Sunday Funday: Durban and Lesotho

Greetings loves!

As many of you know, I am a frequent visitor of South Africa since 2009.  My traditional "playgrounds" in South Africa are normally, Pretoria, Johannesburg and of course, Cape Town!  But my friend, Ashlee and I thought it time to find a new South African destination and thus the idea of visiting Durban was born!

** DID YOU KNOW:  Outside of India, Durban is home to the largest population of Indian decent! **

Before visiting Durban we were told to find a hotel on South Beach.  Ashlee and I logged onto expedia.com, booked a gorgeous hotel and started looking for day tours to see all that Durban had to offer during our long weekend!  Well we attempted to book two tours of interest and were, unfortunately, declined.  No worries -- we would find a tourist office and attempt to book tours upon arrival.

** INTERESTING FACT:  After 16 years, The International AIDS Conference returned to Durban, South Africa. **

We landed in Durban and immediately went to the Tour Desk located in the airport. We called a tour company, ironically the same one that declined our tours originally.  We found out why:  our hotel was NOT in South BEACH but in South BROOM!  We were two hours down the coast from Durban! We canceled our hotel reservation in South Broom and booked a small guest house in the suburbs of Durban, the Sanchia.

An honesty bar

Pool and views

Our room

Once we re-booked our hotel the tour company agreed to take us on the two requested tours! 

On Sunday, Ashlee and I woke up early to dress warm and prepare for our trip to the Kingdom of Lesotho, my 15th African country!

Lesotho is completely surrounded by South Africa.  The Kingdom of
Lesotho is a mountainous country and guess what, there is SNOW! 

We left early as the tour was planned for 12 hours.  Ashlee and I wore warm coats, scarves and I also adorned mittens.  

On our way to Sani Pass and up the mountains of Lesotho, we passed through Pietermaritzburg, the capital of Kwa-Zulu Natal.  We actually made quite a few stops on our way to Lesotho, stopping along the way to breathtaking views, a small church from the 1800s with a tiny graveyard, more ... views, a grocery store, coffee shop, a small government housing compound and a small village at the top of a mountain in Lesotho.

 

Clearly staring at views ....

Our 4x4 for the day

After over 8 hours in a 4x4 landcruiser we made our way to one of the highest points in Lesotho!

 

Crossing into the Kingdom of Lesotho

Our fellow travelers!

After taking photos from this chilly point, we made our way to the highest pub in South Africa - the Sani Mountain Lodge! 

My main issue with the tour is I wish we spent more time in Lesotho and at the pub. We only had 30 minutes in the pub. I would have preferred to sit down, warm up, relax, have lunch and a few cocktails at this amazing pub. But alas, after 30 minutes we made our way down the very windy road and back to Durban.

It was our last night in Durban so Ashlee and I wanted to have a nice meal. We made reservations at The Grill Room at the Oyster Box (http://www.oysterboxhotel.com/food-and-drink/the-grill-room). This was a wise and delicious decision!  We were seated in a gorgeous dining room and immediately greeted to request our wine and appetizer requests.  The Grill Room is known for their 1920s 18 hors d'evours appetizer cart.  Ashlee ordered this decadent option while I enjoyed the bread and biltong butter (my GOD it was so good).  

Biltong butter ... so so good!

After enjoying our starters, we were prepared to enjoy the main courses.  Ashlee enjoyed a pork belly dish while I enjoyed steak medallions which was cooked perfectly table side. 

Steak medallions and potatoes

I was not ready for this dinner to end so I ordered raspberry sorbet and a glass of rose sparkling wine. It was divine! 

The perfect ending ...

Ashlee and I left completely satisfied.  If you are ever in Durban please make a reservation and enjoy the dining experience that is offered by The Oyster Box. 

A sunset in Durban

Overall, Ashlee and I enjoyed our Sunday in Durban and Lesotho.  It was an incredible experience and I am definitely a fan!  Hmmm Essence Festival will be held in Durban in November.  To go or not to go ...

If you are on snapchat, follow my travels and day to day life in Lusaka, Zambia: pmkenney79!

West Virginia: Wild, Wonderful and Decadent

Greetings from Virginia!  As many of you know, I spent a few, much needed, weeks at home with family and friends.  The time flew by but I was definitely able to enjoy quality time with many loved ones!  I will compose another entry with more details but this entry is focused on the spa and wine getaway enjoyed by Mom and I -- West Virginia -- wild, wonderful and decadent!

