With summer fast approaching, we could all do with a bit of advice on getting back into shape. Fortunately the second edition of YOU Best Diets/Huisgenoot Wendiëte has just hit the shelves.

With 18 diets, 11 eating plans and 60 recipes, you can’t help but be inspired. Cover girl Pabi Moloi took us up on our four-week health challenge and now the glamorous TV and radio presenter looks and feels much better. We show you how you too can lose weight and regain your fitness. We also look at the hidden kilojoules in your favourite drinks and the do’s and don’ts of dieting. For instance, did you know you can eat carbohydrates and still lose weight? We even have a diet to boost your libido and get rid of beer bellies plus a diet specially devised by a dietician for YOU readers.

“We could all do with living a little more healthily but what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for the next,” says Huisgenoot, YOU and DRUM editor in chief Izelle Venter. “We make it easy for readers to find an eating and exercise plan that works for them. YOU Best Recipes has something for everyone.”

YOU Best Diets/Huisgenoot Wendiëte costs R39,95 a copy. If you can’t find it in stores you can order a copy. SMS BESTDIETS and your name to 32113, e-mail you_subs@media24.com or call 0860 103 687.

BREAKFAST

Porridge, with muesli, raisins and honey
OR Oat bran porridge with berries and almonds with honey
Tea

LUNCH

Vegetable, chicken, or butternut soup
Rye toast to dip
Fresh fruit

DINNER

Salmon with couscous and seasonal vegetables

TUESDAY

BREAKFAST
Plain or Bulgarian yoghurt with chopped dried apricots, walnuts and honey
Tea

LUNCH
Spicy chicken and roasted vegetable tortilla wrap
Tortilla wrap with avo, stir fried veg, fresh salads (chopped lettuce, cucumber and tomato), strips of grilled chicken breast and fresh chopped chilli.
Fresh fruit

DINNER
Beef burgers on wholewheat roll with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, avo, and pan fried mushroom and onion. Top with a little tomato salsa.
Dessert – fresh fruit salad with custard

WEDNESDAY

BREAKFAST
Rye toast with smoked salmon, low fat cream cheese and sliced tomato
Fresh fruit juice

LUNCH
Couscous mixed with chopped vegetables (raw or cooked vegetables, chopped avocado, walnuts or beans), and fresh herbs with low-fat yogurt.
Fresh fruit

DINNER
Roast chicken with baked potatoes and steamed veg. Top with home made gravy

THURSDAY

BREAKFAST
Breakfast smoothie – blend soft fruit (strawberries, banana, pear, papaya etc), low-fat yoghurt, almond/hazelnuts or granola muesli and ice
Rice cakes to snack

LUNCH
Roast beef sandwich on rye bread with rocket leaves, avo, roasted cherry tomatoes and yoghurt, and spice with Himalayan crystal salt and black pepper.
Fresh fruit

DINNER
Chicken fajitas with roasted vegetables
Dessert – baked apple with creme fraiche or custard

FRIDAY

BREAKFAST
Rice cakes or rye crackers topped with hummus / brie cheese / Tsaziki and thinly sliced tomato
Fresh fruit juice

LUNCH
Salad – lettuce, cherry tomato, cucumber, grilled chicken strips, Danish feta, Kalamata olives, sun dried tomatoes, onion sprinkles
Fresh fruit

DINNER
Penne Arabiata with fresh rocket, Danish feta and Kalamata olives
Fresh green side salad
Dessert – Greek yogurt with crushed mixed raw nuts and honey

SATURDAY

BREAKFAST
Boiled egg with whole-wheat toast and pan fried sliced tomato
Tea

LUNCH
Salad – Watercress, spinach and rocket salad with red peppers, red onion, smoked mackerel and a balsamic dressing
Fruit juice

DINNER
Beef or chicken, red pepper and mushroom stir fry

SUNDAY

BREAKFAST
Poached egg, grilled lean bacon, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms and a slice of wholemeal toast
Start or finish with half a pink grapefruit.
Tea

LUNCH
Jacket potato with cottage cheese, chopped cucumber and chives and a large green salad
Cereal bar

DINNER
Lean lamb chops with steamed veg and mashed potato

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Crushed garlic
• Salt & black pepper
• 1 Large onion
• 2 Chopped leeks
• 4 Chopped celery sticks
• 4 Sliced carrots
• 2 Cups chopped cabbage
• Half a bag of shredded spinach
• One cup of chopped parsley
• 1.5 Liters veg stock
• 1 Can of whole peeled, chopped tomatoes

How to:

Fry garlic and onions in a little oil for a minute or two.

