We heard a very noisy commotion and saw this Hadeda ibis love affair taking place on our neighbours’ roof
To get the whole story with photographs, please click on the paragraph title, which will lead you there. At the end of each story, click on RETURN TO MENU to come back to MENU.
Well, at least, the heat wave has broken for a while, but we don't know what our hottest months of the year, yet to come, will have on offer. The recent shower of rain was refreshing and lovely and, with our stringent water restrictions, very welcome indeed.
Car troubles and solutions We have had our car in for an automatic transmission rebuild over the last two weeks and have been quite impressed with the MyCiti bus service, which has been our main mode of transport, getting to and from the places we have needed to visit. Yes, it does require some planning and it can take longer than expected, but it works. We hope that you have tried it out, if it is working in your area; we know that it has made a huge difference to the life of our housekeeper, who comes to us on Thursdays. The route that works the best for us is the airport bus, so quick and strangely relaxing when you need to catch a flight, but we have used it to reach the supermarket, the city centre and the V&A Waterfront on several occasions and the bus has been quite quick and has run pretty close to its schedule.
We attended the annual conference last week and were much more impressed and buoyed up by this year's content and speakers, apart from the financial reporting module, which was a bit less optimistic, but realistic given the current world financial situation and our currency devaluation, which can also be seen as a huge positive for those exporting wine. We were particularly impressed by Prof David Venter's talk on land reform and transformation. He spoke in metaphors but very cogent and recognisable ones to make the industry sit up and listen and try to work together with everyone from the bottom up in the industry. Our story, with photos, here....
Lounging about at the Riesling and Rarities Festival at Hartenberg South African Rieslings have always been a challenge for Lynne, who grew up drinking, first, terrible (when she was young and poor in London in the swinging 60's, when you took a bottle of really cheap, commercial Riesling to parties) and then really excellent examples of this grape from Germany, Austria and Alsace and loving them. When she came back to South Africa from Britain in 1992, she discovered that SA likes to taste terpenes in their Riesling (a petrol note, for those of you who don't recognise the term) and she doesn't, not at all.. You don't often find them in European Rieslings, unless they are positively ancient. The good news is that this seems to be changing.... so she hasn't given up trying them and buying those with no trace of terpenes, but with the quality and freshness, and the great fruit, sugar and acid balance she is looking for.
This annual festival always seems to fall at just the right time of the year. The weather was perfect, You can lounge about on the Hartenberg lawns on cushions and blankets or sit at outside tables in the shade of the huge trees or umbrellas and then get up to taste some really wonderful wines. There were excellent Rieslings and each farm was also allowed to bring any unusual varietal wines they produce. There was good food on offer and great wines were tasted and bought for enjoyment at the festival or at home. See the story....
Supper at French Connection Off after the festival at Hartenberg to Franschhoek, where our group of Irish friends was staying. We had to say goodbye to Liam Murphy, with whom John used to have fun with rally Volvos when he was young and fancy free. Many years ago. We managed to secure an outside table at French Connection, the 'crack' (conversation in Irish) was very good, as was the food and we had a lovely farewell evening. Read On .....
Kitty Petousis was a phenomenon. We
have only known her for a few of her 92 years, but she was a driving force
behind The Vineyard Hotel for many years. She was an amazing person. In many
ways reminiscent of John’s mother, full of energy and wisdom, quite eccentric
in a special way, not scared to take on the world & challenges and totally
involved in the affairs of The Vineyard to the end. We were very fond of her
and loved meeting her and enjoying her conversation at picking, pruning and
other activities in the little vineyard. She leaves a huge gap. Our deepest sympathy goes to the Petousis family and to the team at The Vineyard
Kitty Petousis at the bottling of the second vintage of wine from the little vineyard next to the Liesbeek River
This week's recipe is another classic. Chicken Provolone. The prep is a bit messy; you get to beat the hell out of some chicken breasts - very good if you are in a bad mood - and the result is impressive and not really very difficult. The tomato sauce is ready in about five to ten minutes and makes a very quick pasta sauce. (You could add some cream to enrich it and pour over pasta). Provolone cheese is available here, but buy the best one you can afford. It will pay off. You can add grated cheese and dried herbs to your breadcrumbs
The sauce: 2 cups of tomato passata - 1 cup of good chicken stock - 1 t fresh thyme leaves - 1 T olive oil - 4 large cloves of garlic, thickly sliced - ¼ cup of finely chopped shallots or onion - ½ t chilli flakes (or more according to your taste) - 2 T fresh basil, torn
Liquidise the passata, with the chicken stock and thyme, with your hand blender. In a frying pan on a medium heat, add the olive oil and, when hot, add the sliced garlic, the chilli flakes and then the onion. Fry for a minute or two until softening, but not browning. Add the torn basil leaves and then pour on the sauce and simmer while you prepare the chicken. Taste and season before using.
4 chicken breasts - 2 eggs - 2 T whipping cream - 3 cups breadcrumbs - canola oil for frying - 300 g Provolone cheese, thinly sliced
Wrap each chicken breast in cling film and, using a mallet, bash them till they spread into scaloppini. Do not overbeat and don't use the studded side of your mallet. If the breasts are very large, slice them open as if you were making a pocket and then cut them in two equal pieces
Put the breadcrumbs into a wide flat dish. Whip the eggs with the cream and put into a matching dish.
Using tongs, dip each side of the scaloppini into the egg and cream mixture, then put it into the breadcrumbs. Using a spoon, cover the surface with the breadcrumbs, turn and make sure each side is well covered. (You can use your hands but you will make them very messy). Heat some oil in a large frying pan and fry for only 2 minutes on each side until browning and cooked. Remove and keep warm. Turn on your grill.
To serve, you need a pan or dish which will go under the hot grill. Put a good tablespoonful of the sauce onto the top of each scaloppine and then cover with a layer of the cheese. When all four are done, pop each under the grill until the top is melted and browning. You can do one at a time or all together. Put a good 2 spoonfuls of the sauce on each (warmed) plate, place a scaloppine on each and top with some dressed rocket and serve.
Out and about We will be
off to Creation in the Hemel en Aarde Valley on Saturday, for their Pinot
Celebration, and then on to Stanford to stay at White Water Farm to see what our
friends Rob and Alex are up to in their rural haven, offering cottages, rooms,
and meals in their restaurant. Good scores on Bookings.com and TripAdvisor. You
can read about it next week. Then, later in the week, we will be at the
Stellenbosch Wine Festival and Franschhoek Summer Wines. We hope to see
lots of you then.
Broken barrels We
are planning to use wine barrel staves as the covering of a pergola, If any of
our wine farmer readers have old barrels which have outlived other uses, we’d
love to have them. Please let us know.
Thursday, 28th January Summer Sounds at Haute Cabrière, featuring Morne Meyer, from Wellington, who has recently worked in Dubai as an entertainer for Regal Plaza Hotel with guitar, vocal and live music. He is talented in multiple genres including Jazz, Blues, Funk and Pop. This is the perfect way to enjoy a delicious light meal paired with great wines. The breathtaking views and sunsets provide a splendid setting for the entertainment on the Terrace area at Haute Cabrière with seating on the Terrace and the lawns which overlook the magnificent Franschhoek Valley. Booking is essential as each event has a maximum capacity of 60 people. Please note only the Terrace menu is available at these events and no cover charge applies. For reservations and enquiries e-mail restaurant@cabriere.co.za or call 021 876 3688
Sunday, 31st January Concert in a Convent Garden, Springfield Convent, Wynberg. Regulars may notice the subtle name change from “Opera” to ”Concert” in a Convent Garden. This updated programme will now include a more balanced selection of both classical and lighter music to appeal to a wider audience, while not disappointing our many loyal friends. This will be the 12th performance and the event has now been firmly established on the Cape Town Music Calendar as a “must go to” for all music lovers. Bring your picnic and enjoy the evening on the lawns in the magnificent surrounds of the Springfield Convent Garden, to relax and be enchanted by the beautiful music and voices accompanied by the Stellenbosch Camerata, directed by the well-known Albert Combrink. True Magic and a wonderful way to start off the New Year! Food and drinks will be available from the “The Concert Café”. Adults R150, Scholars R30, Children under 10 Free. Bookings (Office hours): 021 797 9637 ext. 210 or 082 781 1708 Email: concertinaconventgarden@gmaiI.com
Sunday, 31st January Jordan Bakery, Jordan Wine Estate, Stellenbosch: An evening of folk and instrumental creations with legendary musicians Mr Cat & The Jackal. Please click on the link to purchase your tickets from Quicket. http://www.quicket.co.za/events/13523-mr-cat-the-jackal-at-jordan/#/ The tickets cost R190 per person. This includes George’s Gourmet Burgers, which will be served before the concert to be enjoyed on the beautiful Jordan lawns. A cash bar is available and sweet treats and ice creams will be on sale too. Gates open at 5pm and the concert starts between 5:45 and 6pm. (Gates close at 8:30) You are welcome to bring your own blankets and chairs (limited amounts available at the venue)
