Deer Park Cafe - if you can ignore the decor

Some time ago a friend and I were on a mission to find a good cup of coffee. It was a Sunday afternoon, and the restaurant where we had lunch had a power outage - so no coffee or anything other than the bill being served.

So we headed Vredehoek way, and as neither of us had been to Deer Park Cafe - we aimed for it. Upon entering, the rich coffee smell in the air was enough to make us sit. Not before we had a look at their cake displays though....

You really do need to disregard the decor of this well positioned establishment. It feels more like a 70's cafeteria, but the coffee was good and the cakes scrumptious. Their menu looked good enough for us both to promise to try it again for dinner. 

Maybe it looks better in candle light?

Cuban flair

A few Sundays ago, after a weekend of being a total sloth and barely venturing outside the front door, I decided that we needed some fresh air, and a cocktail. So we did.

We headed out to one of my favourite spots south of the mountain - Kalk Bay.  After a bit of walking about, munching on breads and pastries from Olympia Bakery, we headed to Cape To Cuba. 

Whenever I go there, I end up staring at the walls and ceilings and floors and not talking to whoever I'm with, at all!

 I'd love the back pendant, well 2 of them actually, to hang over my kitchen island - one day.

Mosaic detail - table tops. So much better than a standard 60 x 60 stock table top, don't you think?

Sure, we tend to take in the vibe and the whole picture, but next time focus a bit on the details, the finishes. Pretty damn amazing!

Happening in Cape Town: Woodlands Eatery

The neighbourhood of Vredehoek has always intrigued me. It's close to town, against the mountain, beautiful historic architecture, views that stretch for miles, a real sense of community: what more do you need? Well, there is the problem of the wind, but that can be dealt with.

A couple of weeks ago a dear friend and I were looking for a place to hide out from her father-in-law (a funny story actually). We ambled up, driving further and further up the mountain. Just when you think all you are going to encounter are more old homes and buildings, you find this gem. Woodlands Eatery.

I've been back probably 5 times. For lunch, for take-aways, for drinks. Last night was the first time that my guy and I had a proper meal there. It was so good, I forgot to take pics of the food!

We shared a pharma ham, rocket, Gorgonzola cheese, tomato and balsamic reduction pizza (heaven!!) and a beetroot, butternut and feta salad.

The decor is comfy and quirky, without being pretentious (as so many eateries are). Faded floral fabrics ( I spent 5 minutes explaining to M that yes, you can buy fabrics brand new that look like they've been dug up from the attic of a long lost relative), reclaimed timber, 'kombuis' stoele (as I call them) and loads of charm. Oh - bonus - the staff are super friendly! That always helps.

All in all - a prefect place to unwind, meet up with friends and enjoy seriously good food.

Image 1-3: Eat Out

Image 4: I want that

Gem of a town

The road to Riebeeck-Kasteel dips and rises, winds around the mountains and then when you come around the last bend - the town lies peacefully in the valley. Loads of pretty houses, tiny little tree lined roads and the glamorous old-world Royal Hotel all add to the charm of this town about 40minutes outside of the Mother City.

The first time I entered this town, it was actually me getting lost on the way to Tulbagh. It was the middle of the night, so we literally just passed through after some help from the locals.

There are loads of little eateries to choose from, as well as quaint shops to buy anything from scatter cushions to embroidered napkins, dresses to garden accessories.

Two weeks ago we headed north once again and found the town bustling on a Saturday morning. Parking was actually hard to come by!

Across from the Royal Hotel there is a little gem - a row of buildings with restaurants, shops and even a brewery. At the back of these buildings you'll find Bar Bar Black Sheep. We sat down for brunch and immediately ordered coffees to ward off the cold.

I do believe that any restaurant, coffee shop, bar or deli can (and should) be judged on their coffee. The speed at which it comes to the table, temperature (why oh why do some people serve tepid coffee?) and taste. Maybe it was the cold and hunger, but at least I was not disappointed.

Then their was the grub. It was difficult to choose, because everything on the menu sounded yum! I settled on the French toast, served with bacon, strawberries and pomegranate pips. Oh - let me not forget the green figs and cheese inside the french loaf! Plus syrup of course.

I woke up the next morning dreaming about that plate of food - no jokes.

Riebeeck-Kasteel is the perfect destination for a day trip from Cape Town. You'll love the ride there, and there is loads to discover in the town.

Around this time of year I always need a break. It's going into that final stretch towards December, when work gets more and more unbearable. There are no more long weekends to look forward to, so you really need to make the most of those 2 days every week. So, get in your car on a Sunday morning and just head out of town. I don't know if it's the fresh air or the charming surrounds - but it sure does work to make Monday morning more bearable!

