Braaibroodjies! Middelvlei Family day Boerebraai Feast on Saturday 7 March
End of Harvest feasts and festivals are always a highlight in the Cape Winelands. This year, Middelvlei is hosting a special Family Day on Saturday 7 March, with their famous Boerebraai.
Designed as a celebration for the whole family, Middelvlei’s End of Harvest Family Day feast welcomes all with delicious food and wine, plenty of play space for children and awesome views.
Says Ben Howse, Hospitality Manager at Middelvlei “We are doing grape stomping as part of the Family Day. We will have barrels of grapes out on the lawn and guests can jump in and stomp the grapes. This is a fun activity, especially for the kids!” So be prepared to get messy.
Middelvlei Wine Farm views
Adding to the day’s fun and festivities are the line-up of boeresport games, guaranteed to be one of the day’s highlights. These include old favourites such as barrel rolling and cork spitting. While the kids are kept entertained parents can sit back and relax while sipping on a glass of Middelvlei wine and taking in the sights and sounds of the views and live entertainment.
Tuck into Middelvlei’s popular Boerebraai to satisfy the appetites! Lunch costs R300 per adult and R100 per child (12 years and younger). The menu includes a starter of freshly baked potbrood with smoked snoek pâté and homemade preserve. Traditional braaied meat such as lamb chops, boerewors and chicken kebabs accompanied with a choice of a braaibroodjie, pumpkin fritters and two salads are the main course. For those with a sweet tooth the home-made milktart is top choice! Children under 12 can also choose a delicious kiddies’ burger and chips.
Pumpkin fritters, Middelvlei Family Day BoerebraaiIt’s a feast! Middelvlei Family Day Boerebraai Saturday 7 March
Whether you want to just enjoy a relaxing day in the winelands, or get grapes between your toes with some grape stomping, the Middelvlei Family Day is guaranteed to be heaps of fun.
Now that the weather is milder, why not make the most of it and visit Spice Route for the day? There is just so much to see, do, taste and buy!
Why not add a Spice Route Passport/Explorer to your sit-down lunch? This pocket-sized passport is a fun way to enjoy a range of tastings for your leisurely walking journey between the artisan producers.
It’s all you ever need to taste, drink and eat, all in one place!
From wallet-friendly joints to some fierce fine-dining spots aka Jewells, Spice Route is one of the Cape Winelands’ top food, wine & shopping destinations.
Fun, too, and with heart-stopping views of the mountains.
Get your Spice Route Destination Passport, which allows for multiple tastings!Ready, set, go! Spice Route Destination PassportsLooking for their fun, food and drinks at Spice Route with the Destination PassportsReady for DV chocolate tasting with our Spice Route Destination Passports!Aaaaaand ready for sublime DV chocolate tasting with our Spice Route Destination PassportsSjokoladetjies by DV Chocolates Spice RouteThis was my favourite, I wanted to steal the entire bowl. Raspberry, vanilla and almond chocolate from DV Chocolate at Spice RouteCBC craft beer brewery at Spice RouteCBC Craft beer brewery, with tastings, at Spice RouteLunch at Barley and Biltong pub, Spice Route. Hearty, filling and delicious, and easy on the pocket.
Set on the slopes of the Paarl Mountains in the Western Cape, the Spice Route Destination offers a range of dynamic tasting offerings and aesthetic experiences that are all within walking distance of each other.
Aside from the staggering variety of offerings available to taste, experience & browse, the Destination boasts three restaurants with set menus to cater specifically for groups, including the Destination’s new crown jewel – Jewells Restaurant.
Jowls charcuterie at Spice RouteWilderer Distillery at Spice RouteGrappa at Spice Route
Charcuterie and wine at Spice Route DestinationLunch with a view, Jewell’s, Spice Route
Walk Your Way Through Exciting Discoveries at Spice Route Destination
Spice Route Destination, situated on the slopes of the Paarl Mountains in the Western Cape, offers tasting and aesthetic experiences at various establishments located within walking distance of each other. The Destination’s broad-ranging offerings make for a full day’s excursion on foot that often has visitors come back to complete the range of experiences.
