Monday, July 21, 2014

John & Lynne Ford’s Main Ingredient list of wine and food pairing dinners

John & Lynne Ford’s Main Ingredient list of wine and food pairing dinners –
(Click on the bold highlights to access websites for more information)
Events are listed in the order in which they will occur, starting with the most imminent date.
Note: These events are published with information provided by the event organisers or their representatives. John & Lynne Ford and their businesses cannot be held responsible for any incorrect or misleading information and receive no remuneration for this service
JULY
Wednesday, 23rd July,   18.30 for 19.00  TASTE YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD AT DURBANVILLE HILLS WINES. New Zealand will be this week's feature in Durbanville Hills Wines eight-week journey to discover the food and culture of countries from around the world. You can join this journey each Wednesday evening, starting on 16 July. The concept of the world travel tasting series is inspired by cellar master Martin Moore who travels regularly, hosting tastings and wine and food pairings abroad. He says his love of food and cooking has enormously enriched his life and he returns from each country inspired to apply what he has learnt and experienced at his next dinner party or gourmet braai. The themed evenings at Durbanville Hills Wines will be led by Martin, red winemaker Wilhelm Coetzee or white winemaker Gunther Kellerman – both avid cooks too - and will be devoted to the unique culture as well as the food and wine of countries from around the world. One week you could find yourself tasting the best New Zealand Sauvignon blancs, the next, mastering the art of wine blending when exploring France or pairing Spanish tapas with the wines from Spain. Cost: R280 per person. This includes a welcome drink, dinner, wine tasting, coffee and a sweet treat. Durbanville Hills’ wines will be on sale throughout the evening. Booking is essential. Contact Simone Brown on 021 558 1300 or send an email to sibrown@durbanvillehills.co.za to book or for more information
Wednesday, 23rd July - 6.30 for 7pm. Christmas in July with legendary winemaker Giorgio Dalla Cia at Manuka Restaurant & Fine Wines, Somerset West. The menu is below. Don't forget to add your own festive cheer....there'll be a prize for the most festively dressed person! Please remember that the evening will be reservations only so don’t forget to book either by email at Southeys@manuka.co.za or call us on 021 851 6060. On arrival: Dalla Cia Sauvignon Blanc 2014. Starter Pan fried kingklip on a bed of pea puree with a lightly curried prawn & white wine cream sauce (Dalla Cia Chardonnay 2013) Intermediate Course Oxtail Ravioli served in an oxtail broth (Dalla Cia Classico 2012) Main course Pistachio crusted rack of lamb with stuffing, fondant potatoes, sautéed Brussels sprouts & rosemary & red wine jus (Dalla Cia Giorgio 2011) Dessert Homemade Christmas Pudding with an iced brandy custard & cherry parfait (Dalla Cia Grappa) PLEASE NOTE: ONE GLASS OF WINE PER COURSE HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO EACH CUSTOMER. IF YOU WOULD LIKE A TOP UP OF ANY OF THE WINES, EACH EXTRA GLASS WILL BE CHARGED AT THE FOLLOWING PRICE: Dalla Cia Giorgio R70 Dalla Cia Classico or Chardonnay R35 Dalla Cia Sauvignon Blanc R30. R295 PER PERSON incl. wines, Christmas crackers. Follow us on Facebook, Web: www.manuka.co.za
Friday, 25th July 19h00 for 19h30  THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA & VILLIERA WINES TO HOST FOOD & VILLIERA WINE PAIRING DINNER AT AZURE RESTAURANT. The five-star Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa will be presenting another of its delicious fine dining food and wine pairing dinners on Friday 2014, teaming up with Villiera Wines on this occasion. Poised above the Atlantic Ocean within Leading Hotels of the World member The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Azure Restaurant promises an outstanding culinary offering for gastronomes and wine enthusiasts alike. Located in Stellenbosch, the Grier family-owned and operated winery Villiera is a member of the Biodiversity of Wine Initiative and specialises not only in Cap Classique, but is also known for producing quality Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The evening will commence with a glass of the 2008 Monro Brut, before dinner starts with Yellowfin Tuna, seared, tartare with a teriyaki glaze, pickled turnip and sea lettuce, perfectly paired with the Barrel Ferment Chenin Blanc 2014. Diners will then be treated to a dish of Joostenberg Duck - confit leg, star anise and carrot puree, baby rainbow carrots, citrus-glazed pearl onion, pommes anna and a raisin jus accompanied by Domain Grier Grenache 2011. Moving on then to a hearty main course of tender Chalmar Beef, a braised oxtail served with roast parsnip, baby leeks, confit pearl onion, spice chocolate granola and a blackberry jus, enjoyed with the Monro Red 2009. To complete the gastronomic experience, Inspiration Noble Late Harvest 2010 will end the evening on a sweet note, enjoyed with a dessert of Roasted Guava – guava mousse, guava sorbet, guava gel, and granadilla gelée topped with coconut crumbs, followed by tea and coffee. #TasteofRCH. R545 per person (includes wine, water, tea and coffee) Bookings are essential: contact restaurant reservations on 021 437 9029 or restaurants@12apostles.co.za
