The
trip to Montagu takes about 2 to 2½ hours and we wanted to stop along
the way at Du Toitskloof winery near Rawsonville to buy some of their Nebbiolo,
an Italian grape that produces wildness and richness in this cherry and spice
supple red wine. It was also a chance to stop for some lunch
Next door to the winery is a branch of Melissa's
There was a staff lunch taking place
We spotted this (new to us) craft beer on the menu
and decided to order it for lunch. Its hoppy and robust, rather similar to a
good English Bitter and we enjoyed it. Very good value, too, at R25 for 440ml
If you are a fan of Melissa's you will find a
familiar menu and most of the normal Melissa products, with a few others which
are produced locally. We sat at the table in front of the fire
Lynne opted for the smoked salmon and cream cheese
open sandwich on toasted rye, which came rather swamped with a tomato and raw
onion salsa. A crime in her eyes was the raw onion, as it completely overtakes
the delicate salmon, and it can make one burp for hours afterwards. The avocado
was an optional addition
John ordered a pizza with caramelised onion,
avocado, rocket and crispy bacon. Our bill was R200
with service.
After we had checked in at Mimosa House, the group
moved just across the road to the local Pub restaurant, Ye Olde Tavern
We had reserved a table for 15 and even though
they had a power cut all day long, they were ready for us with a very wide menu
They had a special of the day which was this beef
pie with chips, and creamed spinach for R89. If you gave up the chips and
spinach you could have a plate of soup and follow that with Malva pudding. Most
people including John, just went for the pie, with the chips and spinach. Others
had lamb shanks and we drank some local, inexpensive red wines, not all of
which were great. Everyone enjoyed the food and the ambience and the staff were
amazing sorting out our complicated bills at the end for which we are very
grateful. It was a very busy evening for them. We got the feeling it usually is
as this place is popular
Lynne chose the sticky pork spare ribs which were
a bit mixed. Some of the ribs were succulent, others dried out and sadly
overcooked. Perhaps the power cut was to blame? The sauce was very good. This
came with onion rings which she donated to others at the table, and creamed
spinach
And then we walked back across the road, lit by
the street lights, to bed
It was indeed
a very cold moonlight night. We slept like logs
© John & Lynne
Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2016
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