Friday, 5th to Sunday, 7th February Stellenbosch Wine Festival – A Feast for the Senses. Celebrate the harvest season in style at the Stellenbosch Wine Festival, presented by Pick n Pay. Taking place at the Coetzenburg Sports Grounds in Stellenbosch, visitors can look forward to sampling even more delicious wines than before, with an incredible 77 wine farms and 10 boutique wineries participating in the festival. If you’re keen on sampling some of the “rarer gems” from smaller producers, then make sure you visit the festival on Sunday 7 February, when boutique wineries are scheduled to make a special appearance. This year the line-up includes: Audacia Wines, Bartinney Private Cellar, Deux Frères Wines, Keermont Vineyards, Kings Kloof Vineyards, Mostertsdrift Noble Wines, Post House Vineyards, Rudera Wines, The High Road and Usana Wines. The Gourmet Lane will once again offer signature treats from wineries and restaurants responsible for the region’s culinary reputation, including Beyerskloof, Eaglevlei Wines, Vagabond Kitchen, Big Steve Charcuterie, Wild Peacock Food Emporium and Bistro 13. And no South African festival would be complete without biltong – fresh and delicious, it will be available from Pick n Pay’s biltong stand. Celebrity chef Tiaan Langenegger will team up with winemakers to explore the magic of food-and-wine pairing during daily sessions in The Tasting Room. Langenegger will pair delicious canapés with wines from Blaauwklippen, Ernie Els Wines, Kaapzicht, Kleine Zalze, L'Avenir, Mooiplaas, Spier, Villiera, Waterford Estate and Waterkloof. Sessions last half an hour and are limited to 40 guests. Booking is essential and tickets can be bought on the day at the festival for R25. Those in possession of a Smart Shopper card can enter free of charge. Daily festival tickets cost R180 for adults and include a tasting glass. Tickets are now available online from www.webtickets.co.za. Children under 18 enter free. Festival opening times: Friday from 15h00-21h00, Saturday from 10h00-18h00 and Sunday from 10h00-18h00. Tastings finish an hour before closing time. Visit the festival website www.stellenboschwinefestival.co.za for a full event schedule. Follow the Stellenbosch Wine Festival on Twitter @StellWineFest, Instagram @Stellenboschwinefest or sign up for regular updates on Facebook at StellenboschWineFestival.
Friday, 5th to Sunday, 7th February Fleur du Cap wines paired with tasty morsels enriched with artisanal salts at the Stellenbosch Wine Festival at Coetzenburg Sports Grounds. Fleur du Cap wines can be purchased at the festival at cellar door prices. Friday from 15h00-21h00, Saturday from 10h00-18h00 and Sunday from 10h00-18h00. Tastings finish an hour before closing time. For more information on Fleur du Cap visit www.fleurducap.co.za, join the Fleur du Cap community on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @FleurduCapWines
Saturday, 6th February Franschhoek Summer Wines at Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards. Come and taste the Franschhoek Vigneron’s choice for summer. White, rosé or Méthode Cap Classique – all will be revealed on the day! Tickets are available from www.webtickets.co.za at R150 per person. This includes a wine glass and a tasting of all the wines on show between 12pm and 5pm.
Thursday, 11th February Summer Sounds at Haute Cabrière, featuring Morne Meyer, from Wellington, who has recently worked in Dubai as an entertainer for Regal Plaza Hotel with guitar, vocal and live music. He is talented in multiple genres including Jazz, Blues, Funk and Pop. This is the perfect way to enjoy a delicious light meal paired with great wines. The breathtaking views and sunsets provide a splendid setting for the entertainment on the Terrace area at Haute Cabrière with seating on the Terrace and the lawns which overlook the magnificent Franschhoek Valley. Booking is essential as each event has a maximum capacity of 60 people. Please note only the Terrace menu is available at these events and no cover charge applies. For reservations and enquiries e-mail restaurant@cabriere.co.za or call 021 876 3688
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 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 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
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
We apologise if MENU caused your phone to bleep in the early hours. To send to our huge list of subscribers takes a long time and many of them receive it in the middle of the night. Might we suggest that your phone should not be activated to receive messages from us or from other sources in the witching hours? If your boss needs to contact you at that time, (s)he’s intruding on your valuable personal time.
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. Our restaurant reviews are usually unsolicited. We prefer to pay for our meals and not be paid in any way by anyone. Whether we are invited or go independently, we don’t feel bad if we say we didn’t like it. Honesty is indeed our best policy. While every effort is made to avoid mistakes, we are human and they do creep in occasionally, for which we apologise. Our Avast! ® Anti-Virus software is updated at least daily and our system is scanned continually for viruses.
This electronic journal has been sent to you because you have personally subscribed to it or because someone you know has asked us to send it to you or forwarded it to you themselves. Addresses given to us will not be divulged to any person or organisation. We collect them only for our own promotional purposes. We own our mailing software and keep our mailing list strictly confidential. If you wish to be added to our mailing list, please click here to send us a message and if you wish to be removed from our mailing list, please click here to send us a message.
