I was still in bed early this morning when I heard a shout from outside - it was Willem who was working next door yesterday (we chatted yesterday and he and his friend told me about the 4 large grunters they had caught near the Southern Cross day park).  Well, even though my Afrikaans is near to non-existent and Willem's English is a bit hard to follows at times, it seems that Willem figures I'm interested in what's in the river - even if it's early and I'm not up yet.  But I didn't mind because it's true - so out I came - and this is what I saw:

So, yes ,we have a rather large resident crab who lives in the river near us.  I remember a photo our neighbour took of what I am sure was the same crab last year.  Both times (then and now), the crab was returned to his home in the river - Willem's idea, not mine (I still hadn't had my coffee, so my mind really wasn't working yet).  Meanwhile, Willem caught a couple of fish for dinner.

We dropped by The Blue Shed Coffee Roastery on Bland Street in Mossey Bay earlier in the month, but I didn't get a chance to load the pics.  The coffee is pretty darn good - they have about half a dozen varieties - and price-wise, they are on par with what you'd pay at the Spar if you buy the beans or have them ground.  You can also grab a small bite to eat (quiches, pastries) if you're feeling peckish.

Not a bad thing to do after you've picked up your fresh fish at Viking Fisheries (one block further as you head towards The Point)

Dropped by to see Dries and Elaine at Art@Long a couple of weeks ago, but was too busy to update the blog.  They have some great art and a wonderful garden (where you'll find some fantastic sculptures).  For more galleries in the village check out the Art Galleries & Exhibitions blog category. 

If you feel like a great craft beer experience, then head on over to Zucchini's at Timber Lake Farm Village. With 42 different craft beers from around the Cape - and a tasting menu - it's the best selection I know of in the region (dine-in only).   The little wine shop opposite also carries some local beer as well as locally-made Inverroche gin and a pot stilled brandy - well worth a trip to the distillery in Still Bay behind Olyven Houdt  Farm Restaurant/Cafe which is also great for lunch out that way...

We decided to take a trip up the coast to Keurboomstrand on the other side of Plettenberg Bay, dropping by a few of our favourite places along the way.

First stop was Timber Lake Farm Village (where we discovered the large craft beer menu at Zucchini's), then on to Tottie's Farm Kitchen in Rheenendal for a delicious lunch in their wonderful garden (definitely worth a  visit) as a bit of a side-trip on the way to Knysna.

First stop in Knysna was to see Cheryl who has her refinished furniture at Frame by Frame on Gordon Street now (she moved from her original location next to Firefly Eating House last year) and then a quick pop into the Knysna Art Gallery which is housed in the old Knysna gaol.  We picked up a couple of ceramic birds (2 for R100) and stuck them in an old bird cage we brought back from Jakarta a couple of few years ago.  Works pretty well, I think!

From there it was onward to the Leisure Isle Art Gallery (which is co-housed with Leisure Isle Antiques) there before carrying on our way.

On the N2 about 7-8 km's before Plett, there's a fantastic little place called, "The Heath", where you'll find a cozy cafe, and a really great bespoke wood furniture & design shop called ilovani (together with Amoeba Concepts), where you'll find all sorts of cool and original items.  Definitely worth a stop if you're into original, natural design.

Then it was past Plett to the Old Nick Village where we ordered a couple of good coffees from the friendly (American) barrista.  Had a bit of a wander around there looking in the shops before moving down the road to our destination:  Keurboomstrand.

We were last there several years ago, but after hearing good things about Ristorante Enrico (check out the reviews on TripAdvisor), we decided it was worth a visit - besides, we're always up for a road trip.

We had an antipasto platter and a couple of craft beers (can you sense a theme?), as we were saving ourselves for the big event later in the evening (the antipasto was good and the service very friendly, but I have to admit my bias: La Locanda in George is still my favourite!).  Meanwhile, there were a few dozen dolphins swimming by, putting on a real show - the viewing was great right from our table (sorry, no pics - not really worth the attempt with a mobile phone).  It's definitely worth a trip to Enrico's if you're into a bit of a drive.

The big event?  Dinner at Kilzer's Kitchen back in Knysna for their weekly "Cook & Look" which are held Wednesday evenings (see reviews on TripAdvisor).  It was fun and something a bit different.  They aren't licenced, so if you go, bring your own bottle - or bottles.  Here are a few photos:

Left the women to continue their browsing & buying at the Bliki Tin Shak and walked down the R102 to the Mooi Uitsig Kroeg & Kombuis for a beer (I figure it's about time after passing it on the bike numerous times).

The draft Carling Black Label brought back memories - it's an old school beer whose origins date back to the founding of Carling Breweries in Canada by London,Ontario farmer Thomas Carling in 1840, having since been bottled under license in the UK, the USA and of course, South Africa, where it's one of the country's best-selling beers.

The Mooi Uitsig serves food during the week and offers a popular Sunday lunch from 12:30 p.m.

New this season - charming little place for arts, crafts, used books, a bit of fashion, odds & ends, some pies, refreshments and garden ornaments - on the R102 near the Mooi Uitsig Kroeg & Kombuis (our next stop)

Managed to pick up "closest to the pin" on the 9th, but the pace was a bit slow - no wonder!

We picked up some fresh Mossel Bay Soles from Viking and a great big piece of Kingklip from Catchalot - can you say "fish fest"?

A bit of spur of the moment inspiration - dropping into Robertson's Craft Brewery's new location in George to pick up some beer....  Also check out their Facebook page.