La Belle Vie | The Beautiful Life: February 2015

| Stellenbosch Culinary Challenge |

- a student's quest to visit every restaurant in Stellenbosch,

before her final graduation -

Ride In is a unique concept. It is mainly geared towards cyclists wanting easy access to the trails of Jonkershoek but they are open to the public and are besides Postcard Cafe the only restaurants that pair the beauty that Jonkershoek Nature Reserve has to offer with great food.

Situated at the start of Jonkershoek way, just 3 kilometers outside Stellenbosch, Ride In is a great access point to all Jonkershoek has to offer. If the ample parking spots, bike hires, showers and bike wash don't intrigue you, the cafe and accommodation sure will.

The cafe has a limited menu, but the meals are large, fresh and scrumptious. Their menu is displayed on the blackbooards above the counter and changes regularly. They also have a deal of the day, which goes along the line of a main meal, beverage and dessert for about R80-90 - so if nothing else, it's quite a bargain.

Previous lunch options include:

Steak, rocket & blue cheese open sandwich, with a chocolate brownie and cuppacino (R 85)
Steak & parsnip pie, with plum tart & coffee (R85)
Sweet chilli chicken wrap, with a chocolate brownie and BlueJay juice (R80)

The sweet chilli chicken wrap, with dessert and juice

Steak pie, with juice and mini muffin selection for dessert

- they cater for the hungry!

Steak, lentil & aubergine salad, with a Hazz coffee

and oat & date bar

If you are not opting for their daily lunch deal, other options include all day breakfasts, spicy chorizo quesidillas, aubergine, rocket & feta sandwich, pies, boboties and hearty homemade dishes. If you're looking for an afternoon tea spot, Ride In also offers delicious treats and snacks. In fact, when my boyfriend (now fiance) wanted to introduce me to cycling, he made the lucrative offer of a post cycle sweet treat at Ride In - it obviously worked seeing as we are doing the Cape Cycle Tour next weekend, on a tandem... ;-)

The cafe also sells fresh flowers, the Buttanutt range of homemade nut butters, Artisan ice cream from Ice Cream Community and a variety of other energy bars, fresh juices, craft beers and even cycling equipment.

The amazing view from the seating area and tranquil atmosphere is however what ensures that it is a firm favourite of mine. There is also a great play place which will keep the kids entertained. They also have a generator and free wifi - so if loadshedding strikes, Ride In is a great alternative to the office.

Whether you are cycling past or just in search of a great meal, Ride In has a lot to offer.