Category: Out & About

Home made lemon curd recipe

Lemon curd

Published on by Teresa Ulyate5 Comments

 

Before we delve into this week’s recipe I wanted to share my most recent dining out experience with you. Black Sheep Restaurant in Kloof Street, Cape Town has been around for a little while now, and it is not surprising to see why it is so popular. There is a seasonal blackboard menu which changes regularly, but no shortage of tasty dishes to choose from. The layout of the restaurant is interesting, with a downstairs bar area and tables set out on multiple levels. Snappy service in a relaxed atmosphere made for a delightful meal.

I enjoyed a fragrant and tender lamb curry served with rice and flatbreads, and I found the level of heat was just right for me, (extra chilli is provided for those who prefer their curry more fiery). Dessert was a light ginger beer sorbet served with gorgeous lime curd and a gingersnap.Which got me all inspired to make this next recipe…

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Weekend at Birkenhead House, Hermanus

Published on by Teresa Ulyate2 Comments

Recently I was lucky enough to enjoy the weekend of a lifetime when my husband and I stayed at the luxurious Birkenhead House &Villa in Voelklip, Hermanus. This was the prize that I received after winning the Two Oceans Simple Snacking Challenge last year. And before I forget, let me also just quickly apologise for the lack of recipe this week – will some pretty pictures do instead? 

Situated in Voelklip overlooking the sea, Birkenhead House and Villa was officially opened in June of 2003. It is situated on the same site as the Birkenhead Hotel which was demolished in 1989. From this prime spot visitors can enjoy fantastic sea views and join the coastal walkway that links Voelklip with the centre of town and many nearby beautiful beaches.  
We arrived on a Friday evening, weary from the week to a very warm welcome and glasses of bubbly. Our bags were whisked to our room and friendly manager Cristi took us on a quick tour of the hotel before showing us to our room. The hotel boasts three swimming pools, a gym, a spa, indoor and outdoor seating areas and a luxurious but homely lounge area with a fireplace for those chilly evenings. 

Our room was gorgeous and we arrived to find that the bed had been decorated with flowers, champagne on ice next to the very generous bathtub in the exquisite bathroom, as well as gifts from Birkenhead House and Two Oceans.

Let’s talk about the food, probably the part I was looking forward to the most. Breakfast was a sumptuous buffet of cereals (the most delicious homemade muesli I have ever tasted), muffins and pastries, fruit, cheese, yoghurt and cold meats, as well as the option of a hot breakfast – eggs done “your way” or omelette with a choice of fillings. All served on the front terrace with a side order of fresh sea air, now that’s how to do a breakfast! 

Lunch was a 3 course affair starting with warm, fresh bread. We enjoyed miso soup with exotic mushrooms, smoked salmon nachos, roasted vegetable tortillas, salmon tempura, fishcakes and dhall, not to mention a selection of desserts, cakes and tarts that were on offer. Fortunately the team is flexible when it comes to mealtimes, and lunch carries on until late in the afternoon. I don’t think we would have managed another big meal too soon after breakfast! 

The dinners were outstanding, a choice of 4 courses preceded by an amuse-bouche. On the first night I enjoyed prawn tempura, tomato soup and a fantastic butternut and chickpea curry (my favourite dish of the weekend). This was followed by a coffee panna cotta with chocolate sauce and macadamia nut brittle. On the second night I enjoyed cauliflower and blue cheese soup, the most tender and delicious lamb shank with green beans and a creamy baked cheesecake. I just about managed to fit it in before retiring to the super-comfy bed with the sound of the waves crashing outside. Torture, pure torture I tell you. Did I mention that we returned to our room to find the bed turned down, candles lit, sweets on our pillow and a hand-written weather report for the following day? These guys think of everything!
If you can bear to tear yourself away from the hotel there are many different activities in the area to keep you busy. There are a range of walks and hikes and some whale watching to be done if you find yourself there at the right time of the year. (We saw a dolphin – does that count?) Surfing, wine tasting, horse-riding, shark cage diving or even a spot of shopping are just some of the activities you can enjoy in Hermanus. On the Saturday we decided to visit the food market at Hermanuspietersfontein a short drive from the Birkenhead. The market is small but offers a great range of products and seems to be a popular lunch time haunt for locals and visitors. Here you are encouraged to “take a plate” and fill it up with goodies like hamburgers, artisan breads, cheeses, homemade quiches, koeksisters, brownies and rusks. There is live music, a play area for the kids and you can even watch the winery staff as they sort grapes for their next batch of wine. 
We also did a bit of walking along the beautiful coastline – it was only right what with all of the feasting that was happening inbetween! 


