Neethlingshof and Kramer Sparkles.

Today we went to Neethlingshof a wonderful wine estate in Stellenbosch.  Another gorgeous day and perfect for lunch under the oaks.  Once a month my Aunt meets her high school friends and today they chose the Lord Neethling restaurant.  My cousin and I tagged along, we heard 'wine farm' and we had our shoes on and were ready to go.


Entrance to Neethlingshof 

 

Lunch under the oak trees in front of the main house.


The main house was built in 1814 and is now a restaurant.  We sat outside under the oaks and as you can see, the weather was perfect.  In honor of my Aunt's birthday, 14 February, I had brought with me a bottle of Kramer Vineyards Müller-Thurgau sparkles from Oregon.  We were going to open it on her birthday, but got sidetracked and my Aunt figured today was the perfect day for sparkles!  The manager was very gracious in allowing us to bring in our own sparkles for lunch and he charged us $3.23 (current exchange rate conversion) for corkage.  (You hear that Bent Brick?) 

This is the furthest South Kramer wine has been.  I win.

Chilling



Cork popped and the bubbles did not disappoint.

We all enjoyed our sparkles and I am glad I got to share a little bit of Oregon with my Aunt and her friends.  We all ordered our lunch and it was, as always, very good.  I was quick with the camera so managed to get food shots before I licked my plate clean. I decided to have Ostrich as on the way to Neethlingshof we saw a female Ostrich and her chicks.  The chicks were cute, but all I could think of when I saw mom was, mmmmm steak. (if you're vegan I apologize)


Cute chicks



Ostrich steak with a port and Cape gooseberry sauce.  Wine pairing, Pinotage.

Sole fillet with queen prawns, white wine hollandaise on mash potatoes

Bobotie (curried hamburger with egg custard) rice and condiments



Chicken schnitzel



Tuna salad

Antipasto platter

One of the main reasons we love this restaurant is for the dessert.  Lord Neethling surprise. 

Deep fried ice cream served with fresh berries.

The Wine Cellar

Another perfect day of great food, great wine and great conversation with family and new friends.

I heart my KitchenAid.

Generally the rule is that for Mother's Day one does not give a gift that has a plug.  This has been Nubian's rule, feel free to adopt it.  One Mother's Day I did receive my KitchenAid and I am so happy that Bear and T. did not heed the rule.  Numerous hints and pictures on the fridge may have been the clue to them and I was thrilled.  I have had my KitchenAid for a few years now and I get to make great dinners like this.  Enjoy the pictures.

Getting ready to make the pasta.

Pasta goodness - I know it's not the right attachment, I don't have the spaghetti one.

Not quite perfect, but that is what I love ~ rustic pasta.  I get points for being creative.

My home made pasta sauce bubbling away on the stove.

Ta-Da!  Pasta yummyliciouness.  

If you don't have a KitchenAid and would like one for Mom Day, feel free to forward this blog post to your significant other and show them what great dishes you could be making.