A fresh
South-easter and a spring tide on Camps Bay beach
Chocolate
Brownies
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We went to two wine festivals in one weekend, and they
were very different, we enjoyed both. One huge and for the whole weekend, one
much smaller and focused on specific wine and just on one day. And it
was HOT.
Stellenbosch Wine Festival We
started the weekend on Friday afternoon by checking into our AirBnB in
Stellenbosch and then driving to the festival held this year at the Coetzenburg
Sports Grounds - we had no idea how vast they are and the signage was not good.
Parking was a bit sparse and we parked about as far away as we could possibly
get and endured a long hot walk to the festival grounds, which are on the
cricket oval, not the rugby stadium as we had expected. But we had a lot of fun
when we got there. Read
on.....
Franschhoek's Summer Wines festival This
is held each year on the lawn at Leopards Leap and it is a festival we enjoy
because there are lots of umbrellas, lots of shade and places to sit, inside
and outside and lots and lots of good white wines from the valley to try. The
wines are served at the perfect temperature and they even have good food to keep
you content at very reasonable prices. Read
on.....
George Jardine opens a new Stellenbosch
restaurant We realised when we left the festival that, other than
the food and wine pairings, which were small, we had not eaten any supper, so
we headed into Stellenbosch in search of food. And on Andringa Street, just
round the corner from Dorp Street, we spotted a new restaurant which was to
open on Wednesday, February 10th: George Jardine's new restaurant in town,
Jardine. His restaurant on the Jordan wine estate, as many of you will know,
has long been one of our favourites. His wife, Louise, had told Lynne about it
during the week and said, “do drop in to see what we are doing”. So we did and
enjoyed a beer with them and some of their friends, who were also visiting. Read
on.....
FOOD FACT: South Africa, this may come as a surprise to some of
you but Chocolate Brownies HAVE to have nuts in them. Without them it is simply
sticky chocolate cake. And peanuts will not do, ever. Walnuts or pecans are the
best. And plenty of them.
This week's recipe is another salad for cool summer eating: Roasted
Beetroot salad with feta and basil
500g baby beetroots - 1 round of feta
cheese - 4 peppadews, roughly chopped -
8 fresh basil leaves - - 1 to 2 T extra virgin olive oil - 2 t Balsamic vinegar reduction - sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
Roast the beetroots whole in a Pyrex dish with a lid
and in an inch of water, in the oven or in the microwave, until soft. Allow to
cool then top and tail and peel them.
The skin should just slough off easily. Slice each one into 4. Dice the
feta cheese into 1 cm blocks. Pour on
some olive oil and a few drops of the balsamic reduction to the beetroot, then
sprinkle the feta and the peppadews on top, but do not mix. Refrigerate until
you need the salad. Just before serving, season with salt and pepper and add
the torn basil leaves and then toss quickly and serve. If you do this before, everything will go
red.
Wine of the Week: Muscat de
Hambourg from Stellenbosch Hills. Grown in only two vineyards in South Africa, this wine is part of our
heritage and must be protected. Its unctuous,
sticky sweetness belies its great sophistication and good sugar/acid
balance. It has the ability to match
with almost every dessert it is served with. Stellenbosch Hills also produces a
fortified version, La Serena. This is fortified with a 7 year old potstill
brandy.
Here is a list of coming events up to and including Valentine’s Day. We will be at the Stellenbosch Festival on Friday and at
Franschhoek Summer wines on Saturday and we hope to see many of you.
Saturday, 13th
February Nederburg welcomes The Galileo Open Air Cinema.
Begin the afternoon with a relaxed stroll through Nederburg’s manor house and
the winery’s lush gardens. Then share an evening underneath the stars with a
loved one, or a friend, to a screening of Shakespeare in Love. Pre-order a
picnic basket for R500 per couple from The Red Table. It includes delicious
fresh salads, cured meats, artisanal cheeses, crackers and bread, grilled tiger
prawns, asparagus spears wrapped with Parma ham, tartlets, and finally,
decadent chocolate brownies with strawberries, a bottle of Nederburg Première
Cuvée Brut as well as still mineral water. Pre-ordered picnic baskets must be
pre-paid in full. On the night there will also be stalls offering food, mineral
water, soft drinks as well as coffee and tea. Booking is essential. To book
tickets for the screening of Shakespeare in Love, starting just after dark on
Saturday, 13th February, please contact The Galileo on 071 471 8728 or hello@thegalileo.co.za. Go to www.thegalileo.co.za for more information, or to view ticket
options and pricing. Visit www.nederburg.co.za for more on the brand.
Saturday, 13th
February at 18h30 for
19h00 Plaisir de Merle Winemaker’s Table.
A culinary feast prepared by well-known chef and restaurateur, Dawid Kriel,
paired with wines selected by Cellar Master, Niel Bester, will be served in the
cellar. Tickets are available at R595 per person, five course dinner and wine
included. Limited spaces are available so call 021 874 1071 or email info@plaisirdemerle.co.za to be part of this exclusive event.
