Leopold7, expect the unexpected

There is a new kid on the block in terms of craft beer and I must say I am impressed! A beer that is made with the environment in mind is my kind of beer!

With the theme of “expect the unexpected” I was whisked away to a magical night in Elgin at the Old Mac Daddy Airstream Park. For those of you that don’t know that part of the country, it really is something special. The green rolling hills and quiet forest surroundings make you feel like you are 100 miles from nowhere. Perfect for a picnic and beer under an old oak tree!

Leopold7 is a craft beer that has come to South Africa from Belgium and has hit the shores with amazing flavours of citrus and floral notes. We were treated to tasting notes to get our taste buds going (from popcorn to chocolate truffles) through out the day, which started off by listening to opera in the middle of a farm field. Very much expect the unexpected!

To see a fusion of international beer and local inspiration come to fruition in leopold7 is simply, magical. One minute we were crossbow shooting the next watching synchronized swimmers perform in a lake. All that just to emphasize the boldness that is Leopold7. With a higher than normal alcohol level this beer truly is audacious and with 3 grains and 3 hops blended together with a secret spice (that none of us could guess, let me know if you can) you can truly expect a great tasting beer that is sure to rock beer culture in South Africa!  

-Melissa

The perfect night in with Country Road

If you follow the blog or know me personally you will know that I am all about the dinner party and a fabulous brunch. These are soul-filling events for me because I get to spend time with the people I love the most. Cooking up a storm and entertaining come naturally for me. That’s not to say that I don’t however enjoy the perfect night in taking time to recharge.
 
I thought I would give you a peek into what I cook for myself. I am a huge fan of a one-pot wonder when I am alone as it leaves me with less dishes and I can pop it in the fridge to nibble off.
 
Sometimes I just need to switch off and cuddle up with a great series or book and the country road knitted blankets are the softest cuddle buddies (insert cuddle puddle here). With winter having arrived with aplomb I couldn't wait to share my recent collaboration with Country Road and their beautiful cozy knits. I thought I would show you not only my #countryroadstyle but also a recipe which I love to make.
It is a butternut soup that freezes really well. You can portion it, then just pop it on the stove when you are ready.
It's hearty with a fiery little spice kick (depending on how warm you want to keep.)
 
All homeware and knits are available at Country Road. Cat not included.

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Ingredients:
 
3 tablespoons coconut oil.
1 large onion, chopped.
3 garlic gloves, chopped.
1 tablespoon ginger, peeled and chopped.
1 red chilli, chopped (you can add less or more)
2 cups celery, chopped.
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped.
1 large sweet potato washed and chopped.
1 kg butternut, peeled and diced.
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 liters vegetable stock.
1 tin coconut milk.
1 bunch of coriander.
Salt and pepper to taste.

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Instructions:
 
Fill your kettle and boil.
Add your coconut oil and onions to a large pot over a medium heat and sweat them down.
Add your garlic, ginger and chilli. Keep stirring.
Add your celery and stir until it starts to soften.
Add your carrots, sweet potato and butternut.
Add a sprinkling of cayenne pepper if you want to turn up the heat!
Once all your vegetables are mixed fill your pot 90% of the way with your vegetable stock. Let boil over a medium to high heat for at least an hour. If you see the water level is running low, top it up with your stock.
I let my soup cook for as long as possible, sometimes up to two hours. It is however ready after an hour.
 
Once all your veggies are soft using a stick blender or a normal blender blend the soup until it reaches a thick consistency. Add it back to your pot and let simmer further.
Add your tin of coconut milk and stir through.
 
Serve hot with croutons and freshly chopped coriander!

After dinner I have become obsessed with peppermint tea. Its great for the digestive system and will keep you warm and cozy!

-Melissa

*This blog post is sponsored by country road which I would gladly have a cuddle puddle with.

The Bee's Knees

Anyone who knows anything about me knows I love a dinner party. The food, the people and of course the wine are major key points to throwing a successful dinner party (that and staying sober whilst cooking) 

I recently started playing around with a few cocktail recipes. I think that they are a lot of fun and bring a little something extra to the table. They are quick and simple and you can serve them as a welcome drink! They really are a great way to start the evening. Not to mention that they will get all your guests tipsy and that way everyone will think your food is amazing no matter what! 

