Taste

Taste by Inspired Living - This SOUTH AFRICAN FOOD BLOG brings you the full spectrum of Taste and the best of the culinary world in South Africa. Read restaurant reviews, wine reviews, tips on food and wine pairing, as well as easy-to-follow recipes. Expect to have your taste buds tantalised and your culinary horizons broadened.

Desserts, Food, Taste

Tanqueray Gin and Lindt Chocolate Pairing

Last week I was invited to attend an exclusive cocktail and chocolate tasting evening, hosted at the Lindt Chocolate Studio, at the Cape Quarter in Cape Town. The event was held to celebrate a new partnership, between Tanqueray Gin and Lindt Chocolate!

The great thing is we were allowed to take a plus one, so I took the hubby – we both love Gin, especially Tanqueray and who can resist Lindt Chocolate!

We had high hopes for the evening and we were not dissapointed! First off we were treated to a master class, in cocktail making, by an expert mixologist. He introduced us to the craft that is Gin production. Who knew that it was such and involved process!

The recipe for Tanqueray remains a a closely guarded trade secret but is known to contain four key botanicals which are juniper, coriander, angelica root and liquorice. These ingredients all work together in perfect harmony to create a unique London dry gin.

Next on the agenda was preparing the new Tanqueray cocktails. It was great to not only taste but to prepare the cocktails ourselves, we learnt all the tricks of the trade when it comes to cocktail-making!

My favourite cocktail was the “Flipped Symphony” a take on the traditional “Eggnog” – it was totally delish, with hints of Vanilla and Espresso two of my favourite flavours.

Each cocktail was paired with a Lindt Chocolate Flavour and my favourite combo, was the Coconut Intense with the Tanqueray Breeze.

We then had the honour of meeting a Lindt chocolatier, who educated us on all things chocolate! To top off a wonderful evening we were shown how to master a decadent chocolate fondant dessert. Made with Lindt chocolate of course! This was served with the most delicious Vanilla and Coconut Ice Cream – also made by Lindt.

I thought I would share the Chocolate Fondant Recipe with you – it looked so super easy to make and is definitely something I am going to try and make!

Lindt 70% Chocolate Fondant:

Ingredients:

225g 70% Excellence Lindt Chocolate
22g Butter
Orange Extract
250g Eggs
80g Egg Yolks
200g Sugar
100g Flour
Salt

Method:

Preheat your oven to 180ºc. Place the butter, chocolate into a double boiler and allow to melt or alternatively melt gently in the microwave. Mix the eggs and the egg yokes together lightly, do not whisk air in to them. Pour the melted chocolate mix into the eggs, whilst stirring. Then stir in the sugar and flour mix. Mix until a smooth mass – do not over mix. Grease your ramekins or dariole molds and coat with castor sugar. Pour the Fondant mixture into a piping bag and pipe into your molds. Bake at 180ºc for 11minutes. Allow to rest once baked then unmold and serve.

Many thanks to both Tanqueray and Lindt for a fabulously fun evening!

Food, Recipes, Taste

Fishcakes with Cabbage, Green Bean and Feta Salad

Fish Cakes are one of my favourite starters when dining out, especially in summer! Yes, I know it is winter but after the stunning weather in Cape Town this weekend, I was inspired! Pilchards may not be everybody’s first choice for making fish cakes but they are packed with vital nutrients like Omega 3 fatty acids as well as vitamin D, Calcium and B12!

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Food, Recipes, Taste

Ostrich Sausage and Waterblommetjie Casserole

I created this Ostrich Sausage Waterblommetjie Casserole recipe for the SA’s Best Challenge, Week 3 of the Freshly Blogged Competition. In my mind, there is nothing more traditionally South African than “Pap and Wors” or “Waterblommetjie Bredie”, which were some of the ideas, which first came to mind, when I received this week’s basket of ingredients. [Read more…]

Desserts, Food, Taste

Top Ice Cream Shops in Cape Town

Summer in Cape Town is a glorious thing: stunning beach weather, beautiful sunsets, dinning outside and the most important summer essential – Ice Cream! Ice Cream is one of those things that you can enjoy come rain or shine but it tastes particularly good on a hot summers day!

We all need a bit of indulgence in our lives! So I thought I would share my Top Ice Cream Shops in Cape Town, including a few recommendations from my readers.

The Creamery

I had the pleasure of sampling their delicious ice cream, for the first time, at the Constantia Food & Wine Festival last year and all I can say is yum! My all-time favourite was the Lime Curd flavour! Their ice cream is handmade; most of the ingredients are sourced locally and organic. I actually got to meet Kate the lady behind the Ice Cream and was treated to my own private tasting.

Although The Creamery is in essence not a retail shop, you can pop into their kitchen to pick up a pint (cash only) from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, or even better you can order on the webshop if you have a specific flavour you would like them to keep aside for you. You can collect your order from; either their kitchen in Mowbray, or any one of the markets and pop up shops they stock.

Unit 22A | corner of Weymouth and Wyecroft Road | Mowbray | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 447 7690

Häagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs is a family favourite! Whenever we visit the V&A Waterfront we pop in to their shop, the girls love the Raspberry Sorbet and I am quite particular to their Vanilla Caramel Brownie. Their ice cream has an incredibly rich flavour, smooth texture and creamy taste, because it contains less air, Häagen-Dazs is denser and richer than other luxury ice creams, creating its signature slow-melting creaminess.

