7-Course Dinner + Wine Tasting at Lilayi Lodge

Dining area in Lilayi Lodge

Earlier this month nine friends and I indulged in a 7-course dinner and wine tasting, here in Lusaka, at Lilayi Lodge.  The food and the wine were absolutely divine! 

This event is quite popular with varying wine farms hosting each event.  The event is usually every 6-8 weeks and you must absolutely keep your eye open on all social media sites as the event becomes full fast!  The cost per person was K500 or approximately $48.

This particular event was held on a Saturday.  The featured wine farm was Paul Culver (http://www.cluver.com/).  The wine farm is actually located approximately 70km outside of Cape Town in Elgin.  Elgin boasts of cool temperatures which are actually perfect for growing apples.  It is no wonder that upon entering Lilayi we were warmly greeted with a glass of crisp apple cider – Cluver & Jack Apple Cider.  The cider is 5% alcohol and is really light and easy to drink. 

After enjoying the cider we were seated at our table.  I glanced over the menu and immediately my taste buds were intrigued!  I can tell you I was not disappointed by the end of this event – with the food, or the wine!  It was by far one of the best tastings I have experienced!  My only disappointment was that there were no bottles immediately ready for sale.  Otherwise, my friends and I were sure to buy cases of wine upon our departure.

I hope my descriptions and photos accurately portray this delicious experience!

Course one:  Organic greens with seared calamari and fresh salmon, served on a beet root puree.  Paired with:  Paul Cluver – Sauvignon Blanc 2015.  Comment:  I was NOT a fan of the salad.  I have a thing where I do not like my seafood to taste “fishy” and the salmon left a “fishy” after taste which I did not like.  The wine, however, made up for it.  My pallet was rinsed nicely and this says a lot since I actually do not prefer white wines.

Course two:  Homemade gnocci with a creamy seafood and dill sauce.  Paired with:  Paul Cluver – Chardonnay 2015.  Comment:  By FAR one of my favorite pairings!  The gnocci was perfect and the sauce was amazing!  No “fishy” after taste and the perfect amount of dill.  Also, the wine was delicious!  Again, I am not a fan of white wines, generally, but this Chardonnay may change my mind!

Course three:  Grilled Nile perch in a duglere sauce.  Paired with:  Paul Cluver – Dry Encounter Riesling 2014.  Comment:  Unfortunately, my fish was overcooked and even a little charred at the bottom.  My friend, Carrie, allowed me to taste her fish and it was flaky and really nice as it was cooked perfectly.  The wine was also too sweet for me and one of the reasons I am not a huge fan of Rieslings … so I thought …

Course four:  Chicken satay skewer with an Asian green papaya and mango salad.  Paired with:  Paul Cluver – Gewurtztraminer 2015.  Comment:  Surprisingly one of my favorites as well!  I am actually not a fan of chicken satay as I do not like sauces made with peanuts.  However, this was really nice.  The peanut taste was in the ‘background’ and the other spices provided a really nice balance to the sauce.   Also, the Asian green papaya and mango salad was really nice!  There was an interesting balance of tart, sweet and salty from the fruit and dressing combination.  I almost did not want this course to end!  The wine … one of my favorites!  I am a huge fan of Gewurtztraminer – one of two white wines I try to keep on hand!  The combination of both the food and the wine was perfect! 

Course five:  Venison medallions with parmesan mashed potato topped with stroganoff sauce.  Paired with: Paul Cluver – Estate Pinot Noir 2014.  Comment:  This dish was almost perfect except the venison was over-cooked and a bit tough.  Unfortunate!  However, the meat was flavored well with the stroganoff sauce and the mashed potato was very nice.  I am not really a fan of Pinot Noir – I like my red wine to be bodied!  I wish they paired this dish with a fuller bodied wine.  But again, a delightful course.

Course six: Shredded duck in phyllo pastry with berry sauce.  Paired with:  Paul Cluver – Seven Flags Pinot Noir 2013.  Comment:  Ladies and gents, my favorite pairing of the night!  I thought the berry sauce was going to make the dish sweet but it was actually a really good combination of flavors.  The shredded duck was tender and seasoned well; the phyllo pastry was flaky and crispy.  Above I mentioned I am not a fan of Pinot Noir.  Well the Seven Flags Pinot Noir 2013 changed my mind!  It was perfect and had the perfect amount of body to stand against the shredded duck.  I could have easily eaten two portions and enjoyed another full pour of this wine!