Saturday 13th
February from 10am until
6pm Rosé Festival at Rickety Bridge Estate. FLOW
OF THE DAY: 8.30 until 10am: The day
will start at 8.30am with The Rosé Run (5km, 10km or 20km) and The Rosé MTB
Ride (20km, 40km or 60km). Entry to these events will include a Festival
ticket. Showers will be provided as well as a Rosé Breakfast of Salmon and Egg
Bagels. 10am until 4pm: Wine
tasting, Rosé-friendly food stalls, pre-booked picnics, Paulina’s Restaurant
will be open 4pm until 6pm: Wine
tasting closes, wine sales continue, cocktail bar and Paulina’s Restaurant stay
open. Guests will be able to enjoy tapas and live music and watch the sunset.
Entry costs R120 per ticket for a glass and tastings. From www.webtickets.co.za and at the door. Food will be available
from Rosé-friendly food stalls. R150 per person for a pre-booked picnic.
Paulina’s Restaurant will be open all day. Wine sales: By the glass and by the
bottle. Music: There will be live music
throughout the day. For more information please visit www.ricketybridge.com and www.dnaevents.co.za. To enter please visit www.webtickets.co.za or get your tickets on arrival
Saturday, 13th February Celebrate the
Weekend of Love in style at the Lanzerac Hotel & Spa with an
intimate and romantic dinner for two at R420 per person. Included in your
special evening is a complimentary welcome drink. Gorgeous views, gourmet food
and superb estate wines. The perfect gift for that someone special. Adding
extra romance to your evening the Lady Anne Courtyard, reminiscent of a Spanish
sidewalk, will be transformed into a Tango Fiesta for the evening, as the
sensual Dance of Love captivates you. This passionate walking-embrace
symbolizes a close and sensuous connection between partners, and promises to be
the highlight of what can only be described as the ultimate romantic evening.
Let us treat you to an enchanting evening of delicious Spanish inspired food
paired with superb wine, amidst an elegant and relaxing setting. For bookings
contact Denise Bezuidenhoudt on banqueting@lanzerac.co.za
Saturday, 13th
February Valentine’s Dinner at Benguela on Main, 206
Main Road, Somerset West R600 per person. For details, contact http://www.bengueladining.com/capetown or email
onmain@benguelacove.co.za
Phone: 087 357 0637
Saturday, 13th
February at 15h00 Muratie presents The Swingsetters, an evening
of music, wine and plenty of fun! R150
per ticket. Please book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. For further information contact Jean-Mari
Strauss at Muratie on 021 865 2330
or taste@muratie.co.za.
Sunday, 14th February Valentine’s Day
inspired picnic and movie night or brunch at the Anthonij Rupert
Wyne Estate. Whether it’s a candlelight dinner or a sunset picnic, Valentine’s
Day is known for these two things. It’s about spending time with that someone
special whilst enjoying a glass of chilled MCC. With the dominant colour being
red, the L‘Ormarins Brut Rosé 2013 is perfect with its delicate salmon colour.
Completing the picture would be spoiling your loved one to a Valentine’s Day
inspired picnic and movie night or brunch at the Anthonij Rupert Wyne Estate.
What better way to enjoy this superb MCC from one of SA’s leading producers.
For details contact 021 874 9041 or tasting@rupertwines.com.
Sunday, 14th
February The Backsberg Centenary Picnic Concert Series
kicks-off on with a performance by The Plastics. Come and enjoy your Sunday
afternoon by relaxing on the lawns with a glass of wine whilst listening to
some great SA music. Tickets are R120 from www.webtickets.co.za and R150 at the gate. Students pay R60 and
there is no charge for children under the age of 12. Delicious food and snack
boxes will be available on the day. Snack boxes can be pre-ordered at restaurant@backsberg.co.za at a cost of R160 for two persons. Gates
to Backsberg Estate Cellars open at 15h00.
Sunday, 14th
February Valentine’s Day Lunch at Benguela on Main, 206
Main Road, Somerset West R600 per person. For details, contact http://www.bengueladining.com/capetown or email
onmain@benguelacove.co.za
Phone: 087 357 0637
Sunday, 14th February Celebrate the
day of love at Boschendal with live music by romantic duo Palm
Strings, who will entertain picnic visitors at the serviced Rhone Classic
Picnic area from 12h00 - 15h00. Executive Chef, Christiaan Campbell and his
team will add a romantic twist to the picnic baskets, while the full range of
Boschendal MCC bubbly will be available to add that extra bit of “l’amour” to
your day. Cost: R520 per basket to share. Includes 10% service fee, but
excludes beverages. Enjoy a Valentine’s celebration with a difference by
joining Food Garden Manager, Megan McCarthy for a Valentine’s themed Food
Garden Tour from 10h00-11h30 and stock up on our bio-friendly veggies and herbs
for a romantic dining occasion. Cost: R150 per person (Includes water, tour,
veggie gift pack and glass of Boschendal MCC). Alternatively you can book a
leisurely afternoon at our Werf picnics, The Werf Restaurant for an innovative
farm-to-table menu, The Deli and Farm stall for a casual meal or Rhone Homestead
for a lavish Cape Buffet. Bookings for the Picnic and Food Garden Tour are
essential at reservations@boschendal.co.za or +27
21 870 4274. The restaurants’ bookings can be made on-line at www.boschendal.co.za.
