eating out

Saturday was a special day. It was my first meet-up with other South African Mom Blogs members. Initially I felt some apprehension. I wanted to attend because it is vital to be open to new people and experiences. A comfort zone is a small cramped space. However I worried if this would be a kind of pissing contest. Would I …

My daughter’s fiance Duncan will make a great son-in-law.  He endeared himself even further when he took me to Leafy Greens for what may have been my best lunch ever.  Leafy Greens Cafe is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Muldersdrift.  Although I love vegetarian fare I am neither vegan nor vegetarian.  The buffet lunch was a visual feast which …

Expectations are funny old things.  I expected less than nothing from Williston in the Karoo and was enchanted.  I had great expectations for Ceres and was sorely disappointed.  My perception was that Ceres is the fruit capital of South Africa.  I envisaged a valley of plenty, brimming with natural abundance.  Little short of Disneyesque perfection.  I pictured farm stalls selling …

Since moving to Jo’burg from Durban 14 years ago, some things in Durban have changed for the worse (oh my goodness, what has happened to East Coast Radio?), some for the better (The Bush Tavern in Umdloti) and many have stayed the same.  Remaining as special and dear to me as before.  Mitchell Park seems to have retained all the qualities …

The magical Karoo can pull some marvellous surprises from its hat.  On our off the beaten track route from Jo’burg to Cape Town, we left Prieska at 5am.  Carnarvon was still in dreamland when we passed through.  Breakfast became a gnawing priority, but the dot on our map representing Williston didn’t inspire much hope.  Plans were made to find a …

Friendship is about meeting half way.  Friendship is not about what I can get from another but about what we share.  It is the space where memories are born, experience is gained and new thoughts are birthed.  It is the dynamic interaction between individuals which transcends and transforms the mundane.  Seeing the world through the eyes of another, expands my …

The centerpiece of Dullstroom in Mpumalanga is The Old Transvaal Inn.  The stone walls speak of history and durability.  We stopped at the inn for lunch en route to the Kruger National Park.  The food was good but sitting still on the verandah to enjoy it was difficult.  The shop inside called me to explore.  Rooms offering a plethora of …

On Sunday we discovered 3 nurseries on Main Road in Pomona (I thought it was Benoni) until I checked later.   My husband Cliff is an avid gardener and our children are picking up on his enthusiasm.  Sunkist Nursery at 311 Main Road was a great discovery!  They have a lovely tea garden and play area, were we enjoyed a Sunday …

I have a thing about franchises, I’ll go to them now and then but they don’t give me the warm fuzzies.  My feeling is that if you want to own a restaurant, coffee shop or pizza place, your spot should be unique and have something personal and special to offer.  This must stem from my dream of owning a coffee …

Leaving Natal on the freeway is too harsh an exit from a holiday in Durban, we prefer to adjust gradually, exiting via the Midlands Meander, stopping to revisit favourite places and discover new delights.  On our last trip we stopped for lunch at The Junction Bistro in Nottingham road for the first time. The food was lovely and good value.  …