Sunday, 26th June. 07:30 wakeup for 10:40 flight, arriving at 12:40 in Johannesburg. Meet Robyn, a student at Stellenbosch who is studying socio-informatics. Joined by two Ethiopians and a Kenyan (who works for the NEPAD secretariat there and one of the leaders of the African Youth Parliament) for a thirsty almost three-hour drive to Mabula which is near Bela-Bela (or Warmbaths)...
Outer Limits
16 Mar
After Open Enterprise (and Kulula), I needed a drink, and Jaco took me with some friends to Outer Limits. It seems up-market in the fact that it has some good cocktails and slightly-higher-than-usual-Johannesburg prices. I was quite impressed with the waitor - was confident enough to suggest food (and a cocktail for me). The cocktails were great. Their vegetarian options weren't inspired.
Cilantro
26 Feb
While I was in Johannesburg, Jaco took me to Cilantro, which is in 4th Avenue Parkhurst, having heard that the vegetarian options are wonderful (how considerate of him). Truly, I don't think I've eaten so well out in years. I had their mezzeteranian, which included aubergine, sweet peppers, haloumi, cous-cous, and other vegetarian delicacies prepared and served just right. And I hate to admit that Jaco's steak looked heavenly. A bit on the expensive side - the equally-heavenly traditional tiramisu was R40, my main was quite decent at R60, but Jaco's was closer to R100. But I guess this is Johannesburg, eh?
Groot Constantia
30 Dec
One of the great things about living where I do, is that there are wine farms less than two kilometres away, including Groot Constantia, the oldest wine farm in the country. On late Tuesday afternoon we headed off to have a picnic there.
Veggie Lunch in Cape Town
11 Oct
I don't think I've mentioned it here, but I became a (occasionally-pisco-) vegetarian about seven weeks back. Which has meant learning quite how poorly some places cater for vegetarians. Not going to shame anyone now, but I thought I'd mention my two favourite lunch places at the moment in Cape Town - Mimi (good veg options) in Lower Long Street (near Obs Cafe) Observatory (when I'm at Jam, and Zucchini (only delicious veg options) in Loop Street, CBD, when I'm in the area (usually at the Barn. Any further suggestions welcomed.
Jaco's 21st
19 Apr
They grow up so quickly. Or something. I've mistakenly thought Barendjie was over 21 for years, so I can't say I feel that. Anyway, Jaco threw a massive 21st supper at Banana Jam in Cape Town, with about 40 people.
Shoga
10 Apr
Zenobia invited Undine (who is staying with us), Jeremy and I to her new find - Shoga [eating-out].
Shoga's located on the border between Cape Town CBD and Bo-kaap (upstairs at 121 Castle, near Midmar Liquors). Warning - it's a bit on the expensive side, with mains mainly in the R65 to R80 area, and the setting encourages cocktail-drinking. Genre is Japanese-dominated fusion in an upmarket Bistro setting.
Grad 2004
05 Apr
Have now graduated and have a piece of paper and a few photos to show for it. Executive summary: Uneventful drives, saw friends in Grahamstown, graduated, partied.
My parents invited me to lunch on Boxing Day at the V&A Waterfront, and they suggested we eat at The Hildebrand. I was optimistic, as I had not eaten there before and I had heard good reviews. Alas, my Tagliatelle Carbonara was disappointing, and my mother shared the opinion with her Tagliatelle Alfredo. Nice setting on the waterfront and excellent service, however. Not too overpriced, as I had heard.
Staff function at Spier
07 Dec
The IOL year-end staff function was held at Spier (coincidentally where we had the iTouch year-end staff function last year). Minor irritation: The baskets, while described for two (and capable of feeding two in the 36 degree heat), only had one set of (now wooden) cutlery and crockery. Wasn't as impressed with the food as I was last year, but the setting makes it a good location for a visit. Strangely, the heat was survivable, and some even ventured out with a frisbee. Eventually the Pirate Party at Cape To Cuba and the heat got to us, so we headed back to the air-conditioned car (and air-conditioned movie).