Course seven:  Passion fruit crème brulee served with chocolate biscuit straw.  Paired with:  Paul Cluver – Riesling Noble Late Harvest 2014.  Comment:  Crème brulee is one of my favorite desserts … if prepared correctly.  This was not.  It was lumpy and the texture immediately turned me off!  However, I wanted to sip on the Riesling Noble Late Harvest 2014 so I enjoyed the chocolate biscuit straw with the wine.  The wine was sweet but appropriately so.  It reminded me of a port wine and I actually surprised myself and enjoyed it!  I even finished off my friend’s glass!

Overall it was, again, a really enjoyable evening.  I would absolutely recommend this event.  And to those vegetarians, do not fret – the chef will accommodate!  Two of the guests at my table were vegetarians.  Though they enjoyed the seafood dishes, any other meat was substituted with main courses made with mushroom, eggplant, rich cheeses, spices and potatoes.  They also enjoyed their meal and we appreciate that the chef accommodated their diet.  If you are traveling around or living in Lusaka, I would highly recommend gathering friends and family together for a very lovely evening at Lilayi Lodge (http://www.lilayi.com/) for their 7-course dinner and wine tasting.  

In four short days I am en route to Cape Town for a lovely Easter weekend.  Now, if only I could some how fit a visit to the Paul Culver farm hmmm ...

Thoughts in a quiet house ...

This blog is supposed to detail my life traveling, working and living in Africa.  With a sprinkling of my dating life.  I admit I have neglected blogging about the latter.  Maybe more openness in 2016.

Daddy and I, CAU graduation

But today, tonight the root of my sadness is the void I feel now that my Daddy is not on this Earth. After a loved one passes people comfort you with words of "...they are always with you..." or "....they are in a better place, with the Lord." and on certain days, those words are helpful, are appreciated. But for me those days are maybe 10% of the 90% of the days I wake up.  

It really is about the little things.  Things that actually are not little because they are every day things.  Every day things like him making coffee and breakfast.  Every day things like him cleaning the kitchen after a family party at the house.  Every day things like him ironing my Sunday church clothes or him polishing my shoes. Every day comments like, "Baby girl, you are spoiled.  How are you going to find a man that cooks, cleans, irons and polishes shoes?!"  haha "I probably won't Daddy. That is why I come here every weekend *we laugh*" I miss that laugh ... I miss him shaking his head thinking "I have spoiled her ..."

This past holiday season it was very hard to celebrate without my Daddy.  I was just not in the mood. I did not feel like shopping.  I did not feel like wrapping gifts.  I did not feel like listing to solid gold oldies.  I did not feel like laughing.  And in all honestly, a strong rum and coke ... or a few of them ... helped me force a smile, "feel" the holiday spirit.  Then one Sunday with all intentions of going to the 10:30a service at my home church, Grace (Grace Church, Dumfries VA), I woke up, naturally, early. This is not me.  So I listened to my Spirit, dressed and attended the 8:30am service.  My Bishop, Bishop Grier, spoke of JOY.  Pertinent sermon or message, short, I realized I HAD LOST MY JOY.  

Oh there is a sour dating situation that contributed to a minor loss of joy but much of my joy was drained with the passing of my Daddy.  I was not only sad, bitter, perhaps depressed but also jealous. I took sharp notice to those who had their fathers after the age of 60. I was angry + jealous.  WHY did THEY deserve to have THEIR fathers longer?  HOW could my Daddy have fulfilled HIS purpose?  WHY was MY Daddy not permitted to walk me down the aisle, meet my children, his grandchildren ... why was I not permitted those memories?  When I accepted the job in Zambia, much of my career was discussed with my Daddy.  Why was he not not going to be around when I finally came home after my time in Zambia?  It is not that I was angry with God.  I just had questions. Questions that came with tears, heartache like I have never known and as I mentioned before, bitterness.  My "joy tank" was on E.  I was on fumes.  