Wednesday, 30th July,  18.30 for 19.00  TASTE YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD AT DURBANVILLE HILLS WINES. Peru will be this week's feature in Durbanville Hills Wines eight-week journey to discover the food and culture of countries from around the world. You can join this journey each Wednesday evening, starting on 16 July. The concept of the world travel tasting series is inspired by cellar master Martin Moore who travels regularly, hosting tastings and wine and food pairings abroad. He says his love of food and cooking has enormously enriched his life and he returns from each country inspired to apply what he has learnt and experienced at his next dinner party or gourmet braai. The themed evenings at Durbanville Hills Wines will be led by Martin, red winemaker Wilhelm Coetzee or white winemaker Gunther Kellerman – both avid cooks too - and will be devoted to the unique culture as well as the food and wine of countries from around the world. One week you could find yourself tasting the best New Zealand Sauvignon blancs, the next, mastering the art of wine blending when exploring France or pairing Spanish tapas with the wines from Spain. Cost: R280 per person. This includes a welcome drink, dinner, wine tasting, coffee and a sweet treat. Durbanville Hills’ wines will be on sale throughout the evening. Booking is essential. Contact Simone Brown on 021 558 1300 or send an email to sibrown@durbanvillehills.co.za to book or for more information
AUGUST
Friday, 1st August at 7pm. Wine & Dine at the Mount Nelson with Hamilton Russell Vineyards and Southern Right Cellars. Executive Chef Rudi Liebenberg and Sommelier Pearl Oliver have teamed up with some of the world's most talented winemakers, brew masters and whisky producers to bring you these delicious gastronomic evenings, beginning with pre-dinner drinks, an introduction to the menu, and an overview of the wines from the winemaker. Cost R485 per person, which includes a seven-course dinner with paired wines. Please note Maximum party size of 8 people. Due to popularity, reservations are essential. To book or to find out how you can combine any of these events with a stay at the hotel, contact the restaurant at +27 21 483 1948 or email restaurantreservations@mountnelson.co.za.
Friday, 1st August from 18h00 to 21h00  Shiraz SA is back with their 6th annual Shiraz Showcase. Wine lovers with a soft spot for Shiraz will be pleased to hear that Shiraz SA is back with their 6th annual Shiraz Showcase in August, sponsored by Berthomieu. This extremely popular event will be presented, for the fourth year running, at the Vineyard Hotel in Claremont. Shiraz fans will be able to taste and sample some of the best examples of South African Shiraz and the winners of the 2014   Shiraz Challenge will also be present. The line-up will include new vintages, old-time favourites, and proud winners of local and international awards, a feast of Shiraz, Shiraz and more Shiraz… Visitors to the event will receive a stylish tasting glass as well as a brochure with interesting facts and information about all the wines on show. It has become a tradition for the Vineyard to serve their special array of snacks that compliment Shiraz. With the wine industry’s endeavours to promote wine consumption with food, this offers visitors the ideal opportunity for a bit of food and wine pairing. Tickets for this event can be bought via Webtickets or at the door at R120 per person. It is advisable rather to purchase tickets in advance, as only a limited number will be on sale. Special accommodation packages are available at Vineyard Hotel for the evening, for more info, please contact The Vineyard Hotel at hotel@vineyard.co.za.  For further details, contact Sandra Lotz on 082 924 7254 or send an e-mail to info@shirazsa.co.za Twitter: @Shiraz_SA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShirazSouthAfrica

Saturday, 2nd August  at 11h30  Beaumont Barrel Lunch In 1999 Beaumont was the first winery to bottle a single varietal Mourvèdre in South Africa. Join us on Saturday the 2nd August when Sebastian will take you through a vertical journey of this special varietal. To follow this Nici & Jen have created another delicious menu to accompany our wines. Space is limited so make sure you book quickly as this is a food an wine experience not to be missed. Menu & Wines @ R445/head. Buy your tickets now, only limited seats available. Online:   http://www.beaumont.co.za/wine-shop/barrel-lunch-august-2/. EFT: Compagnes Drift Farm; Standard Bank Grabouw; Branch: 050212; Account No: 082210403; POP to nici@zestcatering.co.za Compagnes Drift Farm ▪ P.O. Box 3 ▪ BOT RIVER ▪ 7185 ▪ Tel: +27 28 284 9194 ▪ Fax: +27 28 284 9733 ▪ info@beaumont.co.zahttp://www.beaumont.co.za/
Wednesday, 6th August,  18.30 for 19.00  TASTE YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD AT DURBANVILLE HILLS WINES. Spain will be this week's feature in Durbanville Hills Wines eight-week journey to discover the food and culture of countries from around the world. You can join this journey each Wednesday evening, starting on 16 July. The concept of the world travel tasting series is inspired by cellar master Martin Moore who travels regularly, hosting tastings and wine and food pairings abroad. He says his love of food and cooking has enormously enriched his life and he returns from each country inspired to apply what he has learnt and experienced at his next dinner party or gourmet braai. The themed evenings at Durbanville Hills Wines will be led by Martin, red winemaker Wilhelm Coetzee or white winemaker Gunther Kellerman – both avid cooks too - and will be devoted to the unique culture as well as the food and wine of countries from around the world. One week you could find yourself tasting the best New Zealand Sauvignon blancs, the next, mastering the art of wine blending when exploring France or pairing Spanish tapas with the wines from Spain. Cost: R280 per person. This includes a welcome drink, dinner, wine tasting, coffee and a sweet treat. Durbanville Hills’ wines will be on sale throughout the evening. Booking is essential. Contact Simone Brown on 021 558 1300 or send an email to sibrown@durbanvillehills.co.za to book or for more information
Friday, 8th August ‘Tastes of’ Wine-Paired Dinner at The Vineyard Hotel and Spa. This fortnight’s dinner will feature Creation wines. Specially crafted dishes, designed to help tease out the best possible synergies from wine/food combinations, will be revealed to those attending. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 021 657 4500 or e-mail eat@vineyard.co.za. You can also stay up to date with the latest news on our culinary offerings by following us on Twitter @Vineyard_Hotel or visiting our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/vineyardhotelandspa
Wednesday, 13th August, 18.30 for 19.00  TASTE YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD AT DURBANVILLE HILLS WINES. Asia will be this week's feature in Durbanville Hills Wines eight-week journey to discover the food and culture of countries from around the world. You can join this journey each Wednesday evening, starting on 16 July. The concept of the world travel tasting series is inspired by cellar master Martin Moore who travels regularly, hosting tastings and wine and food pairings abroad. He says his love of food and cooking has enormously enriched his life and he returns from each country inspired to apply what he has learnt and experienced at his next dinner party or gourmet braai. The themed evenings at Durbanville Hills Wines will be led by Martin, red winemaker Wilhelm Coetzee or white winemaker Gunther Kellerman – both avid cooks too - and will be devoted to the unique culture as well as the food and wine of countries from around the world. One week you could find yourself tasting the best New Zealand Sauvignon blancs, the next, mastering the art of wine blending when exploring France or pairing Spanish tapas with the wines from Spain. Cost: R280 per person. This includes a welcome drink, dinner, wine tasting, coffee and a sweet treat. Durbanville Hills’ wines will be on sale throughout the evening. Booking is essential. Contact Simone Brown on 021 558 1300 or send an email to sibrown@durbanvillehills.co.za to book or for more information
Saturday, 16th August, 18h30 for 19h00  PLAISIR DE MERLE will be hosting a winemaker’s table dinner SAVE the date for an unforgettable Winemaker’s Table dinner at Plaisir de Merle, where the gardens, manicured lawns and rolling vista of vines invite you to breathe in the elegance of yesteryear while experiencing superior quality and service. A 5-course culinary feast, prepared by renowned chef and Kokkedoor judge, Nic van Wyk, paired with wines selected by Cellar Master Niel Bester, will be served in the magnificent Manor House, which dates back to 1764 - a cultural treasure of the Cape winelands which has been restored to its former splendour. Niel Bester has been crafting Plaisir de Merle wines since the opening in 1993 and his winemaking philosophy infuses every bottle! Cost: R395 per person (wine included). To be part of this exclusive event, book now, as seats are limited. To make a reservation call 021 874 1071 or send an email to info@plaisirdemerle.co.za; Plaisir de Merle is located in Simondium on the R45 between Paarl and Franschhoek.
Wednesday, 20th August, 18.30 for 19.00 TASTE YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD AT DURBANVILLE HILLS WINES. South Africa will be this week's feature in Durbanville Hills Wines eight-week journey to discover the food and culture of countries from around the world. You can join this journey each Wednesday evening, starting on 16 July. The concept of the world travel tasting series is inspired by cellar master Martin Moore who travels regularly, hosting tastings and wine and food pairings abroad. He says his love of food and cooking has enormously enriched his life and he returns from each country inspired to apply what he has learnt and experienced at his next dinner party or gourmet braai. The themed evenings at Durbanville Hills Wines will be led by Martin, red winemaker Wilhelm Coetzee or white winemaker Gunther Kellerman – both avid cooks too - and will be devoted to the unique culture as well as the food and wine of countries from around the world. One week you could find yourself tasting the best New Zealand Sauvignon blancs, the next, mastering the art of wine blending when exploring France or pairing Spanish tapas with the wines from Spain. Cost: R280 per person. This includes a welcome drink, dinner, wine tasting, coffee and a sweet treat. Durbanville Hills’ wines will be on sale throughout the evening. Booking is essential. Contact Simone Brown on 021 558 1300 or send an email to sibrown@durbanvillehills.co.za to book or for more information
Friday, 22nd August ‘Tastes of’ Wine-Paired Dinner at The Vineyard Hotel and Spa. This fortnight’s dinner will feature Blackwater wine and David Sadie. Specially crafted dishes, designed to help tease out the best possible synergies from wine/food combinations, will be revealed to those attending. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 021 657 4500 or e-mail eat@vineyard.co.za. You can also stay up to date with the latest news on our culinary offerings by following us on Twitter @Vineyard_Hotel or visiting our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/vineyardhotelandspa
Wednesday, 27th August Pop-Up Dinner with Bistro Sixteen82. Adventurous diners looking for a new culinary experience will get their fix with one of Bistro Sixteen82’s enormously popular Pop-Up Dinner. This evening of avant-garde gastronomy will feature a five-course menu presented by a “surprise” chef from an award-winning South African restaurant and skilfully paired with Steenberg wines. Please contact Edwina on 021 713 2211 or reservations@bistro1682.co.za to reserve your seat.
Friday, 29th August at 7pm. Wine & Dine at the Mount Nelson with Nedbank Green wines. Executive Chef Rudi Liebenberg and Sommelier Pearl Oliver have teamed up with some of the world's most talented winemakers, brew masters and whisky producers to bring you these delicious gastronomic evenings, beginning with pre-dinner drinks, an introduction to the menu, and an overview of the wines from the winemaker. Cost R485 per person, which includes a seven-course dinner with paired wines. Please note Maximum party size of 8 people. Due to popularity, reservations are essential. To book or to find out how you can combine any of these events with a stay at the hotel, contact the restaurant at +27 21 483 1948 or email restaurantreservations@mountnelson.co.za.
SEPTEMBER
Wednesday, 3rd September, 18.30 for 19.00 TASTE YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD AT DURBANVILLE HILLS WINES. The United States will be this week's feature in Durbanville Hills Wines eight-week journey to discover the food and culture of countries from around the world. You can join this journey each Wednesday evening, starting on 16 July. The concept of the world travel tasting series is inspired by cellar master Martin Moore who travels regularly, hosting tastings and wine and food pairings abroad. He says his love of food and cooking has enormously enriched his life and he returns from each country inspired to apply what he has learnt and experienced at his next dinner party or gourmet braai. The themed evenings at Durbanville Hills Wines will be led by Martin, red winemaker Wilhelm Coetzee or white winemaker Gunther Kellerman – both avid cooks too - and will be devoted to the unique culture as well as the food and wine of countries from around the world. One week you could find yourself tasting the best New Zealand Sauvignon blancs, the next, mastering the art of wine blending when exploring France or pairing Spanish tapas with the wines from Spain. Cost: R280 per person. This includes a welcome drink, dinner, wine tasting, coffee and a sweet treat. Durbanville Hills’ wines will be on sale throughout the evening. Booking is essential. Contact Simone Brown on 021 558 1300 or send an email to sibrown@durbanvillehills.co.za to book or for more information
Wednesday, 3rd SeptemberNobu Wine&Dine Event: Vertical Masterclass on Pinot Noir – Hamilton Russell Vineyards. The unique Nobu Vertical Masterclass events are priced at R450 per person and includes a memorable pairing of Asian-style dishes with wines. All events are strictly limited as to numbers and bookings are advised as soon as possible. To reserve your table at Nobu Cape Town, call +27 21 431 4511 or mail to restaurant..reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com
Friday, 5th September ‘Tastes of’ Wine-Paired Dinner at The Vineyard Hotel and Spa. This fortnight’s dinner will feature Thelema Mountain Vineyards. Specially crafted dishes, designed to help tease out the best possible synergies from wine/food combinations, will be revealed to those attending. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 021 657 4500 or e-mail eat@vineyard.co.za. You can also stay up to date with the latest news on our culinary offerings by following us on Twitter @Vineyard_Hotel or visiting our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/vineyardhotelandspa
Friday, 19th September ‘Tastes of’ Wine-Paired Dinner at The Vineyard Hotel and Spa. This fortnight’s dinner will feature Boekenhoutskloof. Specially crafted dishes, designed to help tease out the best possible synergies from wine/food combinations, will be revealed to those attending. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 021 657 4500 or e-mail eat@vineyard.co.za. You can also stay up to date with the latest news on our culinary offerings by following us on Twitter @Vineyard_Hotel or visiting our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/vineyardhotelandspa
Wednesday, 24th September Pop-Up Dinner with Bistro Sixteen82. Adventurous diners looking for a new culinary experience will get their fix with one of Bistro Sixteen82’s enormously popular Pop-Up Dinner. This evening of avant-garde gastronomy will feature a five-course menu presented by a “surprise” chef from an award-winning South African restaurant and skilfully paired with Steenberg wines. Please contact Edwina on 021 713 2211 or reservations@bistro1682.co.za to reserve your seat.
Friday, 26th September at 7pm. Wine & Dine at the Mount Nelson with Steenberg. Executive Chef Rudi Liebenberg and Sommelier Pearl Oliver have teamed up with some of the world's most talented winemakers, brew masters and whisky producers to bring you these delicious gastronomic evenings, beginning with pre-dinner drinks, an introduction to the menu, and an overview of the wines from the winemaker. Cost R485 per person, which includes a seven-course dinner with paired wines. Please note Maximum party size of 8 people. Due to popularity, reservations are essential. To book or to find out how you can combine any of these events with a stay at the hotel, contact the restaurant at +27 21 483 1948 or email restaurantreservations@mountnelson.co.za.
OCTOBER
Friday, 3rd October ‘Tastes of’ Wine-Paired Dinner at The Vineyard Hotel and Spa. This fortnight’s dinner will feature Saxenburg wines. Specially crafted dishes, designed to help tease out the best possible synergies from wine/food combinations, will be revealed to those attending. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 021 657 4500 or e-mail eat@vineyard.co.za. You can also stay up to date with the latest news on our culinary offerings by following us on Twitter @Vineyard_Hotel or visiting our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/vineyardhotelandspa
Friday, 17th October ‘Tastes of’ Wine-Paired Dinner at The Vineyard Hotel and Spa. This fortnight’s dinner will feature Waterford Estate wines. Specially crafted dishes, designed to help tease out the best possible synergies from wine/food combinations, will be revealed to those attending. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 021 657 4500 or e-mail eat@vineyard.co.za. You can also stay up to date with the latest news on our culinary offerings by following us on Twitter @Vineyard_Hotel or visiting our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/vineyardhotelandspa
Friday, 31st October at 7pm. Wine & Dine at the Mount Nelson with Simonsig. Executive Chef Rudi Liebenberg and Sommelier Pearl Oliver have teamed up with some of the world's most talented winemakers, brew masters and whisky producers to bring you these delicious gastronomic evenings, beginning with pre-dinner drinks, an introduction to the menu, and an overview of the wines from the winemaker. Cost R485 per person, which includes a seven-course dinner with paired wines. Please note Maximum party size of 8 people. Due to popularity, reservations are essential. To book or to find out how you can combine any of these events with a stay at the hotel, contact the restaurant at +27 21 483 1948 or email restaurantreservations@mountnelson.co.za.
Friday, 31st October ‘Tastes of’ Wine-Paired Dinner at The Vineyard Hotel and Spa. This fortnight’s dinner will feature Constantia Valley wines. Specially crafted dishes, designed to help tease out the best possible synergies from wine/food combinations, will be revealed to those attending. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 021 657 4500 or e-mail eat@vineyard.co.za. You can also stay up to date with the latest news on our culinary offerings by following us on Twitter @Vineyard_Hotel or visiting our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/vineyardhotelandspa
NOVEMBER
Wednesday, 5th November Nobu Wine&Dine Event: Vertical Masterclass on Chardonnay – Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate. The unique Nobu Vertical Masterclass events are priced at R450 per person and includes a memorable pairing of Asian-style dishes with wines. All events are strictly limited as to numbers and bookings are advised as soon as possible. To reserve your table at Nobu Cape Town, call +27 21 431 4511 or mail to restaurant..reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com


Friday, 28th November at 7pm. Wine & Dine at the Mount Nelson with Dalla Cia. Executive Chef Rudi Liebenberg and Sommelier Pearl Oliver have teamed up with some of the world's most talented winemakers, brew masters and whisky producers to bring you these delicious gastronomic evenings, beginning with pre-dinner drinks, an introduction to the menu, and an overview of the wines from the winemaker. Cost R485 per person, which includes a seven-course dinner with paired wines. Please note Maximum party size of 8 people. Due to popularity, reservations are essential. To book or to find out how you can combine any of these events with a stay at the hotel, contact the restaurant at +27 21 483 1948 or email restaurantreservations@mountnelson.co.za.

