The Shortmarket Club - Appetizer

There is a new kid on the block and it’s called The Shortmarket Club but trust me, there is nothing rookie about this spot

Owned by Chef Wesley Randles, his mentor and legendary Chef Luke Dale Roberts (Test Kitchen and Pot Luck Club,) Simon Widdison (and a few others) The Short Market Club is the hottest new spot in Cape Town and it is not even open yet! 

This exciting new restaurant will be open from the 27th of June and I was lucky enough to get a “behind the scenes” look (tasters included.)

Marked by a beautiful manhole with an owl, fox, hog and butterfly you know you have found what you are looking for when walking down Shortmarket Street.

The Décor is exquisite and the first thing that makes an impression as you walk up the stairs from a humble entrance into the Grand parlour. You get the feeling that this is going to be an exclusive club that not everyone can get an invite to. You are surrounded with woodwork panels created by artist Pete Eastman and stained glass doors that will leave you breathless. The main bar area sports black and white mosaic tiles with small tables - The perfect spot for a pre dinner drink.

As you enter the main dining area it is nothing short of glorious. With high ceilings and classy leather booths I couldn’t help but notice the attention to detail right down to the copper light fittings. I got the feeling of a grand 1920’s speakeasy and felt as if I was stuck in some by gone era during prohibition. Baz Luhrmann eat your heart out.

The main wall of the dining room is the next thing to impress you - It is a beautiful wall of what initially seems to be the main butterfly collection from the museum of natural history. However, on closer inspection you realize that it is an extensive artwork created by artist Mark Rautenbach made up of all the notes, photographs and memories of The Test Kitchen and Pot Luck club burnt into butterfly wings. Wes shared with me that Sandalene, Luke’s wife, had been creative voice behind the magnificent décor along with input from Wes and the Luke Dale Roberts team.  

The menu is going to be one that will pay homage to Wes’s path so far as a chef. A “modern interpretation of the classics” if you will. 

Having followed Luke as far back as La Colombe, Test Kitchen, Pot luck club and Naturalis - the menu is sure to blow your taste buds. With everything from Tomahawk steaks to lobster this menu is something I cannot wait to experience! 

Whether it’s a girls night out filled with cocktails and indulgent food or the setting for an industrious breakfast meeting, The Shortmarket club is ready to serve its eager customers. They will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and from what I can gather (and have tasted) it is going to be an experience to savour. 

A big thank you to Head Chef Wesley Randles for his time and for allowing me a sneak peek of what is sure to become not only one of the Mother Cities Gem’s, but undoubtedly an additional peacock feather in our proud countries culinary cap.

-Melissa

Sweet Potato Churros

It’s bitterly cold and raining in Cape Town. Not exactly my favourite weather. I find it really hard to adult (to be a grown up) when it is pouring and cold. My will to get out of my warm cozy bed simply does not exist. All I want to do is stay in and eat ALL the tasty carbs I can think of. I tend to daydream way too much about the comfort food I could make. Today I am dreaming about this recipe. It’s amazing because it is so more-some and of course it has melted chocolate.

Sweet potato is one of my favourite foods. It is a great veggie that can be dressed up in savoury and sweet dishes. You can bake them, fry them and roast them in a variety of different ways! In this case I made some sweet potato churros. They are rolled in cinnamon sugar and then served hot and ready to dunk into a pot of dark chocolate to contrast the sweetness. They also happened to be laced with a little bit of brandy just to warm you up! I usually serve them with a Mexican feast but to be honest the fact that they have chocolate means they can go with anything! 

---

Makes 30

Ingredients:

• 110 grams (1/2 a cup) salted butter
• 125ml (1/2 a cup) water
• 1,25ml(1/4 teaspoon) salt
• 1 ¼ cups flour, sifted
• ½ sweet potato, boiled and mashed (skin off)
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
• 3 Tablespoon brandy
• Oil, for deep-frying (preferably seed oil)

To serve:

• 150 grams sugar
• 15ml cinnamon
• 100 grams dark chocolate (good quality always, I used Lindt 70%)

---

Instructions:

Heat the butter, water and salt in a large pot over a medium heat.

Bring to a slight boil, reduce the heat and add the flour, stirring constantly, over a low heat, until it makes a smooth paste. (Work those arms)

Stir in the sweet potato, mixing well.  Remove from heat.

Using an electronic mixer, add eggs, one at a time, beating well. When the eggs have all been incorporated, stir in the vanilla and brandy. 

Place a small bowl over a pot with simmering water. Break your chocolate in and let sit over the heat for 5 minutes. Turn the heat down and fold in the chocolate. Once melted turn off the heat and let it sit ready for dunking.

Heat your oil in a deep pan. If you put a wooden spoon in and you see fine bubbles around the wood, the oil is ready. 

Use a large piping bag with a star nozzle to pipe out 10cm long churros. Cut them with scissors as you pipe them. Deep-fry them being careful they do not go too brown. Two minutes either side should be enough.

Stir together cinnamon and sugar in a shallow medium dish. Toss the Churros gently in the mixture and serve warm and ready to dunk into you chocolate. Don't try toss them when they are cold as the sugar won't stick as well!

