EATING CAPE TOWN

It is no secret that I love food, eating and cooking it, therefore I think it is time to devote more space to the culinary stuff in and around Cape Town.

One of the things that surprised me was the selection of fresh fruit and vegetables available from the local supermarkets – somehow I had the typical inlander view of Cape Town being so far away from the major production areas. Yes, I admit, I was wrong. Then, of course, there is the fresh fish. Real fresh, caught-this-morning, never-been frozen fish!

An absolute must do if you are into food is the Saturday morning market at the Old Biscuit Mill. Two halls with the freshest local produce you can imagine, yummy breads, fresh herbs and spices, seafood and even a variety of fresh mushrooms. Most of the produce can be tasted before you buy.

Plan your morning around this market – get there early (they open at 09h00), have a light breakfast at one of the stalls, anything from omelettes to rostis, then do your shopping. Stock up on bread, cheese, wine, beer, pate (look out for the snoek pate in the corner), even flowers and vegetables – everything you need for a casual picnic or classy dinner under one roof.

Late morning grab a roll from Steve Jeffrey’s The Chaucuterie (and some excellent cold meats to take home), a craft beer, my favourite is Jack Black’s India Pale Ale, and soak up some sun while enjoying the best of local food.

Some years ago we got into a habit of meeting friends at our local pub on Monday evenings, we have no idea how this started, but like all good things, it being a regular event. Sort of breaks the week after Monday, which is usually a hectic day. We brought this habit to Cape Town with us and we are usually found on Monday evenings at Caffe Verdi, Wolfe Street, in the Old Wynberg Village. Apart from being a pub, they do very good burgers and pastas as well as excellent pizzas (no pizzas on Mondays, though). A bonus for us is their large outdoor smoking section (yes, we have vices). I just wish they would stock some local beers… We must also not forget that Ivan has been the head car guard there for many years and he definitely looks after the cars and will even park your car for you if you are in a hurry to get to a cold beverage! Certainly safe parking!

The Hussar Grill in Main Road, Rondebosch is also worth a lunchtime visit. The last time we went, they offered a three-course lunch for R 50.00, and it was delicious! Beat that!

If you are into reasonably priced, good quality pub fare, try Pirates in Main Road, Plumstead. Weekdays, ask for Fuzzy and tell her we say Hi. Excellent service and value for money food.

In a somewhat different vein, if you have not been to Jou Ma Se Comedy Club at the V&A Waterfront, get a group of friends together and book a table. It is guaranteed fun with a good menu. Get there early, eat and sit back and laugh at the best of SA’s comedians.

Talking about live entertainment with food, visit the Alma Café in Rosebank for good music, good food and a stunning atmosphere. We had the pleasure of seeing the Weirs, Christine and Graham performing there. You remember them from Not The Midnight Mass, don’t you?

If you happen to be in the Woodstock area, pop into the Ocean Jewels Deli in the Woodstock Exchange for a fresh seafood lunch, or some fish to take home and cook your favourite way.

The Brasserie in Tokai’s Sunday lunches are a must – real Sunday lunches prepared with love and so much better than mother used to make…

One of our all time favourite restaurants in the world is no longer one of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets – Anatoli. Real Middle Eastern/Turkish food, authentic and delicious. Our favourite way is to order two or three mezze at a time from their large selection, with, of course, fresh bread, and slowly munch our way to bliss in good company. Booking is essential.

The point is, when in Cape Town, try different places, no matter how unlikely they may seem, you will be surprised, mostly, pleasantly!

We are always on the lookout for new, interesting places, so let me know your favourites and we will try to get there and give you some feedback on our experience.