August
and everything now
It’s been a long slow month with not much excitement. Too much time in quarantine and too little time having fun. I did a ton of cooking and baking and I’m edging closer to completing my e cookbook (along with a few extra kilograms). It’s going to be a goodie and I cannot wait to hopefully launch it later this month. I managed a quick trip to my beloved Stofbergfontein with friends. A whole load of wine, winter lagoon swims and braai broodjies was just what my soul needed.
Newsy & new things
Boschendal launches 2 commemorative wines for the Springboks v Lions test series. There is the magnum bottle (1,5l) Shiraz 2019 and a 750ml red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the 2017 vintage. This would make a great gift for the rugby fan in your life. Especially after our spectacular win on Saturday & holding thumbs, we take the series.
I visited The Table at De Meye for the first time in ages and the first time since Leigh & Brendan (the next owners) took over and it was wonderful. The food was generous and delicious and the setting could not be more socially distant and perfect. With a dedication to food provenance, simple but excellent cooking and an ever-changing menu, it’s one of my favourites.
I've updated My Guide to eating out in Cape Town (sadly having to delete a few of my favourite spots which were forced to shut down).
Paris Cape Town
This is a proper French bakery & they make the best baguettes in town. I’m obsessed. The pastries are also delectable. Open from Wednesday - Sunday from 7 am until they sell out. At the weekend you will need to get there early & expect queues.
Himitsu in Camps Bay
I love the small-plate Japanese inspired menu by Cheynne Moresby at this stunning restaurant tucked away in Camps Bay Retreat. The beautiful views over the ocean make it more appealing & feels like a tiny holiday.
In season now
Blood oranges have come into their sadly very short season and you can order these along with other organically grown vegetables and handcrafted produce from Terra Madre in Elgin.
You will find Terra Madre’s amazing single cultivar apple & pear juice at Oranjezicht City Farm Market.
Click on the links below for seasonal recipe ideas
Roasted salmon with miso & orange glaze
Chicken & rice pilaf with orange & spices
Mussels steamed in orange & fennel
Avocado & orange salad with fennel
Loaded vegetable sandwich with avocado & hummus
On the web
I love food shops and markets and loved browsing this article of the world’s greatest food stores. A fabulous Cape Town shop makes it onto this list too. You can also see my Guide to the Best Food Shops in Cape Town in case you missed it.
Rock your leftovers….
If you have any leftover roast beef and Yorkshire puddings (see recipe below) or if you just want to make a fab canape, top a slice of rare roast on a torn half of a pudding, with horseradish creme fraiche (I used about 3 tsp horseradish + 3 tsp horseradish sauce to a 1/2 cup of Creme fraiche) + watercress + salt + pepper
Recent recipes on my blog
Tray roast chicken with orange, ginger & new potatoes
Easy ciabatta panini and cheese & tomato bread (there is a video with this post to show you how)
Oven-baked pulled pork carnitas quesadilla
Roast beef & Yorkshire puddings (I tested a couple and this was the best recipe with crispy outer edges)
Lamb & waterblommetjie potjie (with a stovetop option too)
Spicy chicken skewers with green papaya salad
Thank you for being here and please stay safe.
Sam xox