-Melissa

What to do in Robertson Wine Valley

Everyone thinks that Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the best wine areas in Cape Town. Now don’t get me wrong, they are amazing!!! (#firstworldproblems) but if you happen to want for a new adventure, Robertson is the place for you.
I recently took a shot left and ventured out to the Robertson wine valley. Firstly, can we have a moment for the beautiful drive? If you haven’t done it before, you should. It really is a drive that is breathtaking. If you leave early, the morning light hits the mountains in a way that will make you see them with new eyes!

Once in Robertson there are so many activities and exciting places to stay, that I simply had to share them. The wonderful thing is that a few of them are children friendly and pet friendly so the whole family can join in on the fun!

One of my first experiences in Robertson was something a little different. You have all heard of a braai (a South African BBQ) and you have all heard of a fondue. Well, combine the two and you have one awesome lunch spot at Rietvallei Wines.  A family run business filled with a passion for wines to the point that most of them are named after family members! I am all about being a proudly South African girl when it comes to a great braai. The meat was beautiful and the awesome thing is that it all came from local farmers. So one could say, a true farm to table experience. It definitely left me pondering about the point of rather than meat free Monday, we should eat less meat and actually support local free-range farmer. Food for thought. Bookings are essential.

With my stomach full and my thirst for wine not quiet satisfied (I am slightly wine obsessed) I ventured off to a magnificent estate, De Wetshof. I was treated to a walking tour of the estate and a site specific Chardonnay tasting in the vineyards. It was one of the most beautiful wine tastings I have ever had. The splendid cheese and charcuterie platters were delectable and the crisp wine was perfect to wash it all down.  I really enjoyed watching the sunset while sitting between the vineyards that had produced the amazing wine I was drinking! It was something unique and I would definitely book the experience again!

My first night in the area I stayed at one of my favourite spots. I actually did a blog post on them specifically not too long ago that you can read here. The country lodge is called Jan Harms Gat and it is filled with history and charm.  It is a five star establishment that offers not only their own amazing wine but also a food pairing that is scrumptious and homey.  Waking up in the mist to a farm style breakfast and hot coffee is something I will never get tired of.

What would a trip into wine country be with out bubbles? No not champagne but MCC. A proudly South African Methode Cap Classique and my host, Graham Beck Wines. I was treated to an educational and fascinating side to the widely enjoyed MCC. To see the hours of labour and love that go into every bottle was amazing! It made me realize that next time you want to complain about the price of your wine, you should think about the months of labour and love that go into each bottle! It was mind blowing to see. The tasting session of still wines as well as their prized MCC left me wanting more. I was so impressed with their still wines that I walked away (proudly) with four bottles in hand and slightly tipsy because I wasn’t going to pour it out after each tasting!

I popped into Springfield Wines for a tasting and I was stunned with their beautiful grounds! A pet friendly spot (which I love) Springfield offers the option to pack your own picnic basket and spend the day basking on their lawn whilst sipping on their five star wines! Not a bad option if you want to get away from the humdrum of the city! The views are incredible and the ambiance is relaxing!

After having my lion’s share of wine I visited the vibey and rustic Olive farm Marbrin. They produce some of South Africa’s top olive oil and walked me through the process of making it. I loved tasting the variants that were earthy and bold but I must admit, it was terribly hard to not get distracted by their cute collie that kept asking for his stick to be thrown. I was brought back to reality when cheese tasting was mentioned. If you know me, I am ALL about the cheese. La Mont cheese had put together a mouth-watering cheese tasting that included fried Halloumi and cream cheese with focaccia. They supply some cheese to Woolworths including their Halloumi. With home made Limoncello (made on the farm) to end off the day it made for a memorable experience.

Mo & Rose was my lodging for my final nights stay in Robertson. I love this guesthouse and highly recommend it if you are passing by or looking for great four-star accommodation in Robertson. The décor is simplistic with a european flair and the bedrooms have fireplaces, a major plus when the sun goes down, as the area can get very cold in winter. It used to be a cactus nursery in the 1950’s and was bought over by Axil and Mo. She had a vision and transformed the magnificent garden into what it is today. Some of her cacti are 60 years and older! There are gardens tours for in house guest (booking in advance is essential.) The food menu is simple but it is done well and at the end of the day that is what it is all about.  With friendly service and a peaceful atmosphere Mo & Rose ranks as one of my top experiences in Robertson. Even if you were passing by I would stop for a cup of coffee and a walk through the succulents!

If you haven’t done a wine and chocolate pairing before it is really something you have to try! Robertson Winery does a wonderful one! Bookings are essential, as you don’t want to miss out and be disappointed. I was treated to a tasting in their cellars that are 75 years old! It was a great experience. With locally sourced chocolate that has been perfectly matched to their wines, I really enjoyed the education I received on the nuances of the flavours I was experiencing! I mean chocolate and wine! What’s not to love?

A great lunch spot and my final destination in Robertson was the Van Loveren Wine estate. I opted for a garden tour, as I am a geek for history and nature! I loved learning about the towering trees and soaking up the energy that they give out as you walk the estate. With great wines to match the beauty of the property I settled down for lunch. The food was delicious, hearty and left me content. Not only with lunch and wine but also a wonderful weekend getaway.

So next time you want to experience Cape Town's wine culture at its finest, take a drive out to Robertson Wine Valley!

-Melissa

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.

---

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.

---

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.