Add leeks, celery and carrots and cook for 5 mins.

Then add spinach, parsley and cabbage stirring regularly.

Pour stock over mix, add tomatoes and seasoning.

Bring to the boil and reduce heat. Allow to simmer for 40 minutes and serve.

Waterfront at night

Cape Town Waterfront at night. Photo courtesy DanieVDM

Winter is nearly here, bringing with it cooler weather and the need to fill up on some comforting, warm and delicious food. Luckily for us, Cape Town restaurants are making it their business to bring warmth and good food into the hearts of our bellies with some terrific specials.

Get your soul food at the following superb restaurants:
For the luxury gourmet lovers:
No winter blues at Bistro Allée Bleue

For some French dining of the affordable kind, make the Bistro Allée Bleue in Franschhoek a must-visit on your tour of the Cape Winelands this winter.

From R85 to R150, you are spoilt for choice between three tasty and reasonably priced meals daily.

Try the delicious and filling chicken and prawn potjie with roti paired with a glass of the estate’s Isabeau or Shiraz. Or the soup of the day followed by succulent confit of duck with a steaming mug of hot chocolate. If you’re really in need of warmth and comfort food, try the mouth-watering three-course meal, which includes the traditional Provençal fish stew, malva pudding and custard and a glass of estate wine.

Location: Allée Bleue Estate, Franschoek
Contact:             +27 (0)21 874 1886
Website: www.alleebleue.com

Catharina’s at Steenberg

Catharina’s popular Winter Warmer menus offer select dishes from Executive Chef Garth Almazan’s inspired á la carte menu, with a choice of a 2-course set menu lunch at R165, three-course lunch at R195, and a 3-course dinner at R215, all served with a complimentary glass of Klein Steenberg wine.

With only the best being offered, including Truffle Risotto with Sauté wild mushrooms, Char-grilled Chalmar Beef Sirloin and more until 30 September, you won’t want to miss this!

Location: 10802 Steenberg Hotel, Constantia Valley
Contact:             +27 (0)21 713 2222
Website: www.steenberghotel.com

Jordan Wines Restaurant

Jordan Restaurant, the supplier of nourishment on the decadent wine farm, offers diners fantastic winter specials. Enjoy a four course Set Menu with two glasses of Jordan wine at just R225 or, for the less hungry, a one course meal with a glass of Jordan wine at just R95 from May to September 2011.

Location:  Jordan Wine Estate, Stellenbosch Kloof Road
Contact:             +27 (0)21 881 3612
Website: www.jordanwines.com
Chapman’s Peak Hotel
Chapmans peak hotel

Chapman’s Peak Hotel.

For a spectacular view and heavenly meals, pop into the Chapman’s Peak Hotel Restaurant.

Relish in the delights of one kilogram of tiger prawns for R99 or buy two items from the ‘Grill’ page and get one of two selected wines and two crème brulée free.

Enjoy these delicious treats every day until 30 September.

Location: Chapmans Peak Drive, Hout Bay
Contact:             +27(0)21 790 1036
Website: www.chapmanspeakhotel.co.za

Five Flies Restaurant & Bars

Dine in a building filled with historical significance and spicy, delicious food at the Five Flies restaurant in the CBD.

Fill up this winter with a two-course meal for R120 or a three-course meal for R150 (Mondays and& Wednesdays, dinner only, for the month of May)

Location: 14-16 Keerom Street, Cape Town
Contact:             +27(0) 21 424 4442
Website: www.fiveflies.co.za

Hildebrand

For a truly authentic Italian menu that leaves you begging for more, try Hildebrand at the V&A Waterfront. Their two course meals for R 99 or three course meals for R 130 are a must this winter!

