moules frites double datin'

We finally had Lize and Simon round for Moules Frites the other day. We'd been planning this date for absolute ages, but what with wedding plans, new jobs and red tides, it had taken some time to get our collective acts together.

Lize and Simon had recently got engaged, thus a celebration was in order:  Moules Frites. Gremolata. Champagne. Weiss beer. 

West Coast mussels, so plump and juicy you wish you could chew forever, from Julie of Ocean Jewels Fish, swimming in a decadent cream reduction with shallots and bay leaves.

Flaky, crispy, thick cut fries and skinny, salty crispy fries (because you just have to have both).

A zingy gremolata of Italian parsley, garlic, lemon zest and black salt which replaced the more traditional anchovies, finished off the mussels perfectly.

 And Instagram'ing your dinner before you eat it... naturally.

This Morning

 Early morning in the garden kicked off with a strong coffee.  

Tended the herbs and planted some red and green chard.

Lost this guy a while back and was happy to find him hiding in the spekboom.

And ended with a fluffy omelette filled with smoked ham, chives and extra strong cheddar cheese.

Great start to the day.

Dim sum Thursday with the girls

 dim sum didn't make it to the dinner table... it was devoured in the kitchen

 red bean & sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves

above: prawn steam dumplings, red bean sticky rice parcels & dipping sauces
below: lemon & basil chicken with cashew nuts

stir-fried Asian greens with sesame