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We had breakfast at the new Hemelhuijs x So Yum in Johannesburg

Loren

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03/09/2018

I love breakfast just as much as I love a good glass of wine … And that is a lot! Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day just because I love the variety it has to offer. If you want something savoury, you can opt for a classic eggs benedict. Or if your sweet tooth needs satisfying, you can have french toast. And the best part, if you want the best of both savoury and sweet, a stack of pancakes drizzled in maple syrup topped with crispy bacon will do the trick!

Hemelhuijs restaurant in Cape Town, owned by Jacques Erasmus, is one of mine and Cape Town’s most loved breakfast spots. The restaurant is well-known for it’s sophisticated exploration of traditional Cape farm cuisine. A slice of the restaurant’s offerings is now available at So Yum in Johannesburg as the two restaurants have collaborated.

Hemelhuijs X So Yum was prompted by So Yum’s recent move to a new, larger and more central position at Hyde Park Corner. Jacques and Ernest Fischer, owners of So Yum, had long joked about collaborating, and So Yum’s move just so happened to present them with the opportunity.

The menu offers a range of Hemelhuijs’ classic cape farm cuisine as well as a few Asian-inspired breakfasts by So Yum.

Hemelhuijs’ signature breakfast dishes include:

Traditional soft “mieliepap” served with local honey and salted butte.
Toasted “mosbolletjie” loaf with cultured cream and hand-made jam or marmalad.
Grilled farm sausage in tomato and onion “smoor” with soft poached egg.

Some of So Yum’s Asian-inspired offerings include:

Soft Japanese rice porridge
A selection of Asian omelettes.
And of course, Dim Sum.

We recently visited Hemelhuijs X So Yum for a lazy Saturday morning post 5km run breakfast. This means we were extra hungry. We started off with freshly squeezed juices – orange and ginger for the man and carrot, orange and ginger for me. We then indulged in some Dim Sum, which I can honestly say was as good, if not better, than the Dim Sum we had in Hong Kong. Next up we shared the teriyaki salmon omelette with exotic mushrooms and asian greens. I really do love a good wholesome omelette for breakfast but this omelette was next level amazing thanks to the flavours of the fillings. Last but not least, for dessert, we shared the roasted pear with double cream yoghurt, blueberries and almond praline.

Hemelhuijs X So Yum is definitely a fantastic addition to Johannesburg’s food scene and I know for sure I’m going to be a regular. Asian food is one of my favourite cuisines and to know Hemelhuijs X So Yum is serving up some extremely delicious Asian-inspired dishes makes me the happiest. I also love that the menu has so much variety, so there is definitely something for everyone.

Breakfast is served from Monday to Sunday 08h00 – 12h00.

Address: Shop 24, Middle Mall, Hyde Park Corner, Cnr Smuts Ave & William Nicol Dr.

T: 011 325 5360

E: soyumhp@soyum.co.za

♥

Have you bookmarked Travelstart’s upcoming birthday sale?

Loren

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24/08/2018

0

Whenever I’m at the airport about to board my flight, I always look around and ask myself “where is everyone else off to?“.

Travelstart have answered my question by compiling a list of the most popular flight routes and destinations for South Africans in 2018. This compilation is based on an analysis of more than 800 000 individual trips booked on Travelstart.co.za since the start of 2017.

The top five international destinations for 2018 are:

Harare (Zimbabwe)
London (UK)
Windhoek (Namibia)
Mauritius
New York City (U.S.A.)

The top five domestic destinations for 2018 are:

Cape Town
Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo Airport)
Durban
Johannesburg (Lanseria Airport)
Port Elizabeth

On the subject of Travelstart.co.za, did you know that it’s their birthday sale between 27 and 31 August 2018? To celebrate they will be running a massive flight sale and if you’ve got itchy feet, like me, you don’t want to miss this!

So don’t forget to bookmark the upcoming sale by clicking here.

