Babel at Babylonstoren

I have been waiting for ages to visit this restaurant, they are pretty much fully booked every Sunday and now I can see why. Not too far past Stellenbosch is a perfect wine farm called Babylonstoren this farm has it all, animals, garden, food, wine, atmosphere, beautiful venue and great service.

The interior is very clean, crisp and white completely different to the vineyards outside but a perfect match to the simple, clean dishes where most of the ingredients are picked straight from the garden and prepared. The food is very seasonal and one of the few restaurants where I saw Quince and num num berry repeated throughout the dishes.

The first taster of Babel's offerings was the bread, freshly baked, served with the most delicious baked pear marinaded in thyme and olive oil, now I don't like baked or poached fruits very much but this was something I will be making at home with cheese very soon.

We ordered the Voigner, a crisp white wine which went perfectly with my meal. Water is free on the table poured from a tap in the middle of the restaurant.

The menu is fairly small but I still had difficulty choosing as it all sounded really delicious but it being lunch time I had a Franschhoek smoked trout with burnt sage butter, rolled red spinach, quince and something I have never had before is a num num berry which was something like a cross between a cherry tomato and a berry. I often order fish when I want something light and am normally underwhelmed but this dish I would actually return and have it again.

Some other dishes were the Roast Rack of lamb, citrus chardonnay sauce and grilled satsuma.

Roast beef fillet on the bone with anchovy butter, deep fried leek and shiraz sauce

Grilled eggplant in a pizza style with tomatoes, gorgonzola and olives.

Quince and spinach pie with melon salad

Beetroot and turnip carpaccio with num num confit and smoked trout

All the main courses come with a side of the most delicious duck fat roasted potatoes, fine beans in mustard sauce and balsamic roasted beetroot.

I had no space for dessert but they all looked delicious as they whizzed past us from the kitchen and I

was very close to trying the creme Brulee or chocolate fondant, both classic desserts.

I will definitely go back even for their fresh salads and a walk around the vineyards.

Main Courses were between R160 - R180 and our bill came to R300pp

Pictures and article Copyright by Tamsyn Wells

Woodstock Academy of Music

I attended the launch of this amazing new Music Academy based in Side Street Studios, Woodstock. The brainchild of a friend of mine, Musician Rus Nerwich. I have been to a few of his live shows, being a 'talented' to say the least Saxaphone player he always amazes me with his easy stage presence, music skills and a music style of his own.

Side Street Studios is a creative community aimed at increasing the demand for studio space where creative minds work side by side in their own space, an appropriate venue for the music academy.

Rus is aiming at people of any age to attend lessons in Guitar, Piano, Drums, Bass, Saxophone, Trumpet or Voice with the best teachers Cape Town has to offer as well as band rehearsal space and may also be used as a recording studio.

We were entertained on the evening by Eliezer, Bateleur, Rus Nerwich, Madzishe, Mean Black Mumba and Nash Reed. 

Cutty Sark Whiskey was flowing, one of the first light coloured blended whiskey's which has been around for the last 80 years, pizza, arisan beers and wines could be purchased. With the smell of freshly baked bread from the bakery filling the air and Table Mountain as the view this evening was a night to remember.

Well done to Rus Nerwich, I wish you all the best and suggest all musicians visit the Woodstock Music Academy.

Tel: 0725104859

Side Street Studios

46 Albert Road

Woodstock

Pictures and article Copyright By Tamsyn Wells

Orinoco

I visited this little Latin American restaurant with friends for lunch today, it's called Orinoco run by Migdalia Bellorin a Venezuelan beauty. I drive past it often and have always wanted to try it so when my friend mentioned he went to chef school with the owner, it created the perfect opportunity to sample some Latin American food for lunch on my off day.

The interior feels like you are entering Migdalia's own house, she welcomes you with her rich accent and you feel very comfortable in this colourful cafe' style restaurant.

The authentic decor also whisks you back to memories of over seas travel and makes you want to book your next trip, it seems Mexico has influenced her greatly in the menu and the knick knacks found garnishing the interior.

I started off with a fresh juice, I chose the Caribbean and I would happily go back just for this, fresh, perfectly balanced thirst quenching juice, I make my own at home and even this one impressed me. On the table to nibble on is bread, marinated olives and two chili sauces all amazing, well seasoned and you can buy some to take home.

For starters we had Empanada's a traditional dish which is basically bread wrapped around a filling of meat or cheese, they are R20 each and served with guacamole and pico de gallo (tomato and onion salsa). Definitely a new addiction for me from now on.

For mains we all went with the pulled pork burrito, I did not have cheese in mine but it was so fresh and you can tell everything is home made from the burrito wrapper made with Corn masa to the slow braised pork inside, even the salad had juicy slow roasted cherry tomatoes on top. 

There is a chalk board of daily specials and a dessert menu which we had no space for today.
They are open 10am - 6pm Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am - 10pm Thursday and Friday, 6pm - 12am on Saturdays. Total bill for three people was R375.

Orinoco
17 Bree street, corner of Prestwich and Bree street
021 - 418 45 44

Pictures and article Copyright by Tamsyn Wells

Olivia's Kitchen is in the Papers

So cool to see my blog in the Newspapers recently, it appeared in the Beeld and Die Burgers Lifestyle section. Thanks to Karla Janse van Vuuren the food editor for following my escapades and travels : )

Picture and article Copyright by Tamsyn Wells

Diamant Estate Launch Party

I was so pleased to be invited to the launch of this newly developed Wedding and function venue found in the Paarl Winelands. In Collaboration with Absolute Collection a Wedding and Corporate event planning company, the launch took place this past Thursday at Diamant Estate.