As I planned my trip home, Mom and I discussed taking a short drive to West Virginia.  I brought up the idea of going to a bed and breakfast, seeing what West VA has to offer ... more than just the casino.  After doing some internet browsing we chose Hillbrook Inn (http://www.hillbrookinn.com/).

Prior to arriving, we booked 1) facial and massage appointments upon arrival, 2) 5-course dinner with wine pairing for Friday night and 3) wine tour for Saturday afternoon. We were NOT disappointed! The property is green, serene, private and idyllic for a peaceful getaway.  Just what I needed!  We arrived an hour early so we ventured immediately to the spa to enjoy our facial and massage.  After being in the car for 2 hours, that was a great idea!  The massage was ok - I would have preferred more pressure but the facial was amazing!  The spa uses great products which left my skin dewy (http://www.hillbrookinn.com/spa/spa-products/)!  I actually purchased two of the products to take home with me!

After the spa we formally checked in and upon check in we were greeted warmly with a smile, a welcome drink (prosecco and fresh fruit juice) and an offer to tour the property.

The Hillbrook Inn has quite an interesting history! Hillbrook Inn was actually built during the 'roaring 20s' by Brigadier General Frank E. Bamford on land that was once owned and farmed by President George Washington!  He designed the house after an inn he stayed at frequently after World War I in Normandy.  While there, of course, has been updates and modifications, it remains quaint and gorgeous!

Warm guest welcome

Sitting room and bar

Fine dining

Sunroom - breakfast with a view!

After our welcome drink and tour, Mom and I went to the room.  We chose the Tranquility Cottage. The room was very nice offering a full kitchen, large bathroom complete with jacuzzi tub, vanity mirror and sink, plus a large shower that offered four pulsating jets. The bedroom offered a large queen bed and fireplace.  There was also a queen pull out sofa in the sitting room.

After we settled in, we changed our clothes and made our way back to the main house for the 5-course dinner with wine pairing.  The 5-course dinner with wine pairing was a total of $110 per person.  But my oh my was it decadent!

The menu.  We were prepared for our taste buds
to be amazing and they were!

My gorgeous mother

Pre-appetizer: chicken salad with cucumber
on toast.  It was really good.  We wanted
another bite!

Wine pairing for courses 1 & 2.
Perfect pairing!

Course 1.  The salad was quite good.
The pesto was fresh and provided amazing flavor!

Course 2:  Before this meal, I had never heard of vichyssoise.
The server explained it is a thick soup made with
pureed leeks, onions, potatoes, cream and chicken stock.
It is traditionally served cold but can be served hot.  Ours was
served cold but I wish it was served hot!  It was good and I am
glad I tried a new dish!

Wine pairing for Course 3.

Course 3:  swordfish.  This was only ok.
I felt my swordfish was overcooked and
was rubbery but the flavor was good so
I enjoyed half of the dish. It really paired
well with the wine choice!

Wine pairing for Course 4.

Course 4:  rib-eye.  Now ... anyone that knows me
KNOWS I like my meat medium well.  When they
served the rib-eye medium I thought "oh no..." BUT
I was not going to insult the chef and ask for it to be cooked longer.
So I picked up my steak knife, sliced a small bite, closed my eyes and placed
the small bite in my mouth.  My eyes opened in surprise - AMAZING!
The collard greens were also perfect!  The wine pairing was well chosen!
Mom and I could do this dish over and over and OVER again!

Wine pairing for Course 5.

Course 5:  Bourbon pecan blondie with blueberries and
fresh cream.  Wow, perfect ending to this delicious meal!
I actually enjoyed the bubbly paired with this dish after dessert.
Overall a very decadent AND enjoyable meal!

After dinner Mom and I ventured to the casino.  Lady Luck must have taken off that night ... I digress haha

The next morning Mom and I woke up, got dressed and arrived at the main house for our 9:45am breakfast sitting.  I have never been to a bed and breakfast before and to be catered to was quite nice! I advised them I do not like eggs, oatmeal, cooked fruit and mushrooms.  The chef modified breakfast both mornings to ensure that I was able to enjoy breakfast. They also added my preferences to my guest profile so that if (WHEN) I ever return my preferences would be on file.  Both mornings Mom and I chose a table in the sunroom so we could enjoy a view of the grounds.  We were lucky to also see cardinals, bluejays and butterflies dancing on the sunbeams ...

Breakfast course 1:  french toast with
warm blueberry maple syrup, fresh OJ
and coffee.

