Tag Archives: Springfontein

WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 31 August/1 September

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   Research has shown that the moderate drinking of wine reduces the likelihood of depression amongst 55 – 80 year olds significantly!

*   About 4000 UK pubs are expected to close next year, being old and outdated and serving ‘indifferent’ food, the 2014 Good Pub Guide predicts.  However 1000 new pubs are expected to open next year.

*   Is there a future for blogging?  It appears so, and having a blog may become as commonplace as ‘having a smartphone or an e-mail address‘.

*   The 8th annual South African Food & Wine Festival will be held at Grayhaven Winery in Gum Spring, Virginia in the USA, on 14 and 15 September.  Tastings of  30 wines from Anwilke, MAN Vintners, Ernie Els,  Fairview Estates, AA Badenhorst, Kanonkop, as Continue reading →

Restaurant Review: SeaFood at The Marine very grey, poor seafood, very poor service!

Seafood at The Marine interior Whale Cottage PortfolioAfter seeing a Tweet by The Collection by Liz McGrath Executive Chef Peter Tempelhoff about the new interior of SeaFood at The Marine earlier this week, I decided to lunch there yesterday, being in Hermanus for the day.  It was a most disappointing experience, given the five star and Relais & Chateaux status of the hotel.

The Marine hotel has a long heritage and was bought by Mrs McGrath a number of years ago. and sat on its own on the cliffs overlooking Walker Bay, technically a magnificent location, but little is made of the beautiful view.  A recent flurry of development across the road from the hotel has given it a lift.  Mrs McGrath appears to be like Le Quartier Français owner Susan Huxter who renovates her establishment annually.  Mrs McGrath did the latest interior design of SeaFood at The Marine, her staff told me.  The colour scheme now is grey, with grey chairs, grey tables, and grey Continue reading →