Sunday, 14th February Valentine's Day
Lunch at Dornier Bodega Restaurant. Head Chef Lee-Anne du Plessis
has created a beautiful four course menu for Valentine's Day lunch this
February. Three of the dishes featured on the Valentine's Day menu include an
array of Oysters served with Lime Salsa, Bloody Mary and Pesto Parmesan,
Watermelon Beetroot and Goat’s Cheese salad, and Crusted Yellow Fin Tuna served
on a bed of Marinated Angel Hair and Julienne Vegetables. Seating is limited,
please ensure to make your booking as early as possible to avoid
disappointment. Bookings can be made by contacting Bodega Restaurant at 021 880 0557 or bodega@dornier.co.za
Sunday, 14th
February Valentine’s Day picnic at Durbanville Hills Wines,
only 20 minutes from Cape Town’s city centre. The first one is for you to
stretch out under the olive trees on lush green lawns with a glass of wine and
enjoy the contents of a delectable picnic basket for two. The picnic basket,
which includes a bottle of Durbanville Hills Merlot Rosé, is available at R350.
The baskets will be available between 11h00 and 15h00. Bookings are essential
and can be made by contacting the cellar on 021 558 1300 or by sending an email to info@durbanvillehills.co.za
Sunday, 14th
February Valentine’s Day at Durbanville Hills Restaurant,
The Best Restaurant in the Winelands according to the 2015 Restaurant Week
South African Awards. Treat your partner to a four-course menu, each course
paired with one of the wines in the Durbanville Hills range, for R425 per
person. Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting the cellar on 021 558 1300 or by sending an email to info@durbanvillehills.co.za
Sunday, 14th February Valentine’s Day
at Lanzerac. The Governor’s Hall Restaurant will be clad with a
touch of extra romantic finery on the day. Well-known for its Sunday lunches,
the restaurant will be serving a Valentine’s inspired menu in celebration of
the occasion. Pre-bookings are essential as seating is limited. For bookings
contact Denise Bezuidenhoudt on banqueting@lanzerac.co.za.
Sunday, 14th
February The Red Table at Nederburg offers the ideal
Valentine’s four-course menu, priced at R650 per couple and offered for lunch
and dinner. Start with delicious salmon ceviche, watercress, radish and red
onion salsa, followed by bacon-rolled chicken, goat’s cheese, roasted cherry
tomatoes, wilted spinach and toasted pine nuts.
Then enjoy the main dish of grilled beef fillet, baked parmesan baby
potatoes, fine beans, young carrots and bone marrow jus. Seal the deal with
caramel, dark and white chocolate tart, pistachio Turkish delight and fruit
compote. A deposit of R150 per person is required to confirm your booking for
lunch or dinner at The Red Table on 14 February. To book, please call 021 877 5155 or send an email to theredtable@nederburg.co.za.
Sunday, 14th
February Valentine's Dinner at Catharina's. This
Valentine's Day, spoil your loved one with a special menu designed by Chef
Garth Almazan for R895 per person. Begin with an Amuse Bouche of Balsamic and
Beetroot Jelly with Rose and Beetroot Granite. Then journey through 4 courses
of flavourful indulgence with Coffee & Friandise to conclude your evening.
We have also designed a Vegetarian Menu for the evening as well as optional
wine pairing. View the full menus here. For enquiries, please contact reservations@catharinasrestaurant.co.za or call 021 713 7178.
4th February 2016
PS If a word or name is in bold type and underlined,
click on it for more information
Phones: +27 21 439 3169 / 083 229 1172 / 083 656
4169
Postal address: 60 Arthurs Rd, Sea Point 8005
Our Adamastor
& Bacchus© tailor-made Wine, Food and Photo tours take
small groups (up to 6) to specialist wine producers who make the best of South
Africa’s wines. Have fun while you learn more about wine and how it is made!
Tours can be conducted in English, German, Norwegian and standard or Dutch-flavoured
Afrikaans.
If you like the photographs you see in our publications,
please look at our Adamastor
Photo website for our
rate card and samples from our portfolio
Recommendations of products and outside events are not
solicited or charged for, and are made at the
authors’ pleasure. All photographs,
recipes and text used in these newsletters and our
blogs are © John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus.
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