The wonder that is... the Western Cape (Part 1)

Spring in the Cape...

Snow, rain, wind, ice.... that is what appeared to be facing us as we boarded our plane to Cape Town on 21 September. SPRING! Had the Western Cape not gotten that memo??
Our cases where laden with jerseys, long pants and even coats! We were prepared for the cold that we were heading to... I was even more prepared for the coffee, wine, ice-cream and food in general that I was about to consume over the 7 day period. I had my list, Google maps downloaded to my phone and stretch pants (just in case ;-P )

We arrived to a chilly welcome just after 6pm and had to locate a car rental place to get some wheels for the weeks adventure. (Have to mention that we spotted Chad Le Clos at the airport before we left Pretoria.)
Eventually, with key and Google maps in hand, we made our way to the hotel - gorgeous beach front view - and settled in before heading out for a snack with my brother and sister-in law.

POSTICINO in the Sea Point area is as popular as they come and we only just managed to grab the only available table at 9pm.
Awesome, busy, Italian vibe, the perfect pizza with paper thin bases and just enough topping.
3 pizza's shared amongst us was enough to settle the flight hunger pains and prepare us for the week head...







Well rested and ready for our first adventure, Glen Carlou (GC) wine farm was our first stop on Sunday morning. GC - one of the only wine farms on the Paarl wine route (well any route for that matter) where the tastings are free!
The view from this winery is amazing. We managed to see not only the snow covered mountains but the sun shining over the Cape at the same time - absolutely stunning.
If you want to stretch your mind, take a walk through the Hess Museum of Contemporary Art - just don't do it after the wine tasting because you will have no clue what's going on :-p

Our second and final stop for the day before heading off to Hillsong CT for their 4.30pm service, was Babylonstoren. Oh gosh guys, if you want to be in touch with nature, get there!
This wine farm includes a garden where you can take a long walk and as long as you are there, you can pick and eat what you like, (there is a R10 entry fee at the gate).
There is everything from lemons and peaches to a variety of lettuces and herbs - including carpets of Thyme, Camemile etc. Clivias and lilies line the gardens and there a streams of water running through.                          


The funniest thing for me, and I literally laughed for 2 minutes at this, is the giant bird cage!
You can climb up and sit inside the cage! Hilarious!!

The Glass house restaurant boasts a number of amazing dishes and fruit juices (the yellow, the green and the red) Indulge in the beetroot and chocolate cupcakes - they're a must.

The day was made even more interesting when we spotted Jade from MasterChef season 1, all hippy-like in the garden.. as you do.

This place is where you want to be if you want to become one with nature (and food and wine)

Monday 23 Sept

Today, the girls walked the promenade (8.1km) and the started our trip through the inner city.

We made our way through the narrow streets of the inner city to ORIGINS COFFEE. This place is amazing! So nicely hidden along a busy street and packed to the rafters inside.
We had to try their almond croissant (we were hungry!) as well as their amazing winder blend coffee. I ventured further and had a cup of their Guatemalan bla bla bla -amazing!
Origins can boast at being one of the best, I would not deny that - every blend, every country, they have it! A little piece of coffee heaven.

 

 

 

From there we decided to walk to Jason Bakery in Bree street - Google maps promised a 10min walk - I think not! Anyhoo, when we got there we were greeted by a  'closed' sign! Bummer! With Heritage day being on the Tuesday, it would seem a lot of places took Monday off too...

 

Before heading to the vineyards we HAD to stop for lunch and no better place than PURE GOOD in St Johns Street for a healthy snack.

Shannon (MasterChef SA season 2) has made this restaurant into a gem and I just loved it there.

 

 

The Mother City wrap (or salad) is a must and I have to promote the 'pina colada'  smoothie - I don't think any fruit / veg smoothie can compare!

Will definitely make Pure Good a stop every time I'm in Cape Town :-)



 



Finally we wrapped up the day at Altydgedact and D'Aria - the infamous Blush wine does leave your cheeks a little rosey and warms you up as the Cape chill moves into the night air.


That's it for Part 1 of my trip.... next up Heritage day and a trip to Stellenbosch :-)

Ciao for now
Mel