Wine & Food events outside the Western Cape

Main Ingredient's wine & food-related events calendar for 2014

Friday, July 18, 2014

140717 Main Ingredient's MENU - The Black Sheep, Eating vegetarian, Aubergine curry

MENU
Main Ingredient’s weekly E-Journal
Gourmet Foods & Ingredients
Eat In Guide’s Five time Outstanding Outlet Award Winner
+27 21 439 3169 / +27 83 229 1172
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A lonely yacht on the calm but sparkling Knysna lagoon – a monochrome colour photograph*
In this week’s MENU:
* The Black Sheep
* Eating vegetarian
* Tastes of... nostalgia
* Cooking tip
* This week’s Recipe: Aubergine curry
* Food and wine (and a few other) events for you to enjoy
* Learn about wine and cooking
To get the whole of our story, please click on READ ON..... at the end of each paragraph, which will lead you to the related blog, with pictures and more words. At the end of each blog, click on RETURN TO MENU to come back to the blog version of MENU.
This week’s Product menu – Remember, if you are thinking of doing Christmas in July, that we stock delicious French pâtés as well as Duck confit in tins. This is also essential for cassoulet, that wonderful warming winter meal in one pot. You are also left with quite a lot of duck fat for those roast potatoes or Banting recipes.  And we can get you the white coco beans. We also have chestnuts for your stuffing......... See them all here
This has, thankfully, been a nice relaxed week for us after all the recent travel, so we have been spending time, mostly incommunicado, at home, tidying and fixing up all those little boring but essential things that need doing: putting up shelves, repairing things and doing masses of washing. And Lynne has had a chance to cook again and is quite inspired, but in a different way, see below.
The Black Sheep      We have had very good reports of this restaurant in Upper Kloof Street and decided to treat ourselves to lunch there this week. We know the chef and owner Jonathan Jaftha from his sojourn at Fork in Long Street and liked his food there very much, so we were curious to see what he is doing with free rein in his own restaurant. We were delighted to know that you don’t have to book for lunch (you absolutely do for dinner) and that means, in a cold and miserable winter, that they are obviously doing very well indeed and we believe that they deserve to. The front of the restaurant is open to the street on fine days and we were there on one of those wonderful clear, sparkling days that we enjoy so much in the winter - unlike today, which is cold, wet and miserable!
We had a chat to Jonathan after lunch and he explained that the lunch menu – which is on a blackboard - is quite short and simple, while the dinner menu is much more detailed and complex. You can check out their menu on line. It is easy to find but parking, as is usual in that area, can be a challenge and you will have to sort out a parking person, often unofficial. We took a sample bottle of rosé wine from Lithos which the owner/winemaker Tim Hoek gave us to try at the Knysna Wine Festival. We were happy to pay the R50 corkage. Their wine list is fairly comprehensive, with nothing below R140, which is a little steep for some of the wines on offer. The restaurant was quite full and many of the people were talking business over lunch. Lynne ordered the pulled pork sandwich and John the beer battered Fish and Chips. Each of us ate half and then swapped plates, as we often do, so that we can each taste both dishes.. READ ON.....
Eating vegetarian      When we came home from our latest trip to Knysna, we realised that we had indulged a bit and both of us had picked up a kilo or two. Lynne has had us on a purely vegetarian diet this week and the kilos have come back off quite quickly. The Banting lifestyle suits us and, yet, we are not eating huge amounts of protein or fat. The best thing is that it is centimetres that are coming off. We have each lost 10 cm around our middles since March and that means that the core fat, which is so dangerous, is reducing. And (hope we are not tempting fate here) neither of us has had a cold or flu this winter. Yes, we do religiously have the flu jab every March, but it seems that this healthy way of eating is keeping us fitter than we were. We don’t usually take supplements, but are now taking a capsule of Omega 3 a day. We still have a plate of fresh fruit for breakfast, John adds a third of a cup of his home-made muesli, made from raw oats, seeds and nuts. This is what we have always done, but then it is Banting for the rest of the day. We finish off the day with two squares of dark chocolate, our daily ‘treat’, unless a pudding rears its head when we are invited out or are entertaining. If you are Banting you might like to use the following as inspiration:
We started on Monday. Lynne made a savoury butternut soup – John hates it sweetened with anything (he says that most butternut soups are far too sweet) and she added a few biltong crumbs on serving. We had the rest on Tuesday night with a grating of strong English cheddar cheese on top. Both worked extremely well. She has also made the tomato egg custard twice, the second time, she doubled the tomato puree, cream and the cheese and had a completely different result. The first attempt was like a frittata, really puffed up and tasted very eggy, the second was more like an egg custard but, next time, she would put it in a Bain Marie and reduce the cooking heat to get more of a set custard. It is one of those foods that tastes better lukewarm than hot. We have also been having very good mixed salads, which include batons of raw rutabaga which we bought in Sedgefield. Last night, we had friends for supper and she made a salmon and avocado tartare, flavoured with Ponzu and lime as our starter, then a mixed salad, an Aubergine curry with pilau rice and yes, a wicked indulgence, as our friends are not Banting, bread and butter pudding made from a chocolate panettone, flavoured with amaretto liqueur. Sooo good for the cold weather. We drank some interesting, aged, 1990 KWV Pinotage, but Lynne thought the 2009 Gabrielskloof Shiraz went much better with the spicy tomato in the curry. John believes that Pinotage needs to age and most is too young. This was given to us by Mike Mills from his cellar at the Belvidere Manor Hotel in Knysna. It was quite like an aged Burgundy, with subtle berry fruit.