Location: Hildebrand Restaurant, Pierhead, V&A Waterfront
Contact:             +27 (0)21 425 3385       /             +27 (0)21 424 5640
Website: www.hildebrand.co.za

The Greenhouse Restaurant

Ward off the cold and the hunger pangs at The Cellars-Hohenort’s award-winning restaurant The Greenhouse. They have an unbelievable Winter Surprise Special menu which includes five delicious courses, created by top chef Peter Tempelhoff, paired with wines exclusively from Klein Constantia.

This offer is valid for dinner every Tuesday to Friday from May to September (excluding the month of July due to annual closure) for R240 and R295 with matching wines.

Location:  The Greenhouse Restaurant, The Cellars-Hohenort, 93 Brommerslvlei, Constantia, Cape Town
Contact:             +27 (0)21 794 2137       (Please quote the “Winter Surprise Special” when making your reservation)
Website: www.cellars-hohenort.com/greenhouse

Grand Daddy Hotel

Daddy is feeling generous this cool season so let him take care of your basic needs. With a yummy weekday and weekend food special, the Grand Daddy Hotel ensures you won’t go hungry this winter.

For just R120.00 for two people, you and your partner can enjoy a variety of tasty snacks including burgers, pastas and sandwiches as well as two glasses of red or white wine or two soft drinks from Monday to Sunday.

Before you embark on a naughty weekend adventure, why not indulge in Daddy’s Dinner special: a mouth-watering two course set menu or just R95.00 per person each Friday or Saturday night?

Location: The Grand Daddy Hotel, 38 Long Street, Cape Town
Contact:             +27(0)21 424 7247
Website: http://www.granddaddy.co.za

Krugmann’s Grill

For stylish yet affordable dining in a gorgeous setting, try the V&A Waterfront’s Krugmann’s Grill.

At just R 74, you can enjoy a 250g Rump, a starch of your choice and four prawns.

Location: Krugmann’s Grill, V&A Waterfront
Contact:             +27(0)21 418 9393
Website: http://www.krugmannsgrill.co.za

Salt

Breathtaking views and delicious food… Salt in Bantry Bay knows how to do those best.
This winter, indulge in Salt’s fantastic special. For just R 120 for a set two course meal or R 140 for a three course meal, you can feast on Lamb gnocchi, Butternut velouté, Bread and butter pudding with whisky anglaise and chocolate ice cream and so much more.

This offer is valid until 31 August.

Location: Salt Restaurant & Bar, 34 Victoria Road, Bantry Bay
Contact:             +27(0)21 439 7258
Website: http://www.newmarkhotels.com
For the chic eaters:

Mondays at French Toast

Blue Mondays are a thing of the past with French Toast in Bree Street’s irresistible half-priced wine with affordable meals.

Sip leisurely on various great tasting international blends from as little as R49 for De Meye Shiraz Rosé to Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block for just R200.

Don’t miss their monthly wine and tapas evenings too from June to October where you have the opportunity to meet the winemaker, learn about the respective wine farms, taste special vintages and enjoy a four-course tapas menu paired with wine, all for only R250 per person.

Location: French Toast, 199 Bree Street, Cape Town
Contact:             +27 (0)21 422 3839
Website: www frenchtoastwine.com

Sinn’s winter specials

Feel wickedly satisfied at Sinn’s this chilly season.

From just R50, you can enjoy a lunchtime snack guaranteed to get your taste buds tingling. And for a seductive dinner that will leave you begging for more, try their three-course meal and a glass of fine wine for just R150. This offer is valid from June 1 to August 31

Not in the mood for food? Not a problem because Sinn’s has a delicious cocktails and drinks specials offer daily from 16h00 to 18h00

Location: Sinn’s, Wembley Square, Gardens
Contact:             +27 (0)21 465 0967
Website: www.sinns.co.za

Tapas and jazz Sundays at 1800°

For a leisurely Sunday afternoon spent tasting superb wines and irresistible Mediterranean tapas, head down to 1800° Grill Room in Green Point.

