CRIT: Eat Out The Box - Artisans of Take Away, Capetown

Out of a desire to *not* do the dishes on our last night in Capetown, Francis suggested that we take a crisp walk along Constantia Main road, and buy ourselves Pizza for a treat...

During our stay we noticed a small take-away called Eat Out The Box - and decided to try this one instead of the standard 'hamster-on-a-treadmill' KFC, Debonairs or Steers... I'm glad we did!

Firstly, we walked in the wrong door and found ourselves on the kitchen side. Secondly, it was 45 minutes before the shop *actually* opened... Instead of sending us packing, Nicole made us feel welcome and showed us around to the correct door. She personally saw to the order, and after a mere 25 minute wait we had two hot Pizza boxes ready to go.

Geek Fact: The acoustics in the waiting area are great! (Savanna «3yrs» did Modern Interpretative Dance while I sang the blues, Kelsey «11mo» did some sideways manoeuvres and 'sang' as well)

Ok, the Pizza:
We ordered the Cape Doctor - Bacon, Feta and Peppadews R62 (We added Free Range Chicken for an extra R10) *Pizza Prices range from R20 - R85
The children had the Leelo - Ham and Pineapple R35

Our Pizza was so full of toppings...we didn't know what to do with it! We are all so used to the mainstream Pizzerias and their "meagre-toppings-lots-of-sauce" rule that to suddenly have a food-laden pizza was a shock! A wonderful juicy tummy-filling shock! They were so generous with the feta, piled on the peppadews and chicken - thank you and well done! My only 'negative' was that the pizza was a tad bland and needed some salt and a shake or two of Ina Paarmans Cheese Spice. But once there was a touch of salt, the flavours really came out!

Savanna usually refuses to eat Pizza, it's like pulling hens teeth... she ate two full slices without a grumble. Our 11 month old ate all of my crusts and most of my bacon. Eat Out The Box got a firm 'num-num' from our little critic. Well done!

Eat Out The Box also make gorgeous burgers as well.
If you want to learn more please click on the following link and pay them a visit! www.eatoutthebox.co.za They do Free Delivery for orders over R50.

Interesting Fact:
-The bases are home-made with an option of 'Gluten Free' or '50% Rye' - Nice to have a choice!
-They often run specials.
-They have an impressive Kiddies Menu ranging from R30-R36 (We promise you *will* eat their leftovers)

Call: 0217619839 or order online @ www.eatoutthebox.co.za
(Capetown Only *Sorry Durban* - based in Constantia)

Take care everyone,

Sandy Bigara
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Pasta with Roast Tomato and Goat's Cheese - Try it!

If you want to attack a plate of food like a fork-wielding ninja... Or, alternatively, if you wish to watch your dinner guests attacking plates of food likewise... Then read on.

For our 7th Wedding Anniversary ( :) ) My darling husband cooked up a treat for us. He decided to make this dish and I have to be honest - I absolutely LOVED it!

The tomatoes, roasted in their own juices and a touch of olive oil, make a divine sauce, the goats cheese (finely chopped or crumbled if possible) simply softened afterwards in the hot tomato sauce, melts in your mouth and perfectly compliments the tomato. We found that the dish was a tad bland but once Francis added a generous sprinkling of Ina Paarmans Cheese Spice (Parmesan and salt will do) sorted that out. I am super impressed with my husbands cooking skills!

Well done love, and here's to another 7 good years... And a few more after that as well ;)

Sandy Bigara
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Thank You Readers!

This is a just a quick THANK YOU to all of you who take the time to read my ramblings. I have reached 600 views for June 2011 and have had 100 views in July so far! All thanks to YOU!

Have a fantastic day and keep on reading! It encourages me so much. Send my link to your friends if you can : )

Take care everyone,

Sandy Bigara
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Deluxe Lentil Bredie (In Cream of Tomato)

Ok, so before you say "Lentils?? Sandy? Really??" Just do yourself a favour. Go to the shops and get these ingredients, then follow the recipe to the letter. Eat the whole pot of lentils and then email me: admin.pawpaw@gmail.com

This is my latest creation and from the look on my family's faces it is a success!!

