Monday, 31 March 2014

Chefs of the World

I am blessed to know many well known and talented Chefs throughout the world. Here I am going to share with you my ultimate eats, feasting with your eyes I am sure you can virtually taste what is on offer from these phenomenally talented Chefs. From the most picture perfect artful plating to the most outrageously decadent gourmet burgers. It's a road trip I can only divulge in pictures but sure you will enjoy...


Chef Jean Nassar


 Talented Chef Jean Nassar



There are many talented Chefs in the world and I am truly blessed to have been served by many well known International Acclaimed, Award Winning Chefs. But.. if I had to be on death row and choose to be served by one Chef and one Chef only it would definitely be Chef Jean Nassar. Chef Jean Nassar clearly has an unparalleled and unsurpassed talent. Chef Jean Nassars plates are painstakingly creative and artful, his work is so incredibly delicate you have to first take your time studying each angle and keep that image imprinted in your mind before you embark on a food journey that will leave you speechless.

Champagne Jelly Raspberry & Chocolate Caviar

Cherry Macaroons, Cherry Caviar, Cherry Coulis & Caramalised Cherry















Find Chef Jean Nassar and his beautiful wife Xenia Nassar on Facebook and if you are lucky you may be able to catch a glimpse of his latest creations.

Find Chef Jean Nassar at the following links




Best Marinade for the Braai - Ever!

Nothing beats a good braai.. but not just anyone can braai.. It takes someone special with patience and complete understanding of the fire, the meat and the flavours.. This is the best marinade possibly EVER. When our family braai we do such a good job that we leave people begging for the recipe. 

This recipe is sure to excite even the fussiest of eaters.


This you can bottle up in a 2l coke bottle if you wish or else however else you like.

1L Knorr Spare Rib Marinade
4 freshly chopped (finely) garlic cloves
1 cup Coke
1 glass good red wine
1 T good quality coffee granules
1 t cocoa powder
1 t cinnamon
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup chutney
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 T soft brown sugar
1 T crushed garlic spice
1 T chipoltle chili spice

2 T Barbeque Seasoning
1 T molassas
1 fresh juice of a lemon and the rind
plenty freshly crushed sea salt and black pepper

Marinade the meat for about 40 minutes before braaing and baste and turn meat continuously.

Fresh Pan Seared Salmon

Fresh Pan Fried Salmon
What could be more gorgeous than tucking into fresh salmon straight from the market caught early in the morning? There is also the simplest of methods to enjoy this fish with maximum flavour and minmal effort.

Simply heat a non stick pan and drizzle with olive oil. Season the fish with salt and pepper and gently fry on each side for literally a minute and a half a side. In another pan pour in some soya sauce, fresh garlic, freshly grated lemon rind, the juice of a lemon, a T Balsamic Reduction and some chili flakes or fresh chili and corriander - let the dressing reduce a little. Set the fish on a plate and drizzle with the reduction and serve with fresh lemon or lime wedges.. make sure you have a chilled glass of chardonnay at hand...

Dam Huis

Die Dam Huis - Melkbosstrand

Eggs Benedict at Die Dam Huis
Melkbos is a beautiful seaside village on the north-western fringe of the Cape. It is well known for its tranquility, wide white beaches and water-sports and of course west-coast hospitality. If this is what you are after you have to go and visit Die Damhuis which is the oldest building in Melkbosstrand and used to be a private homestead next to a dam back in the day of 1807. The building has been declared a National Monument and has been restored to its former glory to accommodate a restaurant on the beachfront and it is absolutely gorgeously restored. When you enter it's like going back in time. Damhuis offers succulent seafood and traditional cuisine in the perfect setting where you can enjoy views of Table Mountain and Robben Island amongst sandy beaches at your feet. The Damhuis has a variety on offer and freshly baked goodies to brighten your day. Enjoy sitting on the beach with a chilled glass of wine, or in the covered 'stoep' for great food, or step inside the old building and enjoy the history of one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town, with a bit of a cheaky Burlesque twist. I love that kids are taken care of in a beautiful area where they can really enjoy themselves and you can relax and enjoy the amazing aromas of Cape cooking. The Eggs Benedict is absolutely to die for!

Eastern Food Bazaar




The aroma of spices will quickly lure you in the right direction if you are heading  near Longmarket Street in Cape Town’s CBD.  Here where East meets West you are transported through to the passage of India without having to leave the Province.   The walkway is decorated with ornate mogul paintings, wooden screens and carved doors from India, while chandeliers add to its charm, there is an upstairs dining room and basins to wash your hands as that is the only way to eat and enjoy all the authentic dishes.