The Destination commemorates the Cape’s diverse cultures, the initial gathering of artisans and spice trading, and historical instances that inspired today’s interesting flavour infusions. From chocolate and ice cream making, coffee and beer brewing to glass blowing, and sports activities, the Destination incorporates an extraordinary mix of talent that won’t go unnoticed.
Tastings to tempt you at DV Chocolates, Spice Route DestinationDV Chocolates at Spice Route. Spend alllll your money here!
Spice Route’s passport, a pocket-sized booklet that offers the convenience of enjoying a selection of tastings all year, is a perfect way to explore the Destination on foot. The passport is available from the on-site guest liaison office.
Located on Suid-Agter Paarl Road, a mere 40 to 60-minute drive from Cape Town for so much goodness, most vendors at Spice Route Destination trade from 9h00 to 17h00 daily.
Jewells, Spice RouteNeil Jewell, Jewells chef and charcuterie master at Spice Route DestinationInterior, Jewells at Spice Route
Jewells
Recently added to the Destination’s collection of restaurants, is the farm-to-table eatery Jewells, home to Chefs Warehouse maestro Liam Tomlin together with charcuterie whizz Neil Jewell and baker extraordinaire Tina Jewell. As you’d expect, guests can look forward to only the best-quality ingredients, including organic Red Angus beef from Charles Back’s herd, with a regularly updated seasonal menu paired with a wine list comprising of a selection of Spice Route Wines. Guests can now also purchase Neil’s charcuterie at Jowls, situated next to Spice Route Wines underground tasting cellar.
Stellenbosch Hills Hot Cross Bun and Wine Pairing 1-30 April
Now this is a pairing I can really erm…sink my teeth into. Hot Cross buns and wine!
Stellenbosch Hills spreads April cheer with Hot Cross Bun & Wine Pairing with variations of a seasonal favourite, to be served with winery stars. Yes, it’s only in April, but we like to live orderly lives and plan well in advance, right?
DATES: 1-30 April 2020
Legend has it that hot cross buns are good luck. True story: some among the ancients were known to hang their buns out all year long! Now, Stellenbosch Hills isn’t saying you’ll get lucky if you visit the winery for its all-new, super special, April-only pairing of hot cross buns and wine, but who knows? Right?
Plus, it’s a big year for Stellenbosch Hills, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. The stars are aligned!
As has become tradition, this time of the year sees the humble bun tarted up with spice and sugar and laid on warm with lashings of melting butter. Eager for a challenge, the folks at Stellenbosch Hills got thinking and the bun-and-wine union was born. A match, some might say, made in heaven.
From the first to the last day of April this year, the tasting room will lay on three variations of o-so-yum Hot Cross bun confections, each matched with an award-winning wine in the Stellenbosch Hills portfolio. No slouches, these hot cross buns were made by the Fine Pastries family bakery in Stellenbosch.
And the wines included in the tasting are, well, top shelf. The R55pp cost of the pairing a veritable steal, which is why booking is essential.
First up will be the TraditionalHot Cross Bun – no raisins included. And, the Stellenbosch Hills 1707 Reserve White 2019 – the latest vintage release of this limited bottling. It’s a Chardonnay-dominated blend with Semillon and a touch of Viognier that is elegant and voluptuous. The aroma recalls stone fruit, honey, zesty citrus and vanilla oak spice. On the palate, there’s a fine balance of lively citrus and crisp acidity.
Then comes the Spiced Hot Cross Bun, festooned with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and nutmeg; served with delicious Stellenbosch Hills Shiraz 2017. The wine shows classic red fruit, oak spice and hints of black pepper on the nose, rolling through to the palate.
The grand finale features a Chocolate Hot Cross Bun with the perfect decadent partner – the Stellenbosch Hills Bushvine Pinotage 2017. It’s a full-bodied wine with intricate flavour combinations of black berry, plums and mulberries. There are hints of vanilla oak, banana, dark chocolate and cigar box. It’s juicy, velvety and balanced.
All the goodness: Stellenbosch Hills Hot Cross Bun and Wine Pairing 1-30 April
The Stellenbosch Hills tasting room is located at the corner of the R310 and Vlottenburg Road, Stellenbosch. The tasting room is open Monday – Friday: 09h00 – 17h00 and Saturdays: 10h00 – 15h00. It’s closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Spread some extra cheer during April and share your Hot Cross Bun & Wine experience with everyone. Tag Stellenbosch Hills on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/StellenboschHills/), Twitter @STBHills and Instagram @stellenbosch_hills.
