Petit Plaisir Testimonial Blog

Tributes pour in for SA wine pioneer - Graham Beck - 28 July 2010

2010-07-29T10:20:00.002+02:00

South African wine pioneer Graham Beck has been hailed as a philanthropist who was always willing to help others.

Beck, who had the most modern and dynamic wine operations in the Cape, including wineries in Robertson and Franschhoek, died of cancer in London on Monday aged 80.

He won numerous cellar awards, including the converted Pacific Rim International Wine Trophy in 2005.

Graham Beck Wines Cellarmaster's Pieter Ferreira said Beck was also willing to assist.

"He was an incredibly fantastic man who had time for anybody and he loved talking to people. He was a great philanthropist," said Ferreira.

Beck will be buried in Israel on Wednesday.

Gerald Crawford - Petit Plaisir - Webmaster

Franschhoek bastille festival 2010 - 17 - 18 July 2010

2010-07-06T08:44:00.001+02:00

Make your way to Franschhoek, South Africa's Gourmet Capital, over the weekend of the 17th and 18th of July, where locals and visitors will be celebrating the Valley's centuries-old French Huguenot heritage at its annual Bastille Festival.

The Franschhoek Wine Valley has throughout the years been linked with the pursuit of freedom, as the destination where the French Huguenots sought refuge from persecution. Aside from the European legacy, the connection with freedom is also evident in a local context with the Drakenstein Prison (formerly Victor Verster), the prison from which the iconic Nelson Mandela was released, situated between Franschhoek and Paarl. This year in particular will be more significant as it commemorates the 20th anniversary of Mr Mandela's release from the exact prison.

And 2010 will without a doubt be a year of celebrations. Taking into account that South Africa will be winding down from the hype and festivities of World Cup 2010, what better way to paint the town red, white and blue and join in 'A Celebration of Freedom'. Not forgetting, it's the only time of the year you'll be forgiven for wearing a beret.

The Food and Wine Marquee open from 12 noon until 5pm, is always the focal point which draws people to the hub of activity, where visitors can sample fine wines from some of Franschhoek's award-winning wine estates and indulge in mouth-watering dishes created by the Valley's highly acclaimed chefs. Sample a wide selection of cuisine, ranging from: oysters, sushi, local and French cheeses to charcuterