Neighbourhood CT - 24 November 2019

Neighbourhood 24 NOVEMBER 2019

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

Simply spectacular Situated on a site rich in natural beauty and history in Somerset West, the Paardevlei Lifestyle Estate is a luxurious, pet-friendly residential development with everything one could wish for, page 8

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FOOD WITH A STORY

yourneighbourhood.co.za

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SUMMER REDS

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TIME TO BUY

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SUBURB FOCUS: DE WATERKANT

Connecting homeowners with great communities

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

24 NOVEMBER 2019

Editor’s exclusive CARLA REDELINGHUYS

In your hood:

Neighbourhood

Gardens, Cape Town

Janse & Co | 021 422 0384 | janseco.com

Food with a story Janse & Co celebrates local ingredients with casual and experimental fine dining on Kloof Street

Pop it!

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ickstart the festive season in style at this year’s Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival on 30 November and 1 December.

Undoubtedly one of SA’s premier social calendar highlights, this year “The Magic of Bubbles” takes place at the iconic Huguenot Monument and promises to be even more fun than last year.

Sip on a wide range of local MCCs as well as select French champagnes on offer. Franschhoek favourites include the award-winning producers Le Lude, La Motte, Black Elephant Vintners, Colmant, and Boschendal, to name a few.

For those preferring a laid-back stylish experience, the Sunday’s The Big Bubbly Brunch should not be missed.

And breaking from tradition, the dress code for the weekend’s fashionable affair is “Blue and White”, and the best-dressed couple will win a prize on the Saturday.

“We’re excited to be part of this luxury lifestyle event,” says Carl Roothman, CEO of Sanlam Private Wealth. “It provides us with an ideal platform to collaborate with fellow masters of their craft and create an exclusive experience for guests. Over the two days, the same characteristics that inspire and drive us

to grow and preserve wealth – such as practice, patience, meticulous attention to detail and even the need to take calculated risks – will also be evident in the delectable MCCs, champagne, dishes and music on display.”

Festival tickets include access to the marquee and a complementary tasting glass, as well as MCC and champagne tasting coupons. Additional vouchers can be purchased on the day. Food is excluded in the ticket price. Children under 18 years will be allowed free entry to the festival.

Book directly through webtickets.co.za.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF 30 November, 12pm to 5pm, R395 per person 1 December, 10am to 3pm, R250 per person Weekend Ticket, R550 per person

WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK

IMAGES: KIT HEATHCOCK & SUPPLIED

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rno Janse van Rensburg and team are nothing if not adventurous in the kitchen, but they stick close to home when it comes to sourcing ingredients.

Knowing the origins of each ingredient and building relationships are fundamental to the kitchen ethos, as became clear when we met several of their main suppliers – from Meuse Farm in Hout Bay, Afrikoa bean to bar chocolate, Abalobi and more, at a lunch introducing the new summer menu.

Outside in the back courtyard Janse & Co have just launched a brand-new bar area which makes an ideal after-work summer refuge. To go with the cocktail menu a short menu of bar snacks resonates with the same experimental ingredient-led ethos – we tasted squid ink fish crisps with aioli, fish floss and chives, spicy pecan nuts, the crispiest pork crackling, a charcuterie platter all homemade, and potato crisps with crème fraiche, broad beans from Meuse Farm, and spring onions from Streetscapes in Roeland Street.

with the piquancy and brightness of nasturtium flowers and seeds, and a tasty wilted nettle base.

Then two different fish dishes which we swapped and shared – superb skipjack tuna from Abalobi, layered with custard apple and buttered lettuce, jalapeno heat in the green sauce. And geelbek from Struisbaai also through Abalobi, the fish sparkling fresh and raw, skin deep-fried crispy, served with an oyster emulsion.

Next delicious lamb from Lowerland in Prieska, layered with dune spinach from Agulhas, soutslaai, kale fermented then deep fried, imaginatively

Taking time to have a conversation with suppliers also gives Arno and team the inside track on limited and unusual produce. Our dessert combined chocolate and rice, in the form of a koji sherbet, which pastry chef Liezl Odendaal made from special rice that Afrikoa brought back for them from Tanzania along with their cocoa beans. It’s food that tells a story from cover to cover.

Janse & Co on Kloof Street are open for à la carte lunch on Friday and Saturday, and bar and dinner Tuesday to Saturday.

Unfazed by a bout of load shedding that coincided with lunch, the kitchen delivered course after beautiful course, acknowledging each supplier in the presentation of each dish.

