I enjoyed the most brilliant holiday – almost three weeks in Pringle Bay – swimming in the sea every morning irrespective of the weather.
Many meals were at Hook, Line & Sinker which continues to thrill me despite the show of sternness by Jacqui and Stef which I think is a show they (and their devotees) can do without. I love the simplicity of the dishes there and just before returning to Cape Town I had a steamed lobster with a pot of mayo and a Peruvian salsa pronounced as peb-leh that almost gave me a hard-on. I can’t think of a more sexual dish (except perhaps for marrow bones) than eating lobster by hand – with the tail flesh so firm and juicy.

I also enjoyed the simple lunch at Hamilton-Russell vineyards at their year-end shindig. I’ve always loved the wine (and went dreamy for a noble late harvest they produce but don’t sell) but find it too costly to buy in the quantity I wish to drink.

Last night JP brought four lobsters from a friend who dives. I’d only cooked them once before – years ago while they were alive (I still get grilalach when I think about them trying to get out of the pot and having to cut their feelers to make the lid fit.) Last night’s were dead. I made the mistake of boiling them whole in a little water. They would have been better steamed. I used two of the tails in a simple salad – butter lettuce and avo (I gave the avo a liberal spraying of lemon juice and dusting of mustard. Served with Woolies bake-to-eat crusty baguette and thick mayo - divine.

For the next course I thought about a pasta dish. I boiled the bodies and tail skins for almost an hour and reduced the stock to about one cup. I sweated onions and garlic, reduced with white wine and then used the stock. By the time I’d reheated the tails in the reduced stock I’d boiled the hell out them and it was really disappointing especially as the stock, while concentrated didn’t have that bisque-taste I wanted.

Vasili, Peter, JP and I had lunch at The Table Bay today. First choice was the Jazz brunch at Winchester Mansions but by 5pm last night they were full. The Table Bay was the next choice for their jazz brunch which has reduced to a jazz lunch from 12.30. I would have preferred something from 11am. There was some irritation about the booking. When I first enquired if a table of four was available I was pleasantly told “You are welcome.” After calling Vasili and Peter to check if they’d like it join us and calling the Table Bay bank to confirm it was now full.

When I asked how this was possible I was told that only outside tables would be available. Fine – no prob. On the way to see The Departed (good but gory) they called again to say their credit card machine was on the blink and we may have to pay cash. Not impressed.

On arrival it was so hot when asked if we wanted to sit inside or out we decided air-conditioned comfort may be what the doctor ordered. The offering is reduced from the Jazz Brunch I’d had previously which had cereals and breakfast goodies in addition to the others.
At R150 a head I think it is good value. We had a brilliant table (booked for four but reserved for five) and enjoyed sparkling on arrival and a jug of orange juice for the table (various juices available) I took a chocolate spring roll in error thinking it savory, smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese which needed more salmon and cheese which I happily added various salads – a seafood noodle, caprese, seared tuna, asparagus with parmesan and others. There were mini butternut and feta quiches too. I didn’t have any meats. Main course is ordered a la carte and I really enjoyed the crisp-skinned yellowtail served with spinach on a polenta cake.) Every one was impressed with their food.

I didn’t have place for dessert but the fresh fruit chocolate Florentine looked excellent. Service was faultless. We agreed we’d do it again soon.

Spent the afternoon looking for apartments: saw a tired grand old lady in Arthur’s Seat Mansions which I loved (despite needing R100K’s work) and a loft in Piazza St John which I liked but JP loved. Lots still to look at.