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The simple life of a foreigner lost in Cape Town... read about what's hot, what's not, where to go and what to do or eat!!

Monday, September 23, 2013

Its Braai day on Tuesday 24th (South African heritage day - BBQ day)



If you dont yet know the word "Braai", it is the local slang for BBQ- and if anyone in the world knows how "to braai", it's definitely the South Africans! It is in their blood more than in their culture!

Sizzling Braai Meat

So if you are not planning your own Braai  or haven't yet been invited to one, celebrate South African culture at a selection of Braai Day events this Heritage Day - get ready to smell burning meat wherever you will be tomorrow, nothing will stop the South Africans from Braaing tomorrow!

See few places you can experience this unique wonderrful and warm day!

Heritage Day Potjiekos Challenge at Noordhoek Farm Village

Contestants who craft the best tasting, truly South African potjie stand a chance to take home the gold, silver and bronze medals as well as a hearty helping of bragging rights.
Though, this Heritage Day affair isn’t limited to only those slaving away over their steaming, three-legged cast iron pots; visitors can sample each potjie and can perhaps even sway the judges’ opinions. Samples will be for sale at R20 per container (and rice, eco-friendly containers and utensils for eating will be provided), and the proceeds of the sales go to a nominated charity.
Time:09:00 - 18:00
Venue:Noordhoek Farm Village
Location:Cnr Main Road and Village Lane | Noordhoek
Price:R20p/p
Phone:+27 (0) 21 789 1317
Email
  info@noordhoekvillage.co.za

Braai Day Menu at Dornier Bodega
For an elegant National Braai Day, indulge in lavish dining and fine wine at Dornier Bodega restaurant in Stellenbosch. On Tuesday, 24 September 2013, the charming eatery will be offering a special Braai Day menu, and guests can look forward to an upscaled version of the traditional South African barbeque: beef fillet, lamb chops and boerewors grilled on the fire. A pescetarian option of linefish, also done on the braai, is on offer too. The cost is R250p/p for a three-course meal (it also includes a mezze platter for starters and delicious local desserts), and the experience comes complete with views of scenic fynbos-clad hills and manicured vines.
Dornier Wine Estate | Blaauwklippen Road | Stellenbosch | +27 (0) 21 880 0557


The Backyard Grill Lounge

Looking for a chilled vibe with your mates this braai day? Pop in at the Backyard Grill Lounge in Sea Point for some steaks and beers. Although the barbeque-focused eatery will not be hosting an actual event, there will be a steak special running on Tuesday, 24 September, that treats patrons to 300g of rump or rib-eye (including a side) for a mere R99. The succulent meat is smothered in Jason’s (the owner) signature “everything but the kitchen sink” basting sauce and expertly grilled by a seasoned braai master. If you haven’t come across this young and bustling restaurant just yet, don’t be fooled by the narrow, unassuming entrance. Walk through to the warm, rustic interior and on to the large outside (‘backyard’) barbeque area and make yourself at home. If you’re looking for something a bit less meaty, the menu offers alternative seafood and vegetarian options too. On Heritage Day the restaurant opens at 12pm.
72 Regent Road | Sea Point | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 433 1296

Longest Braai Marathon: Guinness World Record Attempt (22 – 27 September 2013)

Join Kidz Adventure Camp NPC at the Jan Burger Sports Complex in Parow North as John Hamman attempts to break the current Guinness World Record for the longest braai marathon with a five-day barbeque (clocking up to 120 hours). The festivities start on Sunday, 22 September 2013, with loads of family- and kid-friendly activities and live Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment. On National Braai Day, moms and dads can keep the kiddies entertained with jumping castles, and everyone is invited to bring along their Weber and enjoy some live music and braai day fun. Those who can’t make it to the venue can sponsor a braai pack, and all food braaied during the five-day challenge will be donated to orphanages around Cape Town. Entry to this event is free.
Jan Burger Sports Complex | De Grendel Road | Parow North | +27 (0) 76 323 5057

Hazendal Wine Estate’s Bring & Braai Day Celebration

For those who insist on holding fast to their braai master status, but who don’t have space at home to fire up the grill, Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch is offering the perfect solution. The farm, with its sprawling lawns, mountain vistas and charming Cape Dutch architecture, is hosting a family-friendly Bring and Braai celebration for Heritage Day from 11am to 5pm on Tuesday, 24 September. So, pack your meat, drinks, glasses, blankets and portable braais with grids and enjoy a picnic on the estate’s gorgeous greens. A jumping castle and jungle gym will be set up for the little ones, and Hazendal wine can be purchased from the restaurant. Don’t forget the wood and ice! The entrance fee is R30 per adult, and kids enter for free.
Bottelary Road | Koelenhof | Stellenbosch | +27 (0) 21 903 5034

Heritage Day Lunch at The Clubhouse

The Clubhouse restaurant at the Claremont Cricket Club in Constantia is hosting its very first annual Heritage Day braai-inspired lunch on Tuesday, 24 September 2013. The family-style eatery is a great place for a traditional Braai Day celebration, and patrons can enjoy breathtaking scenery and views of Table Mountain across the cricket fields. The menu for the day includes dishes like Coconut and Coriander-Infused Chicken Skewers, Homemade Clubhouse Boerewors and Crispy Bacon, Caper, Red Onion, Pickle and Herb Potato Salad, to name just a few. Overall, you can expect a casual atmosphere, excellent food and great service, all at a cost of R115 for adults and R55 for children (drinks for patrons’ own account). The lunch starts at 12:30pm.
Claremont Cricket Club | Constantia Sports Complex | Constantia | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 794 6314

