Tag Archives: Mount Nelson Hotel

Kloof Street in Cape Town named one of the Coolest Streets in the World by TImeOut!

 

Kloof Street in Gardens in Cape Town is making a comeback, once known for having the largest number of restaurants in one street in Cape Town, until Bree Street took over the accolade.

Now Kloof Street has been named as one of 33 coolest streets in the world by TimeOut, ranked at number 26.

The Street has a large number of eateries (including Chef Jan-Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s JAN Continue reading →

‘Fancy Finnish Food’ a fabulous Finnish Food Feast in Constantia!

 

As a food writer, I do strike it lucky once in a while. One of the highlights of this year’s invitations was that from the Finnish Embassy to attend their ‘Fancy Finnish Food’ Dinner held at the home of the Finnish Honorary Consul Philip Palmgren. The aim of the event was to communicate to South Africans what Finnish cuisine and spirits are all about.

My friend Gary Peterson joined me for this exciting event, which was attended by 26 guests seated at one long table.  We knew no one else, but I did know of Chef Dion Vengatass, a former Chef at the Mount Nelson Hotel.  Continue reading →

Restaurant Review: Origins Restaurant at The Marine in Hermanus offers poor service, not true to its name!

Last week I ate lunch at the new Origins Restaurant at The Marine, the second poor experience I have had at the hotel, despite the hotel having new co-owners, and a new GM and Chef. Given its five star status (they have lost their Relais & Chateux status), the dining experience was unacceptable.  Continue reading →

WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 21/22/23 November

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   The Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5,75%, the new Governor Lesetja Kganyago has announced. The rate did not change due to the reducing inflation rate, the lower international oil prices being an inflation benefit, and the weak economy.

*   The Vancouver Sun writes about ‘Sensational South Africa‘, highlighting its ‘Big Five must-see list’.  It includes Cape Town (‘the country’s prettiest city‘, Bo-Kaap, the City Bowl market – certainly not the best Cape Town has to offer – Table Mountain and its ‘tram ride‘, the Mount Nelson Hotel, and Robben Island), the Winelands (Franschhoek and its Wine Tram), Himeville and the Drakensberg,  Durban, and Safaris.

*  The City of Cape Town has announced its extensive plans for the safety of the city and its visitors over the Festive Continue reading →