Tag Archives: WhaleTales Portfolio

Corona Virus: Lockdown Journey Journal, Day 47 of Level 1, 16 November 2021

 

Tuesday 16 November 2021, Day 47 of Level 1 đŸ˜·

Corona Gratitude 🙏

#grateful for a warm 24C days, ahead of a day of rain forecast and clouds rolling in; for a calm and peaceful working day; for a walk to Bakoven at lunchtime, and to the Tidal pool late this afternoon, seeing a structure on Camps Bay Beach, intended to represent the dream of a Beach Bar in a TV commercial; for our Day/Night and Garage Door problems fixed today; for Minsky coming back safely early this morning đŸ˜»; and for being happy, healthy and free. 🙏💙 Continue reading →

Restaurant Review: La Guarida in Havana dishes up more than the ‘Strawberry & Chocolate’ Oscar nominated movie!

From my Havana Guide Book as well as recommendations I learnt that La Guarida was deemed to be the best restaurant in Cuba. As I wanted to try out only the best the city had to offer, the BnB Manager Alain booked the restaurant for lunch on the special Cuban public holiday of 26 July, an apt day to celebrate my interesting stay in and imminent departure from Cuba.
 

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My eating experiences in Havana, Cuba! As little as possible!

I had not done much homework about the eating habits of the Habeneros, somehow thinking that there would be ‘Westernised’ restaurants should the Cuban food culture differ radically from that which we are used to. I was in for a big surprise!
 
 
 
I was in quite a shock about conditions in Havana, in general, and then when I walked past restaurants and bars, first in my suburb of Centro, an area that is very run down, and then when I discovered Old Havana. There was not one restaurant that has attracted me,  not in walking past it, nor from its descriptions in the Guide Book ‘300 Reasons to love Havana’, which I bought on the recommendation of a regular visitor to the city from Canada. 
 
The restaurants in Havana that were recommended with an international link were the following, the link itself appearing to give the restaurant kudos, if I have read the author of it correctly. 
 
#. CafĂ© Bohemia – this Italian style restaurant in an alleyway with Greek-blue trimming was recommended to meat lovers as well as vegetarians in my Guidebook. I ate a delicious gelato here. Emphasis here is on salads, which are named after literary works, including a seafood salad named ‘The Old Man and the Sea’, after Hemingway’s best known novel.  
 
#. CafĂ© Del Oriente – this is said to be where diplomats dine, serving rabbit, ostrich, Chateaubriand, steak tartare, and more, an international menu, and a classy old-world dining room.
 
#. Paladar San CristĂłbal – it is owned by Chef Carlos CristĂłbal MĂĄrquez, who ‘worked as a chef all over the world’, the Guidebook proclaims. The restaurant opened nine years ago, and President Obama as well as five other presidents, Bon Jovi, Sigourney Weaver, and other VIPs have eaten here. The chef claims to make the best mash in the city. South African wines are said to be in his winelist, worth checking out before I leave.
 
#. La Guarida – this majestic sounding restaurant, in the home of Enrique NĂșñez, opening in 1996, was the location for the movie ‘Freso y Chocolate’ (Strawberry and Chocolate), the only Cuban movie to have been nominated for an Oscar. It serves top level and innovative dishes. VIP diners include Jack Nicholson, Steven Spielberg, BeyoncĂ©, and the former Queen Sofia of Spain. 
 
#. Casa Abel – this restaurant belongs to the father of my BnB owner Abel, and has a cigar salon too, not far from my BnB.   It serves lobster, and the speciality is ‘beer-can chicken’. 
 
#. Otramanera – this restaurant bandies the holy restaurant name El Bulli, the king of all king restaurants in the world once upon a time, its owner Chef Alvaro Dieu having worked in its molecular gastronomy kitchen.
 
#. El Ajibe – this was recommended to me by two sets of persons, but its description of it as a take-away chicken outlet with an excellent wine cellar seems too bizarre for me to try it. 
 
