Little House on Brush Prairie: Out of South Africa: Part 2

The thing we loved most about South Africa (besides the people, the scenery, and the beautiful sunsets) was the food! And to think......the doctors told us not to eat dairy products or salads while we were there. What??? I'm glad I didn't listen to that advice! Some of the best meals we've ever had were eaten in Cape Town. Here are some examples:

OK, so this isn't something to eat, but it sure was delicious to drink!

At Mezze in Camps Bay....

I love some rocket!!

Of course, we must always sample the ice cream.

These may have been JSM's favorite at the Old Biscuit Mill.

More rocket....yes!!! But with watermelon it's heavenly.

I also love calamari in all of its forms....this one's curried.

Waiting (impatiently I might add) for the rocket salad and calamari to arrive in Kalk Bay.

Perhaps our most memorable meal was eaten at the home of CWDB. Of course, going to someones house is so much better than going to a restaurant (although that can be pretty amazing, too) and this experience didn't disappoint. CWDB lives in a beautiful row house on a leafy street which feels like any other city (if you don't mind the razor wire or electric fences around back.) Rumor has it JSM loved the place so much he wants to move in down the street, but don't worry, CWDB, we'd never do that to you! The best part of the place was the kitchen which opened to a courtyard where I got to smoke cigarettes, drink loads of wine, eat delicious food and get to know the lovliest of ladies, NV. She is smart, funny, and sweet and a woman after my own heart who loves to bake and read romance novels. I mean REAL romance novels and I'm not talking the ones of the Amish variety. That's my kind of girl! CWDB's a lucky guy, but then, NV is lucky, too. They are both wonderful. We love them....

CWDB and NV's contribution....ostrich. OMG, so beautiful and delicious!

My contribution.I recreated balsamic strawberries with basil whipped cream in Africa. I had to make a few substitutions....different countries, different ingredients and I had to whip the cream by hand, but it was totally worth it.

....with the lovely Nicola and the cutest little dog, Schatz!

The next day, we wanted more food! And we wanted to check out Babylonstoren, a wine farm in Franschhoek, that came highly recommended by our hosts. I had seen photos of the place in a World's Best Hotels publication a year before so it was already on my list. But, when the hosts mentioned it I knew we needed to visit sooner rather than later. And I'm so glad we did....it was our lucky day!! Their restaurant, Babel, is booked months in advance. When we walked in to put our name on the wait list (in case of a no-show) we were sure it was fruitless. As we turned around to walk away, there was a cancellation! Maybe there really was a cancellation or maybe it was JSM's charm, but we were seated immediately in the most beautiful dining room I've ever experienced. The beauty of Babylonstoren goes beyond the white washed buildings, stunning simplicity, and wonderful wine. All of the vegetables and herbs are grown on site. Maybe the most amazing dining experience (ostrich withstanding) I've ever had.....