to eat while you are at the market.   I arrived in good form – starving – and struggled to find an appetizing option of cooked items to sit down and nibble (my usual strategy with all of the other food markets).  I did manage to buy an excellent dry Italian style sausage (Pierre’s Sausage stand) to take home and some interesting yoghurt balls done with chilli.  I think that I will need to revisit this market in summer to get a proper feel for it.  I loved the outdoor rustic setting – it felt like the ultimate hippy shopping spot! It is very relaxed and there are kids and dogs and parents chasing kids!   The drive there is also awesome, you head past the forests and end up on a farm – note that there is a small entrance fee to get in, plus that you will need a few extra rands to tip the car guards once you are inside.  The property is gorgeous and this will work well to visit with friends with kids.  Make sure you try the Moer Koffi (Coffee) – this is the local way of making coffee – and to me it resembles drinking mud!  None-the-less an interesting local food experience!

Open: Saturday 9am – 1pm.  Directions: click here.

  

  

       

 City Bowl Market on Hope  – this is a little market located in the suburb just above town.  We headed down there with a group of friends on a Saturday and had a really enjoyable time.  The market is small and as such it does not take very long to peruse the stands and check out what you would like to buy later and eat now!  I found the fruit and veg stand a nice standard and offering great value for money.  For breakfast I had a slightly adventurous chicken won ton with noodles, while the others had some extremely delicious brownies.  This market is located in a gorgeous old Cape building, and being indoors you are quite safe from the weather.  They have also done the communal seating area and the atmosphere is fun and relaxing.  My opinion is that this is a lovely local market for those in the city to stroll down to and explore.  It is small though!  So don’t expect to do all your grocery shopping here!

Open Saturday from 9am – 2pm.  Location 14 Hope Street Gardens. Directions: click here

EarthFair Food Market – located in Tokai (Southern Suburbs) and the city – St Georges Mall.   Sadly I need to return to get pictures of this market!!   I visited the Tokai branch of this market a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it.  The market is indoors – so once again they are not at risk due to the weather.  Their website explains that they are trying to create a home for artisan food producers and give the small vendors a platform to sell their goods.  They wish to make us more aware of where our food comes from and to provide an experience where people return to do their food shopping on a regular basis.  They skipped out one of my favourite parts!  It has a lovely feel to stay and have a bite to eat.  They have a wonderful organic wine & beer stand that allows you to pair up with a drink that will work with your choice of food.  I really enjoyed my visit – I bought delicious home made fish cakes, extremely delicious olives (repeat purchase as I had come across the vendor elsewhere and knew they would be amazing – they were!).  This is a fun spot to meet up with friends to shop.  Note that they are medium to small in size – but from what I could see – great food vendors – so definitely worth a visit!  I will have to put the town one on my list of places to check out soon!

Opening times: Tokai – Saturday 9am to 2pm &  Wed 3pm – 8pm.  St Georges Mall (City): 11am to 5pm (strange times!! Possibly they are getting people who pop down during the day from their offices to shop???).  Directions and maps: click here.

Blue Bird Garage Food & Goods Market Muizenberg – I finally made it to this little market on Friday!  Who knew it would have to be planned so far in advance to find a friday that I was free!  This little market is more of a social market then a fresh goods market.   People come to meet up with friends, have a few drinks, have dinner and listen to the live music in a very funky slightly bohemian hall.  Most of the stands offer food for sitting and eating there – there are a few that offer odds and ends to take home and a few clothes and bags to be bought too.   The whole place has a slightly hippy feel to it!  Note that if you can get there early, it is a good idea as you will then be able to secure your table for the evening.  After 6pm – the chances of getting a table are slim!  After forcing my Mom to circle the market a few times,  we finally decided to have try the lamb moussaka Egyptian recipe from the Egyptian family who own a restaurant in Muizenberg next to the swimming pool at the beach.  I admit to being swayed by the fact that it had lots and lots of aubergine in it!  I love Aubergine.  It was served with a wonderful garlic paste, a garlic tabbouleh salad, a home made hummus (strangely enough with no garlic in it!) and a saffron rice.  It was as good as it looked and the condiments were amazing – I am going to try and find these guys in Muizenberg next time I pass and stock up!  We also had a Thai curry – which was extremely mild.  This was rounded off with us sharing a baklava (excellent), carrot cake (wonderfully moist) and a soft cheese (from Imhoff Cheesery) with a bagel (no idea what stand it came from – but it was perfection – wonderfully chewy – just how a good bagel should taste!).   Overall it was a lovely evening – I would definitely recommend meeting up with friends there for a fun evening!  Note it is really really small in comparison to many of the other markets.