I cannot say enough about Birkenhead House and what a fantastic weekend we had – this is a real gem! I think what I loved most was that despite the opulant surroundings and lavish finishes there is nothing pretentious about this place. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and this is reflected mostly in the service of the staff (the Birkenhead family as they like to be known) who strive to make their guests feel as though nothing is too much trouble and that they are right at home. My thanks go to them and to Two Oceans for this wonderful prize!

For more information on Birkenhead House, you can visit their website here.

Radio Tygerberg potjie competition

Published on by Teresa Ulyate3 Comments
When I started blogging, one of my goals – apart from sharing my favourite recipes – was to challenge myself to try new ingredients and dishes. I certainly have done that a number of times, but last Saturday I truly stepped out of my comfort zone when this English cook from the Southern Suburbs agreed to take part in a potjiekos competition in the heart of the Boland as part of the Ommiberg “Round the Rock” Festival.

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Out & About: ROOT44 Market

Published on by Teresa Ulyate2 Comments



Not far from Cape Town, on the R44 to Stellenbosch you will find Audacia Farm, home to the popular ROOT44 Market. We headed down there last Sunday morning to see what was on offer.





Now many Capetonians will be familiar with Mooiberge Farmstall on the corner of the R44 and Annandale Road. You know – the one with the colourful collection of scarecrows where you can pick your own strawberries? You will find Audacia Farm on the other side of the road, underneath the giant strawberry. Ahem, not to be confused with the other even more gigantic giant strawberry at the other farm stall on the opposite end of Annandale Road. And so after a short, unexpected detour (why are there so many giant strawberries in Stellenbosch?!) my little family arrived at the market just after 10am. Although the parking lot was filling up fast it was still relatively quiet inside and we were able to peruse the stalls easily without too much hustle and bustle. Within an hour though the place was buzzing! 


Exhibit A: Giant Strawberry. Not the other one. This one.



I was impressed with the variety of items available at ROOT44. There is something for everyone, as apart from delicious food you can also buy clothing, jewellery, shoes, furniture, books, and even take pottery lessons! (To name just a few things.) Naturally, I was most interested in checking out the edible goods.





One of the first stalls I stopped at was Mama D’s where I tasted some Hot Harissa paste. I was a little dubious about tasting it on its own, but luckily she had mixed it into some cream cheese to make a delicious dip which I tried out. Mama D prides herself on the fact that she includes lots of spices in her product that not only make it hot but very flavourful too! 




There are plenty of baked goods to choose from with fresh muffins, pies and cupcakes on offer. You can enjoy traditional vetkoek or Tunisian cuisine. Fish lovers can choose from traditional fish and chips or sushi. The pizzas at Earth Fire Pizza looked and smelt ah-ma-zing, and whilst I did not try them this time around I hope to do so at our next visit! I love a good hamburger and the ones from Wagyu Wagon were very tempting (and not just because of their clever names). You will also find gluten-free food and flour from Root’n Toot’n, as well as fresh salads and juices, so there really is something to suit all tastes! 



After we had perused the stalls and bought something for lunch we took a seat under one of the trees to enjoy our food whilst listening to live music. Dear husband thoroughly enjoyed his steak ciabatta from Kitchen Cowboys, while I sipped happily on Peanut Butter smoothie deliciousness (made with banana, honey and frozen yoghurt, nom nom) from Wendy’s Smoothie Bar. Then it was time for one last spin around the craft section before we had to head home. I loved the wire creatures by Pedro’s Wireworks and dear daughter who loves all things shiny and girly went straight for the silver jewellery. Hmm… she might have to wait a couple of few years for that! 




The market is undercover and open in all weather. There is ample seating outdoors under one of the trees or tents and plenty of space for the kids and/or furry family members to roam about. There is a bar area as well as a big play area for the little ones – I love that ROOT44 Market is so child-friendly! There is also plenty of parking right outside the market, one of the helpful marshals will direct you when you arrive. 

