June in the Karoo is a special month. It is an enjoyable time with the guests who join us during winter, we can spend crisp, clear Karoo days in our kitchen or exploring the town and surrounds, and nights in front of a crackling fire. When it is quiet we take the time to do a little housekeeping, renovate where needed and take stock of the past year. We said farewell to Donovan and Camilla who have spread their wings to Cape Town and we welcome Andrew Steyn.
Taking stock.
It has been a bumper year for African Relish. We held more cooking class guests over the season than we have ever done in the past.
The Karoo Gravel Grinder – a cycle and food event organized by John Swanepoel has proved really successful in its inaugural year and we entertained close to 200 hundred cyclists in groups of between 12 and 35 people. John’s Swartberg 100 Gran Fondo (a 160 kilometer ride) also had a positive impact on the school as the event brings around 600 people to town for a long weekend.
Chef’s Café
Probably the most positive impact was felt through the opening of the Chef’s Café. It has been very well received by the town and staffed totally by a local team trained at the school. Having been hampered in our restaurant attempts, due to interruptions from weekend cooking courses, we opened a new venue in the original Langhuis. We wanted to create a true proper foodie destination as a way for guests and locals to experience our facility. We have converted the original Langhuis in to a bistro/café that is staffed completely by a local crew that have been trained by African Relish. Shane is the head chef and he is doing a remarkable job.
We decided to go the easy eating comfort food route and probably serve the best pizzas in town. Boere dim sum, lamb salad and pork curry are bestsellers. We recently enclosed the stoep so that it is warm and cozy for winter.
By mid-July we will have added a limited deli to give local residents and bed and breakfast visitors access to our specially selected fine fresh and healthy foodie offering.
Winter Specials and Masterclass 21 – 23 June
Soon it will be the solstice and we start heading towards the summer season and it all starts again! Join us in the kitchen. Make use of our special winter discount #Cookandstay rates for two or a family including a cooking class valid till end August. We are still taking bookings for the EasyCooking weekend masterclass with popular chef Nina Timm. 21 – 23 June.