God is not only good - He is SUPER.  I KNOW he got me out of bed early to ensure I was at that service on THAT Sunday.  I know he was pulling me up to the "tank" to be JOYFULLY and SPIRITUALLY refilled.  On FULL.  And what I have learned since then in talking to women of my Grace family, is that it is OK to ask God these questions.  It is not OK, however, to lose the joy with which God is constantly trying to fill me.  

Every single day is a struggle to not allow that God given joy to be depleted.  Every single day I miss my Daddy and some days are worse than others.  Some days, yes, I do need 2 glasses of wine to sleep through the night.  It is easier than crying myself to sleep - pillow wet, unable to catch my breathe as I cry "Daddy, why did you leave me.  Why Daddy, why are you gone?"  And I know it is not fair to blame him. I know that God makes not mistakes.  I guess I just wish God would whisper in my ear, "Phoebe, I promise, he did not leave before his  purpose was complete."  Some days I just need that spiritual confirmation.  

Seven months before my Daddy passed, my grandmother - his mother - passed.  From cancer.  And I admit, while I did cry as I left for Zambia, knowing I may not see her again ... I did cry when I heard she passed ... and I cried the week of her funeral knowing I could not be there ( I had just moved to Zambia).  But I smiled/still smile also.  Seeing grandma in pain, sleepy, not eating, just wanting to be in peace ... her passing hurt but I was relieved she was no longer in pain.  No longer sleepy, just sleeping in the arms of her Savior.  Pain-free.  It is easy to laugh at memories with her - even the ones where she got on my nerves haha

People say, "I know he left suddenly and that hurts, but better for that to happen versus him being in pain, suffering, weak, unable to care for himself in a hospital or hospice, etc. etc."  But I guess I do not agree.  Selfishly, VERY selfishly, I believe that would have been an easier situation.  Seeing him pass and out of pain would have been a RELIEF.  A blessing.  I would have mourned the same but the pain would have been easier. 

Today I finally returned to Zambia.  Alone.  A quiet house.  It has not been this quiet since early November.  When I returned to Zambia after we buried by Daddy I knew flying back to Zambia, I would not be alone.  I was expecting a guest (who was special then but is just simply trash now ha maybe another blog entry?) and my Mom.  I know my home would be noisy, filled with love, hope, the idea of moving forward.  That is not how I felt returning today.  Today as I sat on the plane, collected by bags and rode in the Embassy vehicle to my home, I knew it would be quiet.  I would return home to nobody.  I have been home for 10 hours and in the silence I can tell you I have only thought about my Daddy.  I have just missed him so much today...but I anticipated this feeling...

My best friend and I created our 2016 Vision Boards a few days ago.  It took me a while to start mine as many of my friends and family complete there Vision Boards at my NYE party (that was the theme - main attraction).  But I was trying to think - pray - about what could I possibly look forward to in this new year?  I have often thought HOW is it possible for me to be the same person - laughing, dancing, hopeful for what is to come next ... but FINALLY, I did complete my Vision Board. Finally, I think I have enough hope, enough laughter, enough love to push me through and be EXCITED about 2016.

I know I will have my rough days.  My sad days.  Nights where I may cry myself to sleep.  But I am equipped with scripture, family phone tree and my vision board to see me through those days. Today, tonight, sucks.  It just sucks.  I am looking over and over again at photos of my Daddy, emails he sent me and especially the very last email he sent me anticipating his birthday and me coming home for Christmas...I no longer have a paper diary.  This blog is my diary - an open diary.  Because this night is part of my overall experience.  Don't judge me.  Don't feel sorry for me.  Just pray for me.  And if you are not the praying kind, keep me in your positive thoughts.  I need all happy, blessed vibes.

Happy days in 2016 from Zambia.

XO, Phoebe

We miss you Daddy ....

Road trip! Destination: Livingstone

Hello from the road!

No visit to Zambia is complete without a trip to Livingstone to see Victoria Falls. Unfortunately, while the rainy season was supposed to start in November, Zambia has seen low rain falls and we were guaranteed low water at the falls. Additionally, since it is 'off season' the in-country airline used to fly to Livingstone was only offering one flight a day to/from Livingstone.  But as we were determined Mom and I decided ROAD TRIP!

I paid my driver a total of 3,000 kwacha (approximately $300) for the drive to/from Lusaka.  This also covered gas as well as his room costs for an overnight stay in Livingstone.  Not bad considering usually a round trip ticket to/from Livingstone costs about $300 per person.