This post was published in collaboration with Travelstart.

♥

From Pretoria to Cape Town on Rovos Rail (Part II)

Loren

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23/08/2018

0

The Rovos Rail journey from Pretoria to Cape Town covers 1 600 kilometres. It’s a slow ride and the trip is three days long (or short?) with forever changing landscape and two exciting stops along the way. The journey takes you from the Gauteng Highveld, to the dry Karoo land, through the Winelands and finally into Cape Town. It is the most beautiful journey I have ever embarked on and I’m going to tell you why in this post.

Bon voyage

At about 3pm on a Friday afternoon we depart from Capital Park Station in Pretoria and head south towards Cape Town. We haven’t even been on the train for fifteen minutes, when the train starts moving and we head to the observation car. The observation car is at the back of the train and has larger windows and an open air balcony. It is the perfect spot to appreciate the views while breathing in all the fresh air. It was my favourite place to sit and relax and watch the world go by with a drink in hand.

We bid Gauteng farewell with a Bloody Mary or two and a gorgeous sunset before it was time for dinner in the dining cart at 7pm.

Good morning

The next morning we woke up to the most beautiful change in scenery. We rolled down our shutters, made tea and watched the African savanna sail past our window. It was these kinds of moments that were truly magical and memorable. After laying in bed savoring our first morning on the train, it was time to get up and get ready for breakfast before our first scheduled stop in Kimberley.

After breakfast an announcement was made on the speaker. We were told to look out on the right hand side of the train as we were about to pass Kamfers Dam. Kamfers Dam is home to thousands of flamingos. The flamingos were a truly incredible sight – one I will remember forever!

Kimberley

Soon after the flamingo sighting we rolled in Kimberley Station. Kimberley is the first of two stops on the Pretoria to Cape Town route. Stopping in Kimberley was definitely a highlight of the trip as it was our vert first time visiting this historical city. Once we had disembarked there was a private shuttle bus waiting to take us to the Diamond Museum and the Big Hole.

We left Kimbereley just before lunch time and continued our journey towards De Aar. After lunch, we headed back to the observation car for an after lunch G+T and a game of Scrabble. It was really fascinating to look out the window and notice the drastic change in scenery. We were now in the dry and barren Karoo. Something I found rather interesting is that the town of De Aar is a major railway junction to Namibia.

Matjiesfontein

The second stop on our journey was on Sunday morning in the historical town of Matjiesfontein. Arriving in Matjiesfontein to the most beautiful sunrise was another magical moment. Visiting this small little town was another first for us, so we were very excited! Matjiesfontein is a ridiculously small town with a very rich history. They also say this town is haunted but I will leave that to another blog post. Matjiesfontein is home to a Motor Museum, the Lord Milner Hotel, a coffee shop and a wedding chapel. We managed to explore everything this town has to offer in less than an hour – that’s how small the town is!

Hello Cape Town

We left Matjiesfontein just before lunch time and continued our journey to Cape Town. We enjoyed our very last lunch with most incredible views passing us by. The scenery started changing as we entered the winelands and the majestic Cape mountains started welcoming us. It was breathtakingly beautiful and we savored these views in the observation car after lunch. We finally pulled into Cape Town at about 6pm on Sunday evening with views of Table Mountain and Lions Head in the distance.

Thank you to the absolutely phenomenal Rovos Rail for a trip of a lifetime.

For more on Rovos Rail, read this post: All Aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Train: Rovos Rail

Details

P: +27 (0) 12 315 8242

E: reservations@rovos.co.za

W: www.rovos.com

♥

All aboard the worlds most luxurious train: Rovos Rail (Part I)

Loren

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21/08/2018

5

I never thought I would say I have travelled through South Africa by train until a few weeks ago when I embarked on a once in a lifetime trip on Rovos Rail. Rovos Rail is known for being the most luxurious train in the world and after a two-night journey from Pretoria to Cape Town, I can definitely see why.