#. TocaMadera – this is billed as the first Gastropub in Havana, and its owner Chef Enrique SuĂĄrez, is described as a leader in Cuba’s ‘New Food Movement’. His international cooking experience includes Barcelona and Marseilles. He serves ‘poor people cuisine’ with ‘strong flavours’. 
 
Havana has no fast food restaurants, no known brand name restaurants. There may be advantages (it is too expensive for many Cubans, given their extremely low incomes, and it will prevent an Americanised fast food culture from developing in the country, given the love-hate relationship between Cuba and America); and disadvantages (tourists may feel less comfortable with the local traditional food and therefore may find it hard to find good restaurants serving their type of and taste in foods). 
 
Pizza restaurants seem to be extremely popular, especially amongst locals, and I have seen queues of locals standing outside a ‘hole in the wall’ pizzeria on Obispo, a very touristy street. 
 
Observing the food scene for a few days after my arrival, I realised that most of the Havana food offering is not to my taste: it consisting of rice and black beans, both starches I do not care for; tapas style restaurants are not my thing, with bread as its base; and the hassle of explaining in English how I would like a dish prepared was too risky if there was miscommunication between myself and the waiter. 
 
I therefore decided to partake in the Breakfast offered in the San Lazaro 115 BnB every day, costing 5 CUC per day, and consisting of a platter of fresh fruit (guava, pineapple, mango, paw paw, and banana); a generous glass of freshly squeezed juice, the juice of one of the fruit types, varying daily; tea ( I must have pulled up my nose at the offering of green tea, the only tea they had at the BnB initially, and the next day a magic Earl Grey tea bag was presented, bought especially for me, savouring this daily gift; an egg choice, choices having been medium (my choice) boiled eggs, scrambled, fried, and omelet. I became so comfortable at the BnB that I started making my own cheese omelet, and boiled my own eggs, as I could not get them to get it to 6 minutes. Toast was supplied from rolls which were sliced and toasted. One portion of butter is provided, and a choice of jam or honey. This breakfast sustains me throughout the day, not being hungry, and not eating much else. One drinks a lot of water, and of course the Mojitos and Daquiris are the national drink, amongst tourists at least, and the locals drink local Cuban beer or Havana Club rum (Alain the BnB Manager mixes a local version of Red Bull with it, and adds ice). The locals certainly do not drink cocktails. 
 
Supermarkets in Havana are something else, unattractive, and not selling anything fresh, with some exceptions. In the main they sell a limited selection of tinned or dry foods, pasta, juices, water, and Cuban alcohol. There is no fresh bread (that is sold by the Pan Man, riding through the suburbs on a bicycle trolley, calling his customers with his offer), no fresh fruit or vegetables (these are sold at corner fruit and vegetable shops in the most unhygienic conditions, covered in flies, and largely past their sell-by date, and limited to bananas, mango, paw paw, pineapples, guavas, cucumber, small tomatoes, and onions in the main. Alternatively one sees mobile fruit and vegetable street vendors, pushing a wooden trailer, with the most delicious looking large avocados, and one or two other fruits. One supermarket close by, on the scenic MalecĂłn promenade, was the most modern and organised I experienced, and also selling a sipping yoghurt (but only in strawberry flavour) with frozen meat (chicken, sausages) as well as blocks of cheese (a light cheddar, called Maasdam, sold at 13 CUCs per kg) unusually offered too. So my dinner, when I was hungry, was some cheese and avo, the latter lasting me four or five days, they being so big. They cost 1 CUC for two, an absolute bargain at R7,50 each. With that was the luxury of my left-over Woolworths trail food, which I had bought for the Camino. 
 
I soon became aware that I was starting to lose weight, walking a good 10 – 15 km a day, in temperatures of around 32 C with humidity, therefore drinking a lot of water. I call this my ‘Cuban Diet’, working wonders! 
 
