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Absolutely Sensational Oysters from Oyster World!

19/1/2016

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Each year we have a bit of a holiday tradition with a couple of other fun-loving Islanders:  a bottle (or 2 or 3 or ...) of champagne and a raw oyster fest!  It's a shame to have to wait a year between these events (okay, I admit it, sometimes I resort to some secret shucking in the intervening months...) - we always have a lot of laughs, and well, yes, a lot of oysters (and champagne - did I mention the champagne?).

My usual mission is to secure the oysters.  David's is to pop the champagne corks into the garden (he can hit a yucca at 15 meters even on a windy day).  And the e-mails start to fly back and forth a month or two in advance.  "We'll be there on such and such date - you're getting the oysters ready, right?  Don't forget the champagne!"  The anticipation builds...
Well if you ever find yourself in this situation (I encourage it!), I can't recommend the oysters at Great Brak River's own "Oyster World" highly enough (see my post from when the first opened last season which includes some photos or check out what other people say on TripAdvisor - I'm obviously not their only fan!).  

​A call in advance call to owner Hein Eksteen (082 412 9754) ensures you'll have them open and waiting on the half shell when you get there.  They are clean - absolutely no grit or bits of shell - and they still have their slightly briney liquor which brings the flavour alive.  

​Hein knocks a bit of the price the more you order so the "per oyster price" for 12 is a bit cheaper than 6, and well, the 24 we had were a steal at just 15 rand a piece.  And they were absolutely sensational - each and every single one of them.  They had a soft but firm texture (I know that description seems incongruous, but somehow that's possible with oysters) and fantastic, fresh, mild flavour.  I think both oyster "veterans" as well as tentative "newbies" would love them (they are not "challenging" like some stronger varieties).

Before:

After:

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24 of our delicious large oysters, served on ice with a few lemon slices... Some purists have them as they come, others with a squeeze of lemon (or lemon and some freshly ground black pepper), or with a bit of tabasco. Or even with a teaspoon or two of champagne...
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Yup folks this is what 24 empty shells looks like...
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I am not sure what the carrots are doing there - I think oysters are healthy enough on their own, don't you?
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And three empty champagne bottles. Okay, so this little tradition of ours usually turns into as much a champagne fest as an oyster fest!
Of course, the champagne is optional - it does make it more fun though!  Here's this year's line-up:
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Thelema 2011 Blanc de Blancs (Chardonnay)
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Boschendal 2009 Grande Cuvee Brut (Chardonnay Pinot Noir)
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Simonsig 2014 Kaapse Vonkel Brut (53% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir & 2% Pinot Meunier)
After our oyster experience, I begged Hein if I could scan his menu to spread the word.  Hey, I admit it: I'm selfish (or is that shellfish?) - I want to make sure Oyster World are around for many more years of our little oyster fests.  And besides, I think it's great to support our local small businesses, don't you? 

Well, fortunately for you, after a bit of arm-twisting, Hein relented and handed over a couple of his menus which I brought home and scanned.

​Here's what's on offer as of 18 Jan 2016 (one caveat from me:  if you happen to have stumbled upon this blog post 20 years from now, the menu and prices may have changed slightly...):
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And here's a bonus:  if you're 65 and older (I'm assuming that's how old you have to be to be a pensioner around these parts...) and looking for a bit of mid-week romance, check out their Wednesday special for pensioners:  a glass of white wine, served with hake and chips or rice for just R49.

So, do yourself a favour, give Hein a call on 082 412 9754 and have your own oyster fest - or drop by and enjoy a meal or drink while you relax on their picturesque outdoor patio next to the river.  It's idyllic.
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This is from their opening last season - click the photo to read that post and for more photos
They are located near the Bolton Shoe Factory and the Great Brak Hardware Store, just before the Amy Searle bridge in the village.  Make your way through the parking lot and you'll find them situated on the river bank on your right.

​Enjoy!
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Craft Beer Extravaganza

21/1/2015

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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...
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Road Trip to Keurboomstrand

21/1/2015

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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!
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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.
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If you squint, you just might see a school of dolphins frolicking in the background...
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These craft beers have a serious head on them - you'll have to pour slowly and carefully into your glass unless you want a lap full...
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:
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The appetizer: braised strawberries with rocket and parmesan, and sugar-cured kudu.
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The main: lamb with layered potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Also came with an indigenous spinach (marog) which was creamed - it was delicious, but I didn't take a photo...
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Dessert: Creme caramel and ice cream with meringues
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Living up to its Name - Nice Views from the Mooi Uitsig Kroeg & Kombuis

10/1/2015

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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.
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A bit of action at the kroeg
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Looking out towards Mossel Bay on a bit of a hazy (but clear) day
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Visit to the Bliki Tin Shak

10/1/2015

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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)
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Time for a Road Trip to Rosenhof and La Rosa Blu in Hops Valley

