Lunch at Shelley's on Kloof

Took a walk down Kloof Street for lunch and visited Shelley's Gourmet cafe which is at 90 Kloof Street, Gardens, directly opposite Van Riebeeck High School.

Pretty seating available outside 

From the relatively simple menu (consisting of one laminated page) I chose the sweet chilli chicken with feta and peppadew quiche which is served with a side salad.

Mouthwatering sight

I couldn't finish it though. I blame the Oreo gourmet shake =)

INDIAN SUPPER

Another scorcher in Cape Town yesterday and we had the bright idea to go to Bukhara for dinner last night. I have heard so many wonderful things about this restaurant over the years so when my mom's birthday came up, it manifested as the perfect reason to give it a go.

After much discussion we decided to have a taste of everything but consensus ruled that we not have too much of the hot stuff.

For Starters we had the Chicken Tikka and Tandoori Mushroom. I was completely blown away by the Chicken Tikka. Perfectly moist chicken breasts that I wish I knew how to prepare myself and the combination of spices was lovely. The mushrooms were too confusing, not really my taste as I couldn't determine whether it was a sweet or savoury dish. 

Mains we ordered Lamb Rogan Josh, Prawn Curry and Chicken Vindaloo. Not the most imaginative of choices but it was not my party so I had to go along with the majority at the table. Together with 4 massive garlic naan breads (the best I have ever seen) and a small serving of rice, even my brother, who's known to be a very fussy 10-year old when it comes to food, was licking his lips and fingers.

From Left: Lamb Rogan Josh, Prawn Curry and Chicken Vindaloo

My mom and her friend Lynn

All in all, a very pleasant experience. Price wise a bit costly but when you look around and appreciate the decor and finishings of the restaurant, it makes sense. I was impressed but value for money; I reserve judgment.

It's imperative that I wear the bib

NB: take a torch or small pocket flashlight with you to the bathrooms; it's so dark in there you might take a wrong turn and end up in the kitchens.

GETTING STARTED

So... in about a month's time I start my long awaited and eagerly anticipated 2-week holiday. It's been a challenging working year and I definitely felt the pressures of this working environment.


I decided not to take annual leave over the December 2011/January 2012 period for a few very noteworthy reasons:


1. Tourists
Every year over the December period, Cape Town is swamped with local and international tourists that come to annoy us natives with their kak driving skills. I was in no mood to deal with that for another year. I appreciate their contributions to our tourism industry. I am grateful for the money they generate for our local businesses and employees. 


I prefer not to have to deal with all of them.


2. School Holidays
Being on leave whilst the school holidays are ongoing can be a bit annoying at times, especially when you want to go to Ratanga Junction and all the queues for the rides are miles long. 


Also traffic into Town during the school holidays is a total breeze which makes coming to work while everyone else is on holiday more of a pleasure rather than a pain.


3. Festive season mayhem
I don't think I need to elaborate on this one. Everything is more expensive. Beaches are full and packed. Restaurants are always fully booked. Accommodation is 10x more expensive and not available. Traffic to beaches and anywhere else in Cape Town at night is a nightmare. Enough said.


and finally...


4. Our Company shutdown period
The Company I work for closes for the period just before Christmas and reopens just after New Year. I had a nice enough break from work to recharge and yet still enjoy my time off with friends and family.


So now the time approaches when I am going to take a real  holiday which starts on 20 February 2012. 

I just can't wait..