Breakfast course 2 for Mom:  mushroom,
rocket and cheese quiche with bacon.

Breakfast course 2 (for me):  fruit cup
(raspberries, blackberries and grapes), bacon,
swiss cheese and pastries.

Breakfast course 1 (day 2):  fresh, flaky,
cinnamon pasty with icing and blueberries.
This was REALLY good!

Breakfast course 2 (day 2)  sausage and fresh
peach halves.  Mom ate most of the peach --
I knew she wanted it because she kept staring,
coveting haha  (not pictured is Mom's second course.
She enjoyed a potato and sausage egg bake)

On Saturday, after a wonderful breakfast, Mom and I relaxed and walked the grounds a little before they picked us up at noon for the wine tour.

A game of chess anyone?

Queens

The wine tour is $85 per person and covers transportation to three wine farms, all tastings and cheese tasting at the first farm.  I would, OF COURSE, recommend the wine tasting tour!  We went to three farms:  Northgate (http://www.northgatevineyard.com/), 8 Chains North (http://8chainsnorth.com/) and Doukenie (http://8chainsnorth.com/).  After enjoying the wine at all three farms, Mom and I agreed that Northgate winery was our favorite!

Northgate:  award winning!

Northgate:  the cheese tasting.

Mom posing at 8 Chains North.

8 Chains North views.

8 Chains North:  chocolate and wine pairing.
Mom and I actually enjoyed the chocolate more
than we enjoyed the wine ...

Doukenie views.

Doukenie:  time to taste some wine!

Doukenie:  comforting inside view.
The wine was just ... ok.

After a wonderful wine tour, Mom and I returned to the room to relax, hydrate and get dressed for dinner.

Mom and I decided to enjoy yet another decadent dinner.  We called our taxi and went to the casino. We made our way through the casino and to The Final Cut steakhouse (http://www.hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com/dining/Final%20Cut). Dinner for two (pictured below) was $200 (tip included) and was worth every.single.bite (or sip)!

To ... cleanse the pallet ... a glass of
Tiamo (prosecco).

Soup:  broccoli with white cheddar
crouton.  This soup was AMAZING.
Full of flavor, great texture and the
crouton was so so good!

Salad:  Cesar.  WHY are their croutons
so big and so delicious!  The salad is a good size
so Mom and I easily split in half.  The pictured is half
portion.

Family size side:  truffle macaroni
and cheese.  When I say this was the best thing
I ate all weekend -- TRUTH!  I tried to stop eating it.
I failed ... failed miserably haha but SO WORTH
EVERY CALORIE!  A must try!

Malbec with my steak.  Great wine -
great pairing!

Main course:  Mom and I both selected the 8oz filet.
I chose a pepper sauce while Mom chose the hollywood steak
sauce.  We did request medium well (some habits are hard
to break) and the steak remained juicy, tender and full of flavor.

After dinner, bellies full, Mom and I thought we would look for Lady Luck again. She, clearly, remained 'out of the office' the second night as well haha but this time we played longer with Mom enjoyed roulette and me enjoying poker.

While Mom and I may have lost at the casino, we definitely WON the weekend!  We planned a decadent weekend in West Virginia and that is exactly what we enjoyed! Upon our return we found the Hillbrook Inn listed at an amazing rate on Living Social! If you purchase now, you must travel until December 22 - it is a great deal! If I were going to be home from Zambia earlier in December, Mom and I would book again for a winter stay!

If you are on snapchat, follow me at: pmkenney79!  Have a wonderful week!

Wine Time!: The 2016 Lusaka Wine Show

My last weekend (just a short vacation) in Lusaka was wine and laughter filled!  June 10 - 11 was the 2016 Lusaka Wine Show.  The name is a bit devious as the over 80 wines which were featured were from 11 farms located in Cape Town, from Stellenbosch, Franschheok and Paarl.  The event was held at the Radisson Blu.  We attended the event on Friday night, June 10.

The tickets were K125 (advance) which is approximately $12 per person. The ticket included enterance into the event, a wine glass and a pen.  *I am just realizing as I type this that I left my wine glass and pen behind...*

Before venturing to the wine show I decided to load up on carbs and enjoyed a yummy Indian dinner complete with rice and naan.  My wine tasting strategy was to stop at every table to taste the sparkling, white and rose wines.  After enjoying those, I planned to have another carb filled snack, water and then re-circle the venue for reds (I have to have my Pinotage, of course).  I think it worked out pretty well actually!