Rovos Rail – How It All Began

Rohan Vos, the founder of Rovos Rail, enjoyed vintage trains. He thought he would restore a few carriages to use for holidays with his wife and four children. It was only in 1986 when he received his first letter of permission to run a train on the national rail network. Rovos Rail started selling tickets and the company has now been taking guests all around Africa for over 30 years. With routes around South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania. The trips range from three days to fifteen days, depending on the route.

An interesting fact is that the Pride of Africa’s collection of locomotives are all named after Vos’ family members.

One of the trains most popular routes is the two night Pretoria to Cape Town journey. The journey begins at about 3pm on a Friday afternoon at Rovos Rail’s own private station, Capital Park, in Pretoria. It is here where we meet up with all the other passengers, sip champagne and nibble on cucumber sandwiches before we embark on the train. Once all the passengers have arrived, we’re introduced to the team, briefed and then led to our cabin on the train. Within 15 minutes of settling in and unpacking, we feel the train start to move … faster … faster … and we’re off on a journey of a lifetime!

Our Cabin

Stepping aboard Rovos Rail and walking into our cabin was one of the most exciting moments because we literally did not know what to expect. Our deluxe suite had a double bed, a small lounge area, a mini bar and an en-suite shower room. As luxurious as the room was, it was also just so cozy. With thick green carpeting, dark wooded walls and bell-shaped reading lamps. The same aesthetic extends throughout the train, from the observation car at the back all the way to the dining room in the front of the train.

The Food

From breakfast, to lunch and dinner, and even High Tea, meals on board are an absolute lavish affair. Expect exquisite crystal glassware, monogrammed silverware and crockery and crispy white linen napkins. Meals are served in the extraordinary Edwardian style dining car. The dining car is furnished with high-backed, tufted leather chairs and tasseled curtains embroidered with roses. Evenings on the train are formal and we were required to dress up in our most smartest. Think suit and tie for men and a LBD for women!

The quality of the food served on the train is amazing! It’s quite hard to fathom that a small train kitchen is capable of producing food of such a high standard. Not only did the food impress, but so did the extensive wine list offering the very best South African wines. What I loved most is some of the dishes are traditionally South African. Think bobotie (beef mince with spices, almonds, and dried fruit), Karoo lamb shank and South African milk tart. My favourite though was every meal had a cheese course which made us fall in love with cheese all over again. I also absolutely loved breakfast time – waking up in the middle of nowhere, on a train, to the most beautiful fruit platter is not something that happens all the time.

The Rovos Rail Experience

Traveling on Rovos Rail was like stepping back in time. With it’s old fashioned glamour and romance, and the strict no cellphones in public policy. The aesthetic of the carriages, the attention to detail and the exceptional level of service all contributes to the luxuriousness of the experience.

Our Rovos Rail experience was nothing less than magical. I can definitely say it has been one of my all-time favourite experiences and all I know is, I would travel with Rovos Rail again in a heartbeat!

If you haven’t added this to your bucket list, I suggest you do.

Stay tuned to the blog this week for a post on the actual journey.

More information: www.rovos.com

♥

Let’s Talk About Acai Berry Smoothie Bowls

Loren

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15/08/2018

0

I have a new obsession but at least its a healthy one. I am totally obsessed with acai berry smoothie bowls … They are just so refreshing, so delicious and so healthy. Acai berry smoothie bowls are all the trend right now and I can see why – not only are they pretty to look at but they are so good for you.

WHAT IS IT?

Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) originates from the Brazilian acai berry and is harvested from the acai palm tree. Once processed, acai berries either come in powder to purée form and are absolutely delicious in smoothies.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS?

Acai berries are very high in fibre and can help prevent and relieve constipation.
Very high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Acai berries contain omega 3 fatty acids that helps relieve high blood pressure
An energy booster that promotes strength and endurance because of the high levels of antioxidants, amino acids, essential fatty acids and protein.
Acai berries contain key vitamin B compounds that help improve overall energy levels, prevents chronic diseases and is helping for solving inflammatory conditions.