For just R195 per person, you can feast on a stunning selection of tapas, fresh breads and authentic South African wines to your heart’s content while listening to some of the Mother City’s finest jazz musicians, each Sunday between 12h00 and 15h00.

Location: 1800°Grill Room, Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence, Green Point
Contact:             +27 (0)21 430 0506
Website: www.18hundreddegrees.com

Winter lunch at The Square

Tranquil dining, affordable prices and good company … you get this and so much more at The Square in Newlands.

Enjoy their fabulous winter lunch special, including such tasty delights as battered fish and chips and organic lamb curry for a mere R130 for a two-course meal or R160 for a three-course meal.

Location: The Square Restaurant at the Vineyard Hotel & Spa, Newlands
Contact:             +27 (0)21 657 4500
Website: www.vineyard.co.za

Sinn’s Restaurant and Bar

The wickedly delicious specials at Sinn’s will leave you begging for more all through the cool season.

Running until 31 May, this fantastic special allows you to enjoy fun and tasty lunch dishes like a Moroccan Chicken Breast and others for just R 50.

For the evening diners, a three course meal paired with a glass of wine is available at only R 150.

Location: Sinn’s Restaurant, Wembley Square, Gardens
Contact:             +27 (0)21 465 0967
Website: www.sinns.co.za

Asoka Bar

Lose yourself in the mysticism and culinary delights of Asoka Bar in Kloof Street. With tasty cocktails names after Indian gods and fantastic specials, like two tapas and a glass of Excelsior Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Sauvignon for only R95 each weekend or half priced tapas each Sunday, you won’t want to leave this Nirvana.

Location: 68 Kloof Street, Cape Town
Contact:             +27 (0)21 422 0909
Website: www.asokabar.co.za

Fork Restaurant

If roast butternut with hummus and pine nuts, Asian salmon, tiger prawns wrapped in pancetta or mini kudu with orange potato puree and citrus dressing tickle your fancy, then stop by Fork Restaurant in Long Street.

Treat your taste buds to their specials: a tapas taster plate with a glass of wine, beer or soft drink, and a coffee for just R60. This special is available from 12H00 to 18H00 only.

Location: Fork Restaurant, 84 Long Street, Cape Town:
Contact:             +27 (0)21 424 6334
Website: www.fork-restaurants.co.za

Beluga

Indulge your love for seafood with some delicious fishy specials at the chic Beluga in Green Point. Get one kilogram of prawns or a 26-piece sushi platter for R119 or half-price sushi, Mondays to Saturdays from 12h00 to 19h00 and all day on Sundays.

For an even better deal, try their Winter Tasting Menu which includes two course lunch meal for R120 for a three course dinner meal at R 160.

Location: Beluga Restautant, The Foundry, Prestwich Street, Green Point
Contact:             +27 (0)21 418 2948
Website: www.beluga.co.za

Blues Restaurant

A view of the gorgeous ocean and the city’s most beautiful people… what more could you ask for? How about a two course lunch at R 120 or a three course dinner at R 150, including wine and coffee? Sound good? Then get down to Blues now.

Location: Blues Restaurant, The Promenade, Camps Bay
Contact:             +27 (0)21 438 1758
Website: www.blues.co.za

221- Waterfront

Chic and in the midst of beauty, fun and entertainment at the V&A Waterfront, 221 is the place to dine at this cool season. Try their year round three course meal special at just R 135 per person.

Location: Upper Level, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront
Contact:             +27 (0)21 418 3633
Website: www.221waterfront.co.za
Trinity

Glamorous patrons, stylish food and a vibe you just cannot help but enjoy… at Trinity, you get it all.

This winter, gorge yourself on “All you can eat” Dim Sum at R135 or pizza for R50 until 7 pm daily , as well as unforgettable specials for each day of the week.Try the “All you can eat” ribs on Mondays at R99, two-for-price-of-one burgers on Wednesdays, the seafood platter for R100 on Thursdays.

Location: Trinity, 15 Bennett Street, Green Point
Contact:             +27(0)21 418 0624
Website: www.trinitycapetown.co.za

What’s On Eatery

Savour the aromatic flavours of the What’s On Eatery’s fabulous winter special in the city centre.

