Author amanda Posted on October 21, 2011Categories FoodTags ,

Good Housekeeping

Yes, well, judging by the last time I blogged I’m in desperate need of some housekeeping. And after succumbing to flu this past week, I finally have time to write about the fun and relaxed Good Housekeeping launch I attended on Monday morning at the Pick ‘n Pay Food Studio on William Nicol. To be honest, I’m more domestic than I let on. I’ve been gathering recipes since I was 10 and have massive admiration for those women who just … Continue reading “Good Housekeeping”

Author amanda Posted on April 3, 2011Categories Experience, Food, South AfricaTags , , , , , ,

The magic of Franschhoek

South Africa is my country, but I’ve felt a kinship with certain places that is not based on language, culture or nationality. One of them is the island of Ithaca in Greece, where some of my ancestors are from. The other is Franschhoek, another ancestral home, but unfortunately one with no ancestral land.

Alistair and I used to go to the Cheese Festival every year and make a weekend of it in Franschhoek, staying in a very private cottage with our own pool. It was an escape from “hectic” Cape Town.

A few weeks ago we went back for the most beautiful wedding I’ve ever been to (except my own of course) and stayed in the same cottage. We took long walks, read our books, and of course ate out – a lot. Franschhoek has a ridiculously high concentration of exceptional restaurants.

South Africa is my country, but I’ve felt a kinship with certain places that is not based on language, culture or nationality. One of them is the island of Ithaca in Greece, where some of my ancestors are from. The other is Franschhoek, another ancestral home, but unfortunately one with no ancestral land.

Alistair and I used to go to the Cheese Festival every year and make a weekend of it in Franschhoek, staying in a very private cottage with our own pool. It was an escape from “hectic” Cape Town.

A few weeks ago we went back for the most beautiful wedding I’ve ever been to (except my own of course) and stayed in the same cottage. We took long walks, read our books, and of course ate out – a lot. Franschhoek has a ridiculously high concentration of exceptional restaurants.

Author amanda Posted on November 11, 2010Categories FoodTags , , , , 2 Comments on We have a winner!

We have a winner!

After much deliberation and some amazing whisky stories that made me and my fellow judge laugh and go “aww”, we have a winner of the Whisky Live tickets and a bottle of Highland Park – Claudine du Toit! I’m a romantic soul at heart and also want more women to get into whisky, so Claudine cinched it. Although I must give an honourable mention to Mark Stacey and AJ Nel, who are obviously both very passionate about their ‘water of … Continue reading “We have a winner!”

Author amanda Posted on November 10, 2010November 11, 2010Categories FoodTags , , , , , 1 Comment on Win tickets to Whisky Live & a bottle of Highland Park 12 Year Old

Win tickets to Whisky Live & a bottle of Highland Park 12 Year Old

“The day you enjoy whisky for itself, your whole world changes.”

That’s what Gerry Tosh, Head of Brand Education for Highland Park, told me earlier today and I couldn’t agree more. I eased myself into whisky-drinking by mixing blended whiskies with ginger ale or appletiser, which is perfectly acceptable according to Gerry. Then, once you’ve gradually acquired the taste you can move onto the magic of single malts.

“The day you enjoy whisky for itself, your whole world changes.”

That’s what Gerry Tosh, Head of Brand Education for Highland Park, told me earlier today and I couldn’t agree more. I eased myself into whisky-drinking by mixing blended whiskies with ginger ale or appletiser, which is perfectly acceptable according to Gerry. Then, once you’ve gradually acquired the taste you can move onto the magic of single malts.