HOW DO YOU MAKE AN ACAI BOWL?

Buy yourself some acai berry powder from your local health shop or online at Wellness Warehouse. Wellness Warehouse have two kinds (pictured above) and the one I always opt for is the Na ture’s Choice because it’s a little more affordable at R124.95 compared to R373.95 for the Organic Traditions. Then blend with frozen berries, bananas or any other fruit you would like to add – you make it as you would a normal smoothie. But if you prefer to make it a smoothie bowl, then add less liquid. Once all blended, pour into a tumbler or a bowl, and decorate with seeds, granola and fruit. Ie: make it extra pretty!

WHERE CAN WE GO FOR TOO-PRETTY-TO-EAT ACAI BOWLS?

NOURISH’D in Cape Town

W: www.nourishd.co.za

A: Ground Floor 177 Kloof Street The Old Garage on Hof Street Gardens, Gardens, Cape Town

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfc-QkEjOfU/?taken-by=nourishdcapetown

THE GRIND in Johannesburg

A: Whitely Road, Melrose Arch, Melrose Blvd

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNgu5jCjF8j/?taken-by=thegrindza

LEXI’S HEALTHY EATERY in Johannesburg

W: www.lexiseatery.com

A: 24 Central, 6 Gwen Lane, Sandown

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlFSH9jnQYY/?taken-by=lexiseatery

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Where do we go for a delicious G&T in Johannesburg?

Loren

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13/08/2018

0

The few words we find ourselves saying far too often is “I need a gin and tonic … And I need it now”. Especially when it comes to a Friday and all we want to do is relax, unwind and welcome the weekend with open arms! From a simple gin and tonic, to a gin infused cocktail, we’ve become the biggest fans of gin! So I’ve put together a list of where we like to go in Johannesburg to get our gin fix. Without further ado, here they are:

1. social on main – bryanston

This very vibey hotspot in Bryanston specialises in both imported and local gins and offers a big selection of gin cocktails. The exciting thing is the menu changes with the seasons so you’ll find new cocktails come summer time! My favourite is the strawberry and vanilla G&T.

Where: Corner of Main Road and Posthouse Street, Bryanston

Phone: 011 706 7115

www.socialonmain.co.za

2. tonic – linden

Tonic is a bar that is dedicated to showcasing gin in all its glorious flavour profiles so the menu offers a big selection of all things gin. One of my favourites on the menu is the Mother Fluffer, which is Tonic’s house gin infused with marshmallow. So it’s made with Indian tonic, candy floss and toasted marshmallow.

Where: 32 7th Street, Linden

Phone: 087 238 4623

www.tonic.joburg

3. almost orange – hartbeespoort

This is my absolute favourite place to go to on a Sunday with friends – I’ve even done a blog post which you can read here. Almost Orange is bar/restaurant set among the citrus orchards. The menu offers a wide selection of gins but my favourite is obviously a pink G&T.

Where: Altyd Mooi Farm, R513, Hartbeespoort

Phone: 082 378 2948

http://www.silverorangebistro.co.za/almost-orange/

Have you read this post: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GIN

♥

Food Diaries: Where and What we ate in Cape Town

Loren

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07/08/2018

1

Food plays a very big role in my life … Hence the blog! So whenever I have a trip planned somewhere, I also plan where and what I’m going to eat. And when I go to Cape Town, the same applies. The food scene in Cape Town is amazing – there are so many places to choose from all serving up absolutely delicious food. As much as I love trying new things though, I also have my favourites that I just have to visit when I’m in town. In this blog post, I thought I would put together a list of where and what we ate. I’ll also tell you if it was our first time visiting and if I’m adding it to my favourites list.

Where: The Mussel Monger & Oyster Bar

Location: Mojo Market, Sea Point

What: Mussels in a garlic and herb sauce with vetkoek. Yes, vetkoek!

