Cousinly theatrics, burgers and shakes galore and a fond farewell

Cousinly? Is that even a word? Well no, but ‘ly’ is added onto words to make them descriptive, and seeing as the theatre show in question starred my cousin, I went with it. Cousinly. Forgive me. See my highlights of the week below, which included a great many burgers, milkshakes and more…

Saturday, 23 May 2015: Lunch at Dias Tavern, Cabaret at The Fugard Theatre

Dad inspecting an eye-catching vehicle, parked outside a no parking sign at the Dias Tavern. Right next to a live boxing club.

That would be my pink milkshake at Dias Tavern.

Cheers-ing dad’s Catemba – red wine mixed with cola.

Husband had a Castle Draught, suitably positioned in front of the Castle Draught sign.

My burger! Amazingly tasty, especially with extra prego sauce smeared on top.

That’s the jug of prego sauce I mentioned, going on Mom’s prego roll as intended.

Love ❤

Husband and me outside the Fugard Theatre, where we watched my cousin act in Cabaret.

Husband having a coffee in The Fugard, as we waited to go in and watch.

Mom enjoying the popcorn at half-time. Such a treat!

Sunday, 24 May 2015: Breakfast cake and doggy door installations

Sunday breakfast = the R30 cake and cappuccino special at Foodlover’s Market. I had the Oreo cheesecake, my favourite.

1 X doggy door installed. 1 X day of reminding Bertie how to push his way in and out, and all are happy chappies.

Monday, 25 May 2015: Fantastic IT birthday cake

This here baked milktart, and that there chocolatey deliciousness? Perfect together, Especially on a Monday 🙂

Tuesday, 26 May 2015:  Winter two-for-one burgers at Driftwood Cafe

Driftwood Cafe – one of our favourites. Especially when they start their midweek Winter specials.

Love the lighting at the Driftwood. This was a Milo milkshake.

Husband made friends with one of the chickens roaming the grounds.

Husband relaxing after a longggg day’s work. He promptly came down with a tummy bug the next day and has been in bed since, poor dear. I’ve had it mildly too, so this will likely be a photo-light weekend…

Wednesday, 27 May 2015: Swissroll to end the day on a roly-poly note

Swissroll! Mum brought it to our house for a post-dins treat 🙂

Friday, 29 May 2015: Farewell lunch at The Forester’s Arms (Forries) in Newlands

My Nutella shake, at the Forester’s Arms in Newlands (Forries). Called ‘Forries’ as it used to be at the very edge of the Newlands Forest. My first visit, most pleasant with a roaring fire as the rain battered down outside. We were there for the most wonderful manager’s farewell lunch.

The very interesting floor at Forries.

Deluxe burger with cheese and crispy bacon. Great pub fare.

My second shake of the day – this time a large berry.

The bestest everest work team! Spot me in the back, teehee.

That’s all, folks. The weather’s icy, we’ve both been poorly so I predict lots of naps and reading by the fire this weekend. Keep warm! 🙂

Scrumptious flapjacks, Scrabble victory is mine and the best wall art I’ve seen

“Life is hard by the yard but by the inch, life’s a cinch.” It’s a little corny I know, but I find repeating that phrase makes it that much easier to buckle down and get through a tricky task. There’s been a few of those this week, but also lots of lovely little moments that would otherwise have passed me by if I’d not been taking a break, breathing deeply and enjoying the moment. That’s why there are lots of happy snaps to see this week. What’s not to love about owlies, hot coffee, and good food? See for yourself…

Friday, 15 May 2015: Chimney exploration

Our deep, dark chimney, as seen from above when Husband went looking for a blockage of sorts in it last Friday, while I was merrily a-blogging my last update to you all…

Saturday, 16 May 2015: Reload bagels and The West Coast Village owlie returns

A sight you don’t see everyday – Husband having not just a coffee for breakfast, but a triple cappuccino at Reload. It was good.

I wanted something a little more exciting, so went for the (single shot) white choc caramel latte. So sweet I didn’t add any sugar (Gasp!)

My breakfast bagel – coronation chicken with spring onion and flaked almonds on a so-fresh-it-was-still-warm onion bagel. Mmm.