Helad’Oro was an ice cream shop which was highly recommended in my Havana Guidebook, and I went there five times in a week, when exploring Old Havana. It was First World, in offering wafer cones or cups, with a host of flavours, including a delicious dark or white chocolate, salted caramel, peanut, coffee, Spekulaas (a Dutch Christmas ginger-spiced biscuit), Nutella, lemon pie, Mojito, and tropical fruit flavours. They charge 2,50 CUC for two scoops and the wafer cup. I also indulged in a small cup of Churros without chocolate sauce, at 0,50 CUC, at a mobile vendor near the chocolate shop in Old Havana. In this suburb too I ate delicious home-made gelato at CafĂ© Bohemia, with a scoop each of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, more expensive at 5CUC.
 
I visited the Pool Bar at the five star Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski once, and while their menu is very Westernised, the salads had ingredients I did not care for. So I settled on a Tiramisu, not too badly made, although I missed the liqueur in it, at 6 CUC.  An ice cream dessert at the five star Packard Hotel was very disappointing, a hotel which charges astronomically, a single tot Jameson costing 8CUC plus an automatic 10% service fee, even if the service is highly deficient, and one is not always told about this charge on the menu.
 
I am interviewing locals about their eating habits at home, and will report on that in a separate Blogpost.
 
 

Chris von Ulmenstein, WhaleTales Blog: www.chrisvonulmenstein.com/blog Tel +27 082 55 11 323 Twitter:@Ulmenstein Facebook: Chris von Ulmenstein Instagram: @Chrissy_Ulmenstein

 
 
 
 

Winter 2017 Restaurant Specials and restaurant closures in Cape Town and Winelands!

The first restaurants are sending out their Winter Specials information, summarised below. The list is updated continuously. We welcome information about new specials:

CAPE TOWN

#  Foxcroft, High Constantia, Constantia. Tel 202-3304. Three Tapas R195 Monday – Friday, 4-courses reduced to R295. Bottomless Steenberg Bubbly at R195 when eating either of two specials. From 15 May – 29 June. (Updated 30/5)

#.  La Colombe, Silvermist Estate. Tel (021) 794-2390. Four courses for R395 Monday – Thursday until 31 August. R395. (Updated 15/6). 

#. Umi in Camps Bay: 2 couc vv bvrse set menu R180, 3 courses R220. Fish & fries R110, Japanese pizza R75, Sirloin R120, Butternut soup R65, Half price sushi.  Tel (021) 437-1802 (added 23/5)

#  Pepenero in Mouille Point : 2 courses R180, 3 courses R220. Sirloin Tagliata R120, beer battered fish and chips R95, Seafood platter R155, red wine braised lamb shank R165, 6 fresh oysters R95, and  spaghetti alle vongole R95. Daily. Tel (021) 439-9027 (added 23/5)

# Paranga in Camps Bay: 2 courses R250; 3 courses R300; Daily. Tel (021) 438-0404 (added 23/5)

#. The Bungalow in Clifton: 2 courses R200; 3 courses R240. Lamb curry R185, fillet pasta R135, Mussels R120, chicken schnitzel R95, Thai chicken curry R105, and braised lamb neck R165. Tel (021) 438-2018 (added 23/5)

#   La Belle Bistro & Bakery, Camps Bay, The Alphen, Mouille Point: 2 courses R190, 3 courses R230. Tel (021) 437-1278/439-9036 (added 25/5)

#   Dalliance, V & A Waterfront: 2 courses R190, 3 courses R230. Tel (021) 418-1037. (Added 25/5)

#  Open Door, Constantia. Three courses Lunch or Dinner Tuesday – Friday. R295.. Tables of four or more receive a complimentary bottle of Constantia Uitsig Natura Vista. 