Thoughts: Definitely the best mussels I have had in a while! The flavour is amazing, the mussels are so meaty and the best part – the food is so fresh! I also love that the mussels are served with vetkoek, instead of your normal bread roll. The vetkoek are perfect for soaking up all the sauce!

First time: Yes

Adding to my list of favourites? Yes

Where: Cheyne’s

Location: Main Rd, Scott Estate, Hout Bay

What: Cheyne’s is a pacific rim dining restaurant with a menu that is always changing. The food is perhaps Asian with a twist (yip, that’s how I would describe it). The menu is divided into earth, sea and land. Earth is your vegetable options, sea is fish and land is meat. We enjoyed a few dishes from the menu (I just cannot remember what we had … naughty me!) but I obviously remember what we had for dessert because they were real show stoppers! We had Fiji apple crumble (outstanding!) and coconut rice pudding (superb!).

Thoughts: I cannot wait to visit this restaurant again! The food was exceptional!

First time: Yes

Adding to my list of favourites? Yes

Menu: click here

Where: YOKOS

Location: V&A Food Market

What: Coconut yoghurt topped with all the fresh fruit, chia seeds and honey

Thoughts: I am totally and utterly obsessed with all things coconut and YOKOS make the best coconut yoghurt! I also love the toppings on offer. It’s the perfect breakfast treat or healthy afternoon snack!

First time: No

Adding to my list of favourites? Already on the list

Menu: click here

Where: Tessa’s Bakery

Location: Milpark Centre, Jasmin Road, Milnerton

What: Turkish Delight cupcake

Thoughts: The selection of sweet treats, like cupcakes, cakes and even pastries is WOW! The Turkish Delight cupcake was so good (but very sweet … like maybe too sweet?)

First time: No

Adding to my list of favourites? Already on the list

Menu: click here

Where: Junior Burgers

Location: Shop 2, 12 Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof

What: Cheese burger, fries and coleslaw

Thoughts: Possibly the best cheese burger and fries I’ve ever had! Possibly! The coleslaw though wasn’t my favourite!

First time: Yes

Adding to my list of favourites? Yes

Menu: click here

Where: Bootleggar Coffee Company

Location: Sea Point

What: Chai Latte (and coffee!)

Thoughts: My favourite place in Cape Town to do work, drink latte’s and people watch!

First time: No

Adding to my list of favourites? Already on the list

Where: Kleinsky’s Delicatessen

Location: Sea Point

What: Smoked Salmon Bagel

Thoughts: The. Absolute. Best. Bagel. In. The. World!

First time: No

Adding to my list of favourites? Already on the list

Menu: click here

Where: Unframed Ice Cream

Location: Kloof Street, Gardens

What: Speculoos flavoured ice cream

Thoughts: One of the reasons I visit Cape Town is to get my Unframed Ice Cream fix – definitely the best ice cream!

First time: No

Adding to my list of favourites? Already on the list

Menu: click here

Where: The Cousins

Location: 3b Barrack Street, CBD

What: The Cousins famous pasta dish called The Cousins, beef carpaccio and gnocchi bolognaise

Thoughts: The Cousins is my all time favourite Italian restaurant and you know how much I love Italian restaurants. The Cousins pasta dish is absolutely superb!

First time: No

Adding to my list of favourites? Already on the list

Menu: click here

Where: The Butcher Man

Location: 105 Main Rd, Green Point

What: Chalmar Wing Rib with chips and a side salad

Thoughts: Chalmar steak is one of the best steaks you can get and The Butcher Man makes it the best with their famous basting sauce!

First time: No

Adding to my list of favourites? Already on the list

Menu: click here

♥

Chilling with the Penguins at Boulders Beach

Loren

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06/08/2018

0

The way I just love Boulders Beach. To sit and relax, listen to the waves crashing and watch penguins waddle around you is just amazing! Boulders Beach, near Cape Town, is one of the only places in the world you can do this. And what is even more amazing, you can swim with among the penguins come Summer time when it is nice and warm.

