I was sent a copy of Eva Mazza’s ‘Sex, Lies & Stellenbosch’ by Jacana Press, to review, my first Book Review. Whilst I waded through the sex, and sex, and sex, I wondered how I would write this review, this being a family-friendly Blog. But it was right at the end that the message of the book was clear: no matter how terrible the life experiences one goes through, there is always growth and an opportunity to transform, and lead a better life, echoing my two ‘SwitchBitch’ books which I published last year.  (more…)

A brand new international restaurant award system has named Wolfgat The Restaurant of the Year in the World Restaurant Awards, at a ceremony in Paris on Monday. The restaurant also won the award for Off-Map Destination. Three other top South African restaurants were nominated in categories of the World Restaurant Awards, from Cape Town, Somerset West, and Pretoria.  (more…)

On our recent trip to Plettenberg Bay, my friend from Paris and I tried to visit as many of the better restaurants in the town as we could fit in. Given the disappointing visits to SeaFood/Sand at The Plettenberg in the past five years, it was not on my list of restaurants to eat at, but as it was on my friend’s list, I obliged, holding thumbs that things have improved! Sadly the service and food left much to be desired, despite it being under the guardianship of Eat Out Top 10 Group Executive Chef Peter Tempelhoff!  (more…)

The Sweet Service Award goes to Isabella Page of The Hair Company in Sea Point, my hairdresser of almost three years. I met Isabella when she was referred to me by Anita Farr, when I complimented her on her hairstyle. Isabella was instrumental in shaping my hair look and style during my transformation, an important part of looking and feeling good. She has recently opened The Hair Company with Linnea Campabasso, operating from the 3rd floor on the Sea Point Medical Centre. Isabella invited me to visit her new salon for a cut and blow, which I timed to be just before the launch party of Cowboys & Cooks Steakhouse & Bar, but was in a scheduled load shedding time slot. There was no power cut (more…)

It was a surprise announcement to read that Chef Bertus Basson has been exorcised from Spice Route wine estate outside of Paarl, and that Chef Liam Tomlin with Neil and Tina Jewell are taking over this space. It makes for an interesting discussion as to why the top chefs of our country are so determined to open one restaurant after the other, and to ask if they make any money out of it!  (more…)

Yesterday a group of ten writers was invited by Jack & Jill Communications to attend a Media Lunch at the recently opened Cowboys & Cooks, the new steak restaurant and bar in Sunset Beach, owned by Michael Townsend and operated by Stuart Bailey of the C & C Group. We tasted various starters, main courses, and desserts, and were told what good quality Chalmar Beef the restaurant serves, and were shown the cuts, and explained the taste profile of each. Writers were astounded by the reasonable prices of the dishes, when they perused the menu. (more…)

A new silver service training service has been launched by Rufus Scholtz, promising to turn front of house staff into 5-star fine dining staff within fourteen days. His Etiquette Modern Silver Service training service promises to train staff to create delighted loyal patrons when they leave the restaurant, to return for future eating experiences.  (more…)

Doubleshot in Plettenberg Bay is a cosy friendly coffee shop with a range of freshly baked sweet and savoury treats, and excellent coffee. It is worth giving this establishment a shot, the best breakfast venue on our Garden Route trip two weeks ago.  (more…)

The highlight of our Garden Route trip last week was having lunch at Bramon, a pioneering boutique wine estate outside Plettenberg Bay. This was one of the first wine estates in the area, and has established itself not only as a good wine destination, but as having a good friendly restaurant too. My French friend was blown away by us eating …. and drinking ……in the vineyard!  (more…)

At the end of a Garden Route tour with my Parisian friend last week, we spent one night at Temenos in McGregor. As Tebaldi Restaurant at Temenos was fully booked, we chose to eat at Open Kitchen, a restaurant which opened in winter last year, but which I had not experienced previously. It serves good steak and Tapas, but the service is very slow! (more…)