March
On becoming an introvert & my recent delicious finds
Can you even believe its the middle of March and the one year anniversary of this global Panasonic disaster? I have been reflecting a lot lately on how much my life has changed in such a short time and how few people I see these days. I took a personality test and it seems I have also become an introvert. I’m not sure exactly when I switched over from being an off-the-chart, socially active, people dependent extrovert, but here I am. I gather one sits on a spectrum of the two and I’m probably closer to the ambivert middle, but my introvert tendencies are starting to take over. After a year of varying degrees of lockdown and working in isolation, I feel totally comfortable and happy just doing my own thing at home and living a partial hermit life.
I’m pondering whether I will go back to my old personality type when the world goes back to normal? I wonder if I even want to be the old me.
GOING LOCAL SLOWLY
Since we can't go very far these days it opens up an opportunity to explore more local destinations; even different hoods in other parts of your city. Luckily I live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world so there are a plethora of places to explore, both new and old. You can spend quality time away from your now-boring home with your bubble of people and stay safe. This is currently my preferred form of accommodation and I’m planning on uncovering a few gems.
Herron House on Bartholomeusklip
For my birthday weekend, I got to stay at the beautiful self-catering Herron House on Bartholomeus Klip. Located in the 4000-hectare Elandsberg Nature Reserve in Bo Hermon, I got a unique insight into the ebb and flow of a working African farm. You can read all about my stay here in case you missed it. The food is sublime at this lodge and you can get varying levels of catering on your stay.
Waves beach house
I loved my weekend staycation at a stunning beach house in Kommetjie called Waves. Located right on the world-famous surf spot Long Beach, I discovered the area has much more to offer than just riding waves. You can check out all my pics and tips on things to do in the area here.
RECENT RECIPES ON MY BLOG
Caramelised onion tart with whipped ricotta & goats’ cheese
A combination of a slowly rendered onion marmalade from a pissaladière and an easy puff pastry tart, this is a great light starter or lunch with a salad.
Salad of slow roasted-tomatoes, mozzarella and basil
A delicious summer salad adapted from one of my favourite cookbooks of all time, Polpo.
I turned my cinnamon swirl raisin bread (to follow) into a delicious bread & butter pudding with a hint of orange because that seemed like the most logical thing to do with it.
This is an easy enriched brioche-style loaf without all the fuss #mustloveraisins
Roasted salmon with miso & orange glaze
This quick and easy salmon recipe was inspired by Nobu’s black cod den miso. It is vying for position as one of my all-time favourite salmon recipes (along with my Vietnamese caramel salmon, herb & fennel crusted salmon, salmon poke, salmon tacos with a spiced coffee rub and my very recent creamy salmon pasta with spinach & capers).
RESTAURANT BUZZ
I’ve been hunting down a few delicious new restaurants and menus and here is the scoop:
ëlgr
This is the hottest new restaurant on Kloof Street and housed in the former Janse & co space. The modern, casual and multi-cultural menu by Chef Jesper Nilsson (with a strong nod to his Nordic roots) is served in a calm zen-like setting with a gorgeous outside (covered) courtyard. Read more here.
Picnics at the Belmond Mount Nelson
Arguably the safest way to dine right now, the Nellie is offering a delicious picnic menu as part of their offering. They will set it up in a corner of their beautiful garden, or next to their pool. The latter option gives you access to an exquisite heated pool to splash around in and cool off. Read more here.
The Greenhouse
I got to sample chef Farrel Hirsch’s new menu designed by the stories and flavours of Africa. It was inspired and original and utterly delicious. I can highly recommend this culinary journey. The restaurant is currently open for extended daytime hours only with the last seating at 4pm. You can read more about these restaurants in the post I did here.
Aegir Project
I finally got to this fabulous new restaurant in Noordhoek where Aeger brewhouse expanded into the former Red Herring space. This is a bustling casual dining spot but with exceptionally crafted popular dishes such as burgers, hot dogs, Neopolitan style pizzas, fish sliders and eggs Benny. The focus is on quality ingredients, exceptional taste and accessibility. It’s not surprising its as busy as it is with Wesley Randles (ex Shortmarket Club) behind the menu design.
The Food area at We Are Egg at Cavendish Square
If you are in Cavendish square you simply cannot miss the new Egg concept store. The shop houses a selection of local designers and international brands but the part that impressed me the most was the food area. Various local artisan producers and restaurants have stands selling a few signature dishes.
In Season:
Figs: Pizzette with blue, figs and prosciutto, baked camembert & figs with honey, thyme balsamic glaze, vanilla ice cream with honey-roasted figs & Sticky toffee, fig & walnut pudding
Apples: Dutch baby pancake with caramelised Pink Lady® apples & cinnamon, strawberry & apple crumble, Cheddar, apple & walnut loaf, pork burgers with apple & sage, Spicy apple and pumpkin cake with maple cream cheese frosting & apple cake with maple cream cheese frosting
Lemons: Lemon curd, lemon poppyseed madeleines, quick & easy chicken thighs cooked in lemon, lemon meringue cheesecake, lemony chicken piccata & lemony zucchini carbonara with chilli
Because I love you guys I made a playlist for you. Its slightly eclectic and a bit melancholic but I hope it enjoy it as we move into Autumn (on Spotify)
Coming up next month…..
I share a home furniture renovation project using a VERY exciting new product.
Plus a few before & afters from my light home and kitchen renovation
Thank you for joining my monthly update and as always please stay safe.
Sam xox