#. Bistro Sixteen82, Steenberg: Five tapas to share for two R300 for tables of up to 10 persons, Monday – Sunday 17h00 – 20h00, until 30 September. Free coffee with any breakfast Monday – Friday except public holidays. Lunch Special: 2 courses from R185, 3 courses R215, 4 courses R245. Prices valid for tables of up to 10 persons. Until 29 September. Tel (021) 713-2211. (updated 18/5/16)

#.  Catharina’s, Steenberg Hotel:  2 courses R165, 3 courses R195, Lunch Monday – Saturday. 3 course Dinner without wine R265, R295 with wine. Monday – Sunday, until 31 August.  Tel (021) 713-7178. (added 25/5)

#.  La Mouette, Regent Road, Sea Point : 4-courses and a carafe of wine R 295. Tuesday – Sunday dinner, Sunday lunch. From 8 June.  Tel (021) 433-0856 (added 30/5)

#   Harbour House, Constantia Nek and Kalk Bay: 2 courses R195 (R220 with a glass of wine), 3 course menu R215, or R240 with glass of wine, Mondays – Fridays, June. Tel (021) 795-0688/788-4133/418-4744 (updated 3/6)

#   Harbour House, V & A Waterfront: 3 course menu R215, or R240 with glass of wine, Mondays – Thursdays. June. Tel (021) 795-0688/788-4133/418-4744 (Updated 3/6)

#   Harbour House, Constantia: High Tea Petit R150; High Tea Sweet & Savoury R185; High Tea Deluxe R260. All include a Pot of Tea. The Deluxe High Tea costs R320 with a glass of bubbly added. Monday – Saturday 14h00 -17h00. Tel (021) 795-0688. (Added 23/5)

#   Live Bait Muizenberg: Hake and calamari combo R205, Mondays to Thursdays. Tel (021) 788-2705. (Added 23/5). 

#   Grand Africa CafĂ© & Beach: 2 courses R195, 3 courses R255. June. Tel (021) 425-0551 (added 3/6)

#   Mangata Restaurant, Simons Town: Mussel Madness Monday 2 main courses R195, Sunday Roast R 149 pp. Tel (021) 786-1635 (added 25/5)

#   The Shortmarket Club, Shortmarket Str: 3 course Prix Fixe Menu R280, with carafe of wine added R 360. Lunch. Until 30 September. Tel (021) 447-2874 (added 25/5)

#   Pot Luck Club, Biscuit Mill: ‘Lucky Lunch’ Japanese Kitchen Style Lunch Menu R250. Mo day – Friday Lunch. 30 May – 30 September. Tel (021) 447-0804. 

#   Shimmy Beach Club: Winter Menu, until end August. Tel (021) 200-7778. (added 25/5)

#   Constantia Glen: Winter soups (goulash, butternut and sage, and French Onion) at R 90 per single serving, or R95 for smaller trio of soups. Wines from R50 per glass. Until 31 August. Tel (021) 795-5639 (added 26/5)

#   Meloncino, V&A Waterfront: 50% off pizza, pasta, and cocktails. 11h00 – 19h00. 1 June – 31 August. Tel (021) 419-5558 (added 25/5)

#. City Grill, V&A Waterfront: 50% off all Gourmet Steaks and Burgers.  11h00 – 19h00. 1June – 31 August. Tel (021) 419-5558 (added 25/5)

#.  The Greek Fisherman. Fisherman Seafood Platter R140, 50% off second platter. 11h00 – 19h00. 1 June – 31 August. Tel (021) 419-5558 (added 25/5)

#. Aubergine: 2 course Winter Bistro dinner, 3 courses, July  â€“ Awaiting Specials. Monday – Saturday evenings. Tel (021) 465-4909 (added 30/5)

#   Cape Town Fish Market, Big Bay, V&A Waterfront, Canal Walk, Tyger Valley, Stellenbosch, Tokai, Grand West : 200g fish and chips, or burger with chips and onion rings, for R50 on Mondays; 50% off Sushi and 25% off sushi platters on Tuesdays; Granger Bay Seafood platter for two to share R199, and Fish Hoek Seafood platter R99 per person, on Wednesdays. Sushi platters from R89 on Thursdays. Complimentary prawn spring rolls with a bottle of Lord’s Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir.  Family Feast R360 for four persons (R90 per head), with 4 hake fillets, 12 prawns, and deep-fried calamari. Tel 083 400 2005 (added 30/5)

#   I â™„ my Laundry, Buitengracht Street/Buitenkant Street: 8 pieces of Dim Sum from R55. Daily 7h00 – 19h00. Tel 084 6600 777 (added 30/5)

