I love how ‘geek’ has become ‘cool’

Ten years ago, if you were a devoted Star Wars fan or had a Spock poster on your wall, you were a geek. If you loved computer games, or achieved straight A’s for Maths, or had perfect grammar and spelling, you were a nerd. Which used to be a bad thing, right? Right? I know that I never enjoyed it as a nickname.


Now, a decade later, the roles have been reversed. Websites like theoatmeal have humorous comics about the proper usages of the term ‘irony’ and if you don’t understand xkcd, you may as well give up on social interaction.

No longer are we ruled by pretty blondes with no brain cells and brawny beefcakes without a shred of wit, but rather by the Liz Lemon, glasses-wearing geek-girls and the slightly off-beat, cardigan-shod Adam Brody’s of Hollywood.

Beauty will always be important, but if you can’t hold your end of a conversation about the implications of global warming, and you don’t understand jokes about spherical chickens, your pretty face won’t get you far.

I’m certain that it isn’t restricted to my getting older and people maturing, and that high schools are still filled with nasty blonde cheerleading beauty-queens ruling the social order. Movies that dominated my teen years about geeky guys desperately trying to get pretty girls probably don’t even mean anything to the tweens of today. The hottest teen-crush of today is a pale vampire with a skinny body, while the heartthrob singer uses more beauty products than I do.

I second the revolution and am giving it up to all those who endured years of torture in high school. Happy binary day to you all!

Finding the Daisy

It’s a trying time of year for me, since everything is a little up in the air. Do I need to move out and find a new flat, or do I stay where I am? I constantly feel like I need to make a change, but at the same time I quite like where I am right now. Do I throw it all up in the air, or do I stay in this infinite loop which has become my life?


Do I work through the night like a rabid squirrel and get on top of my thesis like a rash on a toddler? Or do I work slow and steady like the tortoise and inevitably win the race?

The frustrating thing is that being born a woman (well, I was actually born a baby but there was an unavoidable progression to this point) I have to over think everything. I have even started to have anxiety dreams about me failing at things. Not healthy.

So my mission this week is to stop and pause and find the daisies in the pavement of my life. Instead of looking out at the protracted concrete road to who-knows-where, I’m going to catch my breath and look between the cracks of the paving to find those small delights which keep life fresh and full of purpose.

I wish you would do the same.

Physics

If I wasn’t studying law, I think I’d be doing physics. No, I’m not sucking up to the boy. I have always loved science and there is something thrilling about scientific exploration. Of course, there is the inevitable math that goes alongside, but I think I could get the hang of it if I applied myself.

The thing is, I already have the nerdy glasses and the weak sense of humour. I’m a step away from being able to be huddled in a lab all day performing experiments, and I could work on cultivating my evil laugh.

*sigh* yes I know that most physicists don’t comply with this standard caricature of them, and in fact they are not all desperate, nerdy Jews whose mothers make Brisket on a Friday night. They do not all have weird personality disorders, making them annoying to almost everyone, nor do they insist on spending weekends at comic book stores. Just sometimes, you wish they would.


If nothing else, physics would at least allow me to understand xkcd a little more…

Barnlike; Frockward

Sauvignon Blanc to buy this year!

So peeps from the Blogosphere, I know that this is another boring list-style post, but it is also so much more than that. After a delightful (did I mention free?) lunch at the Hohenhort Cellars in Constantia (courtesty of my chef friend) I am committed to only drinking quality wine. If that means I drink less of it, so be it.

In any case, the Wine Magazine Top 10 Sauvignon Blancs have just been announced. I listed them here for you so you too can invest in the magic. It's a good excuse to go wine tasting too!

THE TOP 10 (in order of Star rating, then ascending price)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anura Unfiltered Reserve 2010
CELLAR PRICE: R80
Alc 13% RS 1.4g/L TA 7.6g/L pH 3.4
Intensely herbaceous on the nose. The palate is focused and pure with flavours of lime and green pepper. Excellent line of acidity. Drink now – 2012.


★ ★ ★ ★ ✩


Sauvignon.com 2010*
APPROXIMATE RETAIL PRICE: R34.99
Alc 14.02% RS 1.8g/L TA 8.1g/L pH 3.35
Herbaceous, slightly sweaty nose. The palate is intensely flavoured, yet lean and very dry. Great line of acidity. Drink now.

First Sighting 2009*
STRANDVELD PRICE: R57
Alc 13.1% RS 1.9g/L TA 6.3g/L pH 3.32
Gravel-road dustiness and herbaceous character on the nose. The palate shows optimally ripe fruit and gentle acidity. Attractive paprika/white pepper note lends interest. Drink now.