4/1/2015

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Looking for another great little road trip?  Why not head across the Outeniqua Pass to Hops Valley (Waboomskraal) - through the clouds and beyond, into the sunshine - where you'll find the Rosenhof Estate and the Rosa Blu Cafe (you'll find plenty of reviews on TripAdvisor).  I had the Blue Fig Burger - delicious!  Made even better with the accompanying India Pale Ale from Robertson Brewery.  hmm, I should go visit them, I think...
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Check out this earlier blogpost about Rosenhof - as well as more photos on our Flickr photostream.
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Driving the Montagu Pass in Search of Food and Other Adventures

3/1/2015

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We drove up the narrow, gravel Montagu Pass in search of a bit of adventure on the way to the tiny hamlet of Herold (no, not Herold's Bay). The scenery is spectacular along the Outeniqua Hop.  We passed the tollhouse (built in 1847).
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We made it to Herold Wines, but unfortunately for us, they were busy with a couple of large groups of holidaymakers, so we decided not to stay for a tasting.  Better luck next time!  If you're feeling a bit peckish, they have a charming looking little cafe.
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Pushing on a bit further, we decided to stop by the Over The Mountain Guest Farm for coffee and scones and visit with the feral peacocks!
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The menu...
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"Montagu Pass 1950's - note scars of Outeniqua Pass" - one of the great old black & white photos displayed in the menu
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The Outeniqua Farmers' Market - a Perfect Weekend Outing

3/1/2015

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Feel like a bit of an outing - and maybe a bit of breakfast of lunch?  Well, if you haven't done so already, you should check out the Outeniqua Farmers' Market in George.
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I probably shouldn't give away my favourite food stall at the market, lest the line up get too long for when I want to go, but what the heck... the Bistro La French Connexion stall has the best quiches around (their main restaurant is worth a visit - it's located just outside of Sedgefield at the Swartvlei Lagoon opposite the Sedge Links Golf Club - a mashie course which is affiliated with Pine Lakes Marina).  See either of the French Connection's Facebook pages (here and here) or reviews on TripAdvisor.
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Otherwise, the Kwekery is always worth a visit - it seems to be getting bigger and better with each season.
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The Market is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m.  You'll find more photos (together with photos of other markets in the area) in our Flickr photostream.
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New This Season - Great Brak's Very Own Oyster Bar: "Oyster World"

23/12/2014

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If you are a fan of oysters, you're in for a treat:  on Dec 12th, Hein Eksteen (South Africa's 2007 Spearfishing Champion) opened "Oyster World".  It's a cozy little oyster bar with outdoor seating right on the bank of the Great Brak River, near the Hardware Store.

Hein's Wild Jumbo oysters are the largest I've seen in South Africa (the Large were also pretty Jumbo!).  Lekker man!
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Outdoor seating right on the bank of the Great Brak River
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Outdoor seating right on the bank of the Great Brak River
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Hein Eksteen giving the thumbs up behind the counter
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Inside, you'll find the walls covered with photos of Hein and his fishing conquests.
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Who needs to do curls with the dumb bells when you're holding a 30+ kilo fish in each hand!
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"Oyster toast" (opposite), which were rich and spicy, and the deep fried oysters in the foreground (I prefer my fried oysters breaded, Po' Boy style, but these were still a good warm-up to the main event...)
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The succulent, pillowy "Wild Jumbo" oysters. Are you a die-hard, "au naturale" fan, or do you reach for the tobasco? Or maybe it's just a squeeze of lemon and some freshly-ground pepper? No matter, you're bound to be happy here. And ask to keep the shells if you find them interesting!
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By the time we left, it was clear that the secret is getting out - the tables were filling up!
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Totties Farm Kitchen in Rheenendal

16/2/2014

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I was turned on to this gem by a fellow Islander - if you are looking for a day trip, this really is a must-do.  Drive out towards Knysna and take the Rheenendal exit and keep driving for about 12 kms.  You'll see the old General Store & Petrol Station on your left - Totties is around the back.

You'll find yourself in a wonderful garden oasis with simply amazing food - in the middle of nowhere.  We had the stuffed brinjal and the pesto chicken wrap and were blown away by the presentation.
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If the photos above don't inspire you, visit them on Facebook or see their webpage for more photos and their menu.  We went for lunch mid-week, so no reservation was required, but I understand that for Sunday Lunch bookings are absolutely essential (not surprising!).

If you're not quite sure where they are, there's a handy map on the new Rheenendal Ramble website which highlights a number of other things to do in the area (it's pretty well-known for mountain bike territory, of course).

Finally, if you are headed out that way be careful if you return via the old 7 Passes Road via George, as there are large logging trucks using it during the week - if you're not expecting it, it can be quite exciting when you're confronted by a fully laden truck headed directly towards you at high-speed as you round a corner. Those drivers must know every twist and hairpin turn like the back of their hands.  The full 7 Passes drive from George through to Knysna offers great scenery along a windy gravel road - it's well worth it if you're a road trip fan.
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