An unexpected star was the nettle, nasturtium, avocado and cheddar – a luscious froth of cheese espuma (the cheddar made and aged in-house)

Unfazed by a bout of load shedding that coincided with lunch, the kitchen delivered course after beautiful course, acknowledging each supplier in the presentation of each dish

win Four readers stand a chance of winning a set of double tickets to this year’s Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival for the Sunday. Simply email your details to carla@yourneighbourhood.co.za with “Champagne” in the subject line to enter.

PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING

bringing together inland lamb with the salty sea-fringe foraged greens.

EDITORIAL TEAM:

ADVERTISING SALES:

Group Editor: Carla Redelinghuys carla@yourneighbourhood.co.za Senior Sub-Editor: Marana Brand Designers: Anja Bramley & Samantha Durand Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za

Call us for advertising opportunities on 087 828 0423 Production (Editorial & Property Advertising): Lucea Goosen capetown@yourneighbourhood.co.za Online coordinator: Chantelle Balsdon chantelle@augmentcreative.com

24 NOVEMBER 2019

Neighbourhood

In your hood:

Countrywide

In your hood:

Newton Johnson Family Vineyards | 28 312 3862 | newtonjohnson.com Haute Cabrière | 021 876 8500 | cabriere.co.za Tierhoek | 021 674 3041 | tierhok.com Carinus Family Vineyards | danie@carinusvineyards.co.za | Instagram: @carinusfamilyvineyards

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

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Franschhoek

Monneaux Restaurant | 021 876 3386 | monneaux.co.za

New kid on the block

Another contender for top fine-dining restaurant in Franschhoek enters the ring WORDS: CARLA REDELINGHUYS

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

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hen you think of Franschhoek, you definitely do not think of a town devoid of quality restaurants. In fact, it’s safe to say that this Winelands gem probably has the most award-winning eateries per square metre than any other small town in South Africa. And now there’s another one deserving of your attention.

Monneaux Restaurant has entered – or rather re-entered – the area somewhat quietly but armed with all the right ammo to take on a notoriously finicky scene; one where lovers of good food are spoilt for choice – and know it.

Chef Calvin Metior, formerly of La Motte, officially took over as executive chef in September, launching his new hyper localfocussed menu at the beginning of this month. This young maverick has wasted no time in implementing new strategies to ensure he offers diners a quality experience – all sustainably and responsibly, of course.

“Small change is good change. By sourcing produce responsibly and locally, reducing waste and reliance

Red alert!

The summer sunshine has arrived, but that doesn’t mean all you’re allowed in your wine glass is chilled sauvignon blanc WORDS: RICHARD HOLMES

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IMAGES: SUPPLIED & SHUTTERSTOCK

f the braai fires are blazing and you fancy a glass of summerfriendly red, try these on for size.

Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Pinot Noir

“My red wine for summer is definitely pinot noir, specifically from Newton Johnson Family Vineyards,” says Pete Goffe-Wood, “kitchen cowboy”, meataficionado and chef-patron of Viande at Grande Roche in Paarl. “It’s an elegant wine that can be served slightly chilled – perfect for sweltering days in Paarl.

It’s the ideal accompaniment for a sauté of sweet breads, home-cured bacon, new season’s broad beans and mint.”

Haute Cabrière Pinot Noir Unwooded

Premium pinot can put a dent in your

weekly wine budget, but there’s also no shortage of options that are lighter in style, and easier on your wallet.

This unwooded pinot noir (R95) from Franschhoek’s family-owned Haute Cabrière is a fine choice. It’s a wine best served chilled; the lively acidity and bright strawberry and cherry notes will still shine through. A great match for seared tuna, or a colourful caprese salad.

Tierhoek Grenache

Need a partner for that rack of lamb?

Look no further than grenache. Known as garnacha in its native Spain, it’s also widely planted in southern France where it often forms the backbone of Rhônestyle blends. Tierhoek is a family-owned farm atop the Piekenierskloof Mountains on the doorstep of the Cederberg, and has played no small part in the growing

local interest in grenache. Made from 60-year-old vines, Tierhoek’s Grenache (R195) shows a captivating blend of savoury notes and spiciness, layered on top of ripe cherry and plum flavours. If you love your syrah, give grenache a whirl.

Carinus Family Vineyards Syrah

Then again, if it’s syrah you’re after try this elegant offering from Carinus Family Vineyards. Lukas van Loggerenberg makes the wine for grape-growers Danie and Hugo Carinus, and he’s crafted a delightfully drinkable drop from vineyards planted on the Polkadraai Hills. There’s typical syrah perfume, a bit of spice, and a fresh palate with wonderfully fine tannins.

