2008 August | Who is Cooking

Archive for August, 2008

Café François

Tuesday, August 26th, 2008

Café François has a fixed menu which includes French Toast with apple, bacon & maple syrup. Ranchero Eggs, roasted tomato relish with cheese & chorizo sausage folded in a pancake & topped with two fried eggs. Eggs Benedict on a Sunday. Lunches include spicy chicken liver sandwiches topped with bacon & avo, Hot Roast Beef Sandwich with homemade mustard & pickles. Middle Eastern Roast Lamb Sandwich with hummus & tzatziki. Chef’s Specials include; Trinchado (braised beef in a spicy, garlicy gravey), Cassoulette, Lamb Korma, Pork curry cooked in honey and almonds. Lamb Shanks, Curried Lamb Shanks, Jarrets de porc a la biere (pork hocks slow cooked in beer served with champ & saurkraut), These are just a few of the dishes on offer.

I am passionate about cooking, creating new dishes and adapting old classics to suit our local ingredients. I don’t claim to be fancy but I do seem to be hitting the spot with my clientele. My food ranges from classic French Bistro to Portuguese Café. I love curries and often throw in the odd Middle Eastern favourites with my own twist.

We are open every day from 08h30 to 05h00 closing late on Friday evening when we host the Drum Cafe. You can find the Bistro at Scarab Village just outside Sedgefield on the N2.

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Comings and Goings

Wednesday, August 13th, 2008

Robert the previous owner, is back behind the till at the Coffee Connection. Ile de pain is closed till September as is Gabriella’s and Carmen’s Corner. I have also found another eatery at Uncle Pats Oysters. The business changed hands at the end of last year, moved next door and they are now offering a limited sit down and take away menu. Cruise Cafe should also be betwixt and between owners after the announcement that Featherbed has been sold.

A question I ask myself every time I do an early drive through to George is where to do breakfast. We generally end up at Rademachers because of kids play area and it gives Joy an opportunity to look at plants. Then there is House of Flavour and The Conservatory, but where else is there? What about Sedgefield and Wilderness? I know and enjoy Bungalo at Groenvlei but there must be others. And for that matter who does offer that unforgettable breakfast. They all dish up pretty much the same thing, some are just not as good than others.

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The Blue Oyster

Tuesday, August 12th, 2008

Blue Oyster B&B is a beautiful Mediterranean style villa superbly positioned high on the ridge overlooking the town of Knysna and offering breathtaking 180 degree views of the lagoon and the famous Heads.

A pervasive and calming ambience of timelessness welcomes guests. All our rooms are stylishly appointed, each with an en-suite or private bathroom and each offering wonderful views of the lagoon. Our philosophy is rooted in the spirit of “home-made hospitality” so please feel free to enquire if you require any assistance regarding your travel plans in and around Knysna.

Bed and Breakfast in the Garden Route

The following facilities are available:

Comfortable guest lounges with fireplaces
Swimming pool
Garden area
Fax, telephone and internet facilities upon request
BBQ/Braai areas
Laundry/Iron service on request
Airport shuttle service
Restaurant reservations

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Wilderness Hoekwil and Rondevlei

Monday, August 11th, 2008

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Sedgefield Karatara & Barrington

Monday, August 11th, 2008

Sedgefield is a small coastal village town situated in the Lakes District on the Garden Route It offers bird watchers a rich and varied birdlife, including marine, estuarine and evergreen forest species which can be viewed along many hiking trails and bird hides within the different eco-systems in the surrounding area. Swartvlei the largestof the lakes, lies on the west side of the village forming a safe estuary for bathing. It provides for good fishing for the enthusiastic angler. There are beautiful rock formations near Gerickes Point which is also a popular spot for spear fishing.

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Rheenendaal Brenton & Buffalo Bay

Monday, August 11th, 2008

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Some Recent Coffee Stops

Saturday, August 9th, 2008

If you are looking for a good cup of coffee in the Market Square, Plettenberg Bay, please try the ART CAFE on the second floor above Mugg & Bean. ILLY coffee and delicious scones are as good as you will get anywhere and not expensive either.

MARIO’S RESTAURANT AT THE WATERFRONTRumour has it that Marios is the best lunch venue in Knysna and after lunching there this week I am inclined to agree. The food is consistently good with a varied menu which gives one plenty of choice and you had better be hungry because the servings are generous.My visitors who chose Pizzas pronounced them as good as they had had anywhere; quality and quantity more than enough as evidenced by the large leftover box being carried home . .

Service is good and the venue very pleasant next to the canal and the draw-bridge which sometimes one is lucky enough to see operating when boat traffic comes through . We sat inside with the doors open which was a good choice on this sunny day with a chill wind blowing from the Lagoon. Charges are very reasonable – My bill was R362 which included 3 glasses of wine, one beer and one Tab., good value I thought.

Mary 29/7/2008

CAFE LE FRANCAIS , Scarab Market just west of Sedgefield.

A fairly new venue but be warned the coffee , tho’ very good is also very expensi ve. I had a double Expresso which half filled a small coffee cup and cost R18. I rather expected a full cup for that price!? The glutenfree Brandy Tart was not too good either but I would not judge the place by that one item – other people eating there looked happy with their choices.!

Mary 8/7/2008

The one coffee shop I always feel comfortable going to is Gino’s in Woodmill Lane. The service and welcome you get whenever you go is like going to friends for tea at their home. The staff is competent and friendly, the food always good (especially those pancakes) and Gino is always on hand and keeping an eye on things and welcoming his “friends” to his “home”. Thank you Gino and staff for a great and consistent venue to meet.

Best Coffee in the garden route is at Café Rossini Knysna