Husband opted for the German hot dog instead, with a fried egg on the side and a squirt of hot mustard.

When we were out and about doing the weekly shop at West Coast Village, we noticed a few folk had aimed their phones at a certain tree, so I looked closer and yes! The lovely plump owlie that’s been visiting the area for a few weeks had returned! He was napping through all the excitement though…

Later that night we had a Scrabble rematch during loadshedding… and I finally won my first game! Must have been thanks to Bassie’s help.

Sunday, 17 May 2015: The best flapjacks and Driftwood drinks

A cappuccino with shortbread side biscuit (yay) from Eden Cafe at Eden on the Bay. Part of the perfect Sunday brekkie, which kept me full for most of the day.

Breakfast is served! Husband says I always choose to sit in the chair where I have bad light behind me. So you either see me, or my meal or the scenery, never all three. Sob.

Tada! My wonderful flapjacks, up close – drizzled with syrup, cinnamon, walnuts, fresh sliced banana and a large dollop of marscapone cheese, they were most more-ish.

Husband went for the salmony eggs ben. “Was alright”, he grudgingly said. I think my flapjacks were the win of the weekend!

Our Sunday afternoon drinks at Driftwood Cafe – if you read the blog regularly you’ll have little trouble deciding which was mine (I guess Husband’s hand around his gives it away, teehee).

Monday, 18 May 2015: Chameleon wall art near Obz train station

The most wonderfully painted chameleon. I was walking to the Observatory train station after collecting a package at the post office after work. Couldn’t help stopping and pulling out the ol’ iPad for this shot. Also love the pink bougainvillea gracing the image 🙂

Tuesday, 19 May 2015: dark chocolate cake with pink rose petals

Office birthday cake! This was the Charly’s Bakery rich chocolate cake with rose petals. Tasted every bit as dark as it looks.

Wednesday, 19 May 2015: Viewing the city from the Inner City Ideas Cartel

Afternoon tea at the Inner City Ideas Cartel, where I attended the first day of the Business of Design seminar on Wednesday.

One of the walls inside the plush ICIC theatre venue has a selection of paintbrushes artfully arranged.

The interesting rooftop decor at the ICIC.

That’s all, folks! Hope you enjoy the simple things in life this week…

Hello Sailor breakfasts and Mother’s Day puppy love

It’s official – Winter 2015 has hit in Cape Town. What’s funny is, I made the same announcement last year – that Winter had officially hit on Mother’s Day weekend. (See here if you don’t believe me). Most of this week has had foggy, frosty mornings – not fun on the back of a bike. I predict a weekend of being wrapped snug in soft blankets, mugs of steamy drinks and lots of lounging in front of the fireplace.

But before we get to this weekend, we need to cover last weekend, and all that’s happened since…

Saturday, 9 May 2015: Breakfast at Hello Sailor in Obz,  home generator installation

Bertie’s morning face. Love this dog.

That’s me, as seen through the window of Hello Sailor in Obz.

Couldn’t have started the day any better than with a cappuccino.

Husband was either pondering the ‘Hello Sailor’ artboard or the ‘ever-present hippie’ on his Mac in the booth opposite. We then had a long discussion on the difference between hippies and hipsters.

Husband happily Tabasco-saucing his well-peppered eggs ben.

My French toast (of course) with bacon and grilled banana was just delightful.

Some of the pretty street art (not sure if this counts as graffiti?) in Obz, when we took a little walk after brekkie.

We treated ourselves to a genny, after lots of research into how much wattage we’d need to keep the basics running when we have our all-too-frequent loadshedding stints. We have bad luck with our schedule, as we’re loadshed every second day from 6pm to 8.30pm, but this week was a breeze.

Sunday, 10 May 2015: Mother’s Day brunch, afternoon snack at Captain’s Kitchen

Mum and me on Mother’s Day – we kept to our standing tradition of Mother’s Day brunch at our house. Husband kindly cooked eggs and bacon and toast, and we had a feast of fruit salad, yoghurt, pastries, coffee, juice and bubbly.

Love this photo of Bassie with her granny.

Here’s Bassie with me – such a dear little dog.

