Challenge # 13: Tokara Delicatessen

| The Stellenbosch Culinary Challenge |

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

before her final graduation - 

My boyfriend has been trying for a while to get me into cycling - with no avail. However, things quickly changed when we tried out tandem cycling. It's great because I sit at the back and let him do all the cycling :-)  but it really is a fun way of exercising and spending time together simultaneously. Because you have quite a lot of momentum, when cycling downhill we decided to put it to the test on Helshoogte Pass, just outside Stellenbosch. Our goal was to see if we could set of the speed camera at the bottom of the Pass, in a 60km/h zone. However, what goes down, must go up, so early Saturday morning we set off for a steep ride, breakfast at Tokara Delicatessen (which would hopefully add to our momentum) and then the downhill challenge.

Set among olive groves and vineyards, overlooking Simonsberg Mountain and the Stellenbosch Valley Tokara is a worthy competitor to the views that Tuscany and the Bordeaux regions in Europe offer. To me, Tokara is like a mini overseas trip!

One of the Delicatessen's best features is that it caters for everyone. They are extremely family orientated, with ample space for kids to play, jungle gyms, toys and other activities. Yet they also have a very stylish and simplistic interior, adding elegance to the venue. Cyclists are also welcomed and seeing as they are situated at the end of the Helshoogte Pass, they are a popular stop-over. Especially the Delicatessen is quite inclusive. 

After cycling to Pniel and back, we were in search of a good breakfast. I had the Avocado on toast, with grilled cherry tomatoes and radishes (R 55) and my boyfriend had the continental butter croissant with eggs and bacon (R 55). It was a cold, drizzly morning, so I had a Earl Grey & Blue Flower loose leaf tea (R20) while the boyfriend indulged in a belgian hot chocolate (R25). The hot chocolate is served with  frothed milk and ample real belgian chocolate which provides for a rich, comforting drink. Their food is of very high quality and since having the avocado toast on my first visit to Tokara a few years ago, it has become my standard choice.

Belgian Hot Chocolate indulgence

Loose leaf Earl Grey & Blue Flower tea

Hungry after a good cycle

The Delicatessen hosts breakfast and lunch. Options that you can look forward to include salads, open sandwiches and more substantial options such as Pork Belly Cassoulet (R 125), Braised Lamb Neck and various platters. An average main meal is about R 80. The majestic view is however free and is my favourite part of Tokara. 

The Delicatessen also sell their own olive products, various delicacies, fresh produce, charcuterie, imported coffees and a selection of handmade belgian chocolates as well as providing a complimentary olive & oil tasting. If a bicycle is not your mode of transport, I can recommend their wine testing hosted in the adjoining cellar and tasting room. 

The estate is also home to a fine dining restaurant, with terroir focused cuisine under the guidance of chef Richard Carstens. The restaurant shares in the magnificent view that the area offers and promises a taste sensation as one of South Africa's leading fine dining restaurants. Clothed in our cycling gear however, we gave the restaurant a miss. :-)

The Tokara estate has a lot to offer, most importantly it cultivates a deep appreciation for and celebrates the beauty of South Africa. 

To finish our outing, we hopped onto our bicycle and started our journey down Helshoogte Pass -  3 kilometres of downhill cycling in which we hoped to gain enough momentum to offset the camera at the bottom of the hill. It was quite an exhilarating experience, whizzing down the hill on a bicycle with only a few centimeters separating you from the very unforgiving tarmac. We gained our maximum speed at 71 km/h, but unfortunately the bicycle was too light to be picked up by the camera - I knew we should have had a bigger breakfast! 

Delicacies available for sale 

Comfortable seating area

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Trading hours | Tuesday - Sunday 09:00 -  17:00

Address | Top op Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch

Telephone | 021 808 5950

Email | deli@tokara.com

Website | www.tokara.co.za

Challenge # 11: Liza's Meeting Place

| The Stellenbosch Culinary Challenge |

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

before her final graduation - 

With a philosophy such as "Happiness through food, drinks and wine" you can't really go wrong. I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon Liza's. Situated in Dorp Street, (next to Big Easy), I have often driven past Liza's, but  never paid them a visit. 

