From elegant macarons and an emergency service application to a very first collective wine-tasting centre and mouth-watering bagels… We bring you the latest and greatest from in and around Stellenbosch. By Mirandi Nel
Too pretty to eat?
Corlandi Bezuidenhout launched Marnella Art du Macaron at Kamers in Stellenbosch last year, naming her enterprise after her mother and daughter, who share the name Marnella. When preparing her macarons, Corlandi pays scrupulous attention to detail, resulting in a product that is both pretty and elegant. She says she wants everyone tasting one of her macarons to be gently transported either back in time, reliving cherished memories, or into a future where a beautiful journey awaits. Do you see a Marnella macaron in your future? Simply email info@marnella.co.za to place an order.
Safety first
For travellers and locals alike, it’s important to make safety a priority and there’s no better way to do so than downloading Namola’s mobile safety app. Available on your mobile’s app store, the app is free and enables you to request assistance from public emergency services such as the South African Police or Metro Police services, Fire & Rescue or an ambulance, as well as responders working for community safety initiatives. For R49 per month, you can purchase Namola Plus, which adds armed response and private emergency medical services, or you can buy a Namola panic tracker that pinpoints your location in an emergency situation.
Blaauwklippen’s new Farm Shop & Deli
The old stables at Blaauwklippen have been converted into a brand-new Farm Shop & Deli offering a country-style destination that celebrates all things local. The 338-year-old Stellenbosch estate has been on a journey of transformation over the past few years and the latest addition to its portfolio carries forward its spirit of innovation, aiming to be a favoured destination of locals and visitors alike. Incorporating a casual bistro and an aptly named Panorama Terrace, the Farm Shop & Deli hosts various food stations that offer a selection of the best locally produced deli products and handmade goods. Visitors can treat themselves to freshly baked pies and sweet treats from M-Patisserie, a variety of meats and cheeses at the charcuterie section and stylish homeware and lifestyle accessories from Fleur le Cordeur. The bistro-style restaurant serves breakfast and a selection of hot-pressed sandwiches, salads and mezze platters. The Farm Shop & Deli is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 08:00 to 18:00 and from 09:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays and Sundays.
Wine tasting for fun
Somm & Co. at Karibib Wine Craft is the first collective wine-tasting centre of its kind in South Africa. At this custom crush facility, eight small-batch winemakers work side by side to produce exciting and diverse wines under one roof, while the Somm & Co. tasting room offers an ever-changing selection of their wines for sampling. Located in The Woodmill Lifestyle Centre on the outskirts of Stellenbosch, the tasting room is independently owned and managed by sommelier team Barry Scholfield and Esmé Groenewald. Together, with decades of wine service experience behind them, they ensure that each tasting is not only informative for participants, but also fun and unpretentious. Small-batch winemakers to look out for include Naudé, Illimis, Minimalist Wines, McFarlane, Solitary and Lýsa.
Jack’s Bagels comes to Stellenbosch
Since December 2020, Stellenbosch has had a new coffee, juice and bagel bar, courtesy of J-Lee and John Human, who opened their first outlet in Port Elizabeth in 2018 and named it after their son. The couple started their bagel journey with the traditional Jewish-style deli water bagel but found the local clientele wanted something lighter. They baked many variations before settling on the New York-style, although they’ve also made one menu item truly South African by adding biltong to the cream cheese and red onion filling. You’ll find the new Jack’s Bagels franchise at the corner of Dorp and Piet Retief streets.
Plat du jour at Klein Joostenberg
Wednesday is plat du jour day at Joostenberg Bistro, when chef Garth Bedford and his team serve a specially prepared dish in addition to their usual menu. At only R95, it’s excellent value for money and you can be assured that you won’t leave the table hungry. Don’t forget to stock up on your favourite goodies at Klein Joostenberg’s deli afterwards.