Window on George

Hong Kong's Ultra-Traditional Snacks, Groceries and Other Old-School Delicacies | HK Magazine Online The sweet smoky smell of roasting Chestnuts!  

We passed Van Rensburg's, crossed the main road  and our first stop was the newly-renovated Tourism Building. Last year they were still painting the roof, and we weren't sure if the new roof was going to be turquoise or white.   We are rather pleased with the results.    The bare winter trees are in stark contrast to the white walls and roof.   The sunlight was blinding.    I tried my best, but couldn't fit the whole tree into one photograph. We turned into Meade Street, and walked much further than Woolworths, our usual stop. To our delight, we discovered a collection of coffee shops spilling out onto the pavement, hiding behind huge ancient oak trees, between an antique shop and an art gallery. très chic and  very  ooh la la but not quite our cup of tea. We opted for the Hungry Camel but only had a slice of moist Carrot Cake. We were accosted by a cramp (sorry, family joke) but thanks to the firm

My sis Mandy and I love taking a walk through our neighbourhood. This year (yes, we can only do it once a year, when I visit in winter) we had to wait for nearly 3 weeks. There was snow on the mountains. There were builders in our yards. Trees had to be re-planted. Eyes had to be operated. Firewood had to be replenished. Granny squares were made. It was one of the coldest winters in George for me. But we got our day. Come, let's go. These quaint semi-detached houses are just a few houses away from mine. I love the carpet of Japonicas! This time we didn't go past the Botanical Gardens, but continued along our street to the bridge. ve bridge It offers a splendid mountain view Can you spot the black cat?   We marvelled at the fact that this house doesn't seem to have any burglar proofing.   Maybe the railway line has something to do with it. On the other side of the bridge we discovered a house very

. Every time I prepare this dish, I'm amazed at how a few simple ingredients can produce such exquisite deliciousness, and how easy it is too make! Pork Belly  (I used pork neck) A bunch of scallions About 7 thick slices of ginger Rock sugar (I used my lavender honey) Soy sauce  The recipe does not require it, but I added some Sweet Soy Sauce, called Kecap Manis, as well. Shaoxing rice wine ( Used left over sauv blanc!) Simmer GENTLY for about 2 or 3 hours, depending on how much meat you have. The longer the better. The fat becomes like jelly which is what makes this so yummmmmmy. My side dishes,  very Un-Chinese  were  mushrooms sweet pumpkin with cinnamon sticks threw in some baby potatoes and mange tout to steam in the meat sauce It all went very well with the wild ginger flowers I got at my market today. Oh, and Oscar has now morphed into Oscarina and is sporting her  I heart New York bag

Bloubergstrand (Blue mountain beach) offers the most iconic view of Table Mountain, not unlike the view of Hong Kong Island from the "other" side, in TST. Whereas the previous day was picture perfect for a stroll through the Company Gardens, today's weather was gloomy, cold, windy and the smell of the stormy seas was intoxicating.    The sense of smell is the most powerful of all the senses.   The full-on smell of the sea took me back to my childhood in one gusty swoop. The three of us talked about reliving childhood memories, remembering or not, looking back or forward alternative ways of looking at life besides visually. ahhh the wisdom of the youth. After a drive along the West coast, we settled in for lunch at Ons Huisie. Thanks Gael and Willem! You will not believe the deliciousness of this dish: It's traditional SAMP but with parmesan, pesto and wonderful ham.   Try it! Traditional fish cakes.  Oven bak