Provincial Ecstasy
It is with some sense of trepidation that we are about to sing the praises, unadulterated by the usual irony and cynicism, of this province. Brace yourself, dear reader, it is a love letter. And love letters are not known for their objectivity.
But, it is true that, on landing in the sugar cane fields, newly (but not freshly) returned from cavorting in the ivory towers of the University of Cape Town, we breathed. We breathed deeply a sigh of relief; moist and cool and green. And, like a prune emerging from a cup of wine, we drew ourselves up to our full size, our hardened skins softened by the tannins of KwaZulu-Natal’s warm seas and fearful freedoms. And so, restored again, we allowed our eyes to roam a tropical city. A city of gently diminished art deco and the fully articulated flavours of elachi, basmati, tea and buttered toast.
We hastened, I recall now, like desperate disciples, into the hills, towards the mountains…an urgent pilgrimage to mist and cows. To where temples are made of cool air, prayers taste like incense, cows are coseted and it is possible to find butter lettuces among the grasses in ones garden. We therefore, on pain of sentimentality, salute the world that is this province: Know that you have been loved.
Featuring on the menu this week:
- Prawn and mussel soup with tomato and basil
- Watermelon, feta and red onion salad with mint
- Roast stuffed red pepper with tomato, basil, feta and tapenade
- Lamb burger with grilled flat bread, humus and mint
- Butternut and ricotta rotollo with tomato, parmesan and basil
- Thai green chicken curry with rice and bok choy
- Bowl of steamed mussels with chips and aioli
- Crisp duck leg with mash and shitake mushrooms
- Cape salmon with spicy cabbage salad, black bean dressing and coriander
- Ginger ice cream or pineapple sorbet
- Mango with yoghurt and crushed macaroons
Important notice
We have a new Sunday Sundowner Summer Special.
Starts at 4 pm.
Come and enjoy half a kilo of prawns done in butter, garlic, peri peri or barbecue sauce for R35. Have a glass of sangria for R15 or (share) a jug of sangria (with friends) for R75.
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