TO TEASE THE TASTEBUDS: DESTINATION NAPIER!
Whether you're a permanent resident or one of the many simply passing through on your way to Arniston/Struisbaai/Cape L’agulhas, be sure to take a break somewhere along Napier's main street and sample what eating experiences this quaint village has to offer. A lot will depend on your time schedule. Looking for a quick bite? Try Moerse Restaurant en Plaasstal as you enter from the Cape Town direction. Well-known for their home-made pies and sweet things (cakes and the like). Also open for their ''famous'' Sunday roasts. Literally next door you'll find The Fox Pub and Grub. It's what it says it is: have a few drinks with your meal , or eat-up-and-go! You choose. A burger? Sunday lunch? (roast lamb, beef, Yorkshire pudding – the lot) Watch the world drive by from the verandah. Real cosy. ''Similar'' to The Fox you'll find Gunner's Mess. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. Great bar area. Comfortable street-side seating outside under a roof of leaves. Ever-popular Napier Farm Stall on your right as you leave the town offers a variety for the hungry and not-so-hungry: from tea and scones to their famous black pan breakfasts (available all day), tomato stew, curry dishes and home-made pies – try their assortment of ''beskuit'' (rusks) and biscuits. Great coffee and cappuccinos. For so-called ''fine dining'' you may wish to visit Pascals of Napier for a good selection of dishes and desserts. Very pleasant ambience. A real treat awaits all food lovers at Wild Thyme where Teresa and Karen take great care to prepare fresh, seasonal, organic, free range meals with produce grown locally. Every meal looks appetising and is testimony to the owners' obvious love for what they're doing best: serving memorable meals in a friendly, relaxed setting, either inside or in the shady courtyard. The menu changes all the time (depending on the season, of course) but firm favourites include the tapas platters, wood-fired pizzas and salads they're famous for. If you visit on a Sunday, be sure to try the Lunch Buffet (plate by weight) for all sorts of interesting, tempting, tasty food. The emphasis at Wild Thyme is certainly on creative plates beautifully presented. It is always a good idea to find out beforehand what days and hours these establishments are open to the public – also, not everyone is licensed to sell alcohol. Best you check beforehand with management. What do Napierdorpers (yes, if you live in Napier you're a ''Napierdorper'') have for Christmas? It seems the locals keep certain traditions: You either serve a scrumptious spread which includes various meats (gammon, lamb, turkey) and all the veggie trimmings or you go for cold meats and salads. And, if you're more ''relaxed'' and it's a bright, sunny day, you'll BRAAI! It seems desserts , like trifle, are obligatory. Napier, for visitors and locals alike – a true culinary experience! |