Friday afternoon we hit the road about noon.  Mom packed the car with our luggage, snacks, ice, coke and the always necessary, rum.  We were prepared for the 7 hour ride.

Rum/coke = road trip refreshment

While in Livingstone we stayed at the Avani (http://www.avanihotels.com/victoria-falls/).  The Avani is located next door to the Royal Livingstone.  We were hungry when we checked in so immediately we decided to go to the restaurant to enjoy dinner.  Dinner was buffet but it was really good!  Mom enjoyed fish and crocodile while I enjoyed kudu stew and couscous.  The house wine was also nice and the wine list boasts of a large variety from South Africa.

The room was very nice with African decor, comfortable beds, large bathroom and the best shower (perfect pressure).  I swear I did not want to get out of that shower!  But we were not there to shower all day so time to play!

When we leave the room to play it was not uncommon to 'bump' into a herd of zebras or a few giraffes!  Both are comfortable with human presence.  I would not jump up to pet one of them as they are still wild animals but it was nice to be so close to such beautiful creatures.

Grazin' in the grass ...

Oh! Hello Marty!

Hello!

We will just pass when you are ready ...

Welcome to the Avani and Livingstone, Mom!

The original plan:  Saturday - land and water safari in Chobe Park, Botswana. Sunday - Victoria Falls tour on Zambia and Zimbabwe side.  Six hours into the drive to Livingstone I realized suddenly that I left my passport on my bedroom dresser.  I took it out of my purse the night before, changed purses and forget to put it into the new, smaller purse.  My heart sank.  I informed Mom and never stressed she simply said, "That's ok,  We can ask for a refund or credit and perhaps find something else to do while in Livingstone."

Game drive time!

The new plan:  Saturday morning - breakfast and game drive. Saturday evening - six course dinner with unlimited wine and beer on the Royal Livingstone Express (http://www.royal-livingstone-express.com/).  Sunday - breakfast on Livingstone Island and trip to Devil's Pool. The new itinerary was great and provided me with new experiences my fourth time in Livingstone.

The game drive took place in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. The drive was 3 hours and Mom and I were the only ones in the 4 x 4 vehicle. Usually one can see rhino, buffalo, hippo, birds, zebras, giraffes and elephants on the drive.  However, many of the "big" animals stayed camouflaged and away from our view. We did, however, see more zebras, impala, kudu, birds, hippos sun-bathing and warthogs. It was a beautiful day and a nice ride. Our driver, Humble, provided insight on many of the plants and trees we passed were used in natural remedies in the village. At the end of the game drive, we sat down by the Zambezi, enjoyed water, talked a bit more and then returned to the Avani to get ready for the evening out.

Mom and I returned to the Avani, dusted ourselves off and dressed for our experience on the Royal Livingstone Express.  The experience promised not only a gourmet six-course meal but also unlimited wine and beer, light snacks and  to temporarily stop on the Victoria Falls Bridge to see the sunset.

Upon boarding we were greeting with a drink of our choice.  We boarded the train, found a seat and indulged in olives, warm nut variety and homemade chips.  We sparked conversation with those sitting next to us - many were on the train for a romantic dinner with one couple celebrating their recent engagement.

Moving forward ...

Mom and I enjoyed a few drinks, conversation and views from the train as it worked its way through the countryside and toward the Victoria Falls Bridge. Once at the bridge we snapped photos over the falls, in 'no man's land' (a small piece of unclaimed land between Zambia and Zimbabwe) and of course, bought copper bracelets from merchants on the bridge.