My doggies remembered! They gave Husband their grubby puppy coins and he got some items from their list – all things to make mommy’s garden and patio pretty. Bless.

A Mother’s Day draught at Captain’s Kitchen. R40 is way too much for this, Husband commented.

This here coffee shake was a bit better value at R25…

And the Italia pizza for R90? Perhaps we’d have it again on their weekly Thursday ‘two for the price of one’ special.

Thursday, 14 May 2015: Exploring the Castle Brewery complex in Woodstock

This here grey kitty let me snap a photo when I was walking through the Castle Brewery complex in Woodstock on Thursday morning. I got there super early so had time to take in the sights…

…But was delighted to find that Native VML, where the event was held, has a lovely bright coffee shop area with interesting things all over the walls. Just right for a creative space.

So I spent the rest of my wait busy with the book I’d remembered to bring along with me, a top-notch cappuccino or two and digestive biccies.

Keep warm, critters! It’s cold out there…

Long weekend pastel milkshakes, continental breakfasts and Bo-Kaap houses galore

The last weekend was the last long weekend we’ll see it a while, and we celebrated it in style. Yes, I rhymed for a reason – to make you smile 🙂 Here’s what you missed…

Friday, 1 May 2015: Worker’s Day, Bassie has her stitches out, Cattle Baron lunch buffet

Little Miss Bassie, home after having her stitches removed at the vet first thing that morning. We gave her a green chewy treat as a reward. She didn’t look so pleased with it, at first…

But was soon munching away, at the opposite end of the couch to her brother.

My parents discovered our local Cattle Baron has a wonderful weekday buffet lunch special. This is my coffee shake. The rest of the photos were badly lit, so you’ll have to take my word about what good value it was. All the ribs, fish, rice, curry, veggies and salad you can eat for R69. R59 for pensioners. Most folk had four plates full.

Saturday, 2 May 2015: Bo-Kaap street explore, Panama Jacks lunch

In my two+ years as a Capetonian I’d not once been up the Bo-Kaap streets with their colourful houses. That changed on Saturday morning. Bunting banners were up, too.

So bright and cheery, and no colour duplicates. No wonder it’s such a popular photo destination for tourists.

I spotted this dog watching me over his wall, so I took a photo. He was still as a statue, as though he was well-versed in posing for photos.

Such an interesting archway on Wale Street.

Panama Jacks for lunch? Don’t mind if I do! Dad is having calamari and I’m busy with what the waiter called a “pink shake”. Tasted exactly as it looked.

Sunday, 3 May 2015: Continental breakfasts and windy beach walks

Coffee first thing in the morning after getting up (or as soon as possible thereafter) makes me so happy you can see the smile in one eye alone. Helps if the cappuccino is only R10 as it’s part of your breakfast at Euro Haus on Loop.

Yes, Husband is very photogenic, but the point of this photo was all the interesting wooden keyboards on the wall above his head at Euro Haus on Sunday morning. We were lucky to get a table, you can see it’s a popular spot.

The ultimate continental breakfast. If you’re ordering breakfast at Euro Haus on Loop Street, you coffee/cappuccino/tea is just R10, and you get this bread basket filled with fresh, flaky croissants and rolls, as well as assorted little jam tubs – brought to your table for free.

My scumdiddlyumptious French toast croissant with bacon and syrup.

Husband’s eggs ben with salmon at Euro Haus. “Was nice”, he confirms.

How do you boost my mood if I’ve already had my fill of coffee for the day? With a peanut butter-chocolate milkshake at Driftwood Cafe, of course…

Husband and Bassie during our very wintery beach walk.

Monday, 4 May 2015: Half-price Spur burgers and roaring fires during loadshedding

Lighting’s not great but this is to show you just how long the queue was at our local Spur in Bayside on Monday evening, when we were on our way out – one of the few functional food places during loadshedding. We always enjoy their two-for-one Monday burger special.

There was still an hour or so of loadshedding to sit through when we got home, so Husband lit a fire. The doggy children enjoyed the warmth.

Tuesday, 5 May 2015: Gartner Architecting Digital Business conference at CTICC

My standard “what do the flowers at the CTICC reception desk look like today” photo. Bright tulips are always a win.

