So long, but not goodbye!

www.thesquashedtomato.co.za

I'm not entirely sure how to start this post - or if there's even a right way to go about it. I've always been someone for whom words seem to fail when something needs saying - and I usually choose bluntness over tact (I'm working on it, I promise). So, what better way to go about it now than to be blunt myself and let you know that, as of now, The Squashed Tomato food and wine blog will no longer be active. 

The Launch of Leopard's Leap Wine and Liam Tomlin Food

The gorgeous sunset, highlighting the stunning Leopard's Leap sculpture
Image: Christine Watters Photography

Glamour and gourmet were the order of the day last Friday at the absolutely stunning launch of the brand new Leopard's Leap Wine and Liam Tomlin Food facility in Franschhoek. With a guest list including former South African president FW de Klerk and premier of the Western Cape Helen Zille, as well as a number of celebs, it was a star-studded evening indeed - complemented perfectly by the incredible design of the brand new premises and a perfect Franschhoek summer sunset. Guests were treated to impeccable service, positively addictive wine cocktails, all of Leopard's Leap wines by the glass, and a food lover's dream in Liam's open-plan chef's kitchen, where his chef team prepared a number of canapé-style dishes to order, in front of each guest. When I received my invitation, I knew exactly who'd be joining me as my plus-one for the evening - the very talented Christine Watters, of Christine Watters Photography. I knew that there was no way my own photos would come close to doing an event like this justice. As a humble tribute to her enviable skills, I've decided that this will be a photographic blog account of the evening. I do hope you enjoy looking through the photos as much as we enjoyed being there!

The Battle for the Best Biltong

Biltong and Shiraz - are we in heaven?

Biltong. That tasty, salty, spiced snack that is as much a South African trademark as Table Mountain, the Bokke, or the phrase "Ja nee". To try and describe biltong is to do it a great injustice, as it's truly one of those things where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts. "Strips of meat, rubbed with spices, marinated overnight, and hung until dry" doesn't quite capture the pure eating enjoyment of this South African classic. No, you really need to taste it to understand what I mean (to my American friends, whilst jerky is of a similar concept, it's chalk and cheese in terms of process and flavour, I'm afraid) - and, if you haven't yet, you're really missing out! It's a low-fat, low-cholesterol snack that's utterly satisfying and a guaranteed guest at any rugby match or drinks evening. Yes, as you may have realised by now, I'm a fan. I recently attended the launch of the Stellenbosch Hills and Freddie Hirsch "Biltong Maker of the Year" challenge and, to put it mildly, got my biltong on. 

Romeo's Wish: Round Two

It's here! After a massively successful first round, Romeo's Wish is back to make an even bigger difference - this time, I'm focusing my efforts on the Domestic Animal Rescue Group, better known as DARG, in Hout Bay. Check out our fundraiser advert on their site!

As a regular volunteer at DARG in Hout Bay, both in my private capacity and through a group I started called "Romeo's Helpers", I've noticed a few critical areas that require immediate attention, most notably the fly problem. I would love to be able to provide them with dog-friendly fly spray for direct application on the dogs, as well as fly traps. I'd also like to provide them with parvo virus test kits, new blankets, water dishes, food bowls, toys and food.

As most Romeo's Wish supporters already know, we aim to provide immediate comfort for the pets themselves - in the form of food, medicine, blankets, beds, toys and other items. This is our number one priority and this is what we spend the funds on. If any additional funds are left over, once we've addressed these needs, these will be donated to DARG directly. 

I've already raised over R8,000 of absolutely fantastic prizes and cannot wait to start selling raffle tickets! The raffle begins on1 March 2012, so keep your eyes peeled. Tickets will once again sell for only R50 each - with 100% of all proceeds going directly to DARG. Please help us in making Romeo's Wish come true!

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