On the way back from the sunset views we sat down for the promised gourmet six-course dinner.  The menu was as follows:

• Cold cauliflower and coconut soup.  Review:  NOT our thing.  First, it was cold.  Second, it was bland.
• Salmon fish cake served with chili sauce and beetroot. Review:  very fish. Also, while it was not supposed to be cold, it was served cold which was disappointing.
• Mushroom risotto.  Review:  while both Mom and I do not like mushrooms, this was very good!  Well seasoned, served warm, nice texture and really great flavor.  
• Slow roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary, served with polenta cake and balsamic jus. Review: WOW!  This was VERY good!  I wish I skipped the first two in an effort to save room for the main course!  I tried (tried very hard) to finish this course but my tummy just said no haha The lamb was perfectly prepared, juicy, and with amazing flavor.  Can you tell this was my favorite dish?
• Lemon tart with lemon sorbet.  Review:  again, I was full so only sampled the tart.  The filling was too tart for me but the crust was delicious!  The lemon sorbet was perfect and a great way to ease some of the 'full' feeling.
• Coffee or tea served with petit fours.  Review:  I only had tea but the petit fours did look tempting.  Mom and I simply could not fit anything else in our bodies.

Overall review:  it was a very nice outing and worth the money.  While we did not like everything on the menu, we did enjoy the meal overall.  Finally, this allowed us to see the falls from a different vantage point for Mom which was nice.  Most importantly, she enjoyed the evening.  Saturday was a success.

Mom reviewing the menu

Sunset

Cheers to a successful Saturday in Livingstone!

We arrived back at the hotel at almost 10p.  We were still pretty full and exhausted so we enjoyed a night cap in our hotel room and went to sleep.

The next morning we packed as we planned to leave Livingstone no later than noon. Of course we would leave after breakfast on Livingstone Island and trip to Devil's Pool.  Now let me remind everyone that I am afraid of heights.  Therefore, I had ZERO intention of going INTO Devil's Pool. No, I simply planned to gaze upon the pool and appreciate its glory from a safe rock in the distance. Breakfast + tour would be approximately 90 minutes so we opted for the 9:00am breakfast.  We boarded a small motor boat and it took approximately 5 minutes to reach Livingstone Island.

Safety first!  Here we come Livingstone Island!

Livingstone Island is historically significant as it is the place where David Livingstone first glimpsed the "mosi-oa-tunya" which is the local name for Victoria Falls and means the "smoke that thunders."

Circled - Livingstone Island

Upon docking the boat, we trekked to the edge of the falls able to experience the falls from the same view as David Livingstone.  There was a moment of silence among the small group.  Not in sadness but in awe.  The view is amazing. In the silence you can appreciate the greatness of Victoria Falls and what those before us may have thought as they glimpsed this God-made natural wonder.  I have seen the falls 'full' so it was weird for me to experience the falls so 'dry' but a rainbow still made its way into the experience!

Mom and I

Afterwards we trekked to Devil's Pool.  Devil's Pool is a deep natural pool created by thousands of years of erosion.  Many people come to swim in the pool and peer over the edge of the falls.  The view is amazing - water crashing, splashing your face, rainbows and the feeling of adrenaline running through your veins.  The natural barrier of rocks allows one to jump in and swim without being swept over the edge.  No, I personally experienced none of that.  Scroll up - I am afraid of heights LOL so I paid our tour guide to 1) guard my phone with his life and 2) take photos of the magnificent view to allow Mom and I to experience Devil's Pool, safely, from a distance, on a flat rock.  

Beautiful abyss - Devil's Pool

Hello from Mom

I refused to stand up -- even on the flat safety rock.  Can you see the terror
in my smile? LOL

Smiling to avoid appearing frightened haha

I mean we are close enough to the edge!

Over the edge ... 

God's promise

After experiencing Devil's Pool from the safety of our flat rock, the tour ended. Now for breakfast! Good because not only was I hungry but I was hot and thirsty! We walked back to medium size tent arranged near the gorge.  Breakfast was served: Eggs Benedict with creamed spinach, hollandaise, bacon, bran muffins, sweet scones, fruit, coffee, tea and water.  I requested no eggs as I am not a fan. Breakfast was delicious!  The sweet scones were warm and really nice.  The bacon, hollandaise and creamed spinach on the homemade english muffin was really nice. I would absolutely recommend this experience!  It was a wonderful morning with breath-taking views, rainbows and delicious scones.  

Leaving Livingstone was hard but on the ride home we reflected on all the beauty Zambia has to offer.  It was a short but wonderful weekend.  

"...scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by Angels in their flight..." ~ David Livingstone

Final blog entry detailing #momanddaugtherbonding vacation will detail our adventures in the Netherlands and Belgium.  Stay tuned!

