A night at Diaz

It’s a well-known fact that as soon as winter descends on Cape Town majority of the population transform into complete hermits. In summer, my plus-one and I pop out after dinner for a quick walk on the Seapoint prom, or a glass of wine at a friend’s, or just a drive to watch the sun fall over the sea. The days are far longer, the views around Cape Town are mind-blowing, and the idea of staying in seems totally foreign.

Fast forward from January to July, and the opposite is true. Between bouts of monsoon-like rain, wind that pelts the rain into a sideways motion fooling any umbrella and freezing temperatures, the thought of poking one toe out of the front door is absurd. We sprint home before dark to close curtains and stop the cold coming in. We huddle around the gas heater like we’re the last two people on earth, and my dogs grow into mini fluff balls resembling little grey lambs. Besides the little lamb bit, which I secretly enjoy, winter in Cape Town is totally depressing.

All is not lost however; as I have discovered one little treat which will suit both young and old. Now keep an open mind. The place that I recommend below is well-known by most Capetonians, but not necessarily a first option for a night out. Keep in mind that this recommendation comes on the back of many depressed nights in and the need to stretch your fun muscles.

So here it is:

Dias Tavern. Don’t gasp or shake your head until you’ve read until the end. The key to a good night at this old Portuguese institution is a LARGE group of friends. Don’t bother going if it’s just you and your in-laws – the key to success here is loads of fun-loving people to accompany you. Book a big table in advance (it gets busy). Anywhere in the restaurant is fine, but not near the bar or dance floor.

Yup. This happened at Dias. Your turn.

We’ve been a couple times for birthdays and other celebrations and I find that taking matters into your hands early on and booking a taxi ride there and back is the best way to do it. There is an FNB ATM at the entrance to the restaurant, so if you’ve forgotten cash for transport, no need to stress. The restaurant is warm and welcoming and absolutely packed most of the time. If you’re into sport, get there early on sporting days to watch the major rugby or football games – they seem to screen most of them. 

Once you’re in, don’t delay: Order a pitcher of Katemba immediately. If you haven’t tried it, you haven’t lived. This is one of those ‘when in Rome’ moments. If you’re going to soak in the authenticity of the place then just give in. Katemba is a mixture of Coca Cola and Red wine (another gasp). The benefit thereof is that your head and stomach might cope slightly better the next morning :)

The menu is filled with many delights like Trinchado, giblets, livers, Espetada, Prego (I could go on for ages) – you are bound to find something that suits your taste. I seem to always choose the giblets as a starter followed by the Trinchado. I can highly recommend both – and the hotter the better!

After dinner, specifically on a Friday or Saturday evening there is live entertainment, and hopefully by that time you have warmed up on the Katemba and are in the mood to shake those hips. The crowd is usually completely diverse, but united in their need for a good party. The best thing to do is pack your inhibitions to one side, along with your winter coat, and dance all your stress away.

This picture is blurred to protect the identities of the people having ridiculous amounts of fun at Dias :)

You need to relax and enjoy it – try not be too particular about seating, noise or service. Just get into the vibe and have a great time. We do it often, and we have many hilarious stories to tell about nights out at Dias.

Tell us yours once you’ve been.


xx L

Dias Tavern is located at 15 Caledon Street (off Buitenkant st) Cape Town. You can contact them on 021 465 7547.

One more pea in the little kitchen pod

Wow, how time flies. I feel like I blinked and suddenly I hadn’t posted on the blog for 2 weeks. Apologies to those who might have visited in the interim.

As a stop gap to help me fill the time I am taking on a partner. Someone to help me keep the blog up to date with interesting and relevant content. You would have read posts from Lisa regularly on the blog, so now, to make it official – here are a few details on Lisa...

Lisa & Rufus, Hout Bay

Lisa is a communications consultant living in Cape Town, South Africa. She is a fellow Miniature Schnauzer lover and I’m sure we will see the odd post about her furry babies R&R. Lisa only moved to the fair Cape with her new hubby in Jan 2011, so she has interesting insights on Cape culture and things that many of us take for granted.  She has been heard ranting about the lack of parking ‘in our village’ and happily greeting many a grumpy Capetonian on a morning run. Yes, we’ll admit to not being totally friendly first thing in the morning!

