My life feels like a reel of endless tik-tok videos streaming at full speed and pulling my mind all over the place. I should probably quit the disturbing app but it’s fun and it keeps sucking me in. Now that I’ve joined it’s make or break. I was going to share a huge rant about the changing landscape of digital food content creation, and how overwhelming it can feel as a solopreneur, but I think I’ll leave that for another day. I know you are here for the food. At least that is business as usual and I’m always hunting the delicious. Here goes….
Out & About
Am I the only one that uses their camera roll as a visual diary of what I have been up to? Thank goodness it’s there.
Farro has set up a permanent home at Gabrielskloof Wine Estate in Bot River and I was invited to the media launch lunch. The food was absolutely delicious and showcases a menu that focuses on local ingredients and is unapologetically indulgent. You can see the little reel I made on my Instagram Eating Cape Town Page. They are open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. There is a lovely tasting room with world-class wines, so this is a must-detour if you are visiting the Overberg.
I took off out for a wintery weekend to Franschhoek and this is what I got up to:
Lunch at Epice. A beautiful fine-dining restaurant that means ‘spice’ in French. It’s part of the La Colombe group and should not be missed. It was perfection. You can read all about it here.
I reconnected with industry friends over a porcini-inspired lunch at Anthonij Rupert Wines. It was so good. The deli and restaurant in the tasting room are definitely worth visiting. They always have a few special things on the go like tram rides, high tea, and Cap Classique with nougat pairings.
I stayed at Corner House in Franschhoek for the first night and it was conveniently located within walking distance of everywhere. It’s a lovely and affordable guest house if you are visiting the area with super friendly staff. More detail here.
I had dinner at Protégé, a small plates casual fine dining restaurant at Le Quartier Francaise. The food is flavour-packed and inspiring. I can’t wait to return - a highlight meal. The Chefs Menu consists of 4 small plates and 1 main course for R495 / lunch and R545/ dinner.
We ventured slightly further for a 24 hours stay at The Grande Roche Hotel in Paarl. A lovely and tranquil escape in one of their Vineyard suites. You can read all about it here.
I loved our visit to the La Motte tasting room. You can sit in front of a large fireplace in winter. The farm shop is so gorgeous and not to be missed. They showcase an impressive collection of ceramics from local artists. I’m so looking forward to their new restaurant opening next year.
Recent recipes on my blog
This delicious French dish of chicken braised in cider with apples is pure winter comfort food. I’m smitten.
Sweet potato gnocchi with creamy mushrooms
More delicious winter comfort food. This one has been generously doused in brown butter and crispy sage leaves.
The best thing you can do with a couple of in-season aubergines. Cook until they are meltingly delicious. Serve with Anthonij Rupert Wyne Terra Del Capo Sangiovese.
I have found the one. Reminiscent of my childhood these scones are very cheesy, light, and fluffy. The only way to improve them would be to bake them on a pile of grated cheese which I will absolutely be doing next time.
Delicious and super easy ganache truffles to help you through winter. A great sweet ending to a meal.
Thanks so much for being here and see you next month. Please let me know what recipes you would like to see more of in the future.