"Deluxe Lentil Bredie (In Cream of Tomato)"

Ingredients:

1 Red Onion (finely chopped)
Olive Oil approx 4Tbsp
2 Tins of pre-cooked Brown Lentils (drain them first) (do not use fresh lentils!!)
1 tub of Fresh Cream 250ml
1 tin of peeled chopped Tomato (drain half the liquid away)
1 Packet of ROYCO Tomato Bredie Powder
Salt

Method:

1. Add oil to the pan and allow it to heat up.
2. Add the onion and fry until onion is soft.
3. Add the drained tins of Lentils.
4. Pour Fresh Cream over the lentils and mix it in.
5. Pour the dry ROYCO Tomato Bredie Powder over the lentil/onion/cream mix and stir to spread the flavour and powder evenly throughout.
6. Add the tomato in thirds, mixing thoroughly each time to avoid curdling.
Allow the Lentil Bredie to simmer for a while and then serve!

Please Note: this dish tastes better when it has cooled down a bit, serve on a bed of fettucini or Cavatapi pasta with rocket and feta.

This is a mild tasty dish that even had my fussy 11month old saying 'num num!'

Enjoy!


Sandy Bigara
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Diemersfontein: A Farm Worth Visiting

After a lovely drive up the N1 to Wellington/Paarl we stopped by an old haunt of mine www.diemersfontein.co.za (an old childhood holiday home) so that I could explore, wander and generally make a fool of myself: wiping tears from my eyes as my two toddler/monkey children scampered through every puddle they could find. We had the fortune of meeting David Sonnenberg, the owner. A warm and amiable man who made us feel most welcome! (Thank you for the gift of Wine David)

After exploring the gardens and the Manor House (now the central point of a 30 bedroom, 28 En Suite guest house/s) we set our sights on the new and very modern "Seasons" Restaurant. Now, when you want to see the true hospitality of a restaurant - bring small children with you.

The staff are warm and friendly, they have baby chairs available. The 'Soup of the Day' was adequate for both of our girls to share and was tasty! (Tomato and Basil Soup R35) I had the Cape Malay Curry - a light tasty chicken curry served with a beautifully presented popadom, sambals and soft white basmati rice - a real treat at R80. Francis had the Seafood Tagliatelli - prawn and mussels in a creamy Napolitano sauce, gently flavoured with no 'fishy' smell or aftertaste, R92 for a generous portion.

Savanna (3) had a strawberry milkshake - the most authentic strawberry shake I have *ever* tasted! Real strawberries! Kelsey (11months) had a little bit of everything...and left it all on the floor under her chair. Much to our surprise. The staff were very kind and accommodating.

If you are staying in the Cape I would strongly suggest this as an excursion not to miss. Follow the N1 out of Cape Town and find the farm in the heart of Wellington. Diemersfontein is quiet and pleasing to the eye with photo opportunities everywhere. Children can pose for photographs atop a life sized Hippo overlooking the dam. Little guinea fowl dart through the grass and in the distance horses graze. Idyllic! The bedrooms in the guest house are a 'blast from the past' filled with beautiful artworks, period pieces and divine wooden furniture.

Diemersfontein is also a Wedding Venue and Conferencing Centre. There is Wine-tasting Bar and a beautiful garden to view (Featured in 'Gardens of South Africa' 1992)

Let me know if you get there!

Sandy Bigara

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Julius Malema - An Interesting Article

Hey everyone,

After a fascinating conversation with a Zimbabwean living in Capetown, I did some reading and found two articles worth 'educating yourself' over.

Realising that, due to the racist rantings of ANCYL Leader J.M. - myself (a hardworking white south african) and my new friend (a hardworking zimbabwean) BOTH feel the same: as if we don't belong. Despite the fact that the SA Govt has granted her legal residency, and that I am a third generation South African with a passport and I'd document that state - SOUTH AFRICAN. Apparently I am NOT African at all. Apparently my friend is not African enough...despite the fact that BOTH of us (and Mr Malema as well) were born and bred on the continent of Africa.