Snoek Braai at Delheim Estate

Celebrate Heritage Day with a laidback snoek braai at the legendary Delheim wine farm, which rests just outside of Stellenbosch. From 12pm on the public holiday, the estate’s proprietors, the Sperling family, will light the fires in celebration of South African cultural diversity. The fresh snoek will be accompanied by traditional roosterkoek, mielies (sweet corn), sweet potatoes and braai salads; plus, the children can enjoy a special sausage-on-a-skewer alongside fresh fruit. Then, for dessert, adults can indulge in Delheim’s popular mascarpone cheesecake with berry coulis while kiddies tuck into a passion fruit sorbet cone. The cost to join in on the festivities is R145p/pfor adults and R65p/p for children under the age of 12. Seating is limited, so booking is essential.
Knorhoek Road | Stellenbosch | +27 (0) 21 888 4607 

DIY Braai at Nederburg’s The Red Table

Book a braai barrel at The Red Table restaurant at Nederburg wine estate in celebration of Heritage Day on Tuesday, 24 September. The eatery will provide meat and seafood, as well as side dishes like salads, vegetables, traditional pap and sheba (tomato and onion relish), and guests are encouraged to fire up their own flames. If a DIY braai is not your thing though, the restaurant’s chefs are kind enough to man the grid on your behalf (just indicate this request when you make the booking). A tasty starter of home-baked flatbread with hummus, basil pesto and baba ghanoush will be served before the actual braai commences. And, of course, a wide array of reasonably priced fine wines from the Nederburg range will also be on offer. The cost of reserving a braai barrel is R220p/p for adults and R95p/p for kids, and the best braaier of the day will win a great wine prize. The braai starts at 12pm, and booking well in advance is essential.
Sonstraal Road | Daljosafat | Paarl | +27 (0) 21 877 5155

Braai Day Treats at Durbanville Hills Wines

Looking to do something a bit less formal on Braai Day? Durbanville Hills is offering a great option. At the estate on 24 September, you can enjoy live music and an assortment of gourmet boerewors rolls and chicken sosaties fresh off the braai at only R35 a serving. Alternatively, you can relax while being served lunch from the restaurant’s a la carte menu. There’s no need to braai yourself, so you’ll be free to spread out on the lawns and soak up the spectacular view of the vineyards and Table Mountain’s silhouette.
Tygerberg Road | Durbanville | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 558 1300
 

DIY BRAAI


OUDERKRAAL

Waves lapping gently at the sandy shore, a bevy of beauties parading around and wonderfully maintained braai areas make Oudekraal a must.
Location: Between Camps Bay and Llandudno
Contact: +27 (0)21 438 9555
Website:
www.sanparks.org

SILVERMINE

With a backdrop of the beautiful Table Mountain Reserve,  Silvermine braai and picnic area is arguably the most beautiful BBQ settings in Cape Town. This is a fantastic braai spot for an ultra-sunny day but braaiing isn’t allowed during the hot summer months as it is a fire risk – take advantage of the Mother City’s warm winter days for this spot. The official braai areas are situated alongside the Silvermine reservoir and each clearing boasts a large and relatively private picnic space for its users. There are also plenty of trails and bird watching perches as well.
Cost: R25 adults, R10 kids under 12 (Wild Card holders are free).
Gate times: 07h00 to 19h00.
Tel: 021-780-9002
Need to know: Swimming in the reservoir is allowed so bring your cozzie.

Wynberg Park

Luscious lawns, a huge playground for the little ones and ample facilities to prove your braaing skills ... what’s not to love about Wynberg Park?
Location: Corner of Klaasens and Trovato Link Roads, Wynberg
Contact: +27 (0)21 710 9403
Website:
www.capetown.gov.za

Braai with Mzoli's

Great music, expertly braaied meat and a vibrant township vibe that you just won’t find anywhere else make Mzoli’s Place in Gugulethu a Capetonian favourite.
Location: Shop 3, NY115 & NY108, Gugulethu
Contact: +27 (0)21 638 1355

Braai with Amadoda 

Similar concept to Mzoli's but with already made up menus to choose from, great vibe and music, a Woodstock favorite!
Location: 4 Strand Street, Woodstock,


Day trip braai

Die Strandloper Seafood Restaurant

The aromatic fish braai at this coastal restaurant in Langebaan is worth the drive. Try their angel fish, snoek, crayfish, freshly baked bread and more. The moerkoffie (traditionally very strong coffee) and company aren’t too bad either!
Location: Langebaan
Contact: +27 (0)22 772 2490
Website: www.strandloper.com






Tuesday, September 10, 2013

European goods available in Cape Town at Euro Goods

So if like most of us foreigners, you go home with an empty suit case, just so that you can bring back all your favourite goodies from back home, this is the place for you!
Recently opened at the Palms centre in Woodstock, Euro is a little shop full of great non perishable food products from Europe. Mainly imported from Germany and Italy, they are starting to also stock some French products and you can also request some specific products and they can source them for you.
The good part is that they are really not overpriced either!
I bought some raspberry syrup (cordial), some chocolates, beers, jars of veg, Jaffa cakes of course and other little goodies for a small price :) Made my day to get home and savour some of Home in Cape Town!


You can find anything from pastas, to sauces to 4 ply toilet paper....and all type of sweets such as Milka chocolates, Harribo sweets, Jaffa cakes and German beers (a wide variety including 0% alcohol)

They are open Monday to Friday 9 till 5pm and Saturdays 9 till 2pm.
 
Cell:  (083) 294 7543
E-mail: schalkstapelberg@gmail.com
Web: www.germangoods.co.za
Location: The Palms décor centre, Sir Lowry road, Woodstock.