Open 4pm – 10pm FRIDAYS Address: 39 Albertyn Rd Muizenberg.  Click here for directions from their facebook page.

Constantia Waldorf Night Market – this is held on the last Friday of the month during school term time.  This is a great market to take the full family as there is lots of entertainment for kids and place for them to run around.  It is great fun to cruise around the stands – it has a definite hippy feel to it.  There is also always live music – so it is fun to stay for dinner with the family or friends.    They have a mixture of food stands & arts and crafts.  No alcohol is sold on the premises – but you are welcome to bring a bottle of vino along to enjoy with dinner.  The market starts at 5pm.   Address: Spaanschemat River Rd, Constantia (next door to Peddlars on the Bend which is a well know pub and restaurant)

Posted in Cape Town 4 Foodies and Wino's | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Kalk Bay – my favourite village in Cape Town

Posted on June 30, 2011 by

I love Kalk Bay for so many reasons, that I return and return and return to explore, eat and play.  Kalk Bay is quirky, arty, grungy at times, always eccentric and quite simply a fun place to ramble around, to sit and drink coffee, to chat to the locals, to people watch and to buy and eat the freshest fish in Cape Town.   The focal point of the village is the local fishing harbour.  This is the last community harbour in Cape Town where you can actually buy fish straight off the boats – but be warned you must bring your own packaging (something my city slicker self did not think of the first time!! You can picture my expression when he tried to hand me the fish, yes just the fish – how was I going to get it into the car!).   A good place to start your walk is around the fishing harbour.  Here the bright coloured boats sway gently in the water, seals swim around and you can head off for a walk on the jetty.  This is especially fun on a weekend as Cape Town families head down to the harbour with their kids to fish off the jetty – so mind out for flying hooks.   Eating options abound in the Harbour – and will suit all levels of holiday budgets.  Kalky’s is the oldest restaurant in the harbour – it is a simple fish & chip shop that attracts everyone from all walks of life – as such it is fascinating for people watching.  On the weekend they sometimes have a really nice Marimba band.  Sitting at the outside tables your view sweeps over the harbour and into the village area.  There is something magical about this spot.  In the main building on the other side of the harbour is a whole set of restaurants all owned by the same person (strangely enough I have no idea who he is – even though I spend a lot of time there!)  The building is home to:

  • a funky little fish & chip shop – stop for the most delicious calamari you will have every eaten
  • Live Bait – picture a Mediteranean style restaurant complete with mosaics, white interiors and sweeping views of the harbour and cafe del mar type of music and you have a spot worth spending the afternoon.  The prices are moderate and it offers good value for money.  I would highly recommend the fresh fish – it comes straight from the harbour and you cannot get fresher in Cape Town.

The Polana – it was a very clever strategy of the owner to include this as part of the mix, yes,  the Polana is a restaurant – but it is mainly focused on being  a glamourous bar where you can sit right next to the breaking waves of the ocean on very comfortable leather sofas. As such he captures most people who come to the harbour – those on a budget will eat at his fish & chip shop and then head into Polana for drinks.  There is live music here on a Sunday.  Open nights and weekends.  I would highly recommend this spot for a cocktail and wave watching!

