Seagulls, Kalk Bay, Cape Town

Good memories with old friends...

Nottingham Road, Kwa Zulu Natal Midlands

Probably one of the most beautiful places in South Africa. The Midlands in Kwa Zulu Natal holds a very special place in my heart. I took this photo ages ago whilst on a fly fishing trip up that way....

The Table, De Meye, Stellenbosch

This weekend was one of those blow outs in terms of eating and drinking. Sunday evening I almost wanted to assume the foetal position and just sit in the corner of my living room. I may have overdone it a little. However, I must make a point of highlighting our Sunday lunch at The Table on De Meye wine farm in Stellenbosch, which was simply outstanding. Every weekend they serve a set 3-course meal that varies according to the season and availability of the products. All the ingredients used are locally sourced, and there is a story that accompanies everything, from the hand churned butter, to the gorgeous ratatouille served with our slow roasted lamb.

The Table is situated in a humble old farm house, and is run by couple Camilla Comins and Russell Wasserfall. Camilla takes the reigns in the kitchen, creating delightful meals that warm the soul. Having always wanted to be a chef and open her own restaurant from a young age, one can taste the food is prepared with passion and focus for warm dining. Russell covers the front of house with his contagious smile and charismatic manner. His beautiful photographs of garlic cloves and a lone, dew covered asparagus grace the walls. He's been in the food photography game for years, and his work is both brilliant and inspiring for me. The Table is that rustic and gorgeous kind of establishment that makes you feel like you're sitting in the Natal Midlands, removed from the buzz and heave of every day city life. The food is genuine, home cooked cuisine, and because the menu changes weekly, you're guaranteed to get the freshest meal available. Nothing fancy, but wholesome, delicious eating. My kind of eating. Needless to say, we all left a little wobbly on our feet, both food and wine induced.

McGregor, Western Cape

Air - African Velvet

I can't help but smile listening to this...

Tokara Deli, Stellenbosch

Tokara's Deli is such a must do. It's always a juggle when wine farms start veering away from their focus on the wine aspect of the estate and begin adding restaurant's, jungle gyms, horse paddocks and petting zoos. I feel that it kind of detracts from the point that they are in the first instance a wine estate, and that the emphasis should be on the product itself. More often than not, you'll find that the quality of wine tends to slip. However, Tokara's new venture in their deli has proven that this isn't always the case. It's slick, chic and affordable, and offers a welcome alternative to the otherwise pretentious restaurant scene found on most wine farms these days. Home-style cooking and beautiful anti pasta platters is this deli's game, and paired with Tokara's superb wine and breathtaking view, it all goes down a treat. I'm definitely planning on another visit soon...

Happy Space, Champagne Castle, Drakensberg

Sunset from Stellenbosch, looking back at Table Mountain