Spotted a new sign for Mark’s Restaurant at le Bistro on George Rex and it appears that Mark Nofal has left Canyan’s and opened up on his own. Bon Apetit built up a good reputation here years ago but its never really worked since and I don’t know why. Its a great place for a cosy fire in winter as well as being a magic setting for those hot summer days. One just hopes that this time its going to be different.  I have also discovered that you can in fact get a newspaper on Thesen’s. But you have to find Ingledews (turn left at the circle and its behind Lush ). Its a small convenience store that serves a hot cup of Illy coffee as well.

On the down side there is a lot of unhappiness down at Paquita’s and the new owners, Cornuti’s seem to be getting off on the wrong foot before even opening. I saw an advert in Action Ads stating that contrary to the rumours doing the rounds, the previous owners have settled all their creditors. One then hears the rumours and you are left wondering what the real story is?

The White House has opened its doors and it was busy when I stopped for coffee. They have a light, simple menu and although the cakes were on other side of the room, they looked good.  The waitress who served me was trying to get through her first day at work and the inevitable hic-coughs that come with a busy opening. That earned me a complimentary plunger and greek biscuit to go with the coffee. On top of this however, the potato and leek soup I tried was also far too salty. And that, even for my jaded and shell shocked taste buds. One hopes that the kitchen will settle down with time, as it is still a very pleasant venue.

The Knysna Fish Market next to Tait Marine and Boesmanland Biltong at the Mall have closed shop. But with winter all but over we should see the Gabriella’s, Chatters,  Pembrey’s and Ile de pain’s all firing up their stoves and getting ready for the season. The Whitehouse should also be opening in Thesen House where Mackintosh’s used to be. I understand its going to be lifestyle furnishings, fabrics and clothes with a “small coffee shop”.

Over the weekend we took off to Enrico’s in Keurbooms where one can always get a decent meal and there were two things that got me thinking. Firstly there was the beach and the rocks which have appeared after the last Spring tide. Besides the fact that there are a lot more of them and the fact that the sea must have moved an enormous volume of sand they are veined and flecked with what I assume is quartz. Such that I stopped to question how it all came about and to take pictures with a camera that no longer works. The other issue that got me going was the menu and the question of whether it was politically correct to order kabeljou from the menu or whether they are on the “being over fished” list. I just don’t know enough to be seen to be socially responsible about it and consequently ordered the Arrosto, like I always do.