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Ingredients:

• 2 shots of Gin
• 30ml lavender honey syrup
• 30ml lemon juice

Lavender Honey Syrup:

• 125ml honey
• 60ml boiling water
• 1 teaspoon dried lavender

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Instructions:

To make the lavender honey syrup, combine hot water with honey and stir until evenly mixed. Add lavender, stirring to combine.
Let cool, approximately 30 minutes, then pour through a fine mesh strainer to remove lavender.

For the cocktail, combine all ingredients in a shaker full of ice.
Shake vigorously for 10 full seconds. Double strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lavender sprig.

-Melissa

Nomad winelands Stellenbosch

Do you guys know the Star Fish Story? Well here is the long and short of it. 

A wise man was walking along the beach and came across a young man throwing star fish back into the ocean. He asked the young man why he was doing so. The young man replied, 'the tide is going out an the sun is up. If I don't do it they will die.' The old man responded that he couldn't possibly make a difference as there is miles and miles of coast line covered with star fish. The young man picked up a star fish and threw it back in the ocean. As it hit the water he replied, "It made a difference to that one!" 

I guess that is what it is all about. I recently adopted this attitude and became flexitarian. I try to eat vegetarian as much as possible and save meat for special occasions. This attitude, combined with my thirst for trying new places, lead me to Nomad in Stellenbosch. Owned by Keri Bainborough, a passionate vegan, this little spot boasts a menu with that would satisfy the hungriest of farmers with a meaty option, but also - for a change - inspire and delight a vegan who hungers for a delicious food experience! The interior is modern but warm with a beautiful pizza oven as the main feature. We decided to sit out on the balcony over looking the dam. 

The order of the day for me was to have a three course vegan meal. I can safely say that every course was simply delicious and inspired. I had the sweet potato gnocchi served with crispy greens, sweet potato crisps and tomato broth – R75 to start and my mom had the Red quinoa falafel with pepper purée, confit cherry tomato, rocket and toasted pine nuts – R75. I cannot say no to a sweet potato! For mains I had the vegan burger with grilled aubergine, Moroccan olive pesto and vegan mozzarella – R95. My mom had the vegan curry which boasted full on coconut flavour and was really good! For my sweet tooth I had the vegan cheesecake served with blueberry compote and homemade ice cream - R60. The menu reminded me that with a little creativity and thought I could create amazing meals at home that didn't contain any animal by product! It really can be a bit of a trip if you think about it. Most people have the response of "all they eat is bunny food" but Nomad is proving that this is not the case. I even had vegan cheesecake and ice cream. 

So next time you find yourself in the area pop in and try something vegan. Make a difference to that one star fish. 

Here are the details if you want to make a booking: 
Call: 0218652456
Email: info@nomadrestaurant.co.za

-Melissa

The Conservatory Cellars Hohenort

I once read a saying, “You don’t have to have a silver spoon in your mouth to enjoy good food”

The last few weeks I have made a commitment to myself. It’s a commitment to start eating at the wonderful places Cape Town has to offer. I am on a food journey and that also means I cannot become a creature of habit, which for me is very easy to do.  I like value for the money I spend, so I tend to eat at the same spots all the time. I also realise that this is a silly habit. Why? Simply because all the odd coffees and random meals quickly add up to being able to eat at some of the best places Cape Town has to offer!

So this is my new adventure, to get out there and try something new.

My first stop was The Conservatory at Cellars Hohenort.

This restaurant is really something special. As you walk into the dining room there is a tree that is over 100 years old in the center of the room in cased by glass walls. You can look in on this majestic giant and the energy it offers the room is peaceful and calming. I really enjoyed sipping on my wine while watching the squirrels dart around on the tree. It feels like Cellars Hohenort has really respected nature and in fact, embraced it. The service is sharp and the dining experience 5 class.

I often get asked about the price of the experience and I must say they are brilliant for the amazing food that gets served up by the phenomenal Peter Tempelhoff and his team! I moved my way through the whole menu and there was not a moment of disappointment! The cheese soufflé (R95) is a must along with the confit duck (R195), which was all washed down with a crisp Chenin Blanc (my favourite.) The desserts were well thought out and the flavours spot on and it all was so well translated in the presentation. I had the banoffie marquis R70 which was not only beautiful to look at but also to eat!

After lunch I took a long slow walk through the gardens. It felt like I was walking with giants and I could not help but wonder the stories they could tell. To see the gardens is a treat and a perfect way to end an experience of world class dining!

So next time you want to spend money on an average take out, think of this; maybe if you save that money just twice you could end up experiencing something not only a different, but also something great!

If you would likt to book (which I recommend) here are the details: Tel: +27 (0) 21 794 2137

-Melissa