Why am I not at Spier Farm Café this very minute, having breakfast or (almost) lunch? I ask myself the same question. Undeniably good and beautiful, Spier Farm Café is the latest addition to the stable of thoroughbred food offerings on this historic farm. Light, bright and airy, the Farm Café makes ample use of produce from Farmer Angus, such as his free-range eggs and chickens, beef and whatnot. Swoony cakes and flaky breakfast croissants from Vadas Bakery and Smokehouse make it even more irresistible. Good if you’re dining solo, great if you’ve got company, and sheer perfection if you’re with your fam, having the whole rotisserie chicken and sides.
A delicious selection of cakes & bakes are available, please ask your waiter about today’s offering.
SMOKED TROUT CROISSANT
110
Scrambled eggs │trout │ croissant cream cheese
APPLE PIE SMOOTHIE
60
Extra scoop of collagen
20
a little
EXTRA
butter
12
smoked trout
50
poached egg
10
strawberry jam
8
honey
20
toast
10
cream
10
bacon
30
hollandaise
20
scoop of ice cream
15
pork sausage
25
havarti gouda
20
We go to great lengths to source fresh produce and meat from local suppliers, where possible from our own fields and pastures.
(V) – vegan
(VG) – vegetarian
You haven’t lived until you’ve tasted Spier Farm Café’s Home-made Granola with Buffalo Milk Yoghurt, Honey, Berries and Fruit, or their utterly sublime Eggs Benedict – probably one of the best versions to be found in South Africa.
Cos lettuce │Caesar dressing │parmesan sourdough crumbs│egg
Chicken │lemon herb butter sauce │chefs’ side of the day
*Serves 2-4
GREEK SALAD
90
Red Pepper │ yellow pepper │ cucumber tomato│red onion│Feta │olives│vinaigrette
a little EXTRA
for the KIDDIES
Pork Fat Fried Potato roasties
45
Bacon
30
ROAST CHICKEN DRUMSTICK
50
Avocado
40
& Pork Fat Fried Potato roasties
Chicken
70
PORK CHIPOLATAS
45
Garden Vegetables
45
& Butternut
Greek Side Salad
45
PORK FAT FRIED ROASTIES
35
Curried pickled carrot & watercress
45
TOASTED CHEESE SANDWICH
45
Salad
ICE CREAM & CHOCOLATE SAUCE
40
A delicious selection of cakes & bakes are available, please ask your waiter about today’s offering
We go to great lengths to source fresh produce and meat from local suppliers, where possible from our own fields and pastures.
(V) – vegan
(VG) – vegetarian
The Spier Farm Café celebrates local food & design with a variety of design and decor elements. In a sense, it feels like coming home. Home is where the hearth is, yes? And there’s a lovely open fireplace at one end of the long rectangular dining room of Spier Farm Café. Outside, there are tables shaded by stand umbrellas, if you want to dine alfresco.
From the press release:
‘Housed in a graceful gabled Cape Dutch building, the new Spier Farm Café serves breakfast and lunch by friendly, attentive staff who look after you like family. Set against the serene backdrop of the rolling lawns and ancient oaks of Spier Wine Farm’s historic Werf (farmyard), Spier Farm Café invites you to uncoil, relax and recharge. Outside, there are sun umbrellas shading seating areas and acres of green space for the little ones to roam around in.
The Spier Farm Café’s Chef, Hennie Nel, was previously at Vadas Smokehouse and Bakery where he served as head chef under the restaurant’s founder and acclaimed chef, PJ Vadas. Nel’s extensive cheffing experience includes stints in the kitchens of Open Door (formerly at Constantia Uitsig) and the former Maze by Gordon Ramsay at One & Only Cape Town.’
The opening hours are as follows:
Monday – Sunday
Breakfast: 08:00 to 11:00
Lunch: 12:00 to 15:00
Contact Spier Farm Café at cafe@spier.co.za or call 021 809 1142
Freshly baked cake at Spier Farm Café
Cakes and bakes, Spier Farm CaféChef Hennie Nel in front of Spier Farm Café
Curry Club Cape TownFree delivery in the city bowl and surrounds! Curry Club Cape Town
Curry Club offers a most vibrant London-style Punjabi flight kitchen, sporting a short-order menu, influenced by family recipes laced with new India cuisine, and is based in Gardens, Cape Town.