For only R99, you can enjoy a wonderful two-course meal with a glass of wine.

Location: What’s On Eatery, 6 Watson Street, Cape Town
Contact:             +27 (0)21 422 5652
Website: www.whatsoneatery.co.za
For the comfort foodies:

La Mouette

Where else could you dine on a two-for-one six-course meal, fit for a king, for only R240? Nowhere but at La Mouette in Sea Point this June.

You and your partner can savour spiced cheese croquettes, white bean soup, Butternut squash ravioli, apple custard and chocolate macaroons.

Yummy!

Location: La Mouette, 78 Regent Road, Sea Point
Contact:             +27 (0)21 433 0856
Website: www.lamouette.co.za

Galbi winter specials

For Korean dishes and amazing specials, try Galbi in Long Street.

For three days a week until the end of August, you can have a variety platter for one with A-Grade rump steak, Thai marinated chicken, marinated ribs and potato wedges for R60 on Tuesdays, 400g rump/pork with doenjang jjiggae (Korean vegetable soup/stew), Korean spinach, sweet potato fries with jalapeno sauce, lettuce wraps and makkoli (a traditional Korean rice wine) for R180 for two on Thursdays and a three-course meal for two for R180 on Sundays.

Location: Galbi, 210 Long Street, Cape Town
Contact:             +27 (0)21 424 3030
Website: www.galbi.co.za

Harvey’s

Catch up the week’s news whilst enjoying a delicious brunch and the sounds of a soulful band at Winchester Mansion’s restaurant, Harvey’s, for only R 195 person each Sunday.

Location:  Winchester Mansions, Sea Point
Contact:             +27 (0)21 434 2351
Website: www.winchester.co.za

Diva Pizza

A pizza parlour with a twist, this little eatery gives you fantastic deals. Try their two pizzas and two toppings each, take-away special for just R 84, 95.

Location: 81 Buitenkant Street, Cape Town
Contact:             +27 (0)21 461 0013
Website: www.divapizza.co.za

Café Sofia

More than just a mouth-watering mezes and tapas bar, Café Sofia also caters for the most important meal of the day with its big breakfast special for just R28 each day. You can also enjoy a two for one main meal special each evening from 17H00.

Location: Café Sofia, 60 Kloof Street, Gardens,
Contact:             +27 (0)21 426 0801
Website: www.cafesofia.co.za
Arnold’s

Enjoy the fantastic Winter Warmers special for two (beef or chicken stew, served with spaetzle or couscous and a free bottle of Altydgedacht Red wine) for only R 99 at Arnold’s in Kloof Street.

Location: Arnold’s 60 Kloof Street, Gardens
Contact:             +27 (0)21 434 4344
Website: www.arnolds.co.za

Café Roux

Cosy during the winter months with a roaring indoor fireplace every day, Café Roux in Noordhoek offers some delicious winter comfort food. Try their delicious chunky chocolate brownies for just R 39.

Location: Café Roux, Noordhoek Village
Contact:             +27 (0)21 789 2538
Website: www.caferoux.co.za

Polana Restaurant

Join the lovable Polana in Kalk Bay for another memorable R50 special this cool season.

This time, it’s a half of a large, fresh Elgin Free Range Chicken, flame grilled, with shoe string chips, a Parmesan and Avocado salad and a herb or chilli sauce. Valid Sunday dinner to Thursday dinner and Saturday lunch for May 2011.

Location: Polana Restaurant, Kalk Bay Harbour, Main Road, Kalk Bay
Contact:             +27 (0) 21 788 7162
Website: www.harbourhouse.co.za/polana

Live Bait Restaurant

With a breakwater wall to its name, this feisty little establishment is the place to be to get the best specials in town.

For a mere R60, you can dine on eight succulent Tiger Prawns, with sesame stir fried vegetables and an Asian noodle salad. This offer is valid for Sunday dinner to Thursday dinner and Monday lunch to Thursday Lunch for May 2011.

