Guide to Stanford

MARIANA'S
Look out for the blue-eyed girl of the house: Mariana is the undisputed goddess of this kitchen. And while she passionately cooks up her magic, husband Peter chirps around keeping guests content. They're sipping freshly squeezed clementine juice, staring out onto the quaint vegetable patch where the food is harvested and trying to decide what to choose from the daily changing blackboard. It's all so fresh, so innovative, so pleasing - sheer luxury without the price tag. Booking is recommended. No credit cards. And remember to bring your best wine for this guaranteed feast.

12 Du Toit Street
Stanford

e-mail: marianas@stanfordvillage.co.za
website: http://www.stanfordvillage.co.za
tel: (028) 341-0272

BIRKENHEAD BREWERY
The heavy scent of hops makes your mouth water for a beer with your lunch. Head out to the amphitheatre with its magnificent views of the hills and their peaceful cows. On the table the coriander and coconut calamari and home-baked bread are perfect for the setting. With divine Golden Blonde and Chocolate Stout from inside the brewery. Everybody's content. The wine list is adequate, but who would want wine at such an excellent brewery anyway?

past Stanford
2km on R326
Stanford

e-mail: info@birkenhead.co.za
website: http://www.birkenhead.co.za
tel: (028) 341 0013

BLUE GUM COUNTRY ESTATE
Booking really is essential at this tranquil dining room and deck on the slopes of the Klein River Mountains, especially if you're not a guest at the outstanding lodge. Stick it out, though, for the compact (and often set) menu offers well-presented classic dishes and sauces with exquisite twists using mostly fresh ingredients from the area. You're bound to feel blessed. A hand-picked selection of the best locally produced wines is available to complement the menu.

past Stanford
7 km along Riviersonderend
Stanford

e-mail: info@bluegum.co.za
website: http://www.bluegum.co.za
tel: (028) 341-0116

PAPRIKA
Spice up your weekend with a dash of Paprika. The old cottage on the dirt road is friendly; the blackboard on the front stoep almost drives you wild. How about roast beetroot, avo and bacon salad or fried feta with port and plum sauce. Seasonal specialities are great with the waterblommetjie and lentil bobotie no exception. And all of it very affordable. Bookings essential.

Shortmarket Street
Stanford

tel: (028) 341-0662