SLOW FOOD SNAIL TRAIL No 80 June 2010
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Category: Events
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Media Release ROBERTSON SLOW – ENJOYING LIFE… SLOWLY
ROBERTSON SLOW – ENJOYING LIFE… SLOWLY
Slowly made… slowly enjoyed
6 TO 9 AUGUST 2010
Only 90 minutes drive from Cape Town (on the popular, scenic Route 62), why not take the time to head out to the country and enjoy the simple pleasures in life… slowly at the Robertson Wine Valley’s slow-living festival. At Robertson Slow, one can sample honest, old-fashioned, rural hospitality synonymous with the Robertson Wine Valley’s wine-making community. Relish the slow food and wine that will satiate your senses and revel in the relaxed pace that will replenish your soul.
This year’s Robertson Slow will be taking place, over the long weekend, from Friday 6 to Monday 9 August, and will, once again, allow you to indulge in the laid-back comfort of the Valley, at a leisurely pace, leaving you utterly refreshed.
After the success of last year’s event, as well as being voted “the best wine route promotion for 2007″ and “one of two best wine events in 2008″ by acclaimed travel journalist, Graham Howe, on www.wine.co.za, Robertson Slow 2010 is definitely an event not to be missed!
The Robertson Wine Valley is looking to attract visitors yearning to experience the charm of country life in intimate settings characterised by each farm’s unique personal touch. While enjoying time-honoured activities, visitors will be afforded the opportunity to interact with wine-makers and wine-farmers, in an informal ambience, getting to know them and their respective families.
Here are just a few of the many activities that can be enjoyed at this year’s Robertson Slow:
“ Indulge in traditional cuisine, using local ingredients from the Valley;
“ Experience wine-tastings and dinners in the homes of the local wine-making families, savouring family recipes;
“ Revel in the beauty of biodiversity with fynbos walks guided by a gamekeeper;
“ Savour slow-roasted Karoo lamb at its most tender;
“ Learn how to make your own salami at the Pork Festival;
“ Make your very own barrel of wine (± 270 bottles of wine);
“ Master the art of pairing wine with food;
“ Sample the tastes of India in the splendour of a McGregor courtyard;
“ Try your hand at making pasta or baking vetkoek to perfection;
“ Treat yourself to a seven-course organic meal on an organic wine farm;
“ Browse and shop at leisure, on Sunday 9 August, at the Robertson Valley Regional Food Market, and choose from a colourful array of delectable fresh produce.
Robertson Slow may be focusing on the ’slow’ way of life, but don’t be ’slow’ to book your place at one (or more) of the events which best represents your interpretation of the essence of country living. To avoid disappointment, events must be booked before Sunday 1 August.
For more information on Robertson Slow, and a full program of events, as well as booking details: visit www.robertsonslow.com or contact the Robertson Wine Valley on: tel (023) 626 3167 or e-mail manager@robertsonwinevalley.com.
Issued on behalf of Robertson Wine Valley by: Robertson Wine Valley:
Posy & Jeremy Hazell · PR & Wine Consultants Tel 023 626 3167
Tel 021 851 1563 · Cell 082 859 7740 E-mail manager@robertsonwinevalley.com
E-mail: pippa@wine.co.za www.robertsonwinevalley.com
Kalahari Truffle Hunting: 30 April – 02 May 2010
Johannesburg Slow Food Convivium expedition
Kalahari Truffle hunting:
30 April – 02 May 2010 (inclusive)
Johannesburg Slow Food will shortly be embarking on a truffle hunting expedition in the Northern Cape. The Kalahari Truffle (formerly Terfezia pfeilii, now known as Kalaharituber pfeilii), or !naba by the San, is a naturally occurring desert truffle and cannot be sown or cultivated. Truffles appear erratically, about once every four or more years, between April and May, depending on the rains. The truffle season is brief, lasting only until the first frost. This year, there have been good rains in the Kalahari, and the !naba harvest seems promising. This outing will be quite an adventure as the !nabas grow beneath the ground, hidden by sand and long grass, and only betray their presence by a small crack in the ground…
The group will stay at a farm near Upington, where we’ll spend the weekend learning about, and foraging for truffles. With any luck, using the truffles we find, we’ll cook up some delicious truffle-infused dishes.