Now, instead of being derogatory (I try to refrain from that avenue) I am *trying* to understand what J.M's motives are. I must say, I am battling to do so. He seems to want good things for 'his' people. I just don't understand why we *all* are not his people, we are African. Could he not pick up the slack where Madiba let go? Could he not channel his seemingly gifted ability to make headlines by fighting for positive change and 'hope'? Without ostracising portions of the population? Without breeding fear and inciting violence, condoning the murder of our very important providers- farmers? I sometimes think that he is not in it for 'the people' but perhaps,... He is in it for the glory. Read on, these articles are interesting and offer new insight into this complex public figure. I personally hope and pray that he amasses positive change for ALL South Africans:

" Pointing to the clause that says "The national wealth of the country....shall be restored to the people", he demands the nationalization of the mines. Pointing to the clause which says that the land "shall be re-divided among those who work it", he demands the expropriation without compensation of both white-owned farmland and the mines. He is, of course, careful never to quote the Freedom Charter's first line, "South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white"
Quote: RW Johnson "Making sense of Julius Malema"

Here is the full article entitled:
"Making sense of Julius Malema"
By RW Johnson written, 28 June 2011.
(( http://www.politicsweb.co.za/politicsweb/view/politicsweb/en/page72308?oid=243160&sn=Marketingweb+detail&pid=90389 ))

Also, the wikipedia article about Julius Malema, for your perusal -
(( http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Malema ))

Have a good day,

Sandy Bigara

< -------------- >
Photos: Author RW Johnson sourced from www.politicsweb.co.za and, Julius Malema ANCYL sourced from www.rivercity.co.za
< -------------- >

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Fat Guilt

I watched a couple walk up the road, a woman with a curvy figured, slightly overweight, next to her was her man. He was slightly built and lean... The two of them laughed and chatted all the way up our street. I noticed two things: One, He was very much in awe and in love with her. And two, she was loving the attention and walked as if she was Catherine Zeta Jones...

So why do we as Caucasians feel embarrassed about our bodies if we have one iota of extra weight? Media is to blame to some degree, seeing the 'edited' and 'un-edited' Magazine covers opened my eyes to the lie that is popularised glam media. These ladies have eyes that are uneven, cellulite, chicken wings, flab, orange peel, forehead lines (notice how awful the names are for parts of our precious bodies?)

I feel challenged: LOVE YOURSELF. A sexy girl is a confident girl.

Sandy Bigara
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Questionnaire 2011

1
What is your occupation right now?
Slightly Insane Show Director!Producer/Entertainer
 
2
What colour are your socks right now?
White. Meh. 

3
What are you listening to right now?
Francis washing dishes
 
4
What was the last thing that you ate?
Mince, tomato, mushroom and cheese pasta

5
Can you drive a manual car?
Yeah

6
Do you like the person who sent this to you
Hells Yeah!

7
How old are you today?
30

8
Favourite drink?
Nestle Hot Chocolate

9
Favourite colour?
My children's Cheeks, hair and eyes :)
 
10
Favourite Perfume?
DKNY
 
11
Have you ever dyed your hair?
Most months yes...

12
Favourite food????
Medium Well done steak fillet old man from Roma Revolving Restaurant...

13
What is the last movie you watched
Cars...

14
Favourite day of the year?
17th Jan, 3rd July and 17th July (Sav B-day, Wedding day, Kels B-Day)
 
15
How do you vent anger?
I write horrible short stories where people DIE. No really. :)

16
What was your favourite toy as a child
My giraffe Dorothy, as a 5 month old I used to 'chat' to her for hours.
 
17
What is your favourite season???
Spring/Autumn

18
Cherries or Blueberries?
Blueberry on top of cheesecake
 
19
Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?
*sigh* Yes -.- ....... Just kidding hahaha

20
Who is the most likely to respond?
I dunno...

21
Who is least likely to respond?
Mmm...
 
22
Living arrangements?
Francis - love slave, Savanna - slave master 3yrs, Kelsey - Apprentice to the Slave master, Skippi - dog with half a brain.
 
23
When was the last time you cried?
On tuesday night, at home alone with the girls, all 3 of us sick and me at the tail end of 3 live shows ... It was the ugly cry of 2011.

24
What is on the floor of your closet?
Shoes/some kids toys

25
Who is the friend you've had the longest that you are sending to?
Rachel Basckin

26
What did you do last night?
I packed up 50kg of baggage, took myself and two small girls to King Shaka Airport and flew to Capetown... In one piece!!

Send this around, just add your own answers :)



Sands
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Crit: The Crush Hopper @ Catalina

[In the photo: Sandy Bigara and Mandisa Haarhof]

I was pleasantly surprised (see: ecstatically thrilled like a teenage girl at a Bieberfest) when we were invited to watch the opening night of Crush Hopper at The Catalina Theatre Wilson's Wharf.