Lisa has fast become my number one exercise partner as well as drinking buddy, and together we conquer many fabulous trail runs, restaurants and recipes.

You can follow Lisa on Twitter at www.twitter.com/lisaedwardssa

I hope you’ll enjoy hearing from both of us, and please leave us your comments below if you have any questions or requests.

xx C & L

A Southern Suburbs institution {Guest Blog}

As you may have gathered from my pics from the weekend yesterday, we spent Sunday lunch at the Vineyard Hotel...

I usually find it quite intimidating eating at hotels. I have absolutely no clue why. 

Ok, that was a lie. I do.

Now please keep in mind that I refer to fancier hotels with the below admission: Hotel guests are usually substantially better dressed than your average South African. Ok me.  What with their Louis Vuitton handbags, Kurt Geiger ballet pumps and clean, fresh European appearance.

In addition, they ARE actually guests at the hotel, not local walk-in’s.  They are always seated when you walk in. There aren’t any available tables. The waiter spots your South African demeanor and ignores you. The service staff are usually akin to the kind you find in boutique clothes shops. Snooty, judgmental and completely unhelpful. It’s unbearably awkward. You fizzle into obscurity.

Dramatic much?

Now forget all that as it wasn’t my impression at all when strolling down the road to the Vineyard Hotel in Newlands, Cape Town this weekend. 

The Vineyard Hotel. Image my own. 

We decided to hit the Vineyard patio for a spot of lunch to celebrate a family member’s birthday. We were graced by the most spectacular weather in Cape Town on Sunday, which is rather unusual, and I wouldn’t suggest the patio if the sun isn’t out.  You aren’t allowed to book on the patio, so if you’re a large group, I would suggest arriving at midday if you want to get a table for lunch.

The menu is fantastically diverse offering everything from spaghetti Bolognese to sushi and fillet to Moroccan chicken wraps.  I went for sushi (do I hear an ‘oh no’ dear reader?).  I would love to tell you otherwise, but even the staid Southern Suburbs delivers a fantastic plate of sushi, and this is definitely the case at the Vineyard. A favourite at the table was the battered fish and chips – the upmarket kind – neat wedges and only the best fillet of fish delicately swathed in a light and fresh batter. After polishing off all my husband’s wedges (paired with his tartare sauce accompaniment) I can authoritatively say that it’s a good option.

Before I stole his wedges. Images my own. 

To be honest, I could rant on about the food, but that’s not where the charm lies in this establishment. The Vineyard Hotel is an oasis in a highly dense residential area boasting rolling lawns, bubbling fountains and their very own Cape Mountain Tortoises of fine old ages. 

Postcard Views. Images my own.

Take a stroll along the banks of the Liesbeek River which trickles through the property and enjoy the serenity in the midst of the frenetic Newlands/Claremont area. Not a block away frantic shoppers whip their way around Cavendish. The Vineyard is what the weekend should be about: great food, incredible surroundings, peace and relaxation.

Loving the sunshine. Image my own. 

I have a sneaky suspicion that most Capetonians are keeping this gem secret from us ex-Joburgers, so don’t tell too many people. Pick a nice day and take the family or a bunch of friends for lunch – the setting is serene and the service impeccable.  

Beautiful Venue. Images my own. 

Visit www.vineyard.co.za for more, or ring them up on 021 657 4501. 

Lisa

To follow Lisa on Twitter click here 

Hot Chocolate

Today is a very cold and wintery day in Cape Town, definitely time to start unpacking those Winter knits if you haven't already. I love Winter, warm fires, big glasses of red wine, and one of my favourites, Hot Chocolate. Nothing beats a great cup of Hot Chocolate. 

Mmmmm Chocolate. Image from Pinterest

Whether you love it with sprinkles of chocolate on top, a teaspoon of Nutella, marshmallows, foam or cream, I always think my Mum's Hot Chocolate is the best.  

I'm always looking for a great recipe and something new to try, please send me your favourites! 


xx C