Where is Boulders Beach?

Located on Kleintuin Road in Simons Town, Boulders is easy to get to and should take you about 45 minutes. There are two ways to get there though. You can either take the scenic route over the very picturesque Chapmans Peak – you will stop along the way to take beautiful photos. Or you can go the faster route on the N2 Highway.

When is the best time to visit Boulders Beach?

The best time to visit is from the end of January to August. This is when the adult penguins are gearing up for breeding season and the chicks can be found moulting on the beach. From September onwards, the penguins are feeding out at sea, so you may not be able to see many. Also, try go as early as possible as it does get really busy especially in high season.

Did you know?

Penguins are partners for life. African penguins only start breeding at about 4 years of age. They are a monagomous species meaning they have the same mates for their whole lives. Aaaaw!

Tips for visiting Boulders Beach

• Pack your swimming costume, towels, suntan lotion and even refreshments. This beach is SO beautiful you’ll want to spend hours here!
• Don’t reach out to try touch the penguins. They will bite you!
• There is a lot to do in Simons Town, so make it a day of exploring!

For more information contact:
South African National Parks
Tel: +27 (0)12 428 9111

♥

A night at The Ashford Guesthouse

Loren

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31/07/2018

20

Imagine walking into the cosiest guesthouse and the smell of freshly baked crunchie biscuits welcomes you. This is what happened when we arrived at The Ashford Guesthouse this past weekend. Not only did the delicious aromas of freshly baked biscuits welcome us, but so did Zanele, with her friendly, bubbly smile.

location

The Ashford Guesthouse is conveniently located in the heart of Johannesburg in the suburb of Parkwood. Parkwood is famous for being a quiet jacaranda tree-lined suburb and is nestled between Rosebank and Saxonwold. From the guesthouse, you have easy to access to all major areas, like Sandton, Parkhurst, Hyde Park and even Norwood. The streets of Parkwood get really pretty during the season of Spring (end of September to early November) when the jacaranda trees bloom. It’s definitely a must see, if you’re a nature lover, like me!

Soon after we arrived at The Ashford we were shown around. We were instantly taken aback by how cosy and homely this guesthouse is. The guesthouse may look small from the outside, but with six double rooms all with en-suite bathrooms, it’s really not small at all. All rooms have doors which open up onto the shaded patio. The patio is the perfect spot for your afternoon cup of tea with a freshly baked crunchie biscuit while reading the newspaper and listening to the birds chirping. It really is so peaceful and relaxing!

our room

Our room felt like a haven. The bed was so comfortable and with DSTV, we were glued to the TV, while we sipped on bubbles and nibbled on Lindt chocolate all afternoon. It really felt like we were far from the city of Jozi, when in actual fact we were right in the middle. There’s just something about The Ashford that makes you feel like you’re a million miles away while still feeling like you’re home.

breakfast

We woke up on a beautiful Sunday morning to an English breakfast spread waiting for us. I am the biggest breakfast person as it’s my favourite meal of the day, and breakfast at The Ashford was truly something special. It’s the attention to detail, the service with a smile and just the general atmosphere that we loved! And of course the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee, but who wouldn’t love that?

From cereal and granola, to fresh fruit and yoghurt, cold meats and a selection of cheese, we were spoilt for choice. Let’s not forget though, the most delicious scrambled eggs and cheese omelette. It’s simple things like this that leaves a guest feeling truly happy and satisfied!

The Ashford Guesthouse is simply a home away from home. We were given the most special welcome on arrival, the setting is perfect and quiet, the rooms are not just cosy but also homely, and breakfast is a real treat. The best part though was Zanele, her absolutely delicious crunchies and her service with a heartwarming smile. We were sad to leave but knowing we’re just around the corner is the perfect excuse for another mini staycation!

