#SupportLocal - out & about celebrating our local gems
Celebrating local gems in South Africa - a list of places to oooh and awww at, to delight your taste buds and to make memories at; because they sure are memorable enough to make this list.
Alliepad Alpakkas (Magaliesburg, Gauteng)
Probably one of the best experiences of 2020... If you're an alpaca fan then fear not, you do not have to cross the Atlantic Ocean to the Andes Mountains just to see these furry beings because guess what, they are right on our doorstep right here in Gauteng about an hour's drive from Johannesburg.
Let's chat logistics...
R500 gets you a sweet little tour of the farm grounds, a demonstration of how products get made from the collected alpaca wool (you can buy some products from their store on-site), a bucket of feed for all the available farm animals to feed and access to the farm for the day. They take a maximum of 6 people for these private farm tours due to COVID-19 with two different slots per day available and they are also open for tours during the week too.
We packed a delectable spread of sweet and savoury goods for the day and were able to score the best seat in the house for our picnic after all the alpaca festivities overlooking the small dam which is nestled behind some rolling hills - quite the picturesque countryside scene! I think it is safe to say that the best part of the day obviously involved the adorable alpacas. A group of strong female warriors with the fiercest haircuts after their recent shearing season greeted us with their becks and calls upon our arrival with a huge bucket of pellets but beware, these feisty ladies like to show their dominance by spitting. We also got to feed the local Bugs and Lola bunny, the crazy bunch from Chicken run and the oh-so friendly donkeys who just loved their carrot treats.
Did it rain? Absolutely, we got a downpour whilst picnicking. Weren't the alpacas gloomy from the weather? Quite the opposite, the cold rainy weather puts them in the best mood. Is it worth the drive and money? 100% yes, the farm life experience is always a blast because its good to get out of the city sometimes but, aside from that, where else would you see a gang of feisty alpaca gals so cool that they'd put the Charlie's Angels to shame. Plus the guide is super friendly and super passionate about these girls and his wet felting. But if you're willing to wait that long, they are expecting some babies next year November...
Be sure to give them a visit on their Instagram page or make a booking via their website to marvel at these furry creatures!
Waffle & Co (Potchefstroom, NW)
Home to the best Belgian waffle in all of Potch, I felt it necessary to share one of my personal favourite spots in my student 'dorpie' - not only is it a favourite to curb my sweet tooth cravings but it satisfies my need for furry cuddles too.
This quaint farmhouse style restaurant will grant any waffle wishes, savory or sweet, whatever your heart desires.. Their Smores waffle is the way to my heart (just ask the boyfriend 🤭) and their savory waffles pack a punch too. And if you're looking for vegan options, they've got you covered too.
Sitting outside while the cool breeze blows overlooking their huge green lawns whilst hearing the birds makes you feel like you're in the countryside a handful kilometers from the hustle and bustle of the student hub when in fact you're not. There is nothing more peaceful than escaping the clutches of academic pressures with a half portion (or full portion if you're really hungry) waffle & milkshake in hand.
You can't go wrong with their Lumberjack or Martian waffle stack as they are real crowd favorites! - your resident lazy girl, Mix
Waffle & Co have seating in an outdoor setting overlooking the property as well as an upstairs indoor section where you can also explore the cute offerings at their gift shop. The staff are very friendly and their fur friends roam around stealing hearts unconscious of their irresistible puppy power! Specials are a regular occurrence at the branch to cater for the students and to be honest, you get so much bang for your buck it's crazy - especially on Mondays 😉
Grass Roof (Port Elizabeth, EC)
Today's gloomy weather reminded me of our visit to this local gem out in the Eastern Cape a couple of months ago and because roadtrips are no longer a thing of the past (thanks level 1), I felt it only necessary to share this little slice of green paradise with you..
So as you can see, this farm stall-coffee shop location gets its name for its uniquely grown grass patch over its roof but, it is not the only luscious piece of greenery to look at because they also have their own gardens where they grow their own fresh produce to be used on their restaurant side of things or to be sold at the farm stall. Another fantastic little piece of information is that they pride themselves on being eco-conscious, this can be seen from locally sourcing products, the use of biodegradable straws for their drinks and the use of old containers for their seating area which happens to overlook their magnificent gardens. They're a pet-friendly zone so all furry friends are welcome and don't forget to greet the fellow house cats.
Now let's chat food - wow wow wow! I personally cannot wait till I'm back in the area for another pit stop at the Grass Roof because they blew my taste buds out of the park with their Sugar Rush waffle stack and let me just tell you, I love nothing more than when a place serves you hearty generous portions of deliciousness because that's when you know you are getting your money's worth. All their menu items cater for everyone, from the sweet tooths to the savoury preferences to those of you who are vegan, there's something for everyone.
I'm a total sucker for a farm stall and their farm stall has to be my favorite one yet! Grab a picnic basket and go crazy because you will literally want to pack the whole farm stall into the boot of your car - their selection of pastries #mouthwatering, local but lekker goods for sale from all your favorite local brands and don't even get me started on their farm fresh eggs, frozen meals, fruit & veg selection, okay I'm going to stop right here otherwise I'll be here till the sun goes down... If i could rate this farm stall out of ten, I'd give it a twenty because kindness and good service also goes a long way but they also capture your heart with their neat, rustic farm decor and goods.
This was the highlight for me at our Port Elizabeth stop and honestly, I'd go back in the blink of an eye if it meant being able to visit this gem - only this time I'd love it to be sunny so I could explore the outside a little more. Thanks Grass Roof for making this city girl a very happy chappy :)
Kaylee's Eatery (Bedfordview, JHB)
A stunning little vegan eatery alongside the big Comic Con center on North Reef road owned by a powerhouse woman and yes, her name is Kaylee! She's the blonde beauty you see on their socials diving into the most delicious looking meals - cue all the mouth watering.
We happened to visit this gem on a girl's day out in August and I know that I'm counting the days till I go back there. As mentioned, the eatery is one that specializes in vegan cuisine but had you wandered in and ordered something , I highly doubt you would even know the difference. Think hearty classics like soup, bagel sandwiches, spaghetti bolognaise, nachos stacks, big burgers - and if you're in the mood to curb your sweet tooth they have decadent shakes, chocolate cake and apple pie, but all with a vegan twist and I'm here for it :) Apart from the amazing food, the service and kind staff make your experience 100x better.
DECOR! Think hangings lights, wooden textures, a sleek neon logo light design and then you move into their green room which overlooks the parking lot and you're greeted with bright pink walls, luscious green leafy plants and its pet-friendly too. Their decor has a serious Kynd Community Balinese feel to it, especially their famous "Hey Gorgeous" decal which features on most of their clients' Instagram feeds after visiting.
So to all my vegan friends (non-vegans too), come through and visit Kaylee's Eatery - 10/10 would recommend! (click here for their menu)
RollEgoli rink (Bryanston, JHB)
Nevermind ice-skating, here's the next best thing: ROLLERSKATING..
1 of only 2 roller rinks in Gauteng, this takes you right back to the 80's with four wheels and groovy tunes. Pizza, ice cream, skates, slushies, pink benches - what more could you want?
So here's the logistics:
R95.00 per person skating (spectators go in for free)
R40.00 for skate hire but you're welcome to bring your own
Checklist:
- Do bring thick socks with you to prevent those blisters from forming
- Make sure you have cash with you as there are no card facilities on site or download Zapper as they do offer Snapscan bar codes
- Skate as long as you want to get your full R95.00's worth
- Order one of their freshly baked pizzas straight from their pizza oven when you get the munchies
Spilt Milk Cafe (Melville, JHB)
Situated on the famous 7th street that is home to a strip of very lively local bars, restaurants and other surprises like a comedy club and some thrift stores - this social cafe occupies the corner looking out over the narrow streets of Melville giving a very much Parisian cafe vibe with a South African twist.
Upon entering you will find a very cute tile mosaic "hey cutie" welcome at the foot of their double wooden doors where you will then be greeted with the pungent aroma of coffee and fresh buttery pastries. Their delectable pastry spread is the first thing you see and believe me when I say it causes an instant mouth-watering reaction. Choose to sit along the windows at their stools overlooking the streets, at their patio table arrangements outside for that true Parisian feel or in their outside courtyard beautifully decorated with plant life fit to make any plant mom swoon, as well as some rustic gold framed mirrors that align the walls.
Now let's chat menu items. Obviously being a cafe, they have a fantastic selection of all things coffee and hot beverage related, but if you're looking for something fresh and crisp then look no further than their San Pellegrino sparkling drink selection. Croissant & bagel brekkie sarmies, chocolate croissants, trammezinis, jam filled donuts, fresh baguette/ciabatta/farm breads, are you salivating yet? They also just recently created picnic packs with a fresh loaf, cheeses, preserves, cured meats and some sweet goodies for those picnics in the park moments in the warm Joburg sun. Not only are they super friendly caterers for all your coffee needs but they also stock some fantastic local products like The Counter fudge & nougat, Simply Granola, The Chaloner preserves & jams, Melville Soap Company goodies and many more...
If it isn't their rustic decor that gives the place a cozy feel, nor the friendly faces that tend to all your needs or even their amazing coffee that wins your heart over then I'm sure their free wifi will ;)
So pay a visit to this little slice of Melville magic, it will be worth it trust me!
Pont de Val (Parys District)
Think picture perfect brick houses, luscious green vines, the river sparkling in the afternoon sun - Pont de Val mimics a getaway to the French countryside and I'm here for it! Their site is divided into two sections: the breath-taking estate which also houses their restaurant, hotel & wedding venue and then there's the French Village, winery & picnic spot which boasts an array of village shops and the occasional live band or two.
We headed to Pont de Val ( about an hour's drive from Joburg) to spend a Sunday picnicking along the banks of the river - we bought our picnic spread at the local deli onsite and set up camp for the day under one their shaded benches overlooking the water. The local deli is a dream - they have freshly baked pastries, desserts, breads, cold cuts , anything you want for a great picnic - you'll find it there. Their pizza oven in the center of the deli is not only a vessel of art with the smells of freshly made pizza pouring through the building but is an artwork itself, decorated with thousands of shiny brass 5c coins. If you get the chance, try their Chorizo Chilli pizza and their decadent massive chocolate brownies, you won't be disappointed.
What to bring for your picnic:
- Empty picnic basket (you buy all your picnic goods there)
- Cutlery & serviettes, unless you want to pay hefty prices from the deli
- Picnic blanket
- Camping chairs (if you are a large group of people it would be advised)
- Camera for those special moments
- Bank card as they are a strictly cashless location
Unfortunately, when we visited, all the shops in Village du Pont were closed due to COVID but among the shops are an ice cream parlour, cute plant shop, a little pamper paradise, wine tasting exhibit, cruise booking line and many many more..
I must say one of the things that stood out to me the most about this little picnic location is how serious they take their cleanliness and environmental footprint as you can find countless collections of recyclable bins metres away from each other as well as staff regularly walking around with dustbin bags to clean up any stray litter, also, their packaging for their food items are all recyclable (hence the recyclable bins) - I mean how fabulous is it to see a business taking such great precautionary measures to waste management!
You are definitely not limited to the picnic area though! There's a path that takes you straight to the restaurant/estate area if you're keen to explore. For me personally, I find it a stunning location that allows for a very chilled family day out to enjoy nature and each other's company and is well worth the drive.