We can accommodate 15 people on the trip, on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to Slow Food members, and non-members will be put on a waiting list.
Itinerary
Friday 30 April:
Travel from Johannesburg to the farm, near Upington,a distance of approximately 650km on the N14. The last 9km to the farm are on a gravel road. A 4×4 vehicle isn’t a requirement, but a sturdy car with reasonable ground clearance is advised. Depending on the condition of the road, the drive should take about 8 hours.
Saturday 01 May:
Prepare to do some digging (it’s Workers Day, after all) as we hunt for truffles in the desert. There will be guides to show us where to forage. The Kalahari is vast if you don’t know where to look …
Sunday 02 May:
Breakfast, then depart for Johannesburg.
Accommodation
Very basic, shared accommodation is available in the farmhouse.
Please be prepared to share as accommodation is configured for families or groups. Depending on the size of the group, there is overflow accommodation on a neighbouring farm.
There is also place for a limited number of campers.
Costs
For 2 night’s accommodation, including all meals, but excluding all drinks, the cost will be:
R350.00 per person per night for Slow Food members
R450.00 per person per night for non-members
Cost to camp: to be advised.
You will need to bring your own bottled water, soft drinks, and alcohol.
Meals will consist of traditional, regional dishes. Our host has offered to slaughter a sheep and he will demonstrate how they use every part of the animal. Adventurous eaters can try some traditional Suurkos or Haksel – sheep’s pluck, cooked and minced.
Buying truffles – own account
Depending on availability, there may be truffles for sale. The farm owner will sell us truffles at R100.00 p/kg (usually retail at R150.00 p/kg). Truffles have an extremely limited shelf life, so buying huge quantities isn’t recommended.
Travel arrangements
Everyone needs to make their own travel arrangements, whether you plan to drive, or fly to Upington Airport and hire a car. We’ll provide a map and GPS coordinates closer to the time. Once we have an indication of final numbers, we can discuss whether people are interested in carpooling.
Confirmation and payment
Send Nanette Nel an e-mail with the number of people you want to book for and their names, before the 12th of April.
Thereafter, you’ll receive an e-mail confirming your booking, and requesting payment before the 20th of April. Payments not received by that date will result in you forfeiting your place on the trip.
Truffles are extremely seasonal, and we’ve been waiting for go-ahead from the farmer – hence the short notice for this outing. If you can’t make it this time, it’s almost certain there’ll be another truffle expedition next year.
Tim Truluck
Convivium Leader, Slow Food Joburg
Website: http://slowfoodjoburg.blogspot.com
Facebook Group: http://xrl.us/facebookjoburg
SA Cheese Festival in Franschhoek
Annual SA Cheese Festival – Saturday, April 24 to Tuesday, April 27:
On Monday morning April 26th there will be a presentation of Slow awards to selected artisanal cheese producers. More details at www.cheesefestival.co.za.
No tickets sold at the gate. Bookings at Computicket or Checkers. R110 Saturday or Sunday, R90 Monday or Tuesday or R70 for seniors any day.
Wine Tasting and Biodiversity Walk at Backsberg Estate: 27 March 2010
Slow Food Mother City – Event News
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AGM at Silwood Kitchen: 21 April 2010
Slow Food Snail Trail
Newsletter of the Cape Town Convivium
No 77 March 2010
Annual General Meeting – Wednesday, April 21 at 18h00
Silwood School of Cookery, Silwood Road Rondebosch
Plus a talk on bee keeping and honey production by David Donald
followed by a light supper with wine.
Our annual General Meeting this year will be preceded by a talk by David Donald, a Rondebosch resident, and experienced bee-keeper.
After the formalities we will adjourn for some tapas style snacks, bread and cheese and a convivial glass of wine or two. The tapas will be provided by Silwood, the cheese from The Real Cheese and the wine from our own stocks. There will be a charge of R80 per person to cover costs. As this is our AGM this will be a members only evening. If you wish to attend only the talk on honey and the AGM there will be no charge. However if you are staying on for supper, please let us know for catering purposes.
The existing five members of the Committee have all indicated that they are prepared to serve again and have signed nomination forms. Members are welcome to make nominations for the committee if they wish and for this purpose a nomination form is attached. We would welcome nominations for enthusiastic new members to the committee.Please ensure that your nominee signs acceptance of your nomination and that it is forwarded to Lorna van Besouw by Monday 19 April. Also attached is the agenda. The annual report and the financial accounts will follow later.