Cederberg 2010*
CELLAR PRICE: R85
Alc 13% RS 2.4g/L TA 7g/L pH 3.49
Pungent nose showing plenty of grassy, herbaceous character. The palate shows great fruit expression and fresh acidity. Pronounced lime flavour. Clean and pure with a long finish. Drink now – 2013.


De Grendel Koetshuis 2010*
CELLAR PRICE: R85
Alc 13.5% RS 1.5g/L TA 7.5g/L pH 3.4
Very herbaceous on the nose. The palate is austere and elegant yet displays excellent flavour intensity. Lime and paprika flavour. Drink now – 2013.

Strandveld 2010
CELLAR PRICE: R90
Alc 14.12% RS 1.8g/L TA 6.2g/L pH 3.34
Gravel-road dustiness and herbaceous character on the nose. The palate is clean and pure with juicy fruit and fresh acidity. Lime and green pepper flavour. Drink now – 2013.


Graham Beck
Pheasants’ Run 2009*
CELLAR PRICE: R135
Alc 14.2% RS 1.8g/L TA 7.9g/L pH 3.52
Intensely herbaceous on the nose and palate. Good palate weight, well integrated acidity. A complex wine with flavours of lime and paprika/white pepper. Drink now – 2012.


Graham Beck
Pheasants’ Run 2010*
CELLAR PRICE: R135
Alc 13.56% RS 2.3g/L TA 7g/L pH 3.44
Intensely herbaceous on nose and palate. Clean and pure with juicy fruit and an excellent line of acidity. Long, dry finish. Drink now – 2013.

★ ★ ★ ★

Darling Cellars Bush Vine 2010*
CELLAR PRICE: R35
Alc 12.62% RS 2.9g/L TA 6.9g/L pH 3.28
Hint of green melon on an otherwise shy nose. Light-bodied, elegant and austere on the palate. Lemon-lime flavour, great line of acidity. Drink now.

Groote Post Reserve 2009
CELLAR PRICE: R95
Alc 13.85% RS 3.9g/L TA 7.6g/L pH 3.45
Very grassy, herbaceous on the nose. The palate is big but balanced with ripe, juicy fruit and tangy acidity. Lots of paprika/ white pepper flavour and good texture. Drink now – 2012.

Restaurant Specials

I am always lucky enough to enjoy the specials that Cape Town restaurants offer and I think it's high time they were shared. Thanks to Whale Cottage for this list!


