Awesome Autumn

and a llittle peek into my humble kitchen rennovation

Due to a very large workload and a weirdly late summer heatwave, I decided to cancel my April newsletter and bring it into May two weeks earlier. I’ll aim to publish this around the 1st of every month from now on. I’m still figuring it out, but aim to share a few interesting and new things from my life, business and kitchen.

Autumn has finally arrived in all its glory after a false start that had me thinking I was in the Bahamas on Noordhoek beach the other day. Luckily the rain has started and the temperatures warrant a fire. The leaves have turned into beautiful colours and the sunsets have become more dramatic. All the signs of Autumn in the Cape. Along with the softening of the light (probably my favourite part) that makes everything golden. Last year Autumn was stolen from us so this year I’m making the most of it.

Autumn Harvest

I round up all my favourite recipes using the seasonal bounty of plums, figs, apples, pears, lemons, oranges, quince, pomegranate, beetroot, aubergines and all the squash family. It’s a goodie.

Click here

Recent recipes on my blog

Plum Tarte Tatin

Herb crusted rack of lamb

This is a dinner party showstopper that is elegant, refined and so delicious.

Roast chicken with herbs wine and cream

A twist on my favourite roast chicken recipe.

Fattoush salad

A robust Middle Eastern salad that is perfectly autumnal

Creamy chicken with ravioli & spinach

Beetroot red velvet chocolate cupcakes

Air fryer chocolate chip cookies

Beef Bourguignon

Roast fig tartines with blue cheese, prosciutto & honey

My humble kitchen renovation

I moved into my new house 5 months ago and it feels like a whirlwind. I did a light renovation making 2 doorways including one from the dining room to the kitchen. I'm not sure how people lived without linking these two rooms, but houses back then seemingly didn’t. This house is around 90 years old and it desperately needed a few updates. I turned the fourth small bedroom into my walk-in pantry so my kitchen is freed up for the business of cooking and baking and doesn’t need to be packed with all my appliances and equipment. I have a LOT. I painted the walls but kept the original pale yellow tiles, I find them adorable. I put new black and white flooring down and had 2 wooden islands custom made. I was working on a budget so they are very utilitarian and I really didn’t like the look of the wood finish. My ugly old chest freezer also needed to stay in the kitchen. I cannot live without it and the top doubles up as a much-needed third work surface. I had no clue what to do next. Then someone on Instagram recommended an amazing new paint product on the market called Mixx Cement and after a quick browse, I knew this would be the solution to resurface my countertop and chest freezer.

My kitchen before I moved in:

Its part cement, part paint and with the use of a trowel you can ‘burn’ amazing colour and texture onto a wide range of surfaces. Primarily designed for walls and bathroom surfaces, I watched the tutorial on their website where they renovate a piece of furniture.

Before I got my Islands and used a brown table, and then the island before and during the Mixx Cement treatment.

I luckily got hands-on guidance from the Mixx Cement Cape Town representative Chantel who helped me paint and seal my pieces. As they are high traffic areas that will be worked hard, it was necessary to seal them with their supreme seal. It is now 100% waterproof and I’m loving the rustic grey look. Check out their website for more info.

My kitchen now

Restaurant Buzz

Chefs Warehouse Pinchos & Tapas

in Bree street is absolutely superb, delivering on its singular food style philosophy and bringing us an authentic taste of Spain. I’ve eaten there twice and it’s hard to resist the savoury churros sprinkled with Jamon dust or the sardines on toast (probably my favourite item on the menu). The dishes are designed for sharing so the more people you go with the more you can sample. The Paella is ideal for 4 people but could stretch to 6. I just want to eat everything and plan to just that. On the dessert front, the almond tart is sublime with a burned honey ice cream that is amongst the best I’ve ever tasted.

MAZZA at Local at Heritage Square

This small eatery which pays homage to Beirut is tucked upstairs at Local at Heritage Square. Grab a seat at the counter or a table and enjoy small plates of delectable Middle Eastern dishes. No reservations required.

Osteria Tarantino

I love this cosy Italian restaurant nestled in De Waterkant that is owned and run by Enrico Tarantino and is often busy. They have a lovely selection of homemade pasta, Italian salads with a small range of Italian wines. The 4 P’s pasta comprising a pan of pappardelle with Parmesan, Porcini, prosciutto tossed through a rich tomato sauce is not to be missed. I will be a regular here.

El Burro

The much loved El Burro that has been operating in its Green Point premises for over 10 years is moving downstairs to the former Cabrito space. It will be transformed into a taqueria with a menu along the lines of its Kloof Street branch. Much of the traditional decor will remain and with the owners always overseeing the operation, it set to be fantastic. I was pleased to go for one of their last services and may or may not have shed a few tears. I adore Mexican food and have loved the many memories I made in this bustling restaurant.

PS: Bao Down is taking over space which is very exciting.

The Dogs Bollocks & The Yard

The Pizzas here are the dog’s bollocks #justsaying. I’m on an ongoing quest to find the best pizzas in Cape Town. Watch this space.

I love creating this newsletter but this is all that space will allow. Do drop me a message if there is anything else you would love to see.

Thank you for reading my monthly newsletter and please stay safe.

Sam xox