Directions: Silwood School of Cookery is at the bottom (eastern end) of Silwood Road in Rondebosch. There is limited parking inside the gates and plenty of space in the surrounding roads.
The cost for the meal, including wine is R80 for members.
Book with Lorna van Besouw as usual (see below) and please indicate if you are
coming to the AGM, talk and meal or AGM and talk only. Bookings will close on
Monday April 19.
When booking please post your payment or deposit it to Cape Town Slow Food at FNB, Grassy Park, code 203109, account number 62023929378. Please do not deposit cash. When doing this please put your name as a reference on the deposit slip. Payment will confirm your booking.
Dates for your diary:
Saturday, April 24 to Tuesday, April 27: Annual SA Cheese Festival. No tickets sold at the gate. Bookings at Computicket or Checkers; R110 Saturday or Sunday, R90 Monday or Tuesday or R70 for seniors any day. More details at www.cheesefestival.co.za On Saturday morning there will be a presentation of Slow awards to selected artisanal cheese producers.
Saturday, May 22: Visit to The Nice Company in Tokai for a talk and tasting on their delectable ice creams and frozen yogurts by owner Cherylle Cowley.
Cape Town Slow Food Convivium: Hon. Secretary/Treasurer Lorna van Besouw,
3 Lutgens Road, Rondebosch, 7700. Telephone 021 685 1197. Fax 021 685 1577.
E-mail: vbesouw@iafrica.com Website: www.slowfoodcapetown.co.za
Robertson Slow: 6 – 9 August 2010
ROBERTSON SLOW – ENJOYING LIFE… SLOWLY
Slowly made… slowly enjoyed
6 TO 9 AUGUST 2010
Only 90 minutes drive from Cape Town (on the popular, scenic Route 62), why not take the time to head out to the country and enjoy the simple pleasures in life… slowly at the Robertson Wine Valley’s slow-living festival. At Robertson Slow, one can sample honest, old-fashioned, rural hospitality synonymous with the Robertson Wine Valley’s wine-making community. Relish the slow food and wine that will satiate your senses and revel in the relaxed pace that will replenish your soul.
This year’s Robertson Slow will be taking place, over the long weekend, from Friday 6 to Monday 9 August, and will, once again, allow you to indulge in the laid-back comfort of the Valley, at a leisurely pace, leaving you utterly refreshed.
After the success of last year’s event, as well as being voted “the best wine route promotion for 2007” and “one of two best wine events in 2008” by acclaimed travel journalist, Graham Howe, on www.wine.co.za, Robertson Slow 2010 is definitely an event not to be missed!
The Robertson Wine Valley is looking to attract visitors yearning to experience the charm of country life in intimate settings characterised by each farm’s unique personal touch. While enjoying time-honoured activities, visitors will be afforded the opportunity to interact with wine-makers and wine-farmers, in an informal ambience, getting to know them and their respective families.
Here are just a few of the many activities that can be enjoyed at this year’s Robertson Slow:
- Indulge in traditional cuisine, using local ingredients from the Valley;
- Experience wine-tastings and dinners in the homes of the local wine-making families, savouring family recipes;
- Revel in the beauty of biodiversity with fynbos walks guided by a gamekeeper;
- Savour slow-roasted Karoo lamb at its most tender;
- Learn how to make your own salami at the Pork Festival;
- Make your very own barrel of wine (± 270 bottles of wine);
- Master the art of pairing wine with food;
- Sample the tastes of India in the splendour of a McGregor courtyard;
- Try your hand at making pasta or baking vetkoek to perfection;
- Treat yourself to a seven-course organic meal on an organic wine farm;
- Browse and shop at leisure, on Sunday 9 August, at the Robertson Valley Regional Food Market, and choose from a colourful array of delectable fresh produce.
Robertson Slow may be focusing on the ‘slow’ way of life, but don’t be ‘slow’ to book your place at one (or more) of the events which best represents your interpretation of the essence of country living. To avoid disappointment, events must be booked before Sunday 1 August.
