Thursday, February 26, 2015

loving South Africa


The glorious Grotto beach, 15 kilometres of beautiful sand is 3 kilometres from our house.


Morgenster Olive Oil, voted one of the top Olive oils in the world. We discovered it last year on the Rovos rail journey.
One of our favourite vineyards, Vergelegen, it is one of the oldest and has the most beautiful gardens, fabulous wines and three great restaurants.


The above meal was at Waterkloof, another vineyard in Somerset West, one of the best, wonderful service, food and views. 



Sunday, February 08, 2015

Hermanus

We are now staying in Hermanus, about 120 kilometres from Cape Town, the town is renowned for whale watching from June to December, when the southern right whales come in close to shore to calve. We shall miss this spectacle it being summer here but the beautiful coast line and  coastal  path which we walk each day more than makes up for it. We are enjoying this wonderful view from the house we are staying in, almost as good as the one at home!

The coastal path runs for 10 kilometres.



Our love of cats took us to the Drakenstein Lion park, a home for 34 rescued cats which are certainly now in a better place.

Food and wine are very much part of our holiday, the wine is I think is the second best in the world (after France of course) , we have been to the USA, New Zealand and Australia and the wines in South Africa are really quite exceptional.  Furthermore many domains have exceptional restaurants attached producing stunning food at very good value.



Last week we ate at Jordans vineyard, just out side Stellenbosch, Karen had Mussels in Papillote with lemon grass and coconut, whilst I had line caught Stuisbaai Elf - yes Elf. For main I ate roasted springbok with a plum tarte tatin and Karen had Gnocchi with roasted cauliflower all of which were amazing.

And my soufflé challenge continues , honey and poppy sead beautifully executed.