Why I’m telling no-one about McGregor

It isn’t easy to find somewhere to stay on a farm that is remote but still close enough to a small town to provide light entertainment when needed and supplies when necessary. I spent quite a bit of time on the internet before I found our little gem on a farm just outside Robertson and McGregor (bonus as we got two quaint towns for the price of one!).

The unbelievably beautiful valley that holds Robertson, McGregor, Ashton, Bonnievale and Montagu in its embrace has something magical about it. And if you don’t believe me, visit it yourself and you’ll understand what I mean. The secret is to take the time to stop in the towns, as we did in Robertson and Mcregor, so that the charm of each can find its way into the corners of your mind. Because it won’t be anything tangible or something you ‘discover’; the magic is simply there for the taking, you have but to imbibe … Continued

The grand opening of the Cape Quarter’s Square

Cape Quarter

This is one of Cape Town’s best kept secrets because it has something for everyone, health, beauty, fashion, lifestyle and food all in one unique venue with typical Cape Malay architecture. This is a place that epitomises cool and if you want to be with the who’s who then you should make your way to the Cape Quarter …

This is such a fantastic space that is brought together with the central piazza which in itself is a meeting place for friends and family before they explore the Cape Quarter’s wonderful opportunities and hidden treasures. The Cape Quarter Piazza can be found at 72 Waterkant Street, Green Point … Continued

A weekend in Franschhoek

Franschhoek

Friends got married at Moreson Wine Estate last weekend so we used this as a good excuse to spend the weekend in Franschhoek.  It was a lunch time wedding and we live in Cape Town, so strictly speaking two nights in Franschhoek was not really necessary but then again, it’s Franschhoek and it’s always a treat to spend time in this beautiful town!

We arrived on Friday evening and there is something quite special about driving through the valley as the sun is setting.  We really do live in a country with the most breathtaking scenery … Continued

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

There’s a secret little world of fantasy and fairy tale, which unfolds every Saturday morning in Constantia, Cape Town. And if you have not treated your children to a visit to the Rainbow Puppet Theatre, at the Michael Oak Waldorf school, then you are missing out! Continued

Joostenberg Deli – a stop worth making time for

Farm outside Bloekomsbos

Saturday was a day filled with new discoveries and interesting stops. We visited a local farmer, Erick, on his farm just outside Bloekomsbos, accidentally discovered one of the Stellenbosch jewels – Joostenberg Deli – and uncovered a gem of a garden centre just next door.

Erick Zenzele is the farmer that sends us a bag full of peas, cabbage, mixed lettuce leaves, beetroot, broccoli and spinach every week. His farm (his land has been loaned to him by a local farmer) just outside Bellville in Cape Town is part of the local CSA (community supported agriculture) project supported by Slow Food Cape Town together with the Sustainability Institute. A group of families in Cape Town help support the farmers involved by paying upfront for our bags of veg. But it’s also a way of reconnecting with our food. As ‘consumers’ we now know exactly where our vegetables are grown, and after our visit on Saturday, by whom … Continued

Picnicking at Harold Porter, and sighting penguins …

Botanical Gardens

Harold Porter is a really pleasant surprise! In fact, it’s one of the Cape’s best kept secrets …

I had forgotten just how gorgeous the drive from Cape Town to Betty’s Bay along Clarence Drive, known also as Route 44, is. We were to visit friends in Somerset West in the evening and, since it looked as though the day would be clear, we ambitiously set off for the Harold Porter Botanical Garden, a long-delayed visit, one we had been meaning to make for too long. Continued

Groot Constantia Christmas Gift and Garden Fair

I hadn’t managed to get to the Christmas Gift and Garden Fair during the evening this week so popped in during lunch time on its last day.  Held at Groot Constantia, the setting itself would have been good enough if the fair had not lived up to expectation.  But it did not fail to deliver!

