Archive for 2011

Spiced Pork Meatballs with Guacamole.

This is a recipe from Tamasin Day-Lewis’s “Good Tempered Food” that I just had to share with you.
It is so tasty and easy to make. It’s ideal for summer eating and kids love it.
You’ll need;
1kg ground pork. It has to be fatty so as not to dry up during the cooking process. Get the best [...]

Cafe Paradiso, Kloof Street, Review.

Cafe Paradiso is a delightful restaurant.
First of all, the outdoor and indoor spaces are really wonderful.
Creative whimsical interiors are Mediterranean in character and there’s nice attention to detail here and there. This set the scene for lunch under the dappled shade of the oak trees.
At Cafe Paradiso they take their produce seriously; eggs are free [...]

At Elizabeth David’s Table – Her very best everyday recipes. Cookbook review.

I’m a huge fan of Elizabeth David’s writing and recipes.
I watched a drama documentary on her life a few years ago and it made a huge impact on me.
I have most of her cook books. I even have a first edition of French Provincial Cooking, the pages are stained from a previous owner and the paper [...]

Eric Bulpitt of Jardine on Bree, moves to The Roundhouse.

Eric Bulpitt is joining The Roundhouse Restaurant, Camps Bay; the start date is March 1st.
This move sees the dynamic 33 year old heading up a strong culinary team of ten focusing on fine dining.
Existing chef PJ Vadas will collaborate with Eric on the food, but Eric will get to concentrate on the cooking and PJ [...]

Jardine Restaurant, on Bree Street, to close.

 
Jardine on Bree Street will close on February 28th. 
Wilhelm Kuhn, co owner, explains that the lease was up; 
‘’After five years we had come to a point where we weren’t in a position to commit for another five year lease.  George Jardine had moved to the Jordan Estate and my focus has moved to the restaurant [...]

Recipe – a light summer pasta. Tomato and pine nut spaghetti.

The last dish you need for lunch on these hot summer days 
is a plate of pasta with a heavy sauce. 
That’s why this dish is just right; it’s tasty, light and hits the spot. 
It’s also quick and easy to prepare. 
You’ll need; 
400g spaghetti. 
200g cherry tomatoes, quartered. 
Some finely chopped black olives. 
4 tbsp pine nuts. 
Olive oil, to drizzle. 
Some shredded [...]

Wine of the Week. Bayede! Shiraz.

Bayede! is a Shiraz produced on the Eikendal Estate for the Zulu King;  His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini.
It is part of an upliftment programme which also has seen the opening of the Beyede Conference Centre and Cafe which sells the best of Zulu produce such as Linen shirts, clothing, crocodile and ostrich leather goods and [...]

My Top 20 Restaurants in Cape Town.

All these restaurants are Cape Town city based. My choice is based on a combination of the food quality, service levels and overall ambiance.
All are worth taking a peek at in 2011.
 
 
Aubergine, atmospheric, moody, slick service, precision food.
465 4909.
Bizerca, French chef dishes up French Bistro favourites.
418 0001
Bombay Brassiere, pared back Indian dishes in a sexy [...]

From Seed To Table. Sourcing organic vegetables and supporting communities.

“Seed to Table” is a wonderful little book of recipes inspired by Abalimi Bezekhaya, which is an initiative in the Western Cape which works to empower the disadvantaged through urban agriculture.
What’s urban agriculture? Essentially it’s growing vegetables on any small plot of land, sometimes only as big as a door. Abalimi’s efforts help ensure food [...]

My 10 best foodie moments of 2010.

The memorable moments of 2010 have been done in alphabetical order – all the
experiences were special in their own way.
  
1. BIZERCA,Granny Smith apple sorbet, with Calvados. Guaranteed to titillate
the most jaded of tastebuds. 
2. CRISTOPHE’S,Stellenbosch. His pork casserole, on a windy winters day, was French
bistro cooking at its best.
3. GAAITJIE in Paternoster – idyllic location, wonderful food, memorable staff,
and Suzi [...]

My 10 worst foodie moments of 2010.

Dining out in South Africa is such an adventure isn’t it?
There’s just so much that can go wrong, and often does, that you’d be kept amused and entertained constantly if it wasn’t for the frustration, impatience, expense, illness and sheer horror that sets in.
So here it is, DRUMROLL…………, a short selection of my bloopers beeps [...]

French Toast Wine and Tapas Bar, Bree Street.

This attractive space looks welcoming and good from the outside, and once ensconced in your comfortable chair, is as nice as it seems.
The exposed brick, post industrial, warehouse vibe is complimented by comfortable armchairs, banquettes and seating areas.
Service is friendly and speedy, without being obtrusive.
The bottom line is that you go here to drink wines [...]

Chocolate lovers will get this….

 

Yesss…

 Edward Monkton produces wonderful imagery which he has reproduced on a range of products including greeting cards, cufflinks, posters and books.
He has gained a popular following for his quirky take on life.
This is his card which investigates our relationship with chocolate.
Sums it all up, pretty much.
www.edwardmonkton.com
 

Winemaker interview. R.J. Botha. Nitida Wines.

 

What has been the biggest influence on your winemaking?

Bernard Veller of Nitida. He gave me the chance to come to Nitida 4 years ago and has taught me about every aspect of the business – from how to run the farm, the business, the vines and also how to make great wine.
Where did you study?
I [...]

Hook, Line and Sinker, Pringle Bay. Review.

Fresh fish and steak are the menu items here. The seafood is what’s available on the day. 
This restaurant is set in a blue painted building. Rough hewn wooden tables and benches jostle in a small space. Bring your own pillow if you like comfortable – that’s not why locals and people from around the world book well in advance [...]

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