Recently Lory and I needed an adventure day. Working from home is sometimes a balancing act, so I take her out to a place for a slice of cake or a meal so we can regroup, spend some quality time together over something edible (breaking bread together is a bonding activity in our house) and have a conversation.
I originally wasn't sure of this place when I read through it's reviews online which seemed very mixed but on average rather below par so I was in two minds but the day came when I decided to take a chance and we hopped in the car to visit Smitswinkel in Oudtshoorn. It's on the main road here which is Route 62, the main tourist route through the town which encompasses the longest wine route and links Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. If you visit the area, Route 62 is a wonderful scenic drive including mountain ranges, quaint towns and gorgeous farm land on either side with various stops for photos.
Smitswinkel is a bit of a mish mash of a restaurant and grocery store. They also offer simple accommodation.
It has a busy, but entertaining vibe and is furnished inside with various points of interest like the wall of off road dirt bikes and there's even a real fixed wing plane that hangs from the roof.
There is a wrought iron oversized indoor braai/fire pit (massive barbeque in other words) while outside includes beautifully manicured lush green lawns, dotted with outdoor shaded picnic benches, a large chess board, aviaries full of brightly coloured birds, chickens and bunnies. The chickens run around free range and find little tidbits under tables which is extremely entertaining to children and adults alike who aren't scared of chickens - hence the video. This was probably Lory's favourite part of the whole visit. The roosters often jump up on the tables and crow, much to the delight of the children around.
It's quite apparent that a lot of work went into the decor of this restaurant and it has a cross feel of country western and sixties jive. Even the menus have hand drawn sketches of celebrities. There are even a few statues that look like they're straight out of the oscars.
You could visit this place numerous times and still find new things, there is a lot to marvel at. Of course to keep the kiddos entertained there is a huge climbing / clambering jungle gym with slides, swings, rope ladders and a ball pit.
The cake selection was a bit slim with only two options of Mozart cake and Carrot Cake but they were both delicious so I couldn't complain.
While I haven't had one of their famous braai's there yet, I'm definitely keen to take Lory back there for a celebration of some kind. Perhaps I should have used my birthday as an excuse, perhaps my hive birthday - but the house was very busy with my sister visiting. Either way I'll find a good excuse reason for us to go back and try a Sunday Potjie maybe - a traditional "pot food" with a very interesting history dating back to the 1500s. If you'd like to learn more about Potjiekos and it's origins from the Hutspot - which came to life during the Siege of Leiden in 1574 during the Eighty Years’ War, you can check out this short write up on CultureTrip
Calvin and Hobbes - Bill Watterson
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