For a small R20 entry fee (all proceeds go to The Red Cross Children’s Hospital, and in particular will be used to buy lifesaving equipment for the new Operating Theatre Complex) I gained access to the ‘hall’ and strolled along the rows of exhibitors.  On sale were all sorts of lovely things, perfect for Christmas shopping … Continued

Open Gardens at The Cellars-Hohenort

Cellars-Hohenort

I took myself off to the Open Gardens at The Cellars-Hohenort yesterday afternoon.  I must admit the weather was already a bit windy so I was in two minds about going but I’m very pleased I did.  The gardens are spectacular and are acknowledged as some of the finest hotel gardens in the world and voted by Garden Design, a top American magazine, as one of the top 30 hotel gardens in the world.

On arrival at the hotel I was met by five ducks and it looked as if they were out for an afternoon waddle, just to keep tabs on their estate!  Close behind them was their ‘minder’ who needed to round them up and take them ‘home’ but clearly this was not part of the equation for the ducks at they scattered to hide in the thick foliage! Continued

Bird’s Boutique Café – on its way to becoming iconic in the city bowl

Bird’s Boutique Café

A meal at Bird’s Boutique is something of an experience, and if you haven’t already stopped off to taste Mathilde Stegmann and her daughter’s delectable dishes, then I would advise that you do.

Set on the corner of Bree and Church Street in a building that is most un-restaurant-like, there isn’t anything quite like this café in Cape Town. The concept defies categorisation, and yet the food is simple, home-cooking. Described as a ‘unique, artistic refuge’ the café, despite sounding such, is not pretentious and doesn’t work hard at just being what it is – a kitchen that feeds its patrons seriously yummy and distinctive food, with none of the gloss, glamour and self-indulgent ostentation that some other restaurants manage. Continued

Lunching at Parks Café in Wynberg

Parks Café in Wynberg

We don’t get out much. No seriously, doing lunch is tantamount to a social occasion we manage it so seldom. When one works from home, lunch hour is something you snatch on the run whilst picking up the wee one and sprinting into the local bakery  double time for fresh bread!

But yesterday we managed to have what definitely qualifies as a civilised lunch time interlude at Parks Café, Wynberg. The address is a little misleading, as Parks Café actually rests on Constantia Main Road, more-or-less across the road from Norman Henshilwood High School, in a simply beautiful restored Victorian villa (you probably drive past here on numerous occasions, but next time, swing inside – you’ll not be disappointed) … Continued

Photos of Greyton

Go where the locals go … Well travelled Guest House owners, Pam and Steve Lord (Cape Rose Cottage in Camps Bay), are regular visitors to the charming village of Greyton. Says Pam; “It is so beautiful out there – one of my favourite places in the world”. Pam took a series of photographs on a recent weekend getaway to Greyton which she has kindly allowed us to share … Continued

Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts

It is that time again Cape Town – The Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts are right on our doorstep so it is time to phone your friends, dust off that picnic blanket and take the basket off the top shelf and make sure you have tickets for the Sunday concerts …

The Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts have been taking place for as long as I can remember, they are such a highlight on the Cape Town calendar and it is a fantastic opportunity to wind down the weekend, sitting on the beautiful grassy banks in front of the stage at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, while listening to some of the best South African musicians and bands we have to offer. Continued

History or horticulture? How about a whole lot of both at Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden?

The Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden is one of the Cape’s most well-known tourism draw cards, as well as being a favourite with locals as a picnic spot. Any Cape Town guide book worth its salt will tell you about the Garden’s 528 hectares of indigenous flora and natural forest (36 of which are cultivated), its restaurants, its hiking trails and its line-up of summer concerts. What they might not tell you about is Kirstenbosch’s very long and interesting history … Continued

La Boheme Restaurant in Sea Point

La Boheme

A friend resides in Sea Point and has been raving about a restaurant that has opened up on Main Road so we gave it a try on Tuesday evening.  I’m so glad we did!  At R85 for a 2 course meal we were off to a good start, and the delicious food cemented La Boheme on one of my new favourite eateries … Continued