The ROOT44 Market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. For more information you can click onto their website: www.root44.co.za.

Rooibos iced tea with lemon and honey.

Freshpak media event and rooibos iced tea two ways

Published on by Teresa Ulyate5 Comments
Image courtesy of Freshpak

 

Let’s start this post with some fun facts about me: Fact #1: 99.99% of my days start in exactly the same way – with a cup of rooibos tea. They have done for about the last seven or eight years. It is fair to say that I am a fan! Fact #2: I used to make iced tea (including a rooibos variant) for a living before my London / travelling years. I was obviously thrilled then to receive an invitation from Freshpak to a creative afternoon with chef, Kirsty Rowett.

 

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Grand opening of the new Pick ‘n Pay, V&A Waterfront

Published on by Teresa UlyateLeave a comment

Images courtesy of Pick ‘n Pay

It’s not every day that I get to escape the regular morning routine and attend a grand event. This past Thursday was that day as I was invited to be a guest at the much anticipated opening of Pick ‘n Pay’s brand new store at the V&A Waterfront (insert “oooooooh” sound here). I arrived at the new store, situated on the lower level of Victoria Wharf, shortly after 8am. The doors were closed, but outside the excited guests were given a welcome drink, delicious snacks (handy, if like me you had rushed out of the door without any breakfast), coffee and cookies. It was lovely to have some time to mingle and catch up with some of my fellow bloggers who were also in attendance.

Before long it was time for the introductory speeches, and then the moment we had all been waiting for.. our chance for a sneak peak inside this premier store! 

As our group of eager bloggers began the tour the first thing that caught our collective attention as we entered the store was the incredible gelato display, beautifully presented and begging to be gobbled up! Next it was on to the bakery where in addition to artisan breads, assorted pastries and decadent cakes customers can also indulge in new treats such as “cake on a stick” (think of a cake pop on steroids) and macaroons.



The store stocks an extensive range of convenience food – fresh salads, hearty favourites like roast chicken and sumptuous sushi – everything looked delicious! Not only that, but a team of no less than 12 chefs prepare the food, and are also on hand to advise customers on their product choices and how best to prepare them.

Image: Pick ‘n Pay
We perused the cheese counter, which boasts hundreds of varieties of local and imported cheeses, from your everyday cheddars to French bries to speciality cheeses. As our group headed to the back of the store we discovered the extensive range of coffees including brands like Origin, Tribe and Terbodore – sure to please any caffeine junkie. Delicious artisan teas are also available. In addition, customers will be able to sample coffee and teas at the beverage bar before making a purchase. I sampled the “Chocolate Fondue” – rooibos infused with a chocolate flavour and it was delish!

Like some of you I have been pondering this years Christmas dinner and was most excited to see that the new Pick ‘n Pay stocks duck fat – just what I need for perfect roasties! You’ll find it in the fridge next to the fresh duck and rabbit. Local and family-owned business, The Duck Farm, is supplying Pick ‘n Pay with free-range duck, duck fat as well as duck eggs. And speaking of eggs, you’ll find them in all shapes and sizes in the next aisle, including quail eggs! 

There was music, there was mingling. A fabulous launch!

Other highlights included a large selection of local and imported olive oils (you can also get your white truffle oil here if you’re feeling extravagant). If you have a sweet tooth like me you will be spoilt for choice with a tasty selection of local and imported chocolates and sweets (do pick up a slab of locally made Honest Chocolate, you won’t regret it!) Expect to find a well-stocked wine section (800 lines to choose from), as well a large beauty and clothing section. 
Artisan tea (image: Pick ‘n Pay), fresh produce and Honest Chocolate

If I had to describe the experience in a word, it would be convenience. Pick ‘n Pay’s new V&A Waterfront store stocks everything you could possibly need from a supermarket, is open from 8am – 10pm daily and you can park right outside their door in the Breakwater basement parking area. (90 minutes free parking for Pick ‘n Pay shoppers who spend R150 or more.) Whether you’re doing your monthly shop, rushing in after work to pick up dinner or popping in to get something to nibble on you’re likely to find everything you need right here. Thumbs up! 


Images: Pick ‘n Pay

Win tickets to the Cape Town Festival of Beer!

