The Donnelly clan joined us for lunch at Le Verger, the new spot at the five-star Three Cities Hotel in Franschhoek. It's about three kilometers from the Huguenot Monument past the old Swiss Farm hotel where we visited as children, The views are staggering - and the seating - in pavilions around a central loggia, is like an upmarket La Massaria - that wonderful cheese spot in Stellenbosch. Jack, their five year old loved it too, especially the pizza section and the waterways that surrounded the location.
We chatted about places to eat with children in tow. They related this uproariously funny tale of a friend of Jack's falling into the pond at Kloof Street's Ocean Basket after running around it and the argument with fellow dinners than followed which almost ended with Abigail - the sweetest and most docile of people - smacking one of her detractors. People tell me Dune's in Hout Bay is a good spot when dining with children, as well as the spot in Deer Park Drive opposite Herzlia School (which I attended).
Earlier in the week I dined with the new GM of The Cape Grace. More about that in a later post but for now to say Nigel recommended The River Cafe at Uitsig in Constantia as a kid friendly spot.
Can you recommend any?
Hello there Brian
As mom to a 9-year old, I'm always interested in new places for my husband, daughter and I to enjoy together as a family.
Free time and family time is precious and, oh so limited(!), so like many other busy families, we prefer spending our leisure time enjoying new restaurants or exploring weekend getaways together with our (very-well-behaved,- I-have-to-add!!) daughter, wherever possible.
On the other hand - on a professional level I manage the PR portfolio for some top end hotels, and therefore understand the complexities of keeping 'happy families' happy, whilst simultaneously catering for the needs of those who yearn for peace and quiet. People who perhaps left their own offspring at home, or those without children of their own, who are not particularly interested in being spectators to the antics of other people's kids while taking some well-deserved time out. (And let’s face it – there are some real mini-monsters around!)
I don’t have a solution in terms of restaurants – and heaven helps our poor restaurateurs if we had to introduce child-friendly sections and adults-only sections, in addition to smoking sections and non-smoking sections!, ….but I’d like to tell you how my client Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat has solved this problem by introducing Family Affair packages during the school holidays.
On select dates, Bushmans Kloof opens the lodge to families with children of all ages during which special 4-day/3-night packages are offered and child-free guests are directed to alternative dates. Additional staff and child-minders are employed, baby-sitting services are available, special children’s activities are scheduled (rock art walks/game drives/fishing/painting/games/treasure hunts/cycling/optional camping out etc etc), and early children’s dinners are arranged - complete with child-friendly food.
Mom and dad may join in any of the kids’ activities (some activities are specifically arranged for the whole family), or alternatively sit back (grinning), relaxing and watching them have fun running around, enjoying the great outdoors and learning more about nature. Generally speaking, the kids are entertained whilst mom and dad have a nap, relax with a spa treatment, enjoy sundowners in the reserve, or have their gourmet dinners - undisturbed. Bliss for any busy parent!
Highly recommended!! – see www.bushmanskloof.co.za and go to SPECIALS.
Kind regards
Janie van der Spuy
FIVESTAR PR
www.fivestarpr.co.za
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