The eleven farms that blessed us with the fermented juice from their vineyards were: Babylonstoren, Black Elephant, De Meve, Hillcrest, Hoopenburg, Lynx (one of my faves), Marianne, Niel Joubert, Noble Hill (a new fave), Painted Wolf and Peter Falke.

The very first farm we enjoyed was Hoopenburg (http://www.hoopenburgwines.co.za/Default.aspx?CLIENTID=1138).  This is where we met Anton and where I realized that I am a fan of unwooded Chardonnay.  I realized I have not been a fan of Chardonnay because I do not like the California, wooded, version.  But the more I try from South African farms, I realize I am a true fan.  Anton did not believe we would make it back to his table but let me tell you, we made it back three more times! haha Unfortunately, the bottle was sold out when I went to purchase.

One of the reasons the Lynx farm (http://www.lynxwines.co.za/index.php) is one of my favorites is because I absolutely LOVE their Blanc de Noir.  It is definitely a 'drinking wine' - chill it, open it, drink it!  During this event I became a fan of their Lynx Vino Blanco - another easy drinking wine and their Lynx SMV (a blend of Shiraz, Mourvedre and Viognier).  I am not a fan of the other wine pictured - Viognier Tardio - mainly because it is a sweet white wine.  However, if you are into sweet whites, the Viognier Tardio is for you!

My second favorite at the event, and a new favorite, was the Noble Hill farm (http://www.noblehill.com/).  The one thing that really drew me to this table was the presentation. The gentleman who provided the tasting was the nicest dressed at the event wearing a nice pair of khakis, dress shirt, bow tie and jacket.  The table was also well organized and presentable.  When we first arrived the table was quite popular but once many of the people left my friends and I swooped in!

The first thing we tried was the Blanc de Blanc - their MCC bubbly.  Only 1200 bottles are made per year and it is a special bottle.  I would have procured one at the event, however, in Lusaka the bottle cost K300 or almost $30.  On the farm the same bottle costs R185 or a little over $12!  Plus the way this farm was presented, it is definitely one I want to visit my next time in Cape Town!

The other wine I really enjoyed at the Noble Hill table was their Estate Blend.  He informed us that the wine represented Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. To me, this was a big steak wine!  Something I could imagine enjoying with an amazing rib eye with blue cheese.  But alas my dreams were shattered as the bottle was sold out when I attempted to purchase.  Another reason to visit the farm!

Of course not every farm is perfect.  One of the farms I really wanted to try was the Painted Wolf farm (www.paintedwolfwines.com/).  I really wanted to like more from this farm, mainly because of their adorable mascot but we were all disappointed.  The one that I admittedly LOVED was their Rose.  My goodness it was good!  It was another drinking wine.  Something you open and enjoy with friends during the summer on a hot day.  Like fermented lemonade ha ...

Isn't the mascot - an African wild dog - adorable?!

The farm was the Black Elephant and none of us were fans.  No photo and if you cannot say anything nice ... well ... moving on.

Eventually we made our way to the Babylonstoern farm (https://www.babylonstoren.com/).  This was actually a really nice selection.  I really enjoyed their Mourvedre Rose but more than that, I loved their Babel Red.  I am starting to realize I enjoy a nice, big blend when it comes to red wines!  Their Babel blend is quite a representation of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.  

One of the final tables we enjoyed was the Hillcrest Farm table (http://www.hillcrestfarm.co.za/).  By the time we arrived, he was serving one of two wines:  Cabernet Sauvignon Rose and the Sauvignon Blanc.  To my surprise I was a huge fan of the Sauvignon Blanc!  There was something very subtle, yet spicy about the wine that made me want to pair it with my favorite pizza.  Apparently, this farm is also known for its olives and olive oil.  I entered the contest to win the gift box pictured, but alas, no luck.  Guess this is a reason for me to visit the farm the next time I am in Cape Town!  I do love olives, warm bread and an amazing olive oil!

Hillcrest Farm

I was able to purchase 6 bottles, ultimately.  The price was not bad.  For the six bottles I paid a little over $90.  After the event some of us went to the outside dining area, opened a bottle and stayed a while.  I would absolutely say it was a really fun event!

I actually procured 2 bottles of the Blanc de Noir and 2 of the Painted Wolf rose
but well I have already shared one bottle with friends!

I am actually looking forward to the next event which is August 26 - the Wine and Whiskey Festival!