Harbour House Restaurant: This is without doubt the most pricey out of the restaurant offerings – but there is something very special about spending a long long afternoon having an extended lunch at this spot.  They have the winning combination of the best setting being upstairs, the view feels endless over the ocean from one side and over the harbour from the other.  Picture sitting watching the waves crash below you, sipping champagne at a table with a thick beautiful table cloth draped to the floor,  gorgeous decor and some of the best fish dishes you will have ever eaten……….it is simply perfection!  This is one of my favourite restaurants in Cape Town and should be added to the list of “Must do’s” by anyone who comes to Cape Town.

From the harbour take a stroll along the main road of Kalk Bay.  The village is home to an “arty/creative” set of people and the shops reflect this, as do the clientele!  You will find an eclectic set of art shops, bric a brac, interesting clothing stores and some more interesting restaurants and bakeries.   For foreigners I would highly recommend two shops: Kalk Bay Modern and Artvark.   Both of these stores reflect interesting arts and crafts sourced from locals.  Kalk Bay Modern is in the first building you will come across as you head into the village from the harbour.  It is upstairs, so look for the staircase just past the bottle store. Artvark you will find a couple of blocks down on the left hand side, just past the church that has been turned into a community theatre.   In the same building as Kalk Bay Modern, you will find my favourite restaurant in Cape Town - The Olympia Cafe and Bakery.  This restaurant started life as bakery – they had space at the front and so decided to buy some chairs and tables from some of the guys selling “antiques/bric a brac” along the main road.  They simply placed a gas stove behind the front counter where they were selling their breads and opened up for business.  Soon it was open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  This spot is quirky, busy, shabby, slightly dirty, has waiters with lots of attitude who have been there forever and view it as their second home, great food, a menu that changes daily, fresh fish delivered still flapping by the local fishermen (you literally hear a bang and it is then added to the menu!) and is filled with interesting creative people who make it great for people watching.  I love it!  There are lots of quirks with it – note that there is no booking allowed, there is a board as you enter the door – if there is no space, add your name to the list – if you are not on the list – you will never get a table.  This is an insider tip – so do not tell others in front of the queue you are in! Certain favourite dishes appear on the menu quite regularly – they are famous for their tuna, their mussels and their seafood pasta.  Another tip is to at least make sure you have a cappuccino at Olympia – they are also my favourite spots for coffee.  Over time the restaurant became too chaotic to try and sell bread and pastries inside – as such they have opened a little bakery outlet around the back – make sure you stop to buy bread – they have the best ciabatta bread in Cape Town.   After a coffee, pastry or lunch, keep walking down the main drag and enjoy the eclectic stores along the way. A short distance further on you will come across the Cape to Cuba Restaurant and Che Bar.  This is a fantastically creative spot stuffed with interesting furniture that is all for sale – including the chandeliers above your table.  They seem to go up and down in terms of the quality of their food – however their setting right on the rail way line with a view of the harbour and the great interiors, make it a wonderful spot to gather for a long afternoon of lunch & drinks with your friends.  The Che Bar on the property is really fun – great decor as well as having a pseudo beach bar setting outside.  A little further down you will also pass another lovely little bakery and cafe called Tribeca Bakery which is well worth popping into as well.  As you pass the Kalk Bay train station, you will see a sign next to the sub-way which says THE BRASS BELL.  The Brass Bell is a favourite watering spot that has been there for at least 20 years (as a student we frequented this bar – so it is definitely over 20 years old!).  The Brass Bell is right on the ocean and as such the setting has always drawn the crowds from the area and the city for its setting.  

A new favourite is a little spot called Boulangerie – it is just off the main road in Rosemead Avenue- which is behind the store Artvark.   They make exquisite artisenal breads (as seen in my hands) and their menu also looks really yummy.   So…….plan on lots of visits to Kalk Bay if you have the time!  

I leave you with a few more pictures below to set the mood for a visit to Kalk Bay.



 

Posted in Cape Town 4 Foodies and Wino's | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment