In my last review I allowed a platter of starters to defeat me. I am ashamed. How I could have let this happen I’m not quite sure. Many people actually messaged me to say they were disappointed in my level of gluttony. I disappointed myself. I knew I had to up my game. What could be more rich, more decadent and more indulgent then Mediterranean food? Oh, but one thing…

As the month of February dawns, romance is in the air and nowhere more so than at the Grande Roche Hotel in Paarl.

February 2012 has a double dose of romance, being a Leap Year and with Valentine’s Day on February 14, the hotel has devised a romantic evening on Saturday February 11 to celebrate the month of love!

Soft background music, a picnic on the lawns and a classic movie that stirs the soul, and the mood is set!

The lawns of the Grande Roche Hotel have to be the ultimate in romantic destinations. Imagine the glorious views across the valley, the roses in the garden of the historic manor house are in full bloom, the sun is setting and the atmosphere is unashamedly about love.

A gourmet picnic basket awaits with the delicious offerings of the innovative dining experience that is synonymous with the Grande Roche Hotel. Enjoy smoked salmon, freshly prepared salad, a selection of cheeses and dried meats as well as fresh fruit and light-as-air cakes. Add to that, as you lounge on the lawn, the softly mellow strains of guitar and saxophone from the Morné Kahts musicians.

After your picnic, it is time to snuggle up under the stars on the seats of the Amphitheatre. The ultimate date night needs a movie that will appeal to all, and the hotel has chosen an all round feel good movie, one which combines both humour and romance. The iconic “Grease” sets the feet tapping and the heart racing and is as popular today as when it was first shown. Couples can also get into the mood by dressing in clothes that reflect the ‘Grease” era and stand the chance to win a weekend for two on an a bed and breakfast basis.

It doesn't need to end there: why not extend the evening into a full weekend and luxuriate in the unique accommodation that the Grande Roche Hotel has to offer. Your reservation is the promise of a treat. Each room has its own unique personality and is identified by a name that reflects an aspect of life on this very special estate. A weekend at the only member of Small Luxury Hotels of The World in South Africa is like a tranquil escape to your own personal country estate. Your experience will make you feel like royalty and this Valentine’s Day will live long in your memory.

Cost s: R 270 per person includes picnic basket and entertainment

To stay over: R 1850 per room including B&B.

Limited rooms are available.

Reservations: 021 863 5100 events1@granderoche.co.za

Mont Rochelle Hotel & Mountain Vineyards will celebrate Valentine’s Day with culinary feasts served at its two superb restaurants located in the romantic setting of this working wine farm in the Franschhoek Valley.

A delicious 3-Course Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu (R280 per person) will be on offer from Tuesday 14 February (Valentine’s Day) until Sunday 19 February, in the seductive setting of award-winning fine dining restaurant Mange Tout, with its wrap-around views of the valley. At the more informal Country Kitchen, a choice of tasty temptations will be available from a special Valentine’s Day Menu (R180 per person), available for lunch or dinner on 14 February, and also for lunch until 19 February. Here couples may revel in an intimate dining experience on the sunny garden terrace, and toast their love with a glass of one of Mont Rochelle’s own fine wines.

Mange Tout Chef Makhi Maki has created a Valentine’s Day Dinner brimming with irresistible gastronomic temptations designed to melt the heart. Starting with the Panfried Quail marinated in Chermoula, with roasted capsicum and spring onion gel; followed by a refreshing Strawberry Sorbet; and a deliciously delicate serving of Salmon marinated in Teriyaki sauce with ponzu, yuzu, and pickled ginger; this taste sensation ends with a wickedly indulgent Crème Brûlée with layers of strawberry, vanilla and chantily.

At the Country Kitchen Chef Joslin Hawker will be serving up a medley of mouth-watering dishes featuring traditional ‘foods of love’, including starter options such as the Summer White Gazpacho with oysters; and decadent dessert creations that include Strawberry and Champagne Cheesecake and Coulis. Diners are spoiled for choice with main courses ranging from Karoo Lamb Chops Crepinette with butternut puree, frozen pea and mint cream, and pomegranate sauce; to a Cauliflower Risotto, with tomato coulis and broken parmesan, as a vegetarian option.

Known as one of the Western Cape’s top dining destinations, Mont Rochelle offers a multi-sensory experience in a magical vineyards setting, making it the ideal choice for a romantic occasion of any kind. Booking is essential for Valentine’s Day events at both restaurants.

Do you remember that advert where the guy was so comfortable in the hotel that he was staying in, that he walked around half-naked? If not, Google it. If you do remember, well, that was me last week. Half-naked, in a restaurant, drinking tea.

I am lying. Lying through my teeth. At no point was I half naked and a cup of tea didn’t even cross my mind. What I won’t lie about is the amazing night I had last week at Rocca in the Cape Quarter. Rocca is a Mediterranean restaurant, owned and run by a lovely man named Costa, who is one of those guys who honestly seems to know, and care about each and every one of his customers. I felt so comfortable and at home in the restaurant that I had to remind myself to put my shoes back on and take my feet off the chair next to me. Although it wasn’t as if anyone would have cared.

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I love all those soppy romantic comedies with those happy endings where the girl and guy always get together despite all and any drama that has taken place before. Why should I not be able to enjoy a movie with a happy ending; life is often stressful and overwhelming and thus a bit of happiness goes a long way!

Now I know that there are some of you who really dislike the thought of Valentines day and do everything in their power to disrupt a generally pleasant day where lots of people are very happy with each others company. To you people I say sies, that is not fair at all, turn that frown upside down and try and find happiness within other peoples happiness. Put away your sad masks, black clothes and voodoo dolls.

Find Valentine's Day Dinners & Menus inside

 LONG TABLE OF FRIENDS FEAST 

TO BE DISHED UP AT BISTRO SIXTEEN82 ON VALENTINE’S DAY

Steenberg’s cellar door restaurant Bistro Sixteen82 will celebrate Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, 14 February with a quirky event to create a refreshing twist to this day of celebration - traditionally reserved for romantic couples only. Chef Brad Ball will present a Tapas Long Table of Friends to cater for single guests and their friends, to seat a total of 20 diners at two sittings (17:30 and 18:30). This relaxed, early-evening rendezvous of great conversation and gourmet cuisine in a glorious vineyards setting is offered at R200 per person, including a glass of Steenberg 1682 ‘bubbly’. Bookings for the Valentine’s Day Tapas Long Table of Friends should be made in advance, as seating is limited. 
(Tel 021 713-2211; Reservations@bistro1682.co.za)

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 If Valentine’s Day gives you the blues then join us at the Two Oceans Restaurant at Cape Point for a different take on this romantic day!! You choose - be a “red hot love” patron or if that’s not your case then “are you feeling blue? “could show where your heart lies! Either way this is a fun way of looking at this centuries old celebration while enjoying great food at a venue that has some of the best views in the world. We think you’ll leave feeling high on life and full of love!

The Valentines Menu

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Summer will be arriving soon Summer has arrived and some restaurants in Cape Town have already started offering spring/summer specials. Have a look at the list below! If you know of any other amazing Cape Town summer specials that will save us all some major bucks, please comment below or email us. Thank You!

*last update: 23/01/2012

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I have never made my own sushi…ever. But this weekend a few of us got together to have sushi at a friend’s house. When I say we made sushi – I actually mean that the girls made sushi! That doesn’t mean I didn’t help though. I was supporting them all the way. Some say that‘s actually the most important part of it all. True story!

I can’t add any tips or recipes on how to make your own sushi, since I didn’t actually do anything to help…in any way (have a look here if you need advice). I did help eating the sushi though and it was really really good. The entire plate was pretty much empty in less than 10 minutes. Looking at the pictures; I wouldn’t mind having seconds right now – next time I might even help a little. ;-)

The Mussel Bar, unlike the rest of The Bay, has a down to earth and relaxed atmosphere. People chill on their own, reading a book and sipping on a delicious Pink Mojito, couples cuddles up in the corner and wild tables drink a draft (or 12) of craft beer.