CAPE TOWN


* The Cru Cafe in the Cape Quarter: buy 1 wine flight, get 1 free, served with snacks, all days of week, lunch and dinner
* Wang Thai: 2 courses including rice R 69, at V&A Waterfront, Constantia, Somerset West, and Lagoon Beach branches, until 30 November
* Andiamo in the old Cape Quarter: R 49 breakfast special (juice, cooked breakfast, cappuccino), until 11h30 daily; 2 pizzas or 2 pastas with 2 glasses of wine R 125; Basil, chilli chicken/salmon salad with bottle of water or colddrink R 59, until 31 October. Tel (021) 421-3687
* Pure at Hout Bay Manor: 3 course dinner for R 200, and R 280 with a glass of wine added
* Vanilla in the Cape Quarter: 1/2 price sushi 12 - 6 pm, 25 % off cocktails
* Pepenero in Mouille Point : sirloin and chips R 79, seafood platter R 129, prawn platter R 99, oysters R 9 each, half-price sushi, spaghetti bolognaise R59
* Sinn’s Restaurant at Wembley Square: lunch (6 options) at R 50. 3-course dinner at R 135.
* Hussar Grill, in Camps Bay and Green Point: 400g beef ribs, 200g rump/sirloin steak, 200g boerewors R99, until stocks last
* Pepper Club on the Beach in Camps Bay: “Nip and Tuck promotion” - Prawn platter R98; Potjies R79,95; Sirloin and Prawn combo R89,50; Seafood platter R139,95; half-price sushi - until end October
* Kuzina in the new Cape Quarter: Meze platter for two plus bottle of wine R 189, Mondays - Fridays 12h00 - 18h00 and Sunday evenings from 18h00. Continuous. Tel (021) 418-8000
* Saul’s Sushi@Vegas, 118 Main Road, Sea Point: “Eat as much as you like” sushi R 120 Mondays and Tuesdays, “two for the price of one” sushi Fridays and Saturdays
* Theo’s on Beach Road, Mouille Point: oysters R 6 each, 1 kg prawns R 99, line fish R79, for lunch and dinner. 300 gram sirloin steak, spatchcock chicken peri peri and 500 gram spare ribs all R 79 for lunch only. Full sushi platter R99, half platter R50. Tel (021) 439-3494.
* 1800 in the Cape Royale Luxury Hotel, Main Road, Green Point: 300g sirloin steak R99. Until end October.
* Myoga at Vineyard Hotel, Newlands: 6 course dinner, with 5 choices per course, for R 150, Mondays - Saturdays, continues throughout summer
* Tank in old Cape Quarter: 2 courses R R140, 3 courses for R 165, both with a glass of wine, until end October. Tel (021) 419-0007
* Beluga, The Foundry, Green Point: 1 kg prawns R99; 50 % off sushi Sundays - Mondays from 12h00 - 19h00. Tel (021) 418-2948.
* The Kove, Victoria Road, Camps Bay: 2-course meal with glass of wine R120; Fish and chips R 79, 400g ribs R75, Oysters R 9, Seafood Platter R129, Rump 250gm R 79, Rump 500gm R 109, 1kg of prawns R 99, Lamb chops R99. Tel (021) 438-0004
* Cafe Sofia in Camps Bay, Green Point, etc: Breakfats specials, Burger R59, Chicken skewers R59.
* 221 Waterfront: two drinks for price of one, Mondays - Fridays, 16h30 - 18h30, two dishes on “Lite” and Sushi sections of menu for the price of one, 3-course dinner for R 135
* Jakes in the Village/on Summerley, in Steenberg and Kenilworth, respectively: 25 % off all dishes, 5 - 7 pm only, Mondays - Saturdays, until end September
* Buitenverwachting in Constantia: 2 courses R 149, 3 courses R 169, 4 courses R 199
* Duchess of Wisbeach, corner Main and Wisbeach Roads, Sea Point - free bottle of wine for a table of four
* Le Restau Paradiso, Kloof Street: Marie’s Menu 3 courses R 110; Capetonian Menu 3 courses R 130; French Classics Menu 3 courses R 150, until December.
* A Tavola in Claremont: 50 % off all pasta dishes on Mondays.
* The Lookout Deck, Hout Bay: 6 prawns free with specific main courses; 6 oysters R 36 (5 - 7 pm only), until end September
* La Mouette, Regent Road, Sea Point: 6 courses for R 175. Express Lunch - 2 courses (with 2 choices each) at R 99. Monday - Saturday dinner, Tuesday - Sunday lunch, until launch of Summer menu at Garden Party on 10 October. Tel (021) 433-0856
* Blonde restaurant, Hatfield Street: “two …blondes are better than one” promotion of 25 % off the bill, until September
* Lagoon Beach, Milnerton - 2 course meal from R 75, “all-you-can-eat” Sunday buffet R 99
* Jardine, Bree Street: 3-course dinner at R 180, Tuesdays - Saturdays
* Berthas in Simonstown: 1 kg mussels, 1 kg Queen prawns or 1 kg mini seafood platter cost R 99 each
* Ricks Cafe Americain, lunch special for R 39, Mondays - Saturdays, until 31 October
* The Square Restaurant, Vineyard Hotel, Newlands: 5-course dinner costs R 165. Tel (021) 657-4500
* Pepperclub Luxury Hotel & Spa: 6 oysters and a glass of bubbly R60, Fridays from 16h00, with jazz
* Aubergine: 2-course lunch R184, 3-course lunch R235, Wednesdays - Fridays
* Balducci’s: All pizzas (except Flaming Prawns) R49, 26-piece Platinum Sushi Plate for R99, Burgers from R55. Monday - Sunday, 12h00 - 18h00.
* Ferrymans, V&A Waterfront: 3-course pairing meal, with wines matching starter and main course, at R200, until September.
* Saul’s Taverna: for every meal ordered from main menu, the second person get’s a free main course from chef’s special menu
* Societi Bistro: “Tour of France” - 3-course French menu R 150, until October
* Chapman’s Peak Hotel, Hout Bay: Moelas Estufadas R35, Escargots R35, Oxtail R99, Hake and squid, chorico R29, Hake Fillet R69, Butternut and feta lasagne R69. Tel (021) 790-1036
* Quay 4: Snoek and chips R59, until October
* Black Marlin: Snoek on braai R55, half crayfish on braai R75, Saturdays and Sundays; 3 course meal plus glass of sherry R125, until October
* Hildebrand: 2 courses R 89, 3 courses R 120, until September
* Chenin Restaurant and Bar: Sirloin steak R60. Tel 021 425-2200
* Leaf Restaurant and Bar : 51 % off sushi from 11h00 - 16h00 and all day Sunday, 18 prawns for R69, 50 % off dimsum. Current
* Gesellig, Regent Road, Sea Point: 2 courses plus soup or dessert = R 90 for dinner; lunch costs R40 for dishes usually costing R65 - R77 12h00 - 14h00
* The Fish Shack Restaurant and Wine Bar, Paddocks, Milnerton: Shack Platter and glass of wine R 90
* Blowfish in Blouberg: Seafood platter R 89, 20-piece sushi platter + glass of wine R99, 500g rump steak R 95, Chicken schnitzel R75, Prawn platter R69, Thai seafood curry R79, Mixed Grill Espetada R95, until October. Tel 021 556-5464
* Ocean Basket: Starter, seafood platter, and bottle of Two Oceans wine for 2 for R 235 (only at Hout Bay, Plumstead, Tygervalley and V&A branches), until 31 October.
* Live Bait, Kalk Bay Harbour: pan-fried paprika calamari R50, until end October, Monday - Thrursday lunch, Sunday - Thursday dinner, tel 021 788-4133
* Bamboo, below Cape Royale Hotel: unlimited prawns at R 95 on Sunday evenings, 10 oysters for price of 8
* Cape Town Fish Market: 2 courses R 59, 3 courses R 69, (snoek paté, 200 g hake and chips, koeksisters) until 17 October
* Cafe Chic: 3 courses R130, half price cocktails Wednesdays, until October. Tel (021) 465-7218
* OYO at V&A Hotel : 500g crayfish special R185. Current
* Krugmann’s Grill, V&A Waterfront: 200g sirloin steak and 4 prawns R 65; chicken or beef burger with chips for lunch only 12h00 - 17h00 R29, both offers until end October
* Spur: rump and sirloin, and beef or chicken schnitzel all R 59,95, until end October
* Dale’s Black Angus Grill, Tableview: Beef Burger, Minute Fillet Steak and Egg, Mussel and Lobster Pot, Zuricher Geschnetzeltes, all R40; Liver R35; Fish & Chips R30; Castle Draft R12, until end October Tel (021) 551-7776