Shop no. 129 | Lower Level | Victoria Wharf | +27 (0)21 421 0744

Sinnful Ice Cream Emporium

We usually frequent the shop in Muizenberg but they also have an outlet in Camps Bay. Sinnful is a Cape Town favourite and very popular with my readers. They give new meaning to the term gourmet ice cream with their interesting blend of flavours like Heavenly Hash, a blend of marshmallow, chocolate chips, fudge and vanilla ice cream or Koeksusters and Amarula!

Shop 5 | The Promenade Centre | Victoria Road | Camps Bay | +27 (0)21 438 3541

Gelato Mania

Gelato Mania, situated in Green Point Cape Town, is a unique gelateria, which specializes in Artisan gelato (traditional home-made Italian style ice cream).Using an age-old traditional recipe, Gelato Mania offers taste sensations, which are refreshing bursts of exceptional flavours, leaving you craving more!

Every scoop of Gelato Mania is a unique blend of quality, flavour and an unforgettable experience, bringing to life their promise of “memories you can taste.”

65 Main Road | Green Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 439 2074

Ice Café

This was another reader recommendation and her favourite flavour is Blueberry and Fudge, two separate flavours that are combined and it must be in a served in a sugar cone!!

Situated in Kalk Bay, you can buy your ice cream and enjoy it while taking leisurely stroll, taking in the sights. Other delicious flavours you can try include blueberry and cream, rum and raisin or ginger and cinnamon.

Main Road | Kalk Bay | +27 (0)21 788 4816

The Venezia Ice Cream Parlour

A quaint little Italian spot where you can indulge in gloriously creamy gelato. With an array of gorgeous flavours this ice cream parlour never fails to impress.
92 Main Road | Sea Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 930 2952

Lecca il Gelato

Lecca il Gelato, situated in the picaresque town of Stellenbosch, was the first real Italian ice cream parlour in South Africa and opened its doors in February 2006. It is owned and managed by an enthusiastic team of Italians, who are committed to creating an authentic top quality ice cream. They only use fresh, individually selected ingredients from across the globe and do not add any preservatives, additives, vegetable fats or artificial colouring to our ice cream.

Their flavours include exotic taste experiences such as Champagne ice cream, Portofino (chocolate and whiskey) and they even have Soya gelato for those that are dairy intolerant.

15 Church Street | Stellenbosch | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 886 4694/5

Marcel’s

Marcel’s is the home of delectable frozen yogurt, which is great, if like me you like to watch your calorie intake! It was established in 1989 and now has 12 outlets. A family favourite in our house is the English Toffee or you can try exciting new flavours like Lemony Cheesecake and Rich Espresso.

Lower level| Victoria and Alfred Waterfront| Cape Town | +27 (0)21425 2633

Wakaberry

Wakaberry is the new kid on the block and is very quickly becoming uber popular! Wakaberry is the first South African frozen yoghurt brand to offer a unique self-serve concept that allows each customer to be the boss of their own creation.

The froyo flavours vary from store to store, but customers can expect a wide variety including classics like Strawberry, Vanilla, Mixed Berry and English Toffee and quirkier taste sensations like Green tea, Pomegranate, Kiwi and Watermelon. Toppings wise, for the fit and healthy we offer fresh fruit, nuts, and cereals, and for the downright wicked there are deliciously decadent desserts such as sweets, chocolates and sauces.

To find a store near you click over to their Store Locater or call the Head Office +27 (0)31 572 4971

Please a comment below if you think I have left any out or tell me what your favourite flavour combos are!

Cape Town Lifestyle, Eating Out, Eating Out With Children, Food, Lifestyle, Restaurant Reviews, Taste

Gourmet Boerie

Last week we attended the official launch of Gourmet Boerie, which I blogged about over here last month. With Mr en-tow we ventured out to the centre of town last Saturday evening, to check-out the newly opened restaurant. Gourmet Boerie is situated on the corner of Kloof Street in Cape Town, a wonderful vibey part of the Mother City. The vibe at the launch on Saturday evening was indeed tangible!

We were greated at the door with a drink of our choice – you guessed it, bubbles for me, who would ever refuse awesome Cape Bubbly! There were also craft beers on tap, a selection of wines, coolers and soft drinks so everyone was well catered for.

I really love the décor of the restaurant and much to our surprise, we found out that one of our neighbours was instrumental in the development of the space! The décor is modern with wonderful exposed brick work, clean lines, vibrant colours and a stunning bar area, perfect for stopping in for a beer and boerie on your way home in the evening.

The main dining space is casual with long tables and benches; there is an additional seating area outside with large folding doors to allow the restaurant to flow naturally to the outside area, which is great for alfresco summer dining.

I was not entirely to sure what to expect when sampling the “boerie rolls” but I must admit I was very pleasantly surprised. The bread rolls where light and airy and the boerie was perfectly cooked, with that “perfect bite” and certainly not tough or full of gristle. The flavour combinations where heavenly! My favourite was the “The Hangover”, topped with bacon, caramelised pineapple and avocado with cheese sauce followed closely by the “Shroom Sauce”, topped with a creamy mushroom sauce with fresh herbs and cos lettuce – seriously yummy!

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