The Winelands tend to get the lion’s share of attention when it comes to foodie getaways but there are tasty trips to be found around the Western Cape. Take the West Coast for example – known for quiet beaches and superlative seafood, this is a great spot for those whose main travel focus is eating.
Abalone House, a cosy boutique hotel in Paternoster with eclectic architecture and decadent splashes of luxury, is celebrating the departure of a particularly wet ‘n’ windy winter with two gastronomic experiences. For those who stay over at Abalone, afternoon tea is part of the package and as the weather picks up you can enjoy your scones, sandwiches, tea and cake with that other vital ingredient of the West Coast – beach. Staff at Abalone will pack you a ‘beachnic’ hamper, filled with high tea goodies plus a few of the special touches that make Abalone such a memorable place to stay, including beach blankets, hats and even games to play on the sand if you fancy working off that second cream-slathered scone. Beachnics are also available to non-guests at a cost of R200 per person.
Also open to everyone are the Saturday night braais offering a real taste of the West Coast. This is a meal for the sociable traveller, with guests sitting and chatting around the fire as the chef cooks up a feast in front of them. Naturally there’s an emphasis on fish and seafood, but all tastes are catered for, with meaty and veggie options also available. Bookings are essential for the braais, which cost R250 per person, including crayfish.
Since you’re in the area, why not make a weekend of it, staying over at Abalone to enjoy ocean views from the rooftop Jacuzzi and to make contact with your inner child, ordering a breakfast pizza to start the day. If you’re feeling really brave, you could even seek out that love-it-or-loathe-it West Coast delicacy, bokkoms – something I like to think of as ‘fish biltong’…
Abalone House
Paternoster, West Coast, Western Cape
Tel 022-752-2044
[email protected]
www.abalonehouse.co.za
