Day 3: Greater Cape Tour & so much more!!!

The route we took today!

        Today was a long day, but full of amazing experiences. We began by heading out to a Family Market at Blaauwklippen near Stellenbosch. I love purchasing items that are handmade and authentic to the region that I am visiting. I love chatting with the vendors and hearing their stories. Today, I met a wonderful couple at the Serenity Knitwear tent where I purchased a handmade sweater (which I think will now be my favorite - forever!) I also spoke with a woman who makes darling stuffed animals (of course, Harlee is getting one of those, too). We were asked quite a bit today where we were from, and no one knows where Utah is. However, the woman from Baby Cuddles actually has a brother who moved to Wyoming years ago, so she knew where we were from. I met a young lady from Congo who made jewelry and decor from recycled materials. There were many other vendors who I spoke with today making the market experience extremely enjoyable. 
        After leaving the market we moved on to Somerset West where we had a lunch booking at the Waterkloof restaurant at 12:30 p.m. If ever you have experienced fine dining, you will know what I mean when I say that dining at this restaurant was an event. There was no in and out. There was no "here's your check. See ya later." There was, "How can we make your dining experience more enjoyable." It was lovely. With each course we were given a complete description of what was on our plates; however, I didn't really understand what they were saying. Not because I didn't speak the language -they speak very good English- but simply because I don't speak fine dining! So, don't ask me what I ate because I don't know. I can just tell you that it was delicious (that isn't even a good enough word for it) and filling. As you can see in the pictures, presentation is as important as ingredients. I won't go into the history of Waterkloof, but, when they say organic, they mean it. Visit the Waterkloof website to get a complete picture of our experience. (Make sure to view the gallery and videos which give the most complete overview.) I will try to paint somewhat of a picture of our experience. 
​        We were seated in the dining area which is a floor-to-ceiling windowed room overlooking the vineyard. We each ordered a three course meal beginning with a starter. Before the starter came out, we were served warm sourdough breads with a collection of butter. This wasn't your everyday butter. There was a wine-infused butter, a no preservatives all-natural butter, a pecan and something or other butter, and a fancy-shmancy spicy kind of butter, plus a balsamic cream sauce for dipping. What? I know. Then, we were served a little teeny tiny granola thingy which was super yummy. The appetizers came out next. I selected egg 63 which was recommended by the server. OMG! (in capital bold-faced letters). Need I say more? After the appetizers, we received, "compliments of the chef", crepes suzette. Finally, our entrees were served. The poached chicken with mushroom pepper that I ordered was truly the most tender piece of meat I have ever had. It cut through like butter. In fact, I cut it with a butter knife. Abby and David had the lamb and Laurie selected the kod.
        After the main course, we each received the dessert of choice. There were actually four choices and we selected one of each plus an additional cheese platter (David wasn't too keen on the idea of sharing). Laurie selected the milk, milk...milk. Abby chose the Apple dessert. And, I chose the citrus. Each was divine. However, that wasn't all. We received also, "compliments of the chef", citrus and ginger lollipops (popsicles), macaroons, and a glass encased peanut butter dessert to die for. Finally, the chef personally brought us a plate of their finest chocolates. 
        Before we left the winery, we were able to walk around and take several pictures. It was such a great experience. Overall the dinner took three and a half hours. 
        We took a long drive home stopping in Milnerton to pick up David's equipment and see his new home and Sunset Beach which is literally a 3 minute walk. Then, we drove through Constantia and Noorhoek, and took Chapman's Peak Drive (one of the world's top ten best views by roadway) along the coastline. There we stopped to watch the sunset above Hout Bay. Our final travels took us by Llandudno, through Camp's Bay and home. 
        The pictures I have taken today will not in any way represent the experience, but I hope that you will enjoy them anyway. This day is one I will never forget. Today I felt special.