Details

The Ashford Guesthouse

Address: 16 Ashford Rd, Parkwood, Johannesburg

Webite: www.theashford.co.za

Contact: 011 788 9055

♥

Jazz, Cheese Fondue and Gluhwein at Delheim

Loren

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30/07/2018

0

A cold winters Sunday spent listening to live jazz music, sipping on bottomless gluhwein and wine, and indulging in the most cheesiest cheese fondue is definitely a Sunday well spent!

Delheim is once again hosting their very popular Jazz and Cheese Fondue Sundays. While we were just in Cape Town recently, we decided we needed to enjoy such a special event again! This was the second year we indulged in such a cheesy affair and it was definitely as good as the first, if not better.

The Jazz and Cheese Fondues are hosted in Delheim’s very cozy wine tasting cellar. When I say cozy, I mean very cozy! Think low ceilings, intimate tables and wine racks filled with wine. When you walk down the stairs into the wine tasting cellar you kind of feel like a little Smurf entering your little mushroom house village … Does this make sense? The vibe inside though is wonderful! We visited on a cold day and the wine tasting cellar was a perfect escape from the winters chill. The cellar was filled with laughter, conversation, the chinking of wine glasses and the most delicious wafts of cheese fondue.

On arrival we were given glasses of warm gluhwein. It was definitely much needed in the cold! The gluhwein is SO delicious and one glass just wasn’t enough! We were also treated to some of Delheim famous wines. With Delheim being one of my favourites, none were new to me!

Now for the cheese fondue …

The cheese fondue was absolutely delicious! It is made from a mixture of Gruyère and Emmentaler so the flavour is both sweet and salty. If you’re a cheese lover like me, it is heavenly! The fondue is served with a nice selection of dipping elements. You’re given a generous amount of bread, a medley of vegetables and medium rare sliced sirloin steak.

After all cheese fondue coffee/tea and something sweet is served. That something sweet is koeksisters and let me tell, they went down a treat with a cup of coffee.

The Delheim Jazz and Cheese Fondue is the best way to spend a winter Sunday in the winelands. If, like us, you love live jazz music, delicious wine, an exceptional cheese fondue, beautiful scenery, then this is for you. We’re already penciled in our diary to book for next year!

All the details …

Price: R450 a person
When: Every Sunday until the end of August
Time: 12h00 for 12H30
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za (no walk ins are allowed, so do book in advance)
Website: www.delheim.com

♥

The Best Banana Bread and Coffee at Naked Coffee Sandton

Loren

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24/07/2018

0

The Best Banana Bread and Coffee at Naked Coffee Sandton

Naked Coffee Sandton has become my new favourite hangout. I like that it’s situated in the heart of Sandton City, I love that they serve delicious coffee and I adore the fact that they make the best banana bread, ever!

Besides for serving the best banana bread ever, you will find other (healthy) goodies on the menu. The menu is small, I will admit, but for a quick breakfast, lunch, or even an afternoon tea time treat, the offerings are perfect. With Naked being situated in the heart of South Africa’s shopping mecca, Sandton City, it’s the perfect spot to grab something quick so you can get on with your shopping spree.

For breakfast you can choose from weet box served with almond milk, almond butter and honey, or turmeric oats as well as Naked’s famous muesli. One of my favourites though is the breakfast tart! For lunch, you can have an always-delicious smashed avo on toast. I’ve had my fair share of avo toasts and this one is definitely delicious. They also offer cakes, tarts and pastries and let’s not forget great coffee!

The Banana Bread and the Coffee …

The banana bread at Naked is honestly one of the best banana breads I’ve ever had. It is deliciously moist, filled with real banana flavour (not that artificial kind) and with a smearing of butter on top, it is SO good! It’s hard to have just one slice, because it really is moreish!