The general idea is a simple one: If you are allergic to shellfish, The Mussel Bar is not for you. There is only one thing on the menu and yes, well done for guessing it right, the only thing on the menu is perfectly cooked, wonderfully seasoned, mussels.

Gorgeous, fresh Saldanha Bay mussels in a beer sauce, served with chunky fries, rosemary salt, aioli and home-made bread. The beer sauce had a base of celery, onion, a hint of garlic and a dash of cream and although it is creamy, it isn’t heavy or overpowering at all. A thick, rich cream sauce that detracts from the flavour of the mussels is the last thing you would want. The fries were more like wedges, great crispy wedges of happiness and the rosemary salt and aioli were lovely for dipping.

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2012 is nearly upon us and I'm assuming many of you are already making plans for that night. Below you can find details on New Year's Eve events at your favourite restaurants in Cape Town: entertainment, music, dancing as well as good food - let's end 2011 with a bang! Some restaurants have even created an entire new dinner menu for the occasion. You can find all the details below. If you wish to add your restaurant to this list, please email: foodblog@cape-town.info

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I love a bit of friendly competition and I love food. So combining the two can only be a good time. When my friend and I went to La Mouette the other night and each had one of their tasting menus, and created the “My Menu is Better than Yours” competition. Best competition ever.

La Mouette is found on Regent Road, Seapoint in a beautiful double storey house. It is run by English Chef, Henry Vigar and his wife Mari Vermaak. When they found the house they immediately fell in love with it. As Mari seated us at our cute corner table next to a roaring fire, she rubs her hand against the wall and says, “This is like our second home. Is there any better place to work? We mixed the paint ourselves and varnished the doors. It really is home.”

Every month La Mouette creates 2 new tasting menus (with the option of vegetarian), a 6-course for R150 without wine and R300 with, and an 8-course at R240 without wine and R480 with.

ROUND 1: The Bloody Mary vs. Nothing

Well, the 8-course wins this round by forfeit as there was no competition. A spiced tomato jelly, with celery, black pepper and pale tomato foam. An interesting start to the meal. The contrasting textures were fabulous and the jelly, which tasted like solid tomato juice, was wonderfully spicy. 8-Course WINS!

ROUND 2: Truffle & Cheese Croquettes vs. Onion Bhaji and Potato Samoosa

So now that the 6-course decided to come to the party, the competition was on. Croquettes are small, fried “dumplings”, for lack of a better word and they were served with a smoky tomato aioli. Crispy and golden on the outside, you bit into them and truffle-infused cheese oozed into your mouth. When dipped in the cool aioli, it was a flavour sensation which left me struggling to share.

The onion Bhaji, or onion fritters, were light and crisp and the perfectly curried potato samoosa, was rich with wonderfully authentic flavours. When dipped in the yogurt and spiced tomato chutney, the combination of flavours made the dish and the sprinkle of spring onion on top, added an extra depth which I thoroughly enjoyed.  This said, the croquettes were just too magnificent for their own good. 8-Course WINS!

The other day I popped over to my sister’s house for lunch. Now we have a little bit of a thing going, she goes shopping and then I raid her cupboards for the ingredients I want, and cook. It’s a win-win situation for the both of us.

So you can imagine my excitement when I peered inside the fridge and saw some beautiful fresh trout fillets. The pieces were thick, smelt like the sea and had a perfectly shiny skin – just right for a light searing.

If your fillets have a row of pin bones running through them it isn’t a problem as you can pull them out with a pair of kitchen tweezers. Just rub a finger against the “grain” of the bones to feel where they are, and then gently pull each one out, with the “grain”, in the direction which it faces.