Chicken Korma

Lamb Bunny Chow



 There is an extensive selection of authentic Indian cuisine, specifically made according to the traditions of different areas in India – curries, Doza’s, Bunnychow and other snacks such as samosas and chili bites, to Turkish kebabs and falafel, even a bit of Chinese and pizza for the kids or those that are not in the mood for spice.  There are also some much loved snacks such as Indian pani puri and masala peanuts as well as lassi yoghurt drinks and homemade Indian ice cream in many captivating flavours.

Garlic Naan

Chicken Breyani & Naan

What I love most is the value for money.  Although the tables are not plastic it is possible to feast on generous portions of between R30 and R40 per person and I mean the portions are so generous sharing is absolutely the way to go.  Alcohol is not available or allowed on the premises and everything is strictly halal. The food is prepared freshly in front of you and the flavours are wholly satisfying although I would prefer more spice.

Beautiful Ornate Decor in Eastern Food Bazaar


Contact Detail:
96 LongMarket Steet, Cape Town CBD (021) 461 2458(021) 461 2458
Eastern Food Bazaar is located in the Old Wellington Fruit Growers Market Building between Longmarket St and Darling St
phone : +27 21 461 2458
email : info@easternfoodbazaar.co.za

Bread & Butter

Bread & Butter Bloubergstrand, Cape Town

Bread & Butter Coffee Shop, Sunningdale
This morning I found myself seated at a new coffee shop just down the road from where I live called “Bread & Butter”. It really is quaint and although busy has a calm hustle and bustle about it.  There is a large table with beautiful stands showcasing the daily treats you may or may not be able to resist. I love it’s old school charm serving a large variety of treats such as gourmet sandwiches, wheat free chocolate torte and red velvet cheesecake smothered in cream cheese frosting and encased in meringue…  and their coffee is outstanding and beautifully presented. 

The Staff are exceptional and very friendly!
 
Inside the restaurant has a magical charm and there is an outside seating area where littlies can play and even bake their own volcano chocolate mug cake.  I am always on the hunt for places to take my girls and as they are so child friendly you will certainly have piece of mind and enjoy your time with the kids even more.

Tayla making her own cake...
  
Kiara's soft boiled egg & toast soldiers..

There is a sweet shop for the kids and beautiful goods on offer for the mom’s too, lovely bags, kitchen ware and ideal gifts for those special celebration days. Sit back and relax, enjoy the atmosphere and friendly staff while feasting on delectable offerings.. Absolutely one of my most loved coffee spots in Cape Town.

Red Velvet Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Frosting & Meringue..


Contact Info:
Sunningdale Lifestyle Centre, Sandown Road, Cape Town
Telephone: 021 554 5817021 554 5817

Petis Four Blouberg Strand

Petis Four Delicatessen Blouberg Strand Cape Town

Walking along the magnificent Cape coast line you cannot help but stare in awe at an incredible landscape with the majestic view of Table Mountain, the white sandy beaches and clear Atlantic Ocean with bubbly waves crashing against rocks and when you’re lucky catch a glimpse of a dolphin or a seal playing in the surf. The air is fresh and crisp, a little chilly this time of year as winter nears its end and spring is welcomed. 

The gorgeous display ... what to choose?
Petis Four is a quirky little cottage right on the seafront. While tourists vie for seats in the small outside area, the locals, with whom the venue is very popular, prefer the sheltered and cosier indoors. I pass this gorgeous little French Patisserie every time Kiara and I go on our walk and I so look forward to popping in for my daily dose of caffeine as I am almost transported into Europe with the tantalising aromas of freshly baked croissants, pies, tarts and cakes all dramatically showcased making it so painstakingly difficult to choose what not to have because it would be preferable to have one of everything..

Savory Cheesecake with broccoli salad
 
I placed my order for my Cappuccino and glanced out the window – being near to the ocean on a daily basis is just as therapeutic as my Cappuccino. The menu is seasonal and caters for everyone’s taste. My personal favourite is the Chicken & Mushroom Savoury Cheesecake with a creamy broccoli salad on the side and I could recommend the Salmon & Baby Spinach Penne Pasta. Decadent treats fill the long display table all freshly baked and all beautifully presented. If you are in a very sweet mood, do try their Red Velvet Hot Chocolate. I have yet to be disappointed as Petis Four is home away from home.

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
   

Contact Information:
20 Stadler Road, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town
Tel: 021 554 4462021 554 4462