And, at 12.5% alcohol, it’s ideal for summer afternoons and a platter of charcuterie.

It’s also great value at R145 a bottle.

on outside suppliers, recycling, turning food trimmings into compost, and trying to produce as much ourselves as possible, we’ll be making a difference,” explains Calvin.

Quality over quantity is the message (not that the portions sizes are to be sniffed at), and the message comes over loud and clear in Calvin’s “natural minimalism” approach: the plates are not cluttered with unnecessary ingredients, the presentation unfussy and elegant, and the tastes simple yet bold. It’s an understated cool.

Highly recommended are the beef tartare, perfectly accompanied by the burnt onion paste; the beef short rib (the smell of the smoky goodness hangs in the air all around the patio area); Calvin’s take on the French classic, mille-feuille with silky smooth vanilla buttermilk and lemon verbena.

Calvin has also taken over the breakfast menu at the adjoining Franschhoek County Hotel & Villas, so those making a night of it get to tuck into the luxe continental spread or a perfect eggs Benedict the next morning.

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PROPERTY NEWS

24 NOVEMBER 2019

Neighbourhood

Selling in a buyers’ market Agents report that there’s plenty of life in the property industry for savvy sellers WORDS: SUPPLIED

IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK

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hile sellers cannot control the economic climate, they can control how to react to the property market – and a level head still brings rewards.

Although the recession in South Africa has tilted the market in favour of buyers, agents say that serious sellers can take advantage of these good buying conditions. “Pricing ‘correctly’ for your local market at the outset is always the key to selling quickly at only a small discount to your asking price,” says Berry Everitt, CEO, Chas Everitt International Property Group.

“Determine an asking price that closely matches specific local market realities.” Make sure your property is in the best possible condition and consider all serious offers.

Seeff Properties CEO Stuart Manning concedes that there are challenges for sellers, though. Demand and prices are flat while stock levels are rising. So, while banks are granting more home loans and there’s a desire to buy, many buyers are taking a “wait and watch” approach. He says there’s no need to wait – the market is in a much better position than after the 2007/2008 crisis.

Everitt advises buyers and investors to ignore negative sentiment and purchase more property as soon as they can. “Buying is exactly what investors should be doing now,” he says, “not sitting on the fence waiting to see what everyone else is going to do.”

Agents also report that the market is not as inactive as many believe.

Seeff Property Group’s chairman Samuel Seeff says there’s still a lot of life in the industry. “There are opportunities aplenty in property,” he says. “Deeds Office data shows that thousands of sales transactions are concluded every month.”

MUST-DOS FOR SERIOUS SELLERS • Choose a skilled local agent: a strong local area agent who has been through the ups and downs is your best guide to helping you set a realistic price.

• Price your property in the right range: the mid-market range is always active. Ensure it’s in the range that’s attracting buyers and sales. There’s no point listing at the highest price in the street. If you have high price expectations, you are helping other properties sell.

You may attract attention but will not get a serious offer.

• Differentiate from your competitors: ensure your property is in tip-top selling shape. With more to choose from, buyers will be highly selective and will choose the property in the best condition at the best price.

• Consider all offers: while cash always trumps a subject-to offer and provides a more secure sale, now is not the right time to test the market. If you turn down an offer it may be the only one you receive for a while.

NOW SELLING

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PROPERTY NEWS

24 NOVEMBER 2019

Neighbourhood

Suburb focus

De Waterkant A vibrant pocket of old Cape Town tucked between the CBD and Green Point, De Waterkant has a captivating charm and laid-back cafe lifestyle WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK *Map not to scale

IMAGES: NATASHA LASSEN, KIT HEATHCOCK & GOOGLE MAPS

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bove Somerset Road, De Waterkant Village is postcard-pretty with narrow streets of brightly coloured Georgian and Cape Dutch cottages, steep cobbled slopes and secret stone stairs, venerable twisted pepper trees, coffee shops, art galleries and a friendly tranquillity. This charm has led to its constant reinvention.

“The village has changed faces over the years from being a bohemian village to becoming the gay village of South Africa, and recently it has transformed once again, this time into a lifestyle village welcoming families and tourists into this busy little melting pot of a village,” says Kris Rossouw, resident and coowner of Deepest Darkest art gallery.