Naked is also well known for serving some of the best coffee in Joburg. It is evident from just one cup that the baristas knows their stuff and are passionate about coffee! If you’re a coffee lover, like me, you’ll love the signature blend! I often choose between a cortado, an espresso frappe or a good old flat white!

♥

Some of my favourite things from MACAROON

Loren

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19/07/2018

1

One thing you have probably gathered from my blog or maybe even my Instagram is that I like my goodies pink, pretty and personalised. I love the colour pink because it is my favourite colour. I prefer to have pretty things over ordinary things. And if possible, I like to have my name on everything.

I guess you could say I don’t ask for much, do I?

MACAROON just gets me because all their products are pretty (beautiful in actual fact) and personalised. I have managed to gather up quite a collection of goodies so I thought I would share some of my favourites in a blog post.

DESK MAT

Making my home office ever so pretty is Macaroon’s Botanic desk mat. I absolutely love the colouring, isn’t it just pretty? It works as a mouse pad also which is fantastic. And the best thing is it is completely machine washable, so if you spill that tea, you don’t have to worry.

The desk mats are available in different designs, so take a look here at all of them.

Price: R250

MY 2018 DIARY

The one thing that I cannot live without is my Macaroon 2018 diary. I take it everywhere with me and it literally contains my life inside. I write down every to do list, every meeting and every thought I have. The quality of the diary is amazing, so I don’t ever worry about it getting messed or ruined. It’s a hard cover, spiral bound with high gloss dividers between each month. It is also a page-a-day which is what I prefer.

The diaries are available in different designs, so take a look here at all of them.

Price: R700

LAPTOP AND TABLET SLEEVE

The laptop and tablet sleeves are made from neoprene and like everything else, they are just too beautiful! The laptop sleeve comes in one size and fits a standard MacBook or laptop. The tablet sleeve also comes in one size and fits a regular iPad or a mini with space for a Kindle. I like to use my tablet sleeve either for my Kindle or to store cables and chargers, especially for when I go travelling.

The sleeves are available in different designs, so take a look here and here at all of them.

Price of laptop sleeve: R390

Price of tablet sleeve: R320

TOWEL

Isn’t this just the prettiest towel you’ve ever seen? What makes this towel different to your everyday towel is its made from the highest quality microfiber with an ultra-suede finish, it is so pretty and it has my name on it.

The towels are available in different designs, so take a look here at all of them.

Price: R390

So there you have it, some of my favourite items from Macaroon that are pink, pretty and personalised.

MINKYS

Minkys

Minkys

Hemelhuijs’ signature breakfast dishes include:

Some of So Yum’s Asian-inspired offerings include:

Bon voyage

Good morning

Kimberley

Matjiesfontein

Hello Cape Town

Rovos Rail – How It All Began

Our Cabin

The Food

The Rovos Rail Experience

WHAT IS IT?

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS?

HOW DO YOU MAKE AN ACAI BOWL?

WHERE CAN WE GO FOR TOO-PRETTY-TO-EAT ACAI BOWLS?

1. social on main – bryanston

2. tonic – linden

3. almost orange – hartbeespoort

Have you read this post: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GIN

Where: The Mussel Monger & Oyster Bar

Where: Cheyne’s

Where: YOKOS

Where: Tessa’s Bakery

Where: Junior Burgers

Where: Bootleggar Coffee Company

Where: Kleinsky’s Delicatessen

Where: Unframed Ice Cream

Where: The Cousins

Where: The Butcher Man

Where is Boulders Beach?

When is the best time to visit Boulders Beach?

Did you know?

Tips for visiting Boulders Beach

location

our room

breakfast

Details

Now for the cheese fondue …

All the details …

The Banana Bread and the Coffee …

DESK MAT

MY 2018 DIARY

LAPTOP AND TABLET SLEEVE

TOWEL

Visit www.macaroon.co and get yourself some goodies that will make your desk beautiful, your travel essentials beautiful and you the happiest ♥

MINKYS