Delightful breakfast offering at the CTICC – custard pastries, muesli-yoghurt-berry shots and strong filter coffee, perfect for spilling in the saucer, as I do. Great way to introduce yourself at an event.

Wednesday, 6 May 2015: Owlie office mug jealous of cakes set in plain sight

What better was to get through a Wednesday in your first full five-day work day in a while (thanks, public holidays) than with a colleague’s birthday treats?

Thursday, 7 May 2015: #FirstThursdays on Wale Street

Fair Trade coffee is often more expensive, but tastes delicious and you buy with a better conscience. This was Bean There, the setting for Thursday evening’s #FirstThursdays event – the last one of the season before winter strikes, and my first ever. Pleasantly surprised how well-attended it was.

For R19.50, my Fair Trade cappuccino sure did look – and taste – like it was made with love.

And this, you ask? Well, in conjunction with #FirstThursdays, it was the launch of Skip washing powder’s new #FabulousDressProject, to showcase Skip’s stain-removal power. Attendees got to artfully decorate pure white material however they pleased in the hope of winning a bespoke ivory dress. Fun after a busy day of work.

Could not resist a photo of the bathroom at Bean There. Do you SEE the amazing wallpaper? It’s even on the ceiling. And the lampshade? Priceless.

That’s all, folks. We’re back to regular two-day weekends (sob) so expect the posts to be slightly less photo-heavy for a while. Enjoy and stay warm – I sense we’re on the verge of the 2015 ‘bangers-and-mash-capades‘! 🙂

Long weekend rugby, movies and pulled-pork/bacon poppers

How do you improve on what’s already wonderful as it’s a long weekend? With chilli poppers, of course. And if they’re wrapped in bacon and stuffed with pulled pork and cream cheese, all the better.

That’s one of my highlights from last (long) weekend – see more below…

Saturday, 25 April 2015: Best chilli poppers, supporting the Stormers

It was really chilly last weekend – feel it, Winter is here. And so, a chai latte was in order when we went to the Riverway Cafe to try their famed ‘piggy poppers’ – R58 buys you 6 extremely hot chillis stuffed with a pulled pork/cream cheese mix and wrapped in bacon. My goodness they were amazing.

The piggy poppers, in all their glory. Well worth the trip to Hout Bay.

Oh, just hanging with the team, you know. Pip pip, old chap. We were lucky enough to sit in the Ogilvy box for the Stormers/Blue Bulls rugby match and squealed with delight when our team won!

Not Photoshopped. Really me at Newlands.

Not Photoshopped. Really Husband at Newlands.

And then! On our way out the bellows of the building we saw these cardboard cutouts and could not resist. Spot Husband at the back right. Teehee.

A close-up of Husband in all his rugby-playing glory.

Sunday, 26 April 2015: Bakery breakfasts, afternoon movies and doggie Milo

Sunday breakfast – one of the nicest French toast croissant efforts ever. This was at Ou Meul Bakkery at Willowbridge Shopping Centre, opposite the main Tygervalley Mall. Scrumptious with their homemade berry compote and fresh slices of banana.

Husband’s choice was just as tasty, with avo, poached egg, bacon and more.

Tummies purring we headed to Grandwest casino where we spent our winnings on movie things – here I am with the Minions poster (movie not out yet, we watched the Avengers instead).

The pink-streaked sunset from Mum’s house, where we had lupper.

This is what happens when you offer Tabasco Yoda the dregs of your Milo.

Monday, 27 April 2015: Fishy breakfasts and Freedom Day drinks

The sugar dissolving into my cappuccino at Ocean Sizzler, Eden on the Bay not-very-early on Monday morning

Husband had garlickety haddock with his breakfast

We then spent a few hours on housework, which sent my nose into a tizz, I was sneezing all day long, hence looking a bit sleepy in this photo – loved my Horlicks milkshake at Cubana, complete with a cherry in the glass.

Here is Husband with his snowdrop shooter.

That’s all for now, folks. I dithered about sharing today’s photos in this post too, but today is technically the ‘next weekend’ already and I should have published this post last night, as the eve of the next weekend, so I will love and leave you here… stay tuned for our next episode 🙂