THE WINELANDS
* Allee Bleue, outside Franschhoek: choice of three 250 gram steaks at R 99, including a glass of estate wine, May - September. Tel (021) 874-1021
* Olivello, Klapmuts, outside Stellenbosch: 2-course meal R 99, 3-course meal R 119.
* Le Bon Vivant in Franschhoek: 2-course meal for R 150, 3 courses for R 175, until end October. Tel (021) 876-2717
* Cuvee, Simonsig wine estate, outside Stellenbosch: 2 course lunch or dinner + glass of wine R 170, 3 courses R 200, August - October
* Bosman’s, Grand Roche Hotel, Paarl: 3-course lunch and 2 glassses of wine for R 260, Sundays
* Lanzerac Hotel in Stellenbosch : 3 course lunch R 235
* Le Petite Ferme, Franschhoek: 2 courses R 100, 3 courses R 150, plus carafe of wine, live music, every Friday evening, until end October
* Ryan’s Kitchen at Rusthof, Franschhoek : 5 course meal Taste of Africa R395, with wine added R595. Summer Tel (021) 876-4598.
* Noble Hill, Klapmuts: Farmer’s Lunch costs R 62, Mondays - Fridays
* Restaurant Christophe, Stellenbosch: business lunch - 2 courses R130, 3 courses R 150, Tuesday - Friday, served within one hour, all year
* Allora in Franschhoek: 3 course menu at R89, until end November. Tel (021) 876-4375.
* Café Nadine, L’Ermitage, Franschhoek - pasta, sald and glass of wine R69. Tel (021) 876-9200
* Waterkloof Restaurant at Waterkloof in Somerset West: Summer special - 2 courses R140, 3 courses R170, and includes a tasting of 5 Waterkloof wines. Tel (021) 858-1491
* L’ermitage, Franschhoek: 2 course meal and glass of wine R85. Until end October. Tel (021) 876-9200

OTHER AREAS
* Season in Hermanus: 2 course meal R 75, bredie of the day R 48, Sunday roast R 65, 3-course Sunday lunch R 110. Tel (028) 316-2854
* Mediterrea in Hermanus: 3 course meal R 195, Monday - Thursday dinners and Sunday lunches
* The Class Room, Hermanus: 5 course gourmet dinner, R 165, Wednesdays - Saturdays, until end October. Tel (028) 316-3582


www.whalecottage.com

Emihen