I recently came across a promoted Instagram post by @curry_club_cpt, visited their page, and suddenly I was all over their posts like white on rice.
Hooked. The very next day, we placed our first order and boy, was it good. Our bill was about R385 before tip for very generous portions of Chicken Sagwala, Prawn curry!!! and a ton of extras including YUM garlic butter naan plus a mountain of perfect Basmati.
The teenager had seconds AND thirds, and Mom was well satisfied, too. The Chicken Sagwala and Prawn Curry were…oh, I can’t get it out of my mind. And can’t wait for our next order!
We found the service speedy and efficient, the food still hot when it arrived, and a very lovely, friendly delivery man. Thank you for the goodness, Curry Club!
Delish! Curry Club platter
From Curry Club’s press release:
‘In the heart of the kitchen is our glorious singing Head Chef Ram, who has woven English influenced North Indian cuisine and Hindi music into his kitchens and menus.
The hub of Curry Club stems from Ram’s experiences working deep in the spice kitchens of the famous Taj Palace in Mumbai, combining the Ayurvedic blending of spice, carefully selected meats, fresh veg and pulses to create true food balance and wondrous healthy results. He loves food… we love him !!
(Sidenote from me: Yeah, he’s a keeper. Man knows his stuff, you can taste the love in every mouthful.)
Curry Club’s divinely spiced curries with sambals, atchar and naan breadChicken sagwala from Curry Club Cape Town – free delivery!
Curry Club’s purpose is delivering gorgeous scented curries at easy-tiger prices that will make the tummy glorious and the heart shine!
A delivery-only concept based in Gardens awaits with a team of lovely drivers in position to radiate Curry Club all over the Mother City.
Gourmet curries to your place chop-chop… Curry Club!’
Curry Club deliciousness – free delivery in city bowl and surrounds!
The weather’s perfect for it: an intimate summer affair at Steenberg, with their Secret Garden Party on Saturday, 29 February 2020.
Discover Steenberg, a jewel in the Constantia Wine Valley, like never before!
Feel the grass beneath your feet in a secret location within the beautiful, lush gardens while sipping on fine Steenberg bubblies and wines and tucking into a sumptuous harvest table.
Seating will be on the grass in an alfresco picnic style with blankets and cushions to keep you comfortable while relaxing to the soothing sounds of easy-going live music.
From the youthful and vivacious Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc and ultra-elegant Méthode Cap Classique, to crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc and more serious reds, you’ll love spending the afternoon sipping on these acclaimed Steenberg wines with your friends.
Steenberg’s Secret Garden Party is an all afternoon affair from 15h00 till 19h00. The secret location will be revealed to lucky ticket holders at the Steenberg Tasting Room. All inclusive tickets at R500 per person are available exclusively from Webtickets at http://bit.ly/SBSecretGardenParty
Falke Arm protectors offer UV protection of SPF50+
Falke Arm Protectors are perfect for runners and athletes!
Leading sock specialist, Falke presents their reflective and UV protective Arm Protectors. Runners and cyclists can now update their training kit while performing in comfort with sleeves that regulate temperature, protect against the harsh elements and increase visibility. Falke is proudly designed and produced in South Africa.
Not only do they offer UV protection of SPF50+, but they are also approved by the Cancer Association of South Africa.
My son is a keen long distance runner and when I showed him this article and asked if he wanted some, his instantaneous reply was ‘Ýes please!’
The brand’s CoolLAYR yarn technology keeps the wearer cool when temperatures rise. The arm protectors also feature moisture management. In addition, strategically placed mesh panels facilitate ventilation and keep the arms dry.
When Falke creates products, superior quality and world-class design are their highest priority. Every pair of Falke sports socks adheres to three core principles: FIT, FUNCTION and FASHION to ensure comfort and increase performance for any sporting activity.
Safety and being seen is important, especially to runners and cyclists who are out in low light conditions. To help, Falke has added reflective print on the elbow joints.
