The Cape Grace Hotel has launched Cafe Bascule. For those for whom whiskey before 4pm is anathema, there's a great new reason to visit Bascule. The pricing is surprisingly competitive for the surroundings. Cappuccino at R16 is good value, for example, in deep leather armchairs and wood-paneled  walls. On a fine day, the seating at the edge of the marina is perfect to consider whether a schooner or some other seafaring item suits your needs. Food is different from the usual coffee-time offering with especially delicious salmon, cream-cheese bagel for R18 or a brie and fig croissant for the same price. The sweet offering - puff pasty cone filled with poached pear (R18) could, for my tastes anyway, have been sweeter and would benefit from Chantilly cream.

I've used the Grace's lounge for business meetings for ages now, but I think the Cafe Bascule is better suited as there are a number of spaces where it is possible to meet without hearing everyone else. In PR terms this was a low key, high impact launch. No unnecessary speeches or contrived gimmicks - a warm welcome from GM Nigel as we entered and an entire management team supporting PR manager Karen's efforts. Excellent take-away kit too with a branded coffee cup, ground coffee and chocolate and info.

Hello Brian,

Welcome back from your trip to Egypt.

I read to-days column in the Cape Times and noted that the only contributors were the restaurant owners themselves.

How often do your readers wish to go out for a meal and are blank for a choice or can not remember a favourite they wish to revisit or a new one they wish to try. I would imagine often.

I overcame this problem years ago by creating a FOODIES file on my computer storing favourites or new ones which I update regulary.

Here are a few:

Italian club:  for consistently producing great authentic Italian cuisine.

Maestros:     for the great vibe and as above for there consistency.

Blow Fish:    Jack sushi is just a pleasure.

Pon’s Noodle Bar:  for the shear decadence, and the wonderful             

                                  memories of Bangkok.

Olympia Café:   just the pleasure of being.

Jakarta:             to be transported back to the Indonesia and                                                                           

                           relive the pleasures of a real reistafle.

More next time.

Maxleigh Derman