We arrived at the theatre and the atmosphere was buzzing, even outside, people were laughing and mingling, networking and generally being very, very excited. I was personally love-mauled by Madame Diva Pinkie Mtshali (The Durban Diva's) followed closely by a dive tackle love hug from songbird Thulile Zama (Heels Over Head) and her awesome side-kick Marshall. Upstairs I had the pleasure of seeing Samantha Govender (watch this rising star - incredible actress), my old friend Ntando Mncube (Spice n Stuff), Thobani Mbhele and Chantal Snyman (Green Revolution) and a few others.

As the show started I really didn't know what to expect (the name is very open ended). Once Mandisa came on stage, it took me about 10 minutes or so to really warm up to the character, but boy, once I had connected, it was a rollercoaster ride of mixed emotions for me. She took me back in time to my own childhood were we all played the same games it seems, I laughed, I sang along, I felt guilty, I felt a kindred tie weave it's way through the crowd.

I thought, earlier on, that the show would follow the 'expected' racial path...but it didn't. It was an open, honest diary of the internal life of a young person searching for her identity. It was refreshing. It was worth seeing again.

I let my eyes wander the audience, each audience member was engrossed, most were laughing, a few were uncomfortable - which is a good thing! The subject matter is funny and accessible but, it holds a very large mirror up before the audience, causing us to look at ourselves from a new perspective.

The question that I was left with, and one that I have mulled over since watching the show is this:
"Am I proud of who I am? Do I know who I am? Should I apologise for who I am?"

I really would recommend this show, please note that there is use of English, some Afrikaans and minimal isiKhosa in the show...and no subtitles.

Sandy Bigara

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Press Release:
Crush Hopper is a one woman show conceived, written and created by Mandisa Haarhof in collaboration with her director Ntokozo Madlala. The play was first performed at the Musho Theatre Festival in Durban in January 2011 where won the festival's Audience award, as voted for by the audiences! It is a beautiful true tale of a young woman searching for love and identity in the midst of trying circumstances. Through crushing and crushes, she finds a way to cope with her displacement and an escape from her numbing reality!

Dates:
Thursday June 16 at 8:00pm until June 26 at 10:00pm

Times:
Thurs - Fri @ 8pm
Sat @ 5pm & 8pm
Sun @ 2pm & 6pm

Tickets:
R65 pp
R40 student/pensioner

To book:
031 3056889 /

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=217742878255044
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Lunar Eclipses And Their Effect On Babies

Well, well, well, ...tonight we decided to be legendary and wait up to see the Lunar eclipse (Like normal people who aren't exhausted parents of young children).
We ordered a Pizza and Coke, stayed up later (let the girls stay up an hour later) and then we sat in the cold watching the eclipse until we couldn't keep our eyes open. That was 3 hours ago.

I am currently sitting in my pink fluffy dressing gown at 1am, on the couch. While 11 month old Kelsey sings, burps, crawls and slingshot's around the lounge. This is the first time this has happened. Ever.
My dear husband, after battling out the 10:30pm-midnight titanic toddler/parent fight for sleep avoidance/deprivation with me as his bleary eyed assistant, has succumbed to the almighty sleep and left me, uh, holding the baby so to speak.

We have Shushed, Rocked, Wrapped, Fed, Smacked, Cuddled, Ignored, Medicated and Cried to try and get her to sleep. But it's not. Gunna. Happen.

"It looks like.... ..... .... ..... She's awake"
YEEEEEEEAAAAAHHH!!!!!
*Horatio put on sunglasses and places hand on hips*

Sorry, I am sitting at the tail end of an incredibly busy few days (I am completely and utterly exhausted) and I can see no conceivable way that I will be getting any sleep tonight.

It seems as though several forces are at play stopping Kelsey's sleep:
a. She has a sleeping issue (slept through for the first time at 10.5months)
b. She has acid reflux and it seems to be particularly bad tonight.
c. She has reached a big milestone (last two days) and is now tentatively walking.
d. She has had a speech breakthrough saying new words. Daddy, Dum, Mum, Nanna, Ottle, Grancie, NumNum.
e. There was an eclipse and she is now part werewolf (would explain the nasty wolverine poohs she's been leaving in her nappies)

All of these or one of these could be the cause. I just don't know, I'm too frikkin tired.

Nice eclipse though.

Sandy Bigara
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