Falke Arm Protectors are available in three sizes (X Small, Small-Medium and Large – X Large) to allow the perfect fit. They come in 6 colours with a retail price of R270 and are available online at www.falke.co.za
Stockists include Sportsman’s Warehouse and Cycle Lab.
Follow FALKE on Twitter @FalkeSA, on Instagram falke_sa and FalkeSA on Facebook for the latest news and promotions.
Livers and Chicken R130, The Hussar Grill’s Lavish Lunch
Lunch gets lavish at The Hussar Grill
Forget the office canteen and forego that pre-packed sandwich, as the Hussar Grill has re-introduced its perennially popular Lavish Lunch special until the end of April 2020. Luncheon is indeed a lavish affair at one of the country’s premier grill rooms, and hungry patrons can delight in the spoils of two irresistible midday meal offers.
Please note that the Lavish Lunch special offer is NOT available on Sundays.
The Lavish Lunch can either be a leisurely affair, stretched over two-courses, or, guests can opt for the business-like efficiency of a single course special. The single-course lunch comes in at a mere R95 per head while the two-course meal consists of an incredible starter and main course combination at R130 per head. This outstanding value proposition come courtesy of a restaurant that places consistently in the Eat Out Top 150 and also offers a highly regarded wine list. Which is why The Hussar Grill, an enduring legend since 1964, continues to win hearts and palates.
Lavish Lunch at the Hussar Grill: Livers and Burger R130
The Lavish Lunch specials both offer a choice of menu items, including a perfectly prepared 200g steak – the kind for which this multiple award-winning restaurant is so rightly famed. Alternatively, find yourself tempted by gourmet burgers, deboned half-chicken, beer-battered hake, and wild mushroom and roasted butternut gnocchi.
Lavish Lunch the Hussar Grill Calamari and Steak R130
The gourmet burger is a relatively new addition to The Hussar Grill and comes with crispy chips and all the fine frills, such as a handmade pure beef patty with two delectable toppings: there’s your choice of bacon, biltong, feta, blue cheese crumble, fried egg or avocado. Poultry lovers will find that the deboned half-chicken is served with a side of their choice. The main portion of beer-battered hake comes with crispy chips and an accompaniment of British-style mushy peas. For vegetarians, the gnocchi with wild mushroom and roasted butternut is finished with a feta crumble.
Lavish Lunch The Hussar Grill Soup and Wild Mushroom Gnocchi with Butternut and Feta Crumble R130
Ease into these mains by selecting from a tantalizing trio of starters. For vegetarians, there’s tomato soup with cream, served with croûtes on the side. Or, chicken livers sautéed in a decadent combination of sherry, garlic, onions, mixed herbs, and cream or peri peri, also served with croûtes. Alternatively, try the starter portion of tender fried calamari strips.
You can enhance your lunch experience by ordering side dishes such as creamed spinach or salad, or even a creamy mushroom sauce to go with your expertly grilled steak. Top it off with a delicious dessert such as baked cheesecake, crème brûlée, malva pudding, chocolate fondant, chocolate vodka or ice cream and chocolate sauce. Because these optional extras are not part of the lunch specials, they are charged for separately, but guests are welcome to order beyond the confines of the set menu.
The lunch specials are best enjoyed with fine wine – there’s a large variety available by the glass and the restaurant makes its full award-winning wine list available for orders. Of course, guests are welcome to bring their own vintages to accompany their meal – The Hussar Grill never levies a corkage fee.
The two lunch specials are available at all The Hussar Grill restaurants that are open during the day. Please be aware that one or two select outlets, such as The Hussar Grill Camps Bay in Cape Town, are open evenings only. The Hussar Grill Rondebosch in Cape Town is closed for lunch on Sundays only.
Join a colleague or friend for a Lavish Lunch and remember that you can now purchase gift cards directly from the restaurant.
For more information on The Hussar Grill, please visit www.hussargrill.co.za. BOOK NOW or please use the Dineplan App, available via the App Store and Google Play.
If you take your steak seriously, which you should, you’ll want to know the perfect methods for cooking your prime cuts.
Step up your steak game with a Steak Masterclass, presented by The Hussar Grill in conjunction with Silwood Kitchen cookery school.
Foodie Night School: A renowned grill room and the country’s oldest cookery school collab on Steak Masterclasses.
Dates:
The next Steak Masterclasses with The Hussar Grill will take place on the following dates:
Thursday, 20 February 2020
Monday, 2 March 2020
Tuesday, 10 March 2020
Steak selection at The Hussar Grill
Calling all aspirant foodies! It’s time to hone those proverbial skillet skills by getting to grips with the grill. To find out the best way to cook a steak, and discover which accompaniments will complement your meat cut of choice, head to the 2020 series of Steak Masterclasses hosted by South Africa’s premier grill room, The Hussar Grill, at the prestigious Silwood School of Cookery in Cape Town, South Africa’s longest standing cookery school.
These stand-alone evening events are open to all and no former or formal cooking training is necessary in order to participate. The events are equally great for amateur chefs and anyone looking for a fun and deliciously different night out.
The Hussar Grill will share some of the expertise behind its successful 55-year legacy in a professional training kitchen. Each Steak Masterclass is hosted by Jason Allen, the owner of The Hussar Grill restaurant in Steenberg, Cape Town, and will cover the preparation of three choice cuts of beef, namely, sirloin, rump and fillet. For those not yet in the know, sirloin and fillet can be cooked quickly and served very rare, while rump – South Africa’s most popular steak – can be fried or grilled more slowly. You’ll discover these and other steak secrets.
In addition to learning how to grill a steak to the rare or medium stage, the classes will cover how to wet-age meat at home and provide tips on barbequeing (“braaiing”) and stovetop grilling. As a fitting accompaniment to the steaks, participants will be taught how to prepare a classic Béarnaise Sauce and a creamy Pepper Sauce – both perennial favourites at The Hussar Grill.
Steak with creamy peppercorn sauce by The Hussar Grill for STeak Masterclasses at Silwood Kitchen
Not only do students get to participate in the preparation and cooking of the steaks, they also get to sample their triumphs along the way. As soon as each steak and its accompanying sauce is ready, guests get to enjoy the spoils while they are still hot. To wash it all down in style, the on-hand Silwood staff will keep your wine glasses full with Ernst Gouws & Co vintages. It’s best to come hungry – definitely don’t eat dinner beforehand as three steak courses await!
Steak with Béarnaise sauce, Steak Masterclass by The Hussar Grill in collaboration with Silwood Kitchen
The cost to attend a Steak Masterclass is R650 per person and includes the use of all provided equipment and ingredients, tuition and wine. The classes are approximately three hours in duration and run from 18h30 to 21h30. There is free and ample off-street parking at the Silwood School of Cookery, which is located in a splendid Victorian homestead in Rondebosch, Cape Town.
Pre-booking is essential as places are limited. To book your place, please contact Kirsten Beattie at Silwood Cookery School on +27 (0)21 686 4894 or visit: https://www.silwood.co.za/steak-master-class-1/.
For more information on The Hussar Grill, please visit www.hussargrill.co.za. BOOK NOW or please use the Dineplan App.
This year Valentine’s Day happens to fall on a Friday and it’s the perfect reason to make a weekend of this cherished celebration. Spoil your SP (special person) with a visit to Middelvlei Wines in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands for their Valentine’s platter, which will be available from 14 to 16 February.
Perfect for two people sharing, the platter comprises freshly baked potbrood, homemade snoek pâté, fig preserve, farm butter, fresh grapes, melba toast, a cheese selection of Brie and aged English Cheddar. Not stopping there the platter also includes olives, corn fritters, biltong and caramelised Paptertjies, mini chicken kebabs, peppered steak skewers with a spicy relish and Caprese skewers. Complementing the platter and ending off on a sweet note are mini milk tarts and dark chocolate truffles. The cost of the platter is R340 and excludes wine.
Middelvlei Valentine’s Platter
The Valentine’s weekend concludes with a fun family themed day on the Sunday. While mom and dad are enjoying some much needed time together, the kids can keep themselves busy with the selection of Middelvlei lawn games or feeding the farm animals. Although a day traditionally set aside for couples times are changing and Valentine’s is more about spending time with loved ones, which can include the whole family.
Glowing embers, laden pots, Middelvlei Boerebraai. Available 7 days a week. Bookings are required.Braaibroodjies, a fire, lovely wine. What more could you want? Middelvlei BoerebraaiMiddelvlei landscape