This meal is perfect for dinner or lunch. I made a lighter option and served it with baby spinach, but if you throw in some baby potatoes or seasoned couscous, you have a meal fit for a hungry king. My “lighter” option was actually enough for 4 or 5 not-so-hungry people. But there were 3 of us and we were hungry, so we ate it all. And it was great.

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Are you new to Cape Town or single this Christmas? Join Chef on Wheels for a gastronomic experience on Christmas Day (lunchtime). Their Chef will prepare a traditional Christmas lunch for only R350 per prson (venue included). Over 25's only.

Chef on Wheels will provide you with a complimentary glass of bubbly, Christmas crackers and a beautiful venue in Cape Town. There is space for 20 adults (10 guys and 10 ladies).

Book now to avoid disappointment! The first 10 people who book will receive a special gift. Take this opportunity to meet new people, make friends and generally enjoy yourselves. Lovely sparkling pool and stunning table settings. Lovely music and the chance to win a free 2 month membership to the Cape socializing club which includes all sorts of exciting activities such as visiting new restaurants, wine bars, wine farms, book clubs, Braais and much more.

To enquire please email info@chefonwheels.co.za or enquire via their website on http://www.chefonwheels.co.za/enquiry.html. Simply enter your details and add your comments to the comments section on the page. They will contact you shortly.

This is probably one of my favorite dishes and it's so easy to make. Also, it can be tuned with some special flavors if you like! Beef can be combined with rice, barley, pasta, cheese or just veggies to fill the peppers.

Ingredients:

• 4 large red Peppers

• 500 g minced beef

• 1 Can peeled small tomatoes

• possibly a pinch of cayenne pepper

• chopped garlic

• 200 gr grated mozzarella

• Rice

Instructions:

1. Wash the peppers and take out the inside

2. Cook in boiling water for 15 minutes

3. Fry the minced beef in pan

4. season with a little cayenne pepper

5. Add chopped garlic and mix well

6. Put the peppers in a greased casserole dish and fill them with the beef.

7. Add the mozzarella on top.

8. Cover with aluminum foil and put it in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 20 minutes

9. Then remove the foil and leave it for another 2 - 3 minutes to let the cheese melt.

10. Serve with rice on the side.

Most restaurants aren’t the most exciting places in the world – are they? Some can be. But most seem to copy each other, even the menus are similar.

But while browsing the net, I came across Cabel’s Blog. On his trip to Japan while in the town of Kashiwa he experienced something truly unique. And I'd like to tell you about it...

At this cafe, you get what the person before you ordered. The next person gets what you ordered.

Welcome to the Ogori cafe!

This concept is epic! How often do you find yourself in the same old restaurant ordering the same old dish – the one you have ordered a thousand times before! Now you can get to try something that you might not normally have ordered. I just love the entire concept. Also, what you want to buy for the next person is entirely up to you!

 

 

 

Of course, Cabel had one last thing to do. He ordered a little bit of everything: some ice cream, a few snacks and drinks. And then he left with a smile on his face. His one good deed for the day!

I wonder if this would work in South Africa? 

The shops are already going overboard with their Christmas decorations; so I've decided to track down some christmas lunch/dinner ideas for everyone. The list isn't very big yet, but I'm sure it will fill up nicely once we get closer to December! 

Find all info inside!

14 years ago I suffered from a particularly unpleasant bout of food poisoning after eating a dodgy taco; ever since I have been weary of Mexican food. So when El Burro opened in Greenpoint, I wasn’t all that thrilled at the prospect of trying out what I heard was a homage to traditional Mexican cuisine. Combine this with my complete and utter fear of tequila, which has also given me uhhh… food poisoning so many countless times, so I was pretty much walking into a nightmare. This said, since I have been on two occasions, I am going to talk about both experiences blended into one.

Although I don’t have the same innate love for Mexican food as I do for Indian food or of course, sushi, El Burro is a place I will definitely return to. It’s a vibrant, trendy restaurant whose owners value each and every one of their customers. It’s relaxed and comfortable atmosphere is something many restaurants could learn from.

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