Lunch at The Queen of Tarts in Lower Main Road Observatory was as delicious as the spot is delightful. Tina Bester has curated a space that is better to look at than to eat in - I could smell the pumpkin seed on the breath of the chap at the adjoining table which is a little too close for comfort. Anyhoo, the spag bol (R35) was acceptable while the butternut tart (R32) inspired. It was the pretty fairy cakes (R10.50), topped with wispy meringue foam that I'll go back for. Not the place in which to have a private conversation but certainly a beautiful spot for light lunches or coffee with nibbles.

Dinner was at Forty Ate (4T Ate) at - wait for it - 48 Hout Street . I was told about this spot some months ago by Peter Crabtree, whose former partner was involved, and a number of people have since mentioned it. The place is very chic. The designer stubbled Angolan waiters ooze Frenchified sex and desire and its difficult to avoid ordering the premium brand they're suggesting. I wouldn't worry about trying to save money though. Like Antique this spot is extremely costly but unlike Antique the food is sublime. I started with the Salmon Foie Gras (R120) an inspired combination and went on to the Kingklip wrapped in pancetta with ox tail (R120). I'm still not sure what the oxtail was doing on the plate as it was served in a separate ramekin.  Colin had the Springbok which he enjoyed (R160). The place is beautiful and the food sublime but I'm not sure if the hefty price - R300 a head just for three courses is acceptable.

A little farther a field to Durbanville and an excellent lunch at the Woolworths Food.Bar. At R32 the roast chicken Caesar sandwich is tops. It was a large wedge served on a wooden board with deli-style wax paper.. I spied Maurice Levin (equally stubbled) dining there too and a number of famous sorts such as the hunky chap from Monolo enjoying a sunny afternoon lunch at Willowbridge. Even farther was dinner at the Western Cape Hotel in and Spa in Kleinmont linked to the Arabella Sheraton. I'll say more about the interior in a later dispatch but the food at Jumani - a braai buffet at R180 was underwhelming. Notable was a piece of plastic bag in the oxtail for which they apologised and gave us dinner on the house.

For lunch the next day JP prepared a delicious Goulash while I, in 50's housewife mode, rushed about pouring pink-tinged martinis and serving cocktail-stick poised gouda cubes and Chorizo on an upturned orange.

Lunch the next day was again at Willowbridge which must be the new black. While dining at Col Cachio on delicious Campagnola - baby potato, smoked chicken and caramelized onions - pizzas (R52), I spied Darren Wilder and one of the owners of Saints bar and so many sophisticated types that I suspect Camps Bayers have relocated..    

I'd better run. Nature calls.