Ask A Local. I Used To Think That Was Me
Now I am kinda hoping that it finally is! Happy holidays everyone
Hands up who thought a newsletter could bring such joy?! Not me. Although, I’m hella glad it has continued to do so. As my one-time colleague Zee would’ve sighed: “what a time to be alive”. Just about sums up 2022, doesn’t it?
In an effort to not waste any more of your precious time thinking about:
A) whether Britney is really free
B) whether Elon Musk is an evil genius, a complete lunatic or both
C) whether Johnny Depp will find new love with his lovely lawyer friends
D) whether Kanye will run for Prez
E) whether Gwyneth will continue to age backwards in Gucci
F) whether we can hang on for The White Lotus season 3 and other pressing concerns, I give you instead…
Ask A Holiday Local
There was a time, many years ago, when I dreamt of being mistaken for a local - in my case, it was on Umhlanga’s stretch of beach... My li’l Jozi vacay posse and I would loll around all day hoping some KZN surfer would stumble upon us, mistake us for Sweet Valley High twins (although I had brunette curls, so its true - hope really does spring eternal!) and date us for the rest of the week-long jolly holiday! Who remembers these? I don’t remember thinking the covers were quite so mustachioed and shady back then?!
Needless to say, it didn’t happen. Not once. And now that I seem to be bringing up two dyed-in-the-wool Capetonians, I get it. Us land-locked folk can be clocked from a mile away by this easy-going, lightly-sun-dusted coastal crew. Annoying. So glad I didn’t know that then, when I thought the only thing standing in my way was the fact that my dad wouldn’t let me wear by neon pink bubble lycra bikini into Umhlanga village. It was the 90s, you’ll have to forgive the fashun.
In an effort to save any of you from this metaphorical bubble lycra-ed fate, I’ve lined up a few insider spots that you should make every effort to visit if you’re lucky enough to be going coastal this summer…
If You’re In Knysna, It’s Got To Be Nest
Knynsa’s legendary Ile De Pain - IDP if you must - has opened Nest. Its perched on the Knysna Lagoon at a super-cool boutique hotel, The Lofts, and its no over-exaggeration to say that it serves up the most breath-taking sunsets in the hood. Go for the oysters and the cocktails, stay for the vibe. And don’t miss the chance to order a Pink Nest. Sublime. PS The pic is from my bestie, Cath, who is a local and RATES it! @nest_foodbar
If You’re In Cape Town, It’s Got To Be Ouzeri
This newly- opened little bolthole offers up a huddle of tables, set alongside voluptuously cushioned built-in benches and easy laid-back boho charm. Its a menu built on small plates that are both regional Greek, yes, and gourmet too… Like the youvetsi with beef shin, the anari and spinach dumplings with halloumi, squid with braised lentils. Order the Genevieve sparkling wine before you do a thing! Just off Bree Street, next door to Honest Chocolate. @ouzeri_ct
… But also Ramenhead
Peter Templehoff - he of Fyn fame (don’t try saying that too fast when you’ve had a few festive drinks! Yikes!) - has just flung open the doors to a ramen bar - handmade Japanese ramen… Its super chichi looking with a vintage exterior and the menu is a dream. But best of all, it’s situated on Church Square which is a tucked-away little corner of the inner city, rimmed in shady trees and completely and utterly gorgeous. @ramenheadcapetown
If You’re On The North Coast, It’s Got To Be Food Fundi
This little gem is to be found at Sugar Rush Park, set in the middle - literally - of the sugar cane fields… If you’re there on the weekend, its the starting point of a great park run too. And it’s brilliant for kids. I’m entirely biased, it is run by two very good, very smart foodie friends and I can safely say that the breakfasts are unmissable - truffle omelettes, Turkish granola bowls, salmon with beetroot relish and aubergine on toast. But better still, you can order a picnic. Say hit to Mel and Jason for me if you go! @food.fundi
On that note, that’s me for 2022 – quite literally! I am done! I cannot thank you all enough for being part of this newsletter adventure of mine! It started off a crazy idea to just write what I loved and it has turned into the coolest thing – a space for laughs, eye rolls, comments, replies, fun and new finds! Thank you for keeping it going – I SO enjoy getting to put this out into the world every week, but having the thousand of you reading it, is what makes it all an absolute joy! Here’s to MAJOR resting and relaxing (she says fingers crossed) if you get to have a break! Looking forward to finding you all again in early 2023! With my brain prepped and ready for Awards Season and whatever crazed antics the new year brings. Inevitable really! Happy holidays and much love from me til the new year