Monday, February 18, 2019

This Week's MENU. Norval Foundation, Piekenierskloof and Hebron, Org de Rac, Tierhoek, Org de Rac Die Waghuis, Watermelon salad


The view from the top of the Piekenierskloof Pass
Load shedding. It is, yet again, the horrible buzz word in our minds. As we type this, we anticipate the awful deadness of unsaved words and a blank computer screen. Save at the end of every sentence! It does make one conscious of the importance of electricity in our lives. We are closer than ever to installing a photovoltaic electricity system in our house. It is called “Sunkissed” for a very good reason, so it’s a bit of a no-brainer. The criminals who tried to steal our country have done tremendous damage and it will take a lot of time and effort to repair and recover and, while the politicians dither, we must take care of our own needs. This week’s stories are largely about a little expedition to a very interesting area, the “home” of Grenache in South Africa…

We attended a function at the Norval Foundation Gallery in Constantia late last year and wanted to go back and have lunch at Skotnes restaurant and see the gallery. We headed there this week but, unfortunately, picked a bad week to see the art. All the galleries were closed as exhibitions were changing . However we had a great lunch, became Members and had a good walk in the garden and a small tour inside. Becoming a member is easy, and has real benefits. You get free entrance for a year and discounts in the restaurant and in the shop. https://www.norvalfoundation.org/membership/ The building is very impressive…

We love travelling out into the country and were really intrigued when we received an invitation to Piekenierskloof, an area up the N7 about 2 hours from Cape Town that we have not visited before. It is near Citrusdal and we have not ventured into that area for several years. Coincidentally, we had driven near it on our way back from holiday in Lambert's Bay, having taken the wrong road home…

After we checked out of Hebron on Saturday morning, we drove back down Piekenierskloof Pass and headed for Piketberg where we wanted to taste the wines at Org de Rac. We were invited there last year to a media day, but were not available as we were travelling. We had meant to come for a long while and this was our opportunity as they are not open on Sundays. It is a beautiful farm high on a small hill overlooking the N7 and the wheat fields…

Our friend Shelley Sandell owns Tierhoek wine farm in the Piekenierskloof and when she heard we were going to be in the area at the weekend for Friday night, she offered us a stay at the farm afterwards, which we were very happy to accept. She and her late husband Tony bought the farm in 2001 and discovered very old Chenin and Grenache bush vines, which they have cultivated.  Tierhoek wines have won several good awards. They also modernised the old farm buildings, but in a very respectful way, to preserve their heritage…

a blend of Verdelho, Roussanne and Chenin. Elegance on the complex nose, rather French in style. It lights up the palate, and has that elusive but sought after tingle on the tongue, a great blend with summer peach flavours. Such a good food wine…
It is so hot at the moment that cooking becomes a chore and we are eating lots of salads. This one was popular several years ago and we thought it about time to revive it given that watermelon is in season. Besides some chopping, there is not much to do. And it looks and tastes sensational. Sousing the onion in lime or lemon juice takes away that raw onion flavour that makes it repeatable and indigestible.

Sunday 24th February      Groote Post's February 'Made with Love" Country Market  For further information Contact I Love Yzer: 022 451 2202 or info@iloveyzer.co.za  www.grootepostcountrymarket.co.za Facebook.com/GrootePostCountryMarket • @GPCountryMarket
14th February 2019

© John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2019

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