Post Valentine's Lunch / Cafe Mozart

OK, calling it 'Post Valentine's Lunch" is a little pretencions, like Mr M and I drag the day out to a whole week affair! We really don't.

It's was just an excuse to have a lovely lunch, really.

The trick with Cafe Mozart is to go early in order to secure an outside table. Or wait. It's worth it. On a *lovely* summer's day there is nothing better than sitting under the big trees, with the buzzing city around you. Situated on the Church street cobble stoned walkway, there is always interesting folk passing through. On Tuesday we were surprised with street buskers playing a catchy tune ;)

By far the best thing about Cafe Mozart is their buffet. A table laden with fresh salads, homemade bread, gorgeous potato bake (which I suspect has dollops and dollops of cream in it), so much more. For me it was the perfect (almost) healthy lunch. And at R45 per plate, a great deal for a lazy lunch.

You might think that I get paid for these reviews they way I carry on, but truly, I just love it when I stumble upon a place that not only serves good food, but also makes me feel happy when I sit there. You know? Even if I had only a glass of water I suspect I would enjoy the experience ;)

PS. more more info go to Cafe Mozart and Cafe Paradiso

Valentines Dinner

The Fiance and I never really make plans for V Day. In the past we've ambled into restaurants without booking (realising it's really silly, not getting a table and having a slice of pizza from the food court instead). So yesterday on a whim I made a booking at Cafe Paradiso. I was lucky, someone had cancelled (thank you dear stranger who made other plans!).

I've never even heard of it, but stumbled upon the restaurant's website while looking at different Cape Town eateries. So we went.

Cafe Paradiso is on the very top of Kloof Street. The garden is magical, with huge trees providing shade. Unfortunately our table was inside (hey, what could I expect having booked at 3 in the afternoon?). But even the inside had it's own appeal, with quaint interiors and rustic touches: we sat next to the guy making the homemade pasta. :)

We decided not to have starters, and rather save space for the pudding, which ended up being a great idea...

I had the organic sirloin (done medium rare to perfection) with black mushroom, with crunchy rocket and Parmesan. Delicious is an understatement! Mr M had the feathered steak with pasta, tomato salsa and arugula.

We finally decided on brandy tart, and ask to swap the cream for ice cream instead. Oh, and not just any ice cream. You have a choice: Vanilla, White chocolate, Lindt, and I think there was also an Amarula flavour. We opted for the white chocolate.

Oh. My. Goodness. I'll go back just for the brandy tart!

Cafe Paradiso is part of a group of restaurants / venues under the Madame Zingara banner. I get the feeling that everything this Madame touches turns to ....magic!

I'm on my way to have lunch at Cafe Mozart - also part of the group. Will tell you all about it!

Eight at Spier

I've lived in Cape Town now just short of 4 years. And - shockingly yes - I have never been to Spier Estate outside Stellenbosch. I've heard great things about Moyo, with the face painting and African drums and pots full of food. I've been told about the rolling hills and impeccable lawns and deli food and picnics and pond and ducks.

But, still I had not been. I've always had this feeling that Spier was a very commercial estate. tour buses and African crafts. No thanks.

Until a few weeks ago that is.

I am part of a monthly wine club, a very informal affair. We visit a different wine farm every month, and some time ago it was Mr M's chance to organise. And so we ended up at Spier.

Very briefly: the Barrel Thief wine tasting is worth it. Our host, Jacqui, taught as many new things about the tasting and preserving of wine, and was a hoot to boot.

Then on to the new restaurant of the estate: Eight. A purely organic, recycled restaurant with the concept of "from the farm to the table". But there is nothing 'platvloers' about this place!


We started with *heart* shaped boards filled with freshly baked bread, salted butter, olive oil and Balsamic vinegar. Then, even before really taking in the menu, espresso cups filled with butternut, honey and ginger soup for everyone. And it was a chilly morning, so it was perfect!


The glasses at Eight are made from recycled glass (that's my ice tea there - so delicious!). So are the light fittings, made from plastic bottles by the incredible Heath Nash.

Ladies and Gentleman, above you see the piece de resistance: Hot chocolate. A steaming cup of full cream milk, with a whole heap of Lindt chocolate shavings for you to stir in and make the perfect cup of heaven.

Sorry - the food was so good I forgot to take a pic. I had roasted pork belly on braised veggies and roast potatoes. Yum. There is no menu - only a travelling black board. See, depending on what they can source from the farm, it all dictates the menu. Everyone at the table raved about their options (from fish cakes to pork belly to chicken pie and more) and everything was reasonably priced. The average lunch was about R65 each.

I *loved loved loved* the interiors. Open, welcoming, innovative and damn beautiful. The interiors are a great blend of rustic and sleek, recycled and new.

Well worth a visit. Even 2.