Location: Live Bait Restaurant, Kalk Bay Harbour, Main Road, Kalk Bay
Contact:             +27(0)21 788 5755
Website: www.harbourhouse.co.za/livebait

The Foodbarn Restaurant and Deli

This quaint restaurant in Noordhoek is offering a scrumptious winter menu to accompany their lovely Steenberg wines.

Enjoy a three course meal at R 165, a four course meal at R 185 or a five course meal at R 215 while sipping on the most delectable Merlots, Sauvignon Blancs.

Location: The Foodbarn Restaurant & Deli, Noordhoek Farm Village, Village Lane, Noordhoek
Contact:             +27 (0)21 789 1390
Website: www.thefoodbarn.co.za

Brio 1893

If it’s comfort food served in a historical venue that you’re after, you can’t do much better than Brio 1893 in the CBD.

Enjoy their Winter Special menu from Monday to Thursday evenings for just R165 per person. Get carried away with their steamed mussels, mouth-watering oxtail, Lindt chocolate fondant and more.

Location: Brio 1893, ABC Building, 130 Adderley Street, Cape Town
Contact:             +27 (0)21 422 0654
Website: www.brio1893.com

Quay Four Tavern

Try one of the oldest restaurants at the V&A Waterfront, Quay Four Tavern. They have cool specials to make your winter warmer.

Until July 1, you can share a kilo of prawns, mussels or ribs for just R99 or create your own fantastic combos of the three, like a half kilogram of prawns and a half kilo of ribs for R99.

Location: Quay Four Tavern, V&A Waterfront
Contact:             +27 (0)21 419 2008
Website: www.quay4.co.za

Pepenero

What can possibly be more appetizing and cost-worthy that Pepenero’s winter specials? Try their sirloin with fries for R 79, oxtail for R 99 or a calamari platter for just R 69.

Location: Pepenero, No.1 Two Oceans Beach, Bay Road, Mouille Point
Contact:             +27(0) 21439 9027
Website: http://www.pepenero.co.za

D’Ouwe Werf

Snuggle up this winter with D’Ouwe Werf’s irresistible Winter Warmer Special.

For just R 100 or R125, you can fill up on a delectable two course or three course meals. Enjoy your hearty meal which includes the chef’s soup of the day; a Cape Malay bobotie; sundried tomato, peppadew and feta stuffed chicken fillet and a traditional malva pudding under the specially erected Bedouin tent.

Location: D’Ouwe Werf Hotel, 30 Church Street, Stellenbosch
Contact:             +27(0)21 887 4608
Website: http://www.ouwewerf.co.za

Resonating its urban-chic ambiance and comfortable setting, Sinn’s rolls over into the cooler Autumn months, offering a warm environment to enjoy the scrumptious new Autumn lunch and dinner specials.

With a choice of six delicious lunch specials at only R50 you can choose from the veal bratwurst and creamy mash; pepper steak, egg and chips; juicy Moroccan chicken breast burger; fresh Sinn’s gourmet salad; curried Asian chicken noodles and the deep fried baby calamari.

Due to popular demand Sinn’s will also be running the three course dinner special with glass of wine at R150 per person.

“My goal is to bring good food and a great experience at affordable prices to both locals and tourists alike. Gastronomy is an inspiring art, and the driving force behind the Sinn’s enterprise,” says owner and chef proprietor Thomas Sinn.

It’s hard to disagree that Sinn’s is the place to spoil yourself this Autumn.

For reservations contact:
Email: indulge@sinns.co.za
Call: 021 465 0967
Website: www.sinns.co.za
Address: Sinn’s Restaurant, Wembley Square, Gardens, 8001, South Africa

A choice of six mouth-watering dishes comprise the Sinn’s Spring Specials, including Moroccan Spicy Chicken Salad, Fish and Chips, Cajun Chicken Burger, Black Lentil Bobotie, Fried Black Mussels Noodles, and Chicken Korma, for a mere R50.

“Sinn’s is my favourite restaurant; they offer consistently top notch service and fantastic food which is decently priced” says Sinn’s patron, Catherine Kannemeyer.