Mom Returns to Africa: Thanksgiving in Cape Town

Hello loves!  Apologies for the delay but as many of you know it has been a rough few months.  My daddy passed October 8, 2015 and it has been difficult to sit down, gather thoughts and write about the wonderful times I have experienced.  In all honesty I did not think I would laugh as loud, dance as hard or be the same person again.  And in a few ways I am not but that is for another blog entry.  

So what has inspired me to pick up where we left off?  MY MOM CAME TO ZAMBIA!  Mom and I planned the 4 week trip prior to my daddy passing and she decided it was still a good idea.  We have seen quite a few places in both Africa and Europe and we enjoyed every moment of the trip!  Naturally, Mom was introduced to Lusaka and Livingstone in Zambia.  We celebrated Thanksgiving in Cape Town and on the way home we enjoyed Amsterdam and Belgium!  In this entry I will focus on our Thanksgiving in Cape Town!  

After 23 hours and three flights, Mom arrived on the early morning of November 22!  

I picked her up and we arrived at my home in Lusaka a little after 2am.  That meant she entered my home with no power since ZESCO ‘puts us to bed’ a litter after midnight with load shedding.  Thank goodness for the new rechargeable fan I purchased prior to her arrival which also has lights!  That illuminated the hallway for her to climb the stairs and put her luggage away for the night.  It also provided a cool breeze!  This fan was worth the kwacha I spent!  

The next morning was cloudy and I could sense we may finally get rain!  ​I went ​to the grocery store for basic brunch necessities while Mom showered and unpacked.  I chopped, sauteed, baked and prepared a pretty delicious brunch for my Mom.  We sat outside on the veranda.  It was cloudy but there was a nice breeze.  We put on music, poured mimosas and enjoyed a very nice brunch which consisted of fresh fruit, veggie omelet, fried potatoes and pesto bread.  As timing would have it the rains came as we finished brunch.  The storm knocked off our power but no worries.  We moved inside sat around the living room with mimosas, listening to the rain, music and just talking for 2 hours.  It was just REALLY nice.  Welcome to Lusaka Mom!

​After a few welcoming days in Lusaka it was time to go to Cape Town!  At first we just wanted to take out our friends to a nice restaurant for Thanksgiving but they talked us out of that and into a braii.  We are glad they did!  Ingrid, her brother Eric (affectionately termed, The General), his wife, Carol (“keep it moving baby!”) and their daughter, Bianca, warmly welcomed us into their home for the Thanksgiving feast.  After grocery shopping the ladies spent the day sipping wine as we prepared the meat, salads and fruit.  We talked, laughed, (continuously) sipped wine, caught up, set the table and then the men put the meat on the grill.  Dinner was amazing!  No turkey but A LOT of beef haha The dinner truly reminded me of Thanksgiving:  we drank wine (did I mention that we had wine at Thanksgiving?), cooked, bonded, talked and really just enjoyed each other's company.  We are truly thankful to have met such great people and to have them in our lives.

(from top l to bottom r:  dessert selection with red velvet cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes and fruit;
beef sausage and chicken wrapped in bacon; greek salad; lemon and herb chicken; steak; cheeseburgers)

Ingrid and Spurge wishing us a Happy Thanksgiving!

​The next day Ingrid had to work so Mom and I decided to make it Friday Spa Day!  We​ booked the Urban Retreat treatment at the One & Only located on the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town (http://capetown.oneandonlyresorts.com/spa.aspx).  The cost was R2300 (approximately $185) and promised a nice lunch, a 90 minute facial and a 90 minute massage.  Additionally, we would have access to their 'relaxation room' before and after the treatment to indulge in light snacks such as hummus, celery, granola, cranberries, yogurt, tea and water assortment.  The relaxation room also boasted of sauna, revitalization pool and even warm floors.  Very nice.  

We arrived at 12:30.  The first part of the day was to enjoy lunch.  Lunch was at Reubens (http://capetown.oneandonlyresorts.com/content/pdf/restaurants/Reubens/2015/ReubensMenu_Nov15.pdf) and wow what a culinary delight!  And the wine list is divine!

Lamb bobtie samosas

Salmon

Pork belly

AMAZING (but expensive) wine!

After lunch, bellies full, we went to the spa to prepare for our treatment.  We were PAMPERED!  The massage was lovely.  The facial left our faces dewy and glowing.