#   HQ, Buitengracht Street: Two for the price of one steak, chips and salad, on Mondays; #DateNight 2 steaks and 2 glasses R280 on Tuesdays; Half price tapas on Thursdays. Tel (021) 424-6373 (added 30/5)

#   Reverie Social Table, Observatory: 5 courses and 6 wines Dinner R545 Monday – Saturday Dinner. June and August. Tel (021) 447-3219 (added 30/5)

#   Mondiall, V & A Waterfront: 2 courses R185, 3 courses R225 Lunch and Dinner.  Tel (021) 418-3003 (updated 31/5)

Mondiall Kitchen & Bar warms up Cape Town with fireplace and Winter Menu!

#   Den Anker, Waterfront: Two Belgian beers on tap and two dishes (mussels, fish, or burger) R125 daily until 19h00.  Tel (021) 419-0249. (Added 3/6). 

Den Anker offers Winter Special with perfect paired dishes and Belgian beers!

#   GreenVine Eatery, Silvermist, Constantia: Sunday Winter Roast R140. Farm Breakfast Monday R59. Suit Up Tuesday breakfast and Bottomless coffee R80. Wine Wednesday lunch with complimentary Silvermist Sauvignon Blanc with meal. Hot cakes Thursday with tea or coffee R40. Beer Friday with 500ml Stella Artois Draught and burger R99. Tel (021)  794-7601. (Updated 3/6)

#   The 41, Camps Bay. 2 courses and complimentary drink R180, 3 courses and complimentary drink R220. Lunch and Dinner, until 31 August. 20 % off Breakfast Tuesday – Sunday 8h00 – 11h30.  Tel (021) 437-0558 (updated 26/6)

#   Massimo’s, Hout Bay. 15 % off total bill lunch Monday – Friday. Eat as much pasta, pizza,  and green salad for R125 per person, for tables of 4 or more. Monday – Thursday. Tel (021) 790-5648. (Updated 8/6)

#   Goloso, Sea Point: Pizza, pasta, or winter stew with a 500 ml Darling Brew Slow Beer R99. Early bird dinner discount – 2 pizzas or 2 pastas or 2 Winter stews and bottle of wine R250 Monday – Sunday 17h00 – 19h00. Until 30 September. Tel (021) 439-2144 (added 3/6)

#   Stuzzico, Villa 47:  2 courses R160, 3 courses R210.  With a bottle of Italian sparkling wine  or 750 ml craft beer or bottle of Italian red or white wine R410 (2 courses)/R510 (3courses). Tel (021) 418-2740 (added 5/6)

#   The Stack, Gardens: 2 courses R 195, 3 courses R235.  Monday – Saturday lunch, Monday – Thursday dinner. Tel (021) 286-0187 (added 5/6)

#   Cheyne’s, Hout Bay: 3 dishes R150. Tel (021) 790-3462 (added 5/6)

#   Burger & Lobster: The All Rounder’ (70g B&L Slider, Half Lobster Roll, Lobster Bisque, Fries) R139, Monday – Saturday, Lunch & Dinner. Tel (021) 422-4297  (Added 8/6)

#   Mitico, Kloof Street: Any pizza or pasta  plus glass of wine R75. Monday – Thursday, 12h00 – 16h00.  Tel (021) 422-2260 (added 9/6)

#   Primal Eatery: Two 35-day aged 300g sirloin steaks, with onion and chips, a bottle of KW Foothills Shiraz or Sauvignon Blanc, and sharing warm apple crumble with smoked cinnamon ice cream R450 per couple. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Tel (021) 422-3232. (Added 15/6)

#   Greenhouse, The Cellars-Hohenhort, Constantia: 4 courses R395 Friday and Saturday Lunch. 7 courses R750 Tuesday – Thursday Dinner. Tel (021) 795-6226. (Added 20/6)

#   The Quarterdeck, Grandwest. Prawns R250 on Wednesday evenings. Dinner & Dance Saturday evenings R250. Until 31 July. Tel (021) 505-7220. (Added 30/6)

