Hurricanes aside, it's been a whirlwind being back. I've dined at some of the hotspots - Haiku (v nice but pricy), Castle Hotel (nice), Grande Cafe (v nice) and Meerendal (should be v fab when Wheatfields opens in the next few weeks.) I've also visited old favorites - like Cafe Paradiso. I really enjoyed the Chicken salad Paradiso which has also made it into Amex's Black Book guide of things to do in Cape Town. I tasted the crab cakes which were delish and enjoyed the snoek and avo starter but could have (and, frankly should have) done without the ricotta lemon cheese cake which didn't deliver.

One of the most memorable dishes I've had this month was at One Waterfront at the Cape Grace. Even though it was part of a Press Club set menu, the roasted oxtail was sublime. I've always loved oxtail and only ever had it in a stew. This was dry-roasted and the meat sticky and delicious. The most healthful meal, save for Saturday lunch at the 12 Apostles' Cafe where I had a fabby med low-cal omelette followed by the most fabulous low-fat dessert yet - frozen coco cake - was at the River Cafe on Uitsig. The Health Breakfast offering is a delight to look at, beautifully arranged slices of fresh fruits with, here comes the rub, a yoghurt terrine. Divine. 

La Vie has reopened under my building in Beach Road, Sea Point. They've moved away from the 50's kitsch vibe in favour of a cleaner interior. The best improvement is a wooden deck that elevates you for a better sea view and the raised lounge area with comfy cushions means you can flop down after a jug of Martinis and sip coffees with the sea under your elbow.  

The November issue of GQ should be out now. Have a look at the luxe travel feature near the back of the book - I contributed copy about the most gorgeous of them.