Don't you just love it when you find a hidden gem of a place that stocks beautiful items, serves delish food, in a setting that makes you feel like you're somewhere in Europe. A little piece of escapism. La Popote restaurant, on the fringe of Hilton, is one such place. Situated at the renowned landscape gardener's home, Sue Tarr, this little gem has been around for years and is owned and run by Lesley Strachan. Sue's little shop occupies the spot where the original stables were and, if you look carefully, you can still see the original manger and steel partitians. Beautiful antique tables showcase lovely gift items, some from Sue's daughter who is the founder of a crochet job creation project just outside Ladysmith.
Today I shared my little secret with two friends who have just moved to Hilton. I'm sure, having never been to this little hide away before, they'll become regular patrons in the future. If you're familiar with La Popote you'll know they offer scrumptious home-made delights such as pear tart served with home-made ice cream, a light refreshment with a creamy cappucino.
Open for breakfast and lunch including Sundays at Sue Tarr's Summerhouse - 084 584 6930 033 343 2352
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Planning Session "in the Field" at Nicolson's Restaurant
Yesterday we sat amongst the beautiful rolling hills of Garlington in Hilton, KZN, drinking in the stunning views of farmers fields and natural vegatation from the fashionable, Nicolson's Restaurant. We had come to brain storm some business ideas and what a wonderful environment to get those creative juices flowing.
But let me take this opporuntiy to punt Nicolson's It's been a while since I was last here and I was delighted to see they have added a little cocktail bar just off the front entrance to the restauarnt - note to self to come here for a sun downer after work - it has a real trendy feel and yes, the views, fresh air and tranquility, make for a very special place - quite a contrast when you think you're mere minutes away from the polution of Pietmaritzburg. The waitrons at Nicolson's have the descretion to attend to your needs when requred, without unnecessary interuptions. I have a foreign friend who becomes very upset if staff start to remove plates before evereyone at the table is finished (very European) - well she would love it at Nicholson's. I've adopted her sentiment and was very pleased to see we were left alone until such time as we were all done.
All in all, tasty and well presented food, lovely decor, well managed, great spot. 033 329 5200
But let me take this opporuntiy to punt Nicolson's It's been a while since I was last here and I was delighted to see they have added a little cocktail bar just off the front entrance to the restauarnt - note to self to come here for a sun downer after work - it has a real trendy feel and yes, the views, fresh air and tranquility, make for a very special place - quite a contrast when you think you're mere minutes away from the polution of Pietmaritzburg. The waitrons at Nicolson's have the descretion to attend to your needs when requred, without unnecessary interuptions. I have a foreign friend who becomes very upset if staff start to remove plates before evereyone at the table is finished (very European) - well she would love it at Nicholson's. I've adopted her sentiment and was very pleased to see we were left alone until such time as we were all done.
All in all, tasty and well presented food, lovely decor, well managed, great spot. 033 329 5200
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Nelson Mandela - The Mask of a Great Man
Last weekend we happened upon an African Sculpter, in a unique Catholic Monastry in Kwazulu Natal. I love visiting these places. Not just because I myself am Catholic, but because of the history associated with the buildings, the people and the simplicity of the way things used to be. This man had carved the most amazing crucifix of Jesus, almost life size. There was a piece of wood lying to one side that was about to become another crucifix and it was truly amazing to see how passion and talent can turn a simple piece of wood into something so beautiful. Leaning against the wall I found a carving of a face which reminded me of something out of Alice in Wonderland some how, like the cat in the tree. He turned out to be an interpretation of Nelson Mandela - here he is...
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Sometimes one needs to be taken back in time ...
So if you're a Led Zeppelin fan - this is for you - you'll love it, an old classic to bring back memories and maybe a little tear
Woman & Home here I come ...
Yesterday I had quite an exciting morning in Fort Nottingham with KZN Midlands photographer, Karen Edwards, shooting photographs for an article for the March edition of Woman & Home. The weather was just perfect and what fun putting together a set with beautiful items from Simply Sam Trading.
Karen Edwards is a beautiful ex model who has an amazing talent at putting at ease anyone who is in front of her lens. We had a great laugh when she pottered around in the garden to take a particular shot and started calling 'snakey snakey' with the explaination that she had to think of something to let the snakes know she was there and scare them away.
