.: Lunch at Dias Tavern after a long break

Lynne's Goddaughter Nicolette was visiting us from Holland and brought her Portuguese friend Catia, who had never been to South Africa, but her parents had worked in Mozambique and Angola. Catia is a Professor of Economic History at Leiden University in Holland, with her speciality being the VOC, so she has an interest in our varied history and culture. We mentioned Diaz Tavern (known locally as The Portuguese Embassy) and they were really keen to go. So lunch it was. We took a bottle of Axe Hill Distinta, made by Mike Neebe in Calitzdorp, a wine made from varietals normally used in port: Tinta Barocca, Souzão and Touriga Nacional, and a bottle of Darling Cellars Sauvignon Chenin blend for those who preferred a white. They did not charge us corkage, despite having a good wine list

Windswept, but really enjoying a huge Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Orange gin and tonic

They were promoting these and there was no charge. Must get a bottle, it is very good

Juicy Gambas and chips on a bed of rice

We both had Trinchado which comes with good chips
rather chewy but flavourful steak, cooked medium rare in a rich marinade of red wine, stock, garlic (lots!), chilli sauce
A favourite of John’s; he has been ordering it for about 30 years