Tastes of... nostalgia     Lots of us have things we absolutely hate to eat, but sometimes it is just a taste we dislike. John loves fresh orange juice but absolutely loathes chocolate flavoured with it. Lynne loves good coffee but hates anything flavoured with it. Do you remember the old selection of chocolates in the Black Magic chocolate box? Lynne’s favourite Aunt May used to work for the MD of Imperial Cold Storage and, every Christmas, she was presented with a huge box with many layers, which lasted the family into the New Year. The coffee chocolates were always the ones left in the box. Whatever happened to these superb dark chocolates? We bought a small box a couple of years ago and didn’t recognise any of the flavours, they were not at all pleasant and we haven’t seen them for a while. Remember the shattery butterscotch? ... the hazelnut whirl, the truffle, the Turkish delight, the enrobed brazil nut, the creamy toffee, the Montelimar? (hard centres were favoured in our household). And even the strawberry and orange creams. We need these brought back; there is not enough good dark chocolate in the world.
Cooking tips      It is extraordinary, but Lynne is still learning cooking methods at her late age. She regrets that it has taken so long to find out that you can freeze fresh ginger, which has become very expensive, and she has discovered that grating it frozen, without peeling, is a complete doddle. She used to keep it in the fridge where it went mouldy, because she only uses it a couple of times a month. Now she freezes it. Do try it.
This week’s Recipe: Aubergine curry
This is Lynne’s take on a popular Indian curry which we often eat when we’re out.
750 g aubergine – salt – 1 to 2 T canola oil – 2 large onions, chopped – 3 to 5 cloves of garlic, crushed and chopped - 5 cm of grated fresh ginger – 400 ml tin of chopped tomatoes – 2 green chillies, chopped – sugar – salt and freshly ground black pepper – 4 T sour cream or yogurt
Spices: 1 t black mustard seed – 1 ½ t turmeric – 6 cardamom pods, crushed, discard the outer shells – ½ t chilli flakes – 1t cumin seeds – 1 t fennel seeds – 2 t ground coriander
Slice the aubergine into 2 cm thick slices, then salt them and leave them in a colander to drip for half an hour. Fry the onion in the oil for a minute, add a little salt, the garlic and the ginger, stir, turn down the heat and cover with a lid and cook for 20 minutes until the onions are soft, but not browned. Add the spices, stir to toast them a little, then add the tomatoes and chillies, salt and pepper and 400 ml of water. Use the can as a measure. Simmer for about half an hour. Add a little sugar if the tomato is very acidic.
Rinse the salt off the aubergine and pat the slices dry. Cut them into 3 to 4 cm pieces. Take a frying pan or a ridged griddle pan  and dry fry the aubergine slices till they begin to brown, but not burn, on all sides. If they stick, just wipe the surface with a little oil. You may need to do this in batches. Add them to the tomato sauce and make sure that everything is covered, add more water if the sauce has thickened. Simmer for half an hour or until the aubergine is soft and melting. Adjust the seasoning, add the cream or yoghurt and serve with boiled basmati or saffron pilau rice.
There is a huge and rapidly growing variety of interesting things to occupy your leisure time here in the Western Cape. There are so many interesting things to do in our world of food and wine that we have made separate list for each type of event for which we have information. To see what’s happening in our world of food and wine (and a few other cultural events), visit our list of wine and food pairing dinners, list of Special events with wine and/or food connections, list of Wine Shows and Tastings and list of special dinner events. All the events are listed in date order and we have a large number of exciting events to entertain you right through the year. Events outside the Western Cape are listed here.