Resonating a contemporary chic style with a relaxed yet opulent atmosphere Sinn’s is geared with excellent service and warm hospitality. Great value for money and delicious cuisine completes the package, making Sinn’s the prime lunch time spot this spring.

Visit:     www.sinns.co.za
Tell:      021 465 0967
Email:   indulge@sinns.co.za

Spicy Spring Specials at Sinn’s for R50:

Moroccan Spicy Chicken Salad
Grilled pieces of Harissa coated chicken on a bed of crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, chick peas and toasted sesame dressing.

Fish and Chips
Deep-fried hake in a spicy batter with homemade Tartar sauce and golden french fries.

Cajun Chicken Burger
Spicy grilled chicken breast served with a cucumber, red onion and avocado salsa, sour cream and golden french fries.

Black Lentil Bobotie
Cape Malay curried lentils baked with an egg custard and served with rice and sambals.

Fried Black Mussel Noodles
Oriental egg noodles with fresh mussels in a Thai red Curry sauce.

Chicken Korma
Tender pieces of chicken in a mild aromatic curry served with basmati rice and pappadum.

• salt
• pepper
• paprika
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• garlic salt
• 1 c. ketchup
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup lemon juice or vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 pack chicken pieces
• Seasoned flour

Prepare barbecue sauce: In saucepan, blend salt, pepper, paprika and sugar. Stir in garlic, ketchup, onion, water, lemon or vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and butter. Bring to a boil. (Makes 2 1/2 cups.)

Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Coat chicken with seasoned flour. Brown chicken on all sides. Arrange chicken in shallow pan; spoon sauce over it. Bake 45 to 60 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups chicken scissored to bite size
• 2 cans zucchini in tomato sauce
• 1 large onion
• 2 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. garlic sprinkles
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 2 tbsp. olive oil

How to:

• Preheat oven to 180 ‘C.
• Chop and then saute onion until glazed.
• Oil a casserole with olive oil. Put in Chicken. Mix Zucchini sauce, onion, garlic sprinkles, oregano, sugar and paprika.
• Top with grated cheese. Bake until done.

Ingredients:

• Cos/Iceberg lettuce
• Chicken breast
• Cooked beetroot
• Cucumber
• Goats cheese
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar glaze
• Honey
• Lemon
• Soy sauce
• Salt & Pepper

How to:

• Cut up the lettuce, chicken breast, cucumber and toss together in a bowl with the cooked beetroot pieces and thinly sliced goats cheese.
• Then mix a teaspoon of honey, half a teaspoon of balsamic glaze, and a 4cm thick slice of goats cheese into a thick paste. Pour three table spoons of olive oil, a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a dash of soy sauce, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
• Pour dressing over  salad and serve.

[Unfortunately it was too delish and I ate it before I could take a picture! I'll have to try again tomorrow.]

Within the walls of this grand and majestic hotel is the Bombay Brasserie – a premium Indian cuisine restaurant boasting dishes each with a complex multitude of flavours.

From the moment we arrived the service was impeccable and uncompromised, making us feel as regal as the romantic setting and elegant decor we were surrounded by.
Our hosts treated us to a very generous five course dinner.  Some of the dishes that notably stood out for us were the delicious spicy prawn starter, the apricot and potato bake with tamarind chutney, circled with yoghurt, and the succulent slow-cooked lamb shank in a saffron curry – all of which were absolutely filled with flavour. One dish that didn’t quite do it for me however, was the deconstructed purée like spinach dish.

Our experience shifted from fine dining to superior accommodation as we headed upstairs to our beautiful Taj suite, with unobstructed views of Table Mountain framed to the right with a church steeple.

The extra spacious suite boasted a large, rather kinky bathroom window, offering guests a perfect view of the flat screen TV from the bath, complimented by adjustable speakers inside the bathroom. Luxury? I’d say!

Our bed was big enough for five of me – ensuring the most relaxing night’s sleep – before indulging, once again, in another of the Taj’s exquisite restaurants – Mint. The name was cleverly derived from the old Reserve Bank’s Munt Room where the coins were originally manufactured.

This is the third Taj hotel that I have stayed at in the world – each one upholding the true excellence of the Taj brand.