For more information on Robertson Slow, and a full program of events, as well as booking details: visit www.robertsonslow.com or contact the Robertson Wine Valley on: tel (023) 626 3167 or e-mail manager@robertsonwinevalley.com.
Issued on behalf of Robertson Wine Valley by:
Posy & Jeremy Hazell · PR & Wine Consultants
Tel 023 626 3167
E-mail:l manager@robertsonwinevalley.com
Web: www.robertsonwinevalley.com
Snail Trail No 75 visit to Spaarhoek/Tierkloof and lunch at Toontjiesrivier
Newsletter of the Cape Town Convivium
Number 75, January 2010
Saturday 20th February at 10h30
A visit to the Noree and Nuy valleys in the Robertson area:
To Spaarkloof/Tierhoek Organic farm ( Noree Valley), and lunch at Toontjiesrivier farm ( Nuy Valley)
Directions to the farms are attached to this message. Please allow an hour and a half for the journey from Cape Town.
We will visit Bruce and Alison Gilson’s certified organic farm Spaarkloof/Tierhoek. Bruce will show us around, and explain his organic farming methods to us. The following crops are grown on this farm: apricots, peaches, plums, citrus, mangoes, prickly pears, grapes, olives and vegetables. The range of Tierhoek Organic jams and dried fruit is produced on the farm. Produce will be available to taste and for sale.
At about 12h00 we will go to Toontjiesrivier farm where Bryce Steytler will serve a lunch using produce from his farm and the neighbouring area. The swimming pool will be available to us, so bring your bathing costumes along.
MENU
STARTER:
Chilled garden pea and lettuce soup with chiffonade of mint
MAIN COURSE:
Phyllo parcel of chicken breast, green peppercorns and braised creamed spinach with cranberry jus
OR
Malay almond and lentil bobotie perfumed with cardamom & cassia, accompanied by
sambals and crispy poppadoms
DESSERT:
Decadent chocolate pot with rosemary biscuit
Coffee/Tea
Wine and other drinks included with the lunch:
Homemade lemonade chilled with mint, Nuy sparkling white grape juice, Nuy sparkling wine, Nuy Chant de Nuit [a light fruity white] and Rouge de Nuy [a delicious red ]
The cost of the lunch, including wine, will be R175 each for members and R195 for guests.
To book your places, please deposit payment into the Cape Town Slow Food account at FNB, Grassy Park, code 203109, account number 62023929378. Please do not deposit cash, as this costs us R15 per deposit. If you need to deposit cash, add R15 to the amount to be deposited. When making payment please put your name as a reference on the deposit slip or EFT payment. Payment will confirm your booking.
Please let Lorna know the number of members and guests attending the lunch by Monday, February 15th. Also, please let her know which main course you would like, as we need to place our order before the day of the lunch.
If you would like to spend the week-end or a night in the district, there is accommodation available on both farms. For more details go to the websites:
http://www.toontjiesrivier.co.za www.tierhoekcottages.co.za
Provisional Date for the annual wine pressing and brunch:
Joostenberg on Saturday March 13.
Cape Town Slow Food Convivium: Hon. Secretary: Lorna van Besouw, 3 Lutgens Road, Rondebosch, 7700. Fax 021 685 1577.
E-mail vbesouw@iafrica.com Website www.slowfoodcapetown.co.za
DIRECTIONS TO TIERHOEK FARM:
DIRECTIONS FROM TIERHOEK TO TOONTJIESRIVIER FARM
The following directions were supplied by Bryce Steytler, owner of Toontjiesrivier.
Please chat to Adrian Rademeyer if you’d like more details of the two possible routes.
On your way back from Tierhoek which is on the Vinkrivier road you come to a junction just before the railway line with a very good gravel road turn off to the right. It should say Agtervink road. This is a short cut through the farms and you come out at Toontjiesrivier on your right. It is approx 9 km. from Tierhoek farm.
You also pass the lime plant on your right. It is a scenic route.
Otherwise you connect up with the Robertson /Worcester road at Rooiberg cellar. That is the R60.Travel about 15km towards Worcester. Turn right at the Nuy sign. It is 6 km up to the Nuy cellar. Turn right, and we are 4 km from the cellar on the left. It is a longer way round for anyone worried about travelling a gravel road.