Published on by Teresa Ulyate1 Comment

Today is a doubly happy day – not only is it the start of the weekend but I also have a give-away for you, fabulous readers! Up for grabs is a set of double tickets to the much anticipated Cape Town Festival of Beer which is on from 22 – 24 November 2013.


This is the largest beer festival in the Southern Hemisphere, and will be showcasing over 200 local and international beers. There will be guided beer tours, the world’s largest game of beer pong and a chance to learn more about artisan beers and food pairings (so you’ll be right on trend, my dear!).

Naturally you can also expect to see plenty of food stalls and live entertainment. There will be prizes aplenty to be won and even a supervised play area for the kids should you wish to bring them along too. This and so much more, you can check out the Cape Town Festival of Beer website for more details by clicking here.

How to enter:

1.) Send an email to vanillafrost@gmail.com (subject line: BEER) with your name and contact number, and tell me what part of the festival you’d most look forward to if you won the tickets. 

For additional entries you can also:

1.) Like the Cupcakes & Couscous Facebook page (if you haven’t done this already) and let me know you’ve done so in your email. 
2.) Leave a comment on the Facebook page under the Festival of Beer Giveaway post. 

Entries close at midnight on Friday 8 November and the winner will be announced on Monday 11 November. The winner will receive one set of double tickets valid for Friday 22 November OR Sunday 24 November in Greenpoint, Cape Town (winner can choose their preferred date). The winner should be over the age of 18.

Good luck! 

Images courtesy of CT Festival of Beer

Out & About: City Bowl Market

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For a while there I thought this post was never going to make it out! It’s scary how accustomed we are to having access to the whole world at our fingertips – and how out of touch we feel when that connection is no longer there. So the short story is that my wireless internet connection decided to take the weekend off… and, err.. never came back. My IT-whizz hubby has managed to make an interim plan so I am kind-of sort-of back again, enough so for me to tell you about my recent visit to the City Bowl Market.



Cape Town’s youthful energy is reflected in this market, located in the city centre. The market takes place twice weekly at 14 Hope Street – a large red and white building which you can’t miss as you drive up the road! Originally opened in September 1927, the Zionist Hall as it was more popularly known was a venue for social and charity events for the surrounding, largely Jewish neighbourhood and the citizens of the city. A centre for everything from concerts to Bat Mitzvahs to blood transfusion clinics. 50 years later, with the younger generation moving to other areas and the community dwindling, the hall was sold.




The first thing I noticed as I walked into the market was the colourful bunting draped across the hall. The traders were positioned around the sides of the hall, and in the middle were large pink tables (made out of doors) where visitors could relax and enjoy their food. On the stage up front, three women were playing the marimbas, adding to the festive atmosphere. And that really sums it up – the vibe is relaxed and fun!





And onto the traders… at first glance the City Bowl Market may not seem huge, but there is so much to see! Fresh spices, gluten-free muesli, artisan lollies and craft beers are just some of the offerings. If you have a sweet tooth you will not be disappointed! I took home the most delicious brownies from La Petite Moo Brownies in salted caramel and bar-one flavours. And I spotted some fantastic, blingy cupcakes at Take The Cake including a Lindt ball cupcake – yes, hello! For the more health conscious, you can follow your nose and the aroma of fresh ginger to the juice stand, or choose from a huge selection of gourmet salads at SaladLover.























I tasted some limoncello at Kaapse Limoncello (great for Christmas gifts, hint hint) and also got chatting to the lady selling fresh potted herbs (Village Herbs) in the hope of getting some insight as to why I can never get my coriander going. Brunch consisted of olive bread and halloumi bread from Cyprus Foods for me and a nutella crepe for hubby, enjoyed at one of the pink tables. I also tasted some spicy ready-to-drink chai at Groovy Chai. I was hoping to get a closer look at the craft beers but by the time I had worked my way to that side of the hall I couldn’t get anywhere near them for the sea of lads hanging around them! I’ll take that as a sign that they must be good.




City Bowl Market is the perfect place to meet up with old friends or make a few new ones! There is plenty of space at the large tables for everyone to gather around and have a good old catch up while enjoying the artisan products on offer.



The City Bowl Market at 14 Hope Street is open on Thursdays 4.30 – 8.30pm and Saturdays 9am – 2pm. For more information you can click here to visit their website. My thanks to Ute Kuhlmann, Market Manager for supplying the historical background of the building.