http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/ en-US Wed, 22 Dec 2010 08:59:45 +0200 http://www.typepad.com/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Franschhoek/~3/cd_tRNi2ewA/the-olive-shack-sas-first-all-south-african-olive-tasting-centre-.html http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/12/the-olive-shack-sas-first-all-south-african-olive-tasting-centre-.html Phillip and Amanda Aplas have opened a new addition to their Allora Ristorante. The Olive Shack is the first olive tasting centre in the country that exclusively stocks South African olive oil and olive products. “Whenever I went overseas I always had to bring home cans of olive oil for my mother-in-law from Greece. But when I introduced her to olive oil from Prince Albert, which she then preferred, I realized the South African olive industry has come of age. This planted the seed for our olive tasting centre,” says Philip. Visitors to The Olive Shack can taste a variety... Franschhoek Wed, 22 Dec 2010 08:59:45 +0200 http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/12/the-olive-shack-sas-first-all-south-african-olive-tasting-centre-.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Franschhoek/~3/qUL6FRChWC0/le-franschhoek-hotel-spa-voted-one-of-worlds-hot-foodie-hotels.html http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/12/le-franschhoek-hotel-spa-voted-one-of-worlds-hot-foodie-hotels.html The Cape’s LE FRANSCHHOEK HOTEL & SPA has been acknowledged as the eighth best hotel in the world for food following the recent publication of the 2010 Hot Hotels List by prestigious international travel industry web site TravelHub. Voted for by travel agents world-wide, Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa is the only African hotel on the TravelHub Hot Hotels for Food list with commendations such as the “best meal of our lives” and “a glorious retreat in the most beautiful surroundings with the luxury of some of the world’s best foods and wines.” “It’s an honour to know that travel... Franschhoek Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:49:58 +0200 http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/12/le-franschhoek-hotel-spa-voted-one-of-worlds-hot-foodie-hotels.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Franschhoek/~3/tp-AEYN78IY/festive-season-culinary-celebrations-grande-provence.html http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/11/festive-season-culinary-celebrations-grande-provence.html In true Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate tradition this festive season in Franschhoek will present guests with exceptional cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Darren Roberts from his extensive repertoire of signature dishes, complemented by award-winning wines from Winemaker Jaco Marais accompanied by 5-star service and presented in the Estates world class setting. Roberts and his team will amply demonstrate just why ‘The Restaurant’ has received so many accolades and awards. These new menus reflect the season as well as paying homage to many traditional Christmas favourites. On Friday 24 December the table will be set for a memorable evening that... Food and Drink Franschhoek Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:38:20 +0200 http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/11/festive-season-culinary-celebrations-grande-provence.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Franschhoek/~3/5mhbO2LBqIU/winemakers-corner-seductive-sauvignon.html http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/10/winemakers-corner-seductive-sauvignon.html Erika Obermeyer, Graham Beck Wines - winemaker  With spring here and the heady delights of summer already beckoning, thoughts turn to long lazy al fresco meals, accompanied (of course) by wines that make your soul sing and your spirit soar! For me the quintessential warm weather wine, ideal for South African ‘stoep kuier’ sessions, is undoubtedly Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a versatile, multi-faceted crowd pleaser, equally delicious as a casual quaffer or as the perfect match for a wide range of delectable dishes. One of the many delights of living and working in the Franschhoek Valley is the sheer bliss... Food and Drink Franschhoek Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:06:59 +0200 http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/10/winemakers-corner-seductive-sauvignon.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Franschhoek/~3/hHmDSJTzw_U/great-weekend-at-fhoek-uncorked.html http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/10/great-weekend-at-fhoek-uncorked.html Franschhoek reveled in the success of another wonderful festival in September. They came, they saw and some conked out, but a good time was had by all at Franschhoek Uncorked. It is not clear how many of the happy visitors were seriously intent on sampling newly released wines and comparing them to tasting notes filed in their memories, but 2704 tickets were sold and the venues were busy all weekend. First time participant, Maison, was a hit with its laid-back atmosphere and converted scores of wine drinkers to Chenin Blanc. Boekenhoutskloof was an all-weekend party with great food, original comics... Festivals & Events Food and Drink Franschhoek Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:36:52 +0200 http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/10/great-weekend-at-fhoek-uncorked.