George Jardine Shares His Cape Town Favorites

Hey there, I’m George Jardine, a 42-year-old chef and restaurateur. I wanted to share with you my top picks for great places to eat, drink, and hang out in beautiful Cape Town.

You know what? I’m just a regular guy, someone who enjoys life’s simple pleasures like beer, wine, good food, and a great atmosphere. I could talk about food all day!

Now, let me tell you a bit about myself. I was born and raised in Sunny Leith, a town in Edinburgh, Scotland. But let me tell you, Cape Town stole my heart!

The best thing about living in Cape Town? Well, it’s everything! The people are amazing, the weather is fantastic, and the natural beauty is simply breathtaking. From endless sunshine to gentle rain, from blue skies to the famous southeaster wind, the city has it all. Don’t even get me started on the stunning forests and the picturesque kloofs. Seriously, there’s just so much to love here!

When people visit my city, I like to take them on a walk up Lion’s Head or Signal Hill. It gives them a true sense of the city’s layout. We also go for a drive along the Cape Argus route to explore the beautiful Peninsula. And of course, we have to stop for some delicious fish and chips at The Salty Sea Dog in Simon’s Town. Another must-visit spot is Cape Point, where we take a trip in the vehicular train. We end the day with a tasty lunch at The Foodbarn in Noordhoek.

The next day, I enjoy showing my guests the vast plains of the Overberg. We drive over Sir Lowry’s Pass and take in the breathtaking views. We might even do a bit of fishing in Struisbaai and stand at the Foot of Africa in Agulhas.

Recently, I’ve had some incredible dining experiences. One highlight was Overture with Chef Bertus Basson. Another fantastic meal was at Joostenberg with Chef Christophe De Hosse.

As for my own restaurant, I don’t eat there. It’s just too difficult for me to relax when I’m surrounded by work. I prefer to dine elsewhere and be able to fully enjoy the experience.

When it comes to eating out, I have a few favorite places. One of them is Burrata. I love going there not just for their amazing pizzas, but also for their cozy atmosphere. Another place I enjoy is The Foodbarn. Their curried squid starter is absolutely delicious. For beer lovers, I highly recommend Den Anker. They have a great selection of Belgian beers, and their marrow bones are a must-try. And if you’re in the mood for some Italian cuisine, Decameron is the place to go. Their saltimbocca paired with a bottle of wine is a match made in heaven.

When it comes to sports, I’m a big fan of the Stormers and Western Province. Whenever I get the chance, I make sure to catch a game at Newlands. The atmosphere there is electric, and the energy is contagious. Speaking of sports, I used to be an avid Cape Argus cyclist. However, I haven’t been able to do it for the past couple of years. But who knows, maybe one day I’ll get back on my bike.

When I’m looking for a weekend getaway, Stanford is my top choice. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. We usually rent a cottage that’s secluded from everyone else. It’s so peaceful and serene. And the best part is having lunch at Mariana’s, The Restaurant at Newton Johnson or Springfontein Eats. The food is always exceptional, and the views are breathtaking.

One thing I still want to do before I kick the bucket is go shark-cage diving. It sounds like a blast, especially if I do it with PGW [Pete Goffe-Wood]. I also have a few other items on my list, like catching a musselcracker in Struisbaai or completing the Argus in under four hours. And of course, I would absolutely love to participate in the [Absa Cape] Epic.

Normally, I’m a tea person, but when I need a good dose of caffeine, I head straight to Legado Coffee Roasters on Rosenview Farm. They make the best coffee around.

As a daily ritual, my labradors and I venture to the waterfalls in Jonkershoek or Eden Forest in Paradyskloof. Taking in the beautiful scenery and collecting mushrooms and forest herbs in the winter is quite a wonderful experience.

So, what’s the deal with the Banting diet? I mean, seriously, I just opened a bakery! But hey, if it’s getting people to think about their carb intake, I guess that’s a good thing. It’s important to pay attention to what we put in our bodies, right? Although, I do wonder if the folks who grow potatoes and make pasta are feeling the pinch…

Let me tell you, any occasion becomes special when you’ve got Gordy’s Newton Johnson Family pinot noir. It’s like magic in a bottle!

Now, listen up, every chef needs a few key ingredients: enthusiasm, patience, and good taste. Without those, it’s just not the same.

Hey, guess what I’m up to right now? I’m knee-deep in dough, baking some delicious ciabatta. The smell in here is absolutely heavenly!

When Sunday rolls around, it’s time to kick back and relax. After a long day of work, there’s nothing like hitting up the Spur. It’s our little tradition.

Ah, money… the eternal quest. We all need it, right? It’s like Pink Floyd said: “It’s a gas, grab that cash with both hands and make a stash.”

Okay, guys, right after I’m done here, it’s back to work for me. No rest for the wicked!

I wake up in the middle of the night, and what do I do? I reach over and cuddle my wife Louise. But let me tell you, that doesn’t always go smoothly. Sometimes, I end up getting an elbow right in the ribs. Ouch!

Once upon a time, in a forest so far away, there lived three bears. These were not just any bears, mind you. They had their own unique personalities and quirks. Let’s see what adventures they had.

You’ve got to see what George Jardine has been cooking up. Trust me, it’s worth checking out. His culinary creations are out of this world. Prepare to have your taste buds blown away!

Have you heard about George Jardine’s latest culinary creations? If you haven’t, you’re missing out! His dishes are like nothing you’ve ever tasted before. Get ready to be amazed!