So, just as I mentioned the beautiful warm weather we have been enjoying, along came a cold spell. It wasn’t too bad, though, and we weathered it, pardon the pun.
New on the block
Codebro Café (Esport Lifestyle Lounge and Coffee Bar) opened on March 1 on the corner of Webb Street and Hennie Alberts Street in Brackenhurst. Family owned by Jean, Andy, Michael and Angela du Plessis, this is definitely the place for family fun.
They’ve come up with a whole new concept and it’s really working. Codebro is for the community and you are more than welcome to pop along for an hour or two with your children, and while they are playing TV games, you can catch up on your admin or with friends with their free Wi-Fi. Don’t feel like ordering a drink, then that’s fine. But you will be tempted by the delicious coffees and teas, hot chocolate, milkshakes and cold drinks, breakfasts, sandwiches, pizzas and burgers, and they also do tasty Buffalo wings. Have a sweet tooth? The lemon meringue pie is heavenly and waffles filled with fresh cream or ice cream, divine. They are licensed, but presently only for beer and they hope to be selling wine soon.
The entertainment section offers Esports Boot Camp, and team games as well as online gaming.
I was blown away by the friendly owners and staff, nothing was too much trouble and the whole atmosphere was totally relaxed. I think this will be the perfect place on an afternoon during the week for moms who feel like escaping while their children are entertained, for FREE!
Parties are catered for, as well as baby showers and other celebrations. Phone 010 045 3650 for more information or to make a booking, or pop in and see what awaits you.
Sales galore
As spring approaches, the shopping malls are full of sales. The shops need to get rid of all their winter clothing and it’s always a good idea to stock up for next winter. Especially on items such as coats and boots as these rarely change style and what was “in” this year will still be “in” next year. You’ll save a packet.
I popped along to the Woolies sale, of course, and found quite a few great buys. My nephew and his wife are expecting their first baby in November, a boy, and with them living in England, the sale was perfect for me to buy winter baby clothes and send them over. I bought beautiful clothing and if I can’t be there when the baby is born, I know he’ll be wearing something special that I chose.
Summer stuff is coming in weekly and I’m loving the colours, fabrics and styles. We’ve lots of gorgeous buys to look forward to and I’ve already seen some dresses which will be perfect for me. Over the next few weeks, all winter clothing will be phased out. Keep a lookout for the new stock.
Aubergine lasagne (courtesy of Lancewood®)
Three aubergines, sliced lengthways
30 ml oil
Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 small onion, diced
1 red pepper, diced
1 yellow pepper, diced
15 ml garlic, crushed
30 ml oregano
125 ml tomato purée
500 g mince, cooked
250 ml canned chopped tomatoes
200 g mushrooms, sliced
500 g Lancewood® White Cheddar, grated
500 g Lancewood® Mozzarella, grated
Method
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place aubergine slices in a roasting pan. Drizzle with oil and salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes. While aubergines roast, prepare the sauce by frying the onion, peppers, garlic, oregano and salt and pepper in a pot for five minutes over medium heat. Add the tomato purée, mince, chopped tomatoes and mushrooms and simmer for 10 minutes.
To assemble
Place half of the roasted aubergines at the bottom of a roasting dish. Layer half of the meat sauce on top. Sprinkle half of the Lancewood® White Cheddar and half of the Lancewood® Mozzarella over. Repeat the layers once and bake for 30 minutes at 200°C. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy.
That’s it for this week. Shop till you drop!
Julie
