At this point, pre-Italy, it is probably worth mentioning food. I say pre-Italy, because I think we are anticipating the epicurean apex of our trip to be Italy. However, we have eaten some good food and drunk some good drinks. Below are the highlights.
- Mahpundi’s: This was an interesting place at the edge of one of the Cape Town townships. Ricky and Derek took us there. First you pick your meats, or your best guesses of meats. Then, they go into the back room to grill it. Then, they serve it bathed in sauce with an entire loaf of white bread and a single knife. Everyone at the table just digs in, no utensils, wrapping meat and sopping sauce with the bread.
- Traditional Tea Time: Anthony Cordle prepared a fantastic afternoon tea for us, replete with cucumber sandwiches, egg sandwiches, and fruit cake. It was very proper and lots of fun.
- Pinotage: South African red wine we had not heard of. Very full and really earthy. They had some good wines there and are probably better known for their shiraz, but we really enjoyed the Pinotage.
- Pizza: So far, the international common denominator of food. It’s everywhere, and goes very well with Pinotage. In SA we had one with grilled chicken, brie,and cranberry. In Bethlehem, they serve it with corn on it. Jason, we thought of you.
- Indian: The British Empire employed Indians all over the globe. In South Africa, they started an Indian food restaurant called Bukhara specializing in Tandoori. It was forehead-sweat-spicy and perfect. In general, food in SA was really cheap, and this was our favorite place. We followed the tandoori appetizers with curried dishes and vowed to learn Indian cooking when we get back. We thought of the Youngs and the Barefeet as we sniffled and mopped our brows.
- Shewerma: This would be a gyro in the U.S. except for the fact that they fill it with all sorts of goodies including hummus, pickles, pickled cabbage, some sort of yogurt sauce, a spicy red sauce, and lamb of course. Sharon called this the burger of the Middle East, and I am smitten.
- Dried fruit: To help with all the other foods...
- Coffee: Lots of places serve instant Nescafe which has a disappointing coffee flavor but delivers caffeine effectively. Turkish coffee, however, is the truth. Dark, bittersweet, and strong, this is the coffee we had hoped for in the Middle East. It’s like espresso, only more mysterious.
- Mint tea: Hot water, lots of mint leaves, and a tea bag. Fragrant and good for digestion.
- Every meal we’ve had with friends…
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