It's been a whirlwind since I last wrote to you in Feb. I landed up going to Mauritius to attend the most incredible culinary festival at Constance Resorts. I had every intention of creating my March newsletter whilst there, but the event was jam-packed with activities, and the seductive allure of lazing around this magnificent Island proved too strong. It was simply amazing and I’m suffering from culinary whiplash on my return. Having Michelin-starred chefs cook my dinner most nights and eating the delicious food Constance Hotels are known for, was the biggest treat. After meeting incredible chefs and food media peeps from all over the world, I’m feeling very inspired. This was my first international trip in 2.5 years and it was SO good to get out. I forgot how traveling has the magical ability to change your mind. I’m heading off to England soon for my next adventure. Watch out for my May Newsletter which will be filled with reports from Blighty. It’s going to be a culinary dream.
Out & About
La Colombe continues to shine brightly at the top of the South Africa’s fine-dining spectrum. It took two years before I could again experience their latest menu. It was simply spectacular. You can read all about this deliciously whimsical meal here.
Post & Pepper has recently opened in Stellenbosch and it’s not to be missed. Jess van Dyk and her business partner Dimitri have opend this trendy eatery in the historic post office building. Serving up a concise and innovative menu of small sharing plates, it’s the perfect spot to pop in for drinks and a snack, or explore 5 - 7 dishes for a longer meal. Everything we ate was delicious and you can find out more about it here.
We are about to start saying goodbye to summer (YAY!) so these are a few recipes to try before we see the last of our stone fruit and very warm days:
In season now: mangoes, figs, beetroot, avocado, apples, pears, pomegranates & quince.
Mango, passionfruit and yoghurt brûlée
Roast fig tartines with blue cheeses, honey & prosciutto
Sauteed beetroot tops with fennel (so delicious if you manage to get a bunch of farm beetroot with crisp leaves).
Crispy fried egg on avo toast with mushroms, spinach and walnut pesto
My perfect huevos rancheros with chipotle
Pomegranate scones (the pomegranate arils burst in your mouth in these scones which are super quick and easy to make)
Recent recipes on my blog
Ottolenghis’ roast chicken and 3 rice salad
This is one of those recipes you will be making for the rest of your life. Its so delicious and can easily be adapted. I have used left over roast chicken which I often have on hand.
I took advantage of the very best late-summer heirloom tomatoes to create this delicious free-form galette. The sour cream short crust pastry is one you will want to weave into your repertoire.
I gave my favourite BLT salad a ‘goddess twist’ to make it even better. This is another keeper. I also shared a reel on my Instagram.
is it even summer without a granadilla lolly?
I give a classic hot dog a Vietnamese Banh Mi twist with pickled vegetables, cucumber, coriander and crispy bacon.
Wine Time
Jean Roi, one of my all-time favourite South African Rose wines, makes me feel sad we are saying goodbye to winter. This copper pink wine made in the Provençal-style would pair beautifully with this grilled nectarine salad with mozzarella and prosciutto or these caramelised onion and goats cheese tartlets.
Thank you for reading and see you for my April Easter instalment which will be packed with chocolate goodness.
Sam x
Hi there Sam, I am not a blonde, but a grey haired member of your blog :)) Bought your online recipe book, but have NO idea how to access it. Any advice for the old timer please?? Having people around for supper and making all your recipes, but alas, cannot access other than on your blog.
Thanks Joanita