Learn about wine and cooking We receive a lot of enquiries from people who want to learn more about wine. Cathy Marston and The Cape Wine Academy both run wine education courses, some very serious and others more geared to fun. You can see details of Cathy’s WSET and other courses here and here and the CWA courses here. Karen Glanfield has taken over the UnWined wine appreciation courses from Cathy. See the details here
The Hurst Campus, an accredited school for people who want to become professional chefs, will soon start a new series of short courses in baking. Check the ad in our blog page or see the details here
Chez Gourmet in Claremont has a programme of cooking classes. A calendar of their classes can be seen here.
In addition to the new Sense of Taste Culinary Arts School, Chef Peter Ayub runs a four module course for keen home cooks at his Maitland complex. Details here
Nadège Lepoittevin-Dasse has French cooking classes in Noordhoek and conducts cooking tours to Normandy. You can see more details here.
Emma Freddi runs the Enrica Rocca cooking courses at her home in Constantia.
Brett Nussey’s Stir Crazy courses are now being run from Dish Food and Social’s premises in Main Road Observatory (opposite Groote Schuur hospital).
Lynn Angel runs the Kitchen Angel cooking school and does private dinners at her home. She holds hands-on cooking classes for small groups on Monday and Thursday evenings and she has decided to introduce LCHF (Banting classes). The Kitchen Confidence classes, which focus on essential cooking skills and methods, have been expanded and are now taught over 2 evenings. She continues to host private dining and culinary team building events at her home. She trained with Raymond Blanc, and has been a professional chef for 25 years. More info here





17th July 2014
*Photographed with Nikon D5100/Nikkor 55-300mm lens at 300mm – 1/125th at f29 – for the geeks out there!
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Thursday, July 17, 2014

Lunch at The Black Sheep

We have had very good reports of this restaurant in Upper Kloof Street and decided to treat ourselves to lunch there this week. We know the chef and owner Jonathan Jaftha from his sojourn at Fork in Long Street and liked his food there very much, so we were curious to see what he is doing with free rein in his own restaurant. We were delighted to know that you don’t have to book for lunch (you absolutely do for dinner) and that means, in a cold and miserable winter, that they are obviously doing very well indeed and we believe that they deserve to. The front of the restaurant is open to the street on fine days and we were there on one of those wonderful clear, sparkling days that we enjoy so much in the winter - unlike today which is cold, wet and miserable!

We had a chat to Jonathan after lunch and he explained that the lunch menu – which is on a blackboard - is quite short and simple, while the dinner menu is much more detailed and complex. You can check out their menu on line. It is easy to find but parking, as is usual in that area, can be a challenge and you will have to sort out a parking person, often unofficial. We took a sample bottle of rosé wine from Lithos which the owner/winemaker Tim Hoek gave us to try at the Knysna Wine Festival. We were happy to pay the R50 corkage. Their wine list is fairly comprehensive, with nothing below R140, which is a little steep for some of the wines on offer. The restaurant was quite full and many of the people were talking business over lunch. Lynne ordered the pulled pork sandwich and John the beer battered Fish and Chips. Each of us ate half and then swapped plates, as we often do, so that we can taste both dishes.
It is easy to find as it has good signage.
The lunch menus
Cocktails and a good selection of craft beers, even bar snacks if you don’t want to sit at a table
Lithos Blanc de Noir. It's a Cape blend (43,5% Pinotage, 37% Shiraz and 19,5% Cabernet Sauvignon), went well with the food, tasted a bit of candy floss and cranberries and was bone dry. We would buy this (retail) if the price was lower than R45
The well stocked bar area
We really liked the wood wall, obviously put together from scraps of all sorts of different woods. A nice warm textured effect.
The girls at the table next to ours had ordered the lentil curry, topped with haloumi cheese and didn’t mind us taking a photograph. A great vegetarian option and quite a mound of food.
The pulled pork sandwich. It was on a very good crisp ciabatta style roll - we only ate the bottom half. The shredded pork was soft, but needed perhaps a touch more spice to stand up to the salad. It is topped with raw red onion, a mound of cucumber (both not favourites of Lynne's, but John liked) and tomato, salad leaves and a blob of sour cream. These were called licorice chips but were sprinkled with ground fennel seeds. Some were crisp, others less so.
The beer battered fish was very fresh and delicious. The batter was crispy crunchy on the top. It came with a home made, robust sauce tartare, and these chips were nice and crisp. The accompaniments on both plates are tomato ketchup and a good mayonnaise
We spent a few minutes guessing the wood!
Chef/owner Jonathan Jaftha and his son
The lunch bill. We will be back to try the dinner menu
Payment WAS received!
© John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2014