Look out for my post coming in March where i'll be up-loading the article.....
Karen Edwards is a beautiful ex model who has an amazing talent at putting at ease anyone who is in front of her lens. We had a great laugh when she pottered around in the garden to take a particular shot and started calling 'snakey snakey' with the explaination that she had to think of something to let the snakes know she was there and scare them away.
Look out for my post coming in March where i'll be up-loading the article.....
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Beautiful Country Home to Rent
The Natal Midlands has to be one of the most special places in South Africa and Nottingham Road has seen tremendous growth over the last couple of years as people from the city seek to down shift. What better place to consider, especially if one has children. The schools in the area are some of the best in the country and include Clifton, Treverton and Kings for primary education and Michaelhouse, Hilton College, St Annes and Wykeham Collegiate, to name but a few, for high school. This is a place where children are brought up to engaged with their surroundings - 'home grown children' as the sign says at Clifton Preparatory School.
The area is well known for its proximity to the world renowned Drakensberg, as well as the beauty of its own landscape, with the abundance of wild life including various species of Buck, bird life (including Wattle Crane) and wild cats, including Genet and Caracul. Some of the best fly fishing is to be had in the area and there are many Ateliers working from home in the area, which makes shopping a real treat.
Coffee shops, restaurants, local events and markets, personalise the Natal Midlands and give it its special atmosphere. The Nottingham Road library is quaint and has a lovely selection of books and DVDs to hire. The banks and Post Office still greet their patrons by name, which is a uniqueness in itself.
If you are thinking of moving to this beautiful area and love the idea of being surrounded by nature, horses and tranquility, this property may just be for you. It is for sale or to rent and can be viewed by clicking the link below.
Four Bedroom Country Home to Rent
The area is well known for its proximity to the world renowned Drakensberg, as well as the beauty of its own landscape, with the abundance of wild life including various species of Buck, bird life (including Wattle Crane) and wild cats, including Genet and Caracul. Some of the best fly fishing is to be had in the area and there are many Ateliers working from home in the area, which makes shopping a real treat.
Coffee shops, restaurants, local events and markets, personalise the Natal Midlands and give it its special atmosphere. The Nottingham Road library is quaint and has a lovely selection of books and DVDs to hire. The banks and Post Office still greet their patrons by name, which is a uniqueness in itself.
If you are thinking of moving to this beautiful area and love the idea of being surrounded by nature, horses and tranquility, this property may just be for you. It is for sale or to rent and can be viewed by clicking the link below.
Four Bedroom Country Home to Rent
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I left my heart in Cape Town
Oh how I love the buzz of Cape Town, the antique shops, designer ware, period buildings, exquisite food and people with a style all of their own. Yes, yes yes ....
My recent trip found me in the Cape's CBD and I have to say that, arriving there late at night, I thought my hubby had lost his mind, booking us into this 'un-safe' area of town. Well firstly I have to say its been two years since my last visit and in that time 'things ava changed'. We were welcomed by a lovely representative of 'Afribode' "specialising in the short term rental of self-catering apartments. Currently all of these apartments are located in Cape Town city centre and Mouille Point on the Atlantic Seaboard" who led the way into an 'Old Mutual' building which now houses cool and trendy spacious Loft Apartments. We were in an apartment sleeping four, but one could easily put kids onto the comfy couches if you needed more beds. I loved everything about the apartment and hope to book again for the March 2013 Cape Argus Cycle. So if my recommendation is anything to go by? Booking enquiries can be made via their website below.
My recent trip found me in the Cape's CBD and I have to say that, arriving there late at night, I thought my hubby had lost his mind, booking us into this 'un-safe' area of town. Well firstly I have to say its been two years since my last visit and in that time 'things ava changed'. We were welcomed by a lovely representative of 'Afribode' "specialising in the short term rental of self-catering apartments. Currently all of these apartments are located in Cape Town city centre and Mouille Point on the Atlantic Seaboard" who led the way into an 'Old Mutual' building which now houses cool and trendy spacious Loft Apartments. We were in an apartment sleeping four, but one could easily put kids onto the comfy couches if you needed more beds. I loved everything about the apartment and hope to book again for the March 2013 Cape Argus Cycle. So if my recommendation is anything to go by? Booking enquiries can be made via their website below.
|
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)