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Franschhoek/~3/6YRCfn8kN9E/the-common-room-local-grazing-ground.html http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/09/the-common-room-local-grazing-ground.html The Common Room, the latest addition to the exceptional Le Quartier Français culinary experience, offers diners a menu packed full of lip smacking delights designed by Margot Janse to serve as snacks or the building blocks of a more substantial meal. Margot, in creating this new experience says “Food is constantly evolving and changing and people enjoy food at different times……… we have created a menu that will encourage people to chill out, taste, share and enjoy good times in great company. Being aware that not every meal has to be a “huge spend” we have kept the prices small... Food and Drink Franschhoek Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:48:13 +0200 http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/09/the-common-room-local-grazing-ground.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Franschhoek/~3/AHq8RPXMAws/heritage-day-weekend-at-solms-delta-franschhoek.html http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/09/heritage-day-weekend-at-solms-delta-franschhoek.html Heritage Day, 24 September, is a public holiday on which all South Africans are invited to celebrate their cultural heritage and the diversity of our traditions, as the defining characteristics of a nation that belongs to all of its people. Solms-Delta wine estate near Franschhoek is celebrating the holiday weekend with a choice of heritage experiences: On Friday, Saturday and Sunday there will be tours of the Dik Delta Culinary Heritage Gardens at 09h00, 11h00, 13h00 & 15h00; Cost: R40 pp; and On Friday and Sunday,* experience Fyndraai restaurant’s new Heritage Menu, designed around the culinary heritage of three main... Festivals & Events Franschhoek Wed, 22 Sep 2010 15:33:05 +0200 http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/09/heritage-day-weekend-at-solms-delta-franschhoek.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Franschhoek/~3/9XAGIFodLoQ/recipe-how-to-grill-the-perfect-steak-by-adrian-buchanan-freedom-hill.html http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/09/recipe-how-to-grill-the-perfect-steak-by-adrian-buchanan-freedom-hill.html The most popular question I get is "How do we grill a steak at home?" Well I can tell you it isn't easy at home, but I can give you some tips. Firstly choosing the steak is the most important part. It should be a thing of love and respect. There are three important things to consider. Ask yourself do you prefer a fillet steak or rump, sirloin or rib eye? This is very important because they each have their own pro's and con's. Fillet is tender, but has little flavor. Rump and sirloin both have fat and sinew to... Food and Drink Franschhoek Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:26:16 +0200 http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/09/recipe-how-to-grill-the-perfect-steak-by-adrian-buchanan-freedom-hill.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Franschhoek/~3/aajWMuXH1cs/franschhoek-uncorked-weekend-specials.html http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/08/franschhoek-uncorked-weekend-specials.html With something for everyone at this year's Uncorked Festival (4 - 5 September 2010), make a weekend of your visit, taking full advantage of the various accommodation packages on offer. Come and indulge yourself as you witness the country’s gourmet capital blossom and come alive. Please see below some Franschhoek Uncorked weekend specials valid for this weekend only. To make a booking please contact Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourism at 021 876 2861. Click here to view a complete list of accommodation establishments in Franschhoek. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- La Fontaine Guest House Double: 1 x night @ R450-00pp sharing 2 x nights @... Franschhoek Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:56:11 +0200 http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/08/franschhoek-uncorked-weekend-specials.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Franschhoek/~3/sOWD3qBREME/tasting-101-celebrates-cabernet.html http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/08/tasting-101-celebrates-cabernet.html Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most widely recognized red wine grape varieties and became internationally recognized through its prominence in Bordeaux wines where it is often blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Despite its prominence in the industry, the grape is a relatively new variety, the product of a chance crossing between Cabernet franc and Sauvignon blanc during the 17th century in southwestern France. Tasting 101, hosted by Mont Rochelle Vineyards in Franschhoek, a monthly wine tasting event aimed at teaching restaurant staff in Franschhoek more about the wines of the valley and surrounding areas, focused its last... Franschhoek Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:36:51 +0200 http://franschhoek.typepad.com/franschhoek/2010/08/tasting-101-celebrates-cabernet.html