Below Somerset Road old warehouses and new developments conceal trendy co-working spaces, offices and restaurants along streets that connect the pedestrian with the V&A Waterfront. One of De Waterkant’s attractions to both residents and visitors is its proximity to everything, a car is not an asset, especially with parking at a premium. “My favourite thing about living here is having a

folding bicycle as my main means of transport around town. Going out to meet friends for a coffee or to have meetings, it’s literally a few seconds on my bike,” says resident Martin Evans. “I can get to the radio station, or be at the Comedy Club at the Waterfront in less time than it takes the average person to get their car out of the garage.”

of Signal Hill date back to the early 1800s built from the same quarried stone used on the Castle of Good Hope. Nowadays they fetch premium prices, often being scooped up by international buyers then rented out as holiday accommodation, so that the heart of the Village along Waterkant Street has a permanent holiday vibe.

And while the growing preponderance of holiday lets has reduced the permanent resident population, those that remain and run businesses here are close-knit. “As business owners we all know each other and are friendly and supportive. We promote one another and create a community around that,” says Justine Burger of Café Charles. Niloo Soltan of City Pilates adds, “The vibe is cosmopolitan and warm. Neighbours know each other, greet and meet at the local cafe for their morning coffee. The community warmth extends to all, whether they live here, work here or are just visiting.”

De Waterkant Village has an active heritage protection overlay zone that local civic associations work hard to defend from the impact of new developments on its fringes. The lower side of De Waterkant has a more urban feel with apartment complexes – from converted warehouses to brand-new developments – appealing to young professionals who enjoy the vibe and proximity to the central city and the Waterfront.

Property

Many of the colourful cottages that line the upper streets on the slopes

Explore

De Waterkant is a place to explore on foot, and even for a local there’s a holiday air about it. Leaving behind the car you’re free to zigzag up enticing steep stone stairs, wander quiet streets, past the old concrete slipways where fishermen beached their boats back when Waterkant Street really was at the water’s edge, discovering Noerul Mogammadiah Mosque dating back to 1899, endlessly Instagramable bright-painted facades, pausing at coffee shops and bars with rooftop terraces, then leisurely browsing all the art galleries. Make a day of it with an indulgent Thai massage at award-winning boutique spa, Mai Thai, with its serene atmosphere and greenery-filled inner courtyard.

De Waterkant is renowned for its coffee and worth a visit for that alone.

“Origins coffee has been on the map for yonks… the fact that they mixed coffee into their floor paint to give you that dark roaster coffee colour, blew me away back in the day,” says Kris. “Since then more coffee shops opened priding themselves in their own brews – Charles Café, Truth Coffee, Ground Art, Nap Living.”

Conveniently close not only to the CBD but also Green Point Urban Park, Sea Point Promenade, the Waterfront, the Cape Town Stadium, beaches and mountain, De Waterkant really is a village at the heart of the city.

Neighbourhood

24 NOVEMBER 2019

PROPERTY NEWS

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EAT • Osteria Tarantino: traditional Italian food with an authentic trattoria vibe • Riva Italian Fish Restaurant: fresh Italian seafood and pasta from two young Italian chefs • Shio: Cheyne Morrisby’s Japanese inspired tapas • Vasco da Gama Taverna: unpretentious Portuguese cooking and pub vibe • Charles Café: cosy breakfasts, lunches and local Malay curries with a rooftop terrace • The Village Café: welcoming neighbourhood cafe • Loading Bay: hip bistro fare • Il Leone Mastrantonio: elegant Italian restaurant doing the classics well • Beluga: upmarket sushi and Asian fusion with art deco style • Utopia Rooftop Restaurant for sundowners and dinner with incredible views

I love the fact that I’m living in one of the oldest neighbourhoods in South Africa – heritage is the most important part.

And I’m thrilled as a resident artist that the village is attracting an array of interesting art establishments.

KRIS ROSSOUW, RESIDENT

PLAY • Explore the art scene on First Thursdays • Book a restorative spa treatment at Mai Thai Wellness Spa • Get active at City Pilates and Yoga Life • The Piano Bar for weekly music nights • Visit Beefcakes for burlesque drag shows, burgers for a raucous evening out • Browse art deco antiques at Burr & Muir, Maison Mara for designer fashion and decor from Paris • Everyday shopping and upmarket decor at the Cape Quarter centre

ART GALLERIES • Deepest Darkest boutique art gallery: putting on a series of solo and group exhibitions • Ground Art Caffe: revolving art exhibitions and coffee shop • Martin Osner Art Photography Gallery: fine photographic prints • Abé Opperman Gallery: South African artist • THK Gallery: contemporary art gallery