That’s because she spends a lot of time telling guests at the intimate hotel about the highlights of the area. Here are some of her suggestions.
“Most visitors are unaware that we have a vineyard right here on our doorstep. Some like to travel to Franschhoek and Stellenbosch but for those who enjoy exploring what’s local, Cape Point Vineyards, in a picturesque setting against the Noordhoek Mountains offers a variety of award-winning, internationally-recognised wines.
One of these is dedicated to the rehabilitation of the Western Leopard Toad and appropriately named Splattered Toad. In this tranquil environment it is not uncommon to see mothers reclining on the couches in the bedouin tent while sipping Chardonnay and snacking on a meat-and-cheese platter as their toddlers play on the grass and on the jungle gym.
Gourmet picnics and delicious local fare are other reasons for going there. A leisurely picnic or platter on the beach may sound passé, but this is Noordhoek Beach, so I’m recommending! Served on Saturdays from 11am to 6pm, platters are readily available but picnics need to be ordered 24 hours in advance. Browsers are promised unusual and interesting fare at the local community market open on Sundays from 11am to 6pm.”
Visit: noordhoekvineyards.co.za
“For incredible food, warmth and laughter, I always recommend chef Bruce Robertson’s home, The Boat House in Scarborough, which is the last settlement before the Cape of Good Hope.
It’s ideal for a leisurely lunch after visiting Cape Point. Bruce’s passion and sheer joy for preparing food is evident at first bite.
The house is surrounded by nature reserves and the sleepy village provides the perfect place for him to reflect his playful attitude and experimentation on his latest dining concept.
I love his Cape Cod-style beach house, with 180-degree views of the ocean from the living space. For me it celebrates the art of Table D’hôte; an opportunity to dine with a leading culinary expert and to submit to the peaceful retreat with its natural beauty, bordered by the sea as well as rugged, rocky hillsides.”
Visit: chefbrucerobertson.com
“Unsuccessful fisherman as well as those who appreciate the nutritional and flavour value of fresh fish should look no further than Flapping Fresh Deli.
It really is all it professes to be. I recommend it because the fish and seasonal crayfish are caught locally; prepared and served fresh from the ocean. You just can’t beat that for quality!”
Visit: flappingfreshdeli.co.za
“The Food Barn in Noordhoek Farm Village is not new but it’s a firm favourite of mine and that’s because owner/chef Franck Dangereux loves what he does. His lunchtime chef’s table on the last Friday of every month features a different winemaker and the pairing of food and wine over a scrumptious six-course menu. Booking is essential. If you are not up for a long lunch, he also hosts a demonstration night every second Wednesday of the month from 6.30pm. Here he prepares three different dishes from his recipe books and answers questions; all with a complimentary glass of wine.”
Phone: 021-789-1390. Visit: thefoodbarn.co.za
“Those who appreciate history will enjoy a trip to the Kakapo wreck. The story goes that the ship left Cape Town for Sydney on a misty night on May 26, 1900, loaded with coal. A north-westerly galeand driving rain meant there was almost zero visibility and Captain Nicolaysen mistook Chapman’s Peak for Cape Point. Turning the vessel to port he ran her aground just north of the mouth of the Wildevogelvlei.
Strong winds and heavy swells drove the vessel so far up the beach that the crew stepped off the ship without getting their feet wet! The captain remained on the ship, living off the remaining coal, food – and whiskey – supplies. The skeleton of the boat is an important landmark so I recommend the one hour-and-15-minute walk to fit guests and a horseback ride to the adventurous, who may be experienced or novice riders.
In my opinion horse riding on Long Beach is a not-to-be-missed experience.”
Visit: kommetjie-online.co.za/history/shipwreck-kakapo.html or horseriding.co.za
“The cast-iron Slangkop Lighthouse, operational since March 4, 1919, has prevented such mishaps from recurring. It is the tallest cast-iron tower on the South African coast. The inside area contains only steps and a generator. Although you’ll be out of breath when you reach the top, I suggest you climb the steep 33-metre staircase – it’s well worth it for the unsurpassed views of Kommetjie’s coastline and of Long Beach.
The lighthouse is open Mondays to Fridays from 10am to 3pm. The first permanently-built Reconciliation Labyrinth was constructed in 2003 at the foot of the lighthouse, this labyrinth was built to mark the 100th anniversary of Kommetjie and also as a symbol of hope that in the next 100 years the diverse communities of the area will unite in a spirit of togetherness.”
Visit: kommetjie-online.co.za/history/slangkop-lighthouse.html
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