#  Mynt, Camps Bay: Fillet Special with 2 fillet steaks, 2 sauces, 2 sides, 2 glasses of house wine R350 Monday to Sunday; two for one cocktail Monday – Sunday 17h00 – 19h00; two for one burger and pasta Monday – Friday all day and night. Tel (021) 473-1765 (added 7/7)

#   Seelan Restauarant & Bar, V&A Waterfront: Sunday Buffet 5 starters, 5 main courses, 4 desserts R300. Tel (021) 421-4906 (added 9/7)

#   CabrĂłn Taco Bar, Bree Street : Two for one Tacos, daily until 16h00.  Tel 0844 703 533 ( added 26/7)

#   Arcade, Bree Street: Two pizzas for price of one 12h00 – 20h00; two burgers for price of one, Wednesdays 12h00 – 20h00; two Pizza and/or Burger for price of one Thursdays 12h00 – 20h00. Tel 060 861 0511 (added 26/7). 

#   Royale Eatery: Classic Cheese Burger, Vegetable Cheese Burger, Falafel Salad bowl, chicken salad, 2-topping pizza, for R50, Citizen Patriot beer 440ml R22,  12h00 – 17h00, until 1 October. Tel (021) 422-4536 (added 26/7).

#  Clarkes Bar and Diner, Bree Street: Two for one cheeseburger, or beetroot and Aubergine burger for price of one between 18h00 – 19h00 on Tuesdays. Tel (021) 424-7648 (added 26/7)

#   Mini & Trout, Bree Street: Curry night R99 on Tuesdays. Tel (021)  426-2534 (added 26/7).

Franschhoek

#.  Haute Cabriere: 300g steak with a glass of Haute Cabriere Pinot Noir R175, with Creme BrĂ»lĂ©e R225 Tel (021) 876-3688 (added 30/5)

#  Leeu Estates:  15% off with Leeu Collection Loyalty Card. Tel (021) 492-2220 (added 30/5)

#  Leeu House:  15% off with Leeu Collection Loyalty Card. Tel (021) 492-2221 (added 30/5)

#. Tuk Tuk Microbrewery: 15% off with Leeu Collection Loyalty Card. Tel (021) 492-2207 (added 30/5)

#   Marigold Authentic Indian:  15% off with Leeu Collection Loyalty Card. Tel (021) 876-8970

#   The Garden Room at Le Quartier Français: 15% off with Leeu Collection Loyalty Card. Tel (021) 876-2151.

#   La Petite Ferme: Wine and Food Experience 8 June, 6 July, 3 August. Dinner showcasing four wines, one La Petite Ferme, two other local, and one international, 3-course dinner R 750. Tel (021) 876-3016.

#   Dutch East: Grilled sirloin R135, on Fridays. Tel (021) 876-3547 (added 20/6)

Paarl

#.  FABER, Avondale, Paarl:  3 courses R250, Wednesday – Sunday Lunch, Thursday to Saturday Dinner, until 30 September. Tel (021) 202-1219.(Updated 20/6)

#   eat@Simonsvlei, Paarl: Cape Malay chicken curry, Cape Brandy tart and whipped cream  p,us glass of Simonsvlei Bukettraube R145. June – September. Tel (021) 863-3845. (Added 3/6)

Wellington

#   Oude Wellington Restaurant: ‘Kerrie Tafel’ three curries with rices, and sambals R150 per person. Wednesday Dinner. Until 27 September. Tel 082 836 8924. 