It was a really great day!  So much so, we didn’t want it to end! So after a few minutes lounging in the relaxation room, Mom and I dressed and went to the lobby of the hotel for refreshing cocktails.  When Ingrid arrived, along with my friend Bethany (also working at the Mission in Zambia) and her best friend from home, we decided we would also dine there.  But where? Ah across from Reubens was a delightful restaurant named Nobu.  Nobu offers diners a Japanese/South American fusion menu (http://www.noburestaurants.com/cape-town/menus/dinner-2/#.Vn2ImPkrKM8).  The food was not only delicious but there was plenty of it!  Six of us shared our individual dishes around the table and we literally left the restaurant rubbing our bellies and humming with delight!

Miso soup

Tuna shashimi new style served in a yummy ginger,
sesame and soy sauce.

Oysters

Shrimp spicy garlic. The sauce was DELICIOUS!

If you find yourself in Cape Town, take note of both restaurants! 

​Of course Mom and I are in Cape Town and we must do wine tasting!​  As always, it was a beautiful day when Mom, Ingrid and I ventured to Stellenbosch and decided to find farms which were new to our pallets.  Even though we started late (recommendation:  start wine touring by 9 – 10am … we started at noon, oops) we managed to sip sip sip at three wine farms:  Simonsig, Warwick and Uitkyk. 

We were hungry and decided it was best to start the tour on a farm with good food so our first stop was Simonsig.  Cuvee is the name of the signature restaurant if you prefer to enjoy more than just cheese/bread plates.  The food was delicious!  Ingrid and I enjoyed the braised beef short rib with parmesan gnocchi, confit turnips, edamame & carrot while Mom enjoyed the line fish of the day which was salmon.  We also enjoyed sides of the crispy potatoes and garden salad.  We trusted the suggested wine on the menu – all of which were delicious!  After we were adequately satisfied (meaning our bellies were full enough to consume copious amounts of wine) we walked over to the tasting area.  The area was full but our server kindly set us up a table outside in the garden right in front of a live band.  The wine tasting was reasonably priced and we were able to select 5 for tasting.  Our server provided a cold glass of the Kaapse Vonkel to ‘cleanse our pallet’ in preparation of the tasting.  It was delicious!  My selections were Kaapse vonkel brut rosé, Chenin avec chêne, Gewürztraminer, Redhill pinotage and the Merindol syrah.  All of us left with a bottle of the Syrah! It was by far our favorite on the farm. 

After Simonsig we ventured to Uitkyk wine farm.  “Uitkyk” means “look out” which is appropriate as one can enjoy the gorgeous views which includes Table Mountain in the distance.   At this farm we enjoyed a glass of Methode Cap Classique sparkling wine, again, to cleanse our pallet.  After which we enjoyed 5 wines for tasting.  I enjoyed their Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage, Claronet and Shiraz.  The wine was surprisingly good and I walked away from the farm purchasing a bottle of the Chenin Blanc and Claronet. 

Our final farm was Warwick.  It was 4:30pm so we had a good thirty minutes to enjoy all the farm had to offer in terms of tasting.  Let’s get to it!  We enjoyed six wines at the final farm:  Cabernet Franc, The Black Lady (Syrah), The Three Cape Ladies (Pinotage 40% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Syrah 30%), The First Lady (Cabernet Sauvignon named after First Lady, Michelle Obama), Professor Black (Sauvignon Blanc) and The First Lady (Rose).  Mom loved the idea that a bottle of wine was named after First Lady, Michelle Obama, so naturally we left with a bottle of The First Lady.  At the end of the tasting Mom looked at me, straight face, sinister smile, slow blink and says, “I am drunk!” LOL well I would say wine tasting was a success!

This was my 20^th time in Cape Town and both restaurants, Reuben’s and Nobu, along with the spa experience were new to me.  I promise you it will not be the last time I enjoy a day at The One & Only!  Of course Thanksgiving was different as we missed Dad quite a bit … but we were surrounded by people we love and that love us.  God is truly good.  Cape Town, as always, was a great time with great food, weather and people.  Crossing my fingers and hoping to return in February 2016!

Follow up entries will detail our adventures in the aforementioned destinations!  Stay tuned!