The gravel road is an A grade ( good gravel road) and is a scenic drive along the base of the mountains and much shorter. If you have a map I’m sure you will see the road I have described. It was the road betweem Robertson and Worcester in the old days. We always use it to go through to Robertson.
Snail Trail 74: Year-end party and fundraising raffle
Slow Food Snail Trail
Newsletter of the Cape Town Convivium
Number 74, October 2009
Year-end party and fundraising raffle, Sunday November 29, 12h30 at the home of
Stephen and Pat Flesch, 11 Peninsula Road, Zeekoevlei
Our year-end party this year will be a GENUINE WOOD FIRED LAMB SPIT BRAAI by Leon Patterson, with wonderful accompanying salads and desserts, prepared by Slow Food members. You should bring rugs to sit on the lawn or if you prefer, tables and chairs. You will also need plates, cutlery and glasses and if it is sunny, an umbrella. Also if there is a South Easter blowing it may be chilly and you should bring a jersey or jacket.
Soil for Life This year your Committee has decided to donate funds to Soil for Life, an NGO helping people and communities to become self-sufficient by growing their own vegetables. Please go the website http://soilforlife.co.za to get an idea of the activities.
As usual there will be a raffle with many great prizes to be won. Members who have items which they are prepared to donate to be raffled are asked to contact Lorna to let her know what they will be donating and whether they will be bringing the items with them or require them to be collected.
Raffle tickets will be sold at R40 each or R100 for three. Even if you are unable to come to the picnic you could still buy tickets or simply make a donation.
The cost of the lunch, including wine, will be R120 each to members and R130 to guests.
To book your places, please deposit payment into the Cape Town Slow Food account at FNB, Grassy Park, code 203109, account number 62023929378. Please do not deposit cash. When making payment please put your name as a reference on the deposit slip or EFT payment. Payment will confirm your booking.
Please let us know if you are coming and how many guests you will be bringing by Monday, November 25th.
If you are not coming but would like to buy raffle tickets or make a donation (R40 each or R100 for three) please deposit payment into Cape Town Slow Food at FNB, Grassy Park, code 203109, account number 62023929378. When doing this please put your name as a reference on the deposit slip.
Directions to no 11 Peninsula Road:
Head south on the M5, which becomes Prince George Drive alongside Royal Cape Golf Club. After crossing the railway bridge, turn left into Victoria Road at the third traffic light where there is a big sign for Grassy Park. Continue straight down Victoria Road through Grassy Park and at the end turn right into Peninsula Road. Continue along Peninsula Road past the ZV Environmental Centre to no 11, a double story house on the left. From Plumstead followVictoria Road or from Constantia, Kendal Road to Prince George Drive.
2010 Date for your Diary:
February 20th:– A Visit to Tierhoek, a certified organic farm in the Robertson area, producing fruit, olives and vegetables.
Snail Trail 73: Protea Hill Farm Visit
SATURDAY 17TH OCTOBER, 2009,10.00AM
VINEGAR TASTING AND FARM VISIT
PROTEA HILL FARM, STELLENBOSCH
On Saturday, 17th October, we will be visiting Slow Food Cape Town members Erica and Martin Gruenert on their farm, to taste and learn about their award-winning range of fruit, herb and flower-infused vinegars.
Erica and Martin will explain the processes behind their range of vinegars, and offer a tasting of their range. Vinegars will be available for purchase, at farm prices (please bring cash).
After the talk, we will take a stroll through the farm, so please wear appropriate shoes and sun protection.
The visit should not last more than two hours, and members are welcome to visit the many restaurants in the area for lunch afterwards.
Erica and Martin are generously hosting this event free of charge for members and their guests, but as space is limited, please book your place by emailing Lorna van Besouw as soon as possible at Email: vbesouw@iafrica.com
DIRECTIONS: Protea Hill Farm is close to No 13 on the map (see attachment), in the Knorhoek valley but on top of a hill, neighbors to Delheim, Muratie, Quoin Rock and Knorhoek Wine Estates.
Turn off from the R44 into Knorhoek Road, go 1km straight, before the entrance of Quoin Rock Wine Estate leads a steep Private Road (signposted “private road”) to the right up the hill.
Follow the road all the way up for 1km (do not enter Hoog Eind, or Wild Peacook, neighbors), turn left at the very top, white house green roof.
Themocracy