Stellenbosch

#.  Terroir, Kleine Zalze: Tuesday – Sunday Lunch, Tuesday – Saturday Dinner. Two courses with glass of Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection wine R295, four courses R395/R495 without/with wine. Until 30 September. Tel (021) 880-8167 (added 15/5)

#   Makaron, Majeka House: Small plates of 4/5/6 courses for R450/R565/675. If paired with wines the cost is R770/R940/R1100. Thursday – Tuesday Dinner. Tel (021) 880-1549. (added 25/5)

#  Delheim: Jazz and Cheese Fondue plus glass of GlĂŒhwein and live jazz R 230, Sundays from 25 June until 27 August. Tel (021) 888-4607 (added 30/5)

#   Cucina Di Giovanni, Eikendal Vineyards: Winter Mini Pizza (three) and Wine Pairing R60. Tuesdays – Sundays, until 30 June, and 1 August – 30 September. Tel (021) 855-1422. (added 20/6)

#  Eikendal Vineyards: Winter Pizza & Wine Pairing Experience, mini pizza and matching estate wine R60. Tuesdays – Sundays, 12h00 – 16h00 from 1 August to 30 September. Tel (021) 855-1422. (Added 26/7) ‘

Somerset West

#   Benguela on Main: 2 courses R240, 3 courses R310. Tuesday – Saturday Dinner, Lunch Friday and Saturday. From 2 June – 30 September.  Tel 087 357 0637 (added 25/5)

#   Henri’s Restaurant & Pub: 2 courses R 220, 3 courses R250, inclusive of a bottle of Lourensford River Garden wine per coup,e, or two glasses per single guest. Monday – Saturday Lunch and Dinner, and Sunday Lunch. Tel (021) 852-6442 (added 31/5)

Hermanus

#   Benguela Cove Restaurant: 3 courses, glass of wine, and glass of GlĂŒhwein R450 per person. Tel 087 357 0637 (added 30/5)

#   Origins Restaurant, The Marine Hotel: Winter Curry with almond and coriander rice, Pippa don, chutney and raita. R160. Lunch and Dinner. Until 30 June. Tel (028) 313-1000 (added 20/6)

Bot River

* GabriĂ«lskloof Restaurant, Bot River: 2-courses R210, 3-courses R250 Wednesday – Monday. Sharing Sundays 3 courses R300 per person. Until 31 August. Tel (028) 284-9865 (added 31/5)

Plettenberg Bay

* SeaFood at The Plettenberg: Await Specials information. Tel (044) 533-2030 

Closed for winter break

# The Kitchen at Maison: closed until 4 July (added 30/5)

#  Indochine, Delaire Graff: closed until 24 June (added 30/5)

#  Camphors at Vergelegen: Closed until 14 June (added 30/5)

#  Reverie Social Table: 1 – 30 June (added 30/5)

#  La Colombe: Winter break 9 – 30 June (updated 2/6).

#   Osteria Tarantino closed 10 – 25 June (added 8/10)

#  Waterkloof Restaurant: Closed from 19 June – 19 July (added 30/5)

#   Haute CabriĂšre: Closed from 26 June – 7 August (added 30/5)

#   FABER, Avondale, Paarl: 22 -30 May, 26 June – 11 July. (Added 25/5)

#   Makaron, Majeka House: closed 25 June – 29 July (added 20/6)

#   Pot Luck Club, Old Biscuit Mill: 26 June – 9 July (added 25/5)

#   Spier Hotel Restaurant & Bar: 1 July – 15 September. (Added 19/6)

#   Terroir: 3 – 25 July. (Added 25/5)

#   The Dining Room: closed 7 -19 July (added 8/6)

#  Bistro Sixteen82: 24 July – 10 August (added 25/5)

#   Primal Eatery: 1 – 15 August (added 6/7)

#.  Karoux in McGregor: 11 – 13 August (added 25/5)

#   Benguela on Main, Somerset West: 13 August – 13 September. (Added 25/5)

#   SOURCE restaurant in Hermanus not offering Dinner in winter. (Added 20/6)

Please send Winter Specials information to chrisvonulmenstein@gmail.com, to be added to this list. 

Please note: This list belongs to us, and permission must be requested to copy or post it elsewhere, with acknowledgement to our WhaleTales Blog. We wish you wonderful Winter eating and enjoyment.

Chris von Ulmenstein, WhaleTales Blog: www.chrisvonulmenstein.com/blog Tel +27 082 55 11 323 Twitter:@Ulmenstein Facebook: click here Instagram: @Chris_Ulmenstein