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!
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.
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.
 If you squint, you just might see a school of dolphins frolicking in the background... |  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:
  The appetizer: braised strawberries with rocket and parmesan, and sugar-cured kudu. |   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... |   Dessert: Creme caramel and ice cream with meringues |