By the name you would think this venue is glitz, glam and diamonds where it actually feels very relaxed and homely, like you are away from the city and automatically kick into holiday mode.
The dress was smart casual but with a colour scheme of Royal blue, beige, white and cream which followed through in the decor and branding of the event.

We gathered at a welcome area for home- made lemonade in mini jam jars where the canapes and bites started flowing, root vegetable chips, springrolls filled with cheese and parma ham and mini rolls topped with beef.

We then made our way to an open field decked out in white furniture, hay bales, ottomans and food bars consisting of a BBQ station for kebabs, cocktail bar, cheese and preserve bar, antipasti, sweets and popcorn station, flowing sparkling wine produced by the Diamant estate, Bos ice tea and branded water. Bottomless Coffee a two man band were playing a mix of folk jazz and blues.

Next we moved into the venue where an amazing blue, white and cream candy bar draws all the ladies attention made by Wade and Arda from Cakes by Wade  and more hot snacks are passed around made by the catering company called Two Chefs. 

Big bonfires warm the area, a photobooth, piano player, coffee bar as well as acrobatic dancers and fire dancers entertain us late into the night when the dancefloor opened and still more bright blue ice cream cones were served as well as water to cure our hangovers.

We all had an amazing time and I really recommend this venue along with all the sponsors who helped to make our evening so special.

Abri Kruger was the photographer for the evening, I have seen some of his pictures, he really captured the evening showing just what an amazing event this was. He is Currently running a special on a Glamour make over shoot where he will transform you into a glamour model for a day.

Diamant Estate 0761116905
Absolute Collection 0834401583
Cakes by Wade 0829324522
Bottomless Coffee 0845175783
Abri Kruger Photography 0718736611
Two Chefs 0828333697

Pictures and article copyright by Tamsyn Wells

Loading Bay

This evening we were deciding  between a Clarke's Burger or a Loading Bay Burger, not having tried the Loading Bay yet we decided since its burger night to give it a try. They both use the same beef patty from Bill Riley but the end result is very different.

I love the design and decor of this Cafe' it's bright, warm, relaxed, sunny, casual but cool. I have been once for lunch and was very happy with my chicken wrap but this evening is Burger night, every Thursday they have an evening dedicated to Burgers, wine and Beer.

I chose the Devil's Peak Golden Ale which was absolutely delicious. I tried it once before at the beer festival at the Biscuit Mill and I am so glad I know where to find it now as it's easily one of my favorite Artisan Brew's. Very easy drinking and goes great with the burger.

So on Thursday evening's there is only a choice of Beef or vegetarian with truffle fries or salad. It is a really perfect looking burger which gets better and better the more you eat, filled with pickled jalapeno, tomato, lettuce, a mayo or sour cream dressing and a really light glossy hamburger roll, the first burger I have eaten which almost feels fresh and healthy instead of rich and heavy.

I had a great time, good food, beer and coffee, I will definitely go back to try a few other items I spotted on the menu. Total Bill for 2 with drinks and tip was R300. They also sell clothing and denim, closed on Sunday's and open until 4 or 5pm.

Find Them on:
30 Hudson Street
De Waterkant
Cape Town
Tel: 021425 6321

Pictures and Article copyright by Tamsyn Wells

L'Ormarins Queens Plate 2013

I was fortunate to be given tickets to the L'Ormarins Queens Plate this year as 15 On Orange Hotel was one of the preferred Hotels to host the guests so I snapped up a ticket when they were offered at work. I got a VIP Stud pass which goes for R900 and also available to buy were Style Lounge for R250.

Sponsored by L'Ormarins, this glamorous horse race event where everybody is dressed to the nines in blue and white was started 152 years ago. An elite event with a grand prize of R1 million for the Jockey who wins.

There is plenty to keep you occupied until DJ Fresh starts playing after six in the tent where the party begins. Bet on your favorite horses, best hat and best dressed competition as well as a market style food court.

 In the VIP Stud tent you could drink wine and beer as well as a light food buffet of mini rolls, chicken curry, salads, bread sticks, dips, cheese, fruit and cupcakes.

Don't miss the after party to celebrate every body's winnings and end off the night with your dancing shoes on.

Pictures and article copyright by Tamsyn Wells

Mzoli's

I have been hesitant to visit Mzoli's for a while now hearing mixed reviews, it's safe, it's not safe, it's amazing... I have still always been inquisitive to try it. The opportunity arose to join my staff on a outing and I jumped at the chance to experience the township in Cape Town.

Mzoli's or better known as Mzoli's Meat or Mzoli's Butcher is a butchery in Guguletu where you choose your meat and the Mzoli staff braai (BBQ) it for you and serve it up with a choice of sides.

There was a variety of lamb, chicken or pork mostly chops and sausage but there may be more on offer on other occasions.

Once you have chosen your meat by weight it is taken to the braai (BBQ) area where they baste and flame it to perfection somehow keeping track of who ordered what.

So while you await your feast you go next door to the very big lapa style area and start the party. You may take your own alcohol inside or buy it there as well as any other foods you like, we took crisps, alcohol, ice, coldrinks and beers, everything is acceptable.. I think.

The food took about an hour so while you wait there are Dj's playing great vibey music, dancing and chatting to the locals.

The food was really tasty, lamb chops and sausage with my favorite Mielie pap, Samp and Chakalaka, so good I could go back just for bowls full of Pap and sauce.














We all had a great time, I highly recommend everybody visit Mzoli's, we caught taxi's there and back and all wished we had taken doggie bags the next day for breakfast. We spent about R50 per person and there was over enough for everybody to eat until you burst and then dance it all off later.

They say the best day to go is on Sunday's from 11am.
Find them at: NY115, shop 3, Guguletu, Cape Town
Tel: 021 6381355

Pictures and article Copyright by Tamsyn Wells