What wine goes best with Bobotie with blatjang sauce?

More niteresting wines from South Africa.... part 3

I am certain that this is a question that everyone who works in a kitchen wonders? What South African wine is best served with fresh baked Bobotie? Ah, I know what you are thinking… is the Bobotie young or fully matured?

Actually, Bobotie is said to be a ‘hot contender for South Africa’s national Dish” ( in  “Rainbow Cuisine” by Lannice Snyman ) and it looks like a wonderful caserol style dish… which I will prepare this Sunday.

As for the wines, here is a listing of 5 new ones… new — that is — for me!

Goats do Roam — ” Thus was born, in 1999, what was for the South African wine scene an innovative blend using Rhône varieties such as shiraz, cinsaut, carignan and mourvèdre with a dash of local pinotage, which Back had sourced from various vineyards (his own and others) around Paarl and Malmesbury.”

Kanu — “The name Kanu is derived from a  veteran farm hand on Goedgeloof,  who told of the legend of a mythical bird of promise. The story tells that when the bird appeared, all those who fell under its shadow would be blessed with a bountiful harvest.”

Kanon Kop — “Kanonkop Estate has been described by those in the know as being the South African equivalent of a Premier Cru or First Growth. International awards accumulated over more than a decade have gone a long way to substantiate these claims.”

Indaba — “Indaba is the Zulu word that translates to a ‘meeting of minds’ or ‘assembly of Chiefs’.  This is the spirit of the brand which was founded in the 1990’s on the newly unified South Africa. It represents the communications which lead to the historical changes in South Africa. Mzokhona Mvemve is the head winemaker at Indaba.”  

Where to buy wine on-line? Try Southern Wine

…and Ostrich meat?  Ostrich Meat Company

Roger Freberg

PS. I am awaiting another very fine wine…. from Klein Constantia‘s ‘Vin de Constance’

 

“You left just when you were becoming interesting!”

Kristin's web page has interesting stuff ni it!

There’s a wonderful line in an Indiana Jones movie were “Dad” (Sean Connery) tells “son” (Harrison Ford), “you left just when you were becoming interesting!”

I think that is the way things can happen when your adult children start making their niche in the world. They develop into people that you really enjoy being around.

My daughter Kristin is a private person — and I respect that — but forgive me for updating her site   ( and she has contributed some to it)… it has been a task I have enjoyed. Check it out… our tribute to Kristin.

Roger Freberg

Midnight Showing Of Harry Potter! Excellent!

Midnight showing of Harry Potter

Well, the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix happened last night… actually, at 12:01 (midnight) this morning! It obviously was important to me as I never stay up late for anything. We’re now ten days or so in receiving Book 7 which portends Harry’s demise… but then, the stories have a true to life reality that impresses… sometimes evil wins, unless good is as ruthless.

It seems like America’s premier happened much later than in other parts of he world… which is fine… vestiges of the British Empire and all. Karen reports that the premier in South Africa was some time ago.

No matter, it was certainly Warner Brother’s finest interpretation of J.K. Rowling’s hugely convoluted book. I was sincerely impressed with how well the movie followed the book and kept some of the more meaningful aspects of the story together…

Worth the ticket!

Roger Freberg

Ostrich — part of a healthy & fun diet!

Amazing Nutritional information on Ostrich Meat!

I have enjoyed Ostrich before, but with my daughter Karen taking some time to intern in South Africa, I have reawakened to some of the wonders of that part of the world. One of those delicious items is Ostrich meat. The chart above tells the healthy story: higher in protein, lower in fats, calories and cholesterol …and as Karen describes it… Ostrich meat tastes like something between beef and chicken for flavor, but then a lot of that has to do with the preparation & seasonings, too.

Although civilization is finally making its way into our tiny community of San Luis Obispo in California, I still have to travel to Monterey or Watsonville to pick up some Ostrich meat. Although it takes a big chunk of the day, it is well worth it. I won’t be making an “Ostriducken” ( A chicken inside a Turkey inside an Ostrich)… I do have a few great tasting ideas.

There is a  place in Watsonville  where you can buy Ostrich meat. They even provide addresses to local shops along the central coast of California.

Roger Freberg

 

South African Night Sky

Southern Cross in South Africa's Night Sky!

The “Southern Cross” (CRUX) in South Africa’s night sky — if it is anything like Australia — should be fairly easy to see on a clear night. There are plenty of  internet programs  to show you where various  stars and constellations should be on any given night.

Karen posted  about the “Southern Cross” from her time in Cape town. I sometimes use these programs to see what the sky above people I know looks like… Iraq, Afghanistan, Hawaii and South Africa.

I feel closer to them somehow knowing about the heavens over them.

Roger Freberg