Last Friday I had the kind of lunch every remotely serious foodie fantasises about – a meal dedicated to the wonders of the truffle. Renowned the world over as ‘black gold’, these oddly-shaped, knobbly, wart-looking fungi are a rare treat indeed, because unlike in Europe, they used to be pretty much unavailable in South Africa. That all changed a [...]
Of all the Cape wine regions that I have relatively easy access to, it’s the one practically on my doorstep that I neglect most – Durbanville. I was reminded just how special the wines from this region are last week, when Groot Phesantekraal invited me to come visit. Just 20km or so north of Cape Town centre, the wines of [...]
All my friends know by now, if you want to see me, invite me for lunch. Because being the exceptionally glamorous person that I am, I prefer to spend my evenings in slouchy pants, on a slouchy couch, with a cat on my lap and a remote in my hand. These frightfully unsociable instincts are multiplied a hundred times over [...]
Folks often ask me to recommend Cape wine estates to visit. Places that offer good wine in a lovely tasting environment, PLUS good food, PLUS preferably something else on top of all that. We are of course spoilt for choice, but Franschhoek’s Anthonij Rupert Wines is one that I often suggest because, after numerous visits, I know that a good [...]
Living in Cape Town, I’m in the fortunate position of being able to go the Waterfront for a bit of retail and restaurant R&R rather often. But in all these years (and I am not saying how many for fear of age stamping) I’ve never, ever eaten a burger at the Waterfront. All that changed recently, when I was invited [...]
I have a slightly disturbing habit. When I’m eating out I need to – no, absolutely have to – taste what’s on everyone’s plate. I rather suspect this is a condition common to women. Check out any girlie get together, and chances are you’ll see piled forks being passed around the table. Men don’t get this. But clever men tolerate [...]