When my dad was in town however, we met at Liza's for a coffee and sweet treat. Liza's surpassed all my expectations. Firstly, the owner of Liza's is by far the friendliest and most welcoming restaurant owner I have ever come across. This attitude resonates from their aim to not treat customers as customers, but rather like family. 

Secondly, if you enjoy cheesecake, there is no better variety and quality available in Stellenbosch. On the day that we visited, they had  no less than six different types of cheesecakes available (standard, strawberry, caramel, peanut butter, nutella and oreo cheesecake). Even better, they bake all produce themselves, therefore it is bound to be fresh. 

Knowing myself, I ordered a slice of chocolate torte. After a long day of class, the torte and earl grey & blue flower tea was a fantastic combination, complimented by my dad's presence. 

I love that they serve loose leaf tea, seeing as it allows for a much richer and better developed flavour in the tea. Liza's use the now famous Nigiro glass teapots, with tealight candle beneath, to retain some of the heat (These teapots are available to order online, via Yuppiechef).

Chocolate torte indulgence and Earl Grey & Blue Flower tea

Since our visit, my family have visited Liza's a couple of times - I'm pretty sure it is the cheesecake which lures them back. The cheesecake is definitely their specialty but they have a large, array of treats such as beautifully decorated cupcakes, croissants, tarts and plenty of savoury options available. They also have a liquor license and serve well known beers and ciders. Liza's are open from 07:00 am, making it an ideal spot for an early breakfast seeing as most restaurants in Stellenbosch only open much later. They also serve a hearty lunch and have a real commitment towards quality food. 

Bar-One Cheesecake

Oreo Cheesecake

Dad & daughter bonding :-)

Their decor is simple and elegant with our national flower, the protea, prominent throughout. Liza's take great pride in showcasing our national heritage to tourists. With great service and the warmest of welcomes, they are worthy ambassadors. 

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Address | 87 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch

Trading hours | Monday - Saturday 07:00 - 17:00

Telephone | 021 883 3977

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lizas-Meeting-Place/220143391494543?fref=ts

Challenge #6: Hazz

 | The Stellenbosch Culinary Challenge |

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

before her final graduation - 

Hazz is synonymous with their logo: "Coffee for heroes". I don't know if it is the coffee, but this place really has a buzz. For a non-coffee drinker to make such a statement about a coffee roastery and espresso bar - it really goes to show.

Situated in Ryneveld street it is popular among students, but despite the lack of parking Hazz don't only draw those who only go where their feet can carry them. Having Dan Hugo, the professional Xterra athlete as their brand ambassador they also draw a lot of active individuals and everyone else who is on the search for a really good cup of joe.

At Hazz you place your order at the till, before grabbing a seat. Inside you can choose between a couple of long tables and couches. Outside seating is weather dependent and consists of small wooden tables under the oak trees. Along with their selection of pure arabica coffees, they also have a decadent selection of pastries, macaroons and sweet treats ranging between R12 to R32 - these will definitely complement your coffee.

I was impressed by both the quantity and quality of their tea selection. I ordered the French Earl Grey tea, which is a TWG black tea blend infused with citrus fruits and french blue cornflowers. Hazz is not only serious about coffee - they serve specialist teas as well. This is a big bonus in my books! 

They also serve freshly prepared juices ( R 20) and a selection of sandwiches (R 29 - R 37)

My pot of French Earl Grey tea

If you don't have time for a sit down, they also do take-aways. Even better news is that you can enjoy the superb taste of Hazz coffees at home, thanks to the innovative self-service bean machine in the restaurant. This is a touch screen operated machine from which you can choose your selection of beans and whether you prefer it as whole beans or ground. In a matter of minutes you will be on your way with the freshest ground in town.

Interior of Hazz, with the self-service bean machine in the corner 

Photo Credit: Hazz

Visit them at: 32 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch

Telephone: 021 882 9976

Website: www.hazz.co.za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/h%C3%A4zz/146732435379391?fref=ts