Dinner under the Oaks

I can't quite believe that its time to put up our first ever Christmas Tree at the Oude Leeskamer Guest House! (but secretly I am starting to get quite excited about the Christmas season... now before you all cancel your reservations and book yourself into the hotel down the road at the first twitches of anaphylactic shock at the idea of hearing endless Christmas carols reverberating off the yellow wood beams - never fear - I won't be subjecting anyone to Boney M!) Hilda and I are, however, going to be trying out some of my German granny's recipes for traditional German Christmas baked goodies, so don't be surprised if you are called in for an impromptu focus group to test the results of our experiments!

For Paul and I it will be our first South African Christmas in 4 years and we are really looking forward to swopping ice-skating at Hampton Court Palace, gluhwein and a turkey-and-all-the-trimmings-lunch whilst holed up with the central heating at full blast for a Christmas braai-with-crayfish-and-steaks, factor 50 sunscreen and ice-cold beers by the pool! For those of you stuck in the snow in Europe - we'll be sure to raise a glass to you!

The entire winelands are abuzz with summer activities and preparations to celebrate the start of the festive season. The energetic will be up early this Sunday (5th Dec) to pit themselves against the mountains of the Stellenbosch and Franschoek area in  "Die Burger Cycle Race". Mother nature is rumored to be sending us a beautifully sunny day with temperatures of between 20 and 25 degrees, so the cyclist will be able to enjoy the views of the scenic Old Helshoogte Pass and the rolling hills of Franschoek and Paarl before returning to Stellenbosch, 98km's later. For the less enthusiastic there's a 44km race and even a 15km family ride up Jonkershoek and back - something for everyone. Best we get the bikes serviced, at least we can try and look the part! For more info see: www.dieburgercycletour.co.za

For those more interested in exercising their taste buds than their quads – Stellenbosch is very excited to be hosting its first ever “Dinner under the Oaks” event this coming Saturday (the 11th December). Nine different restaurants will be preparing special menus and will gather together in the centre of Stellenbosch under the old oak trees that the town is famous for.

Church street will become a pedestrian only zone and colorful tables and chairs will transform the street into an alfresco dining zone, whilst many of the boutiques and galleries will be open for some late evening Christmas shopping. The participating restaurants are Jan Cats, Lafayette Winebar & restaurant, Café Dijon, 1802 at d’Ouwe Werf, Greengate Eatery, Arpeggio, De Volkskombuis, Coopmanhuijs and the Wijnhuis, and the prices vary from R150 to R250 per person for a three course meal. And if your dinner companion’s conversations are not entertaining enough – you can always indulge in some people watching or enjoy the live music provided by Schalk Joubert. Now just imagine a luxurious weekend at the Oude Leeskamer Guest House, - and being able to roll the 50 metres back to the Guest House after having indulged in some excellent local food and wine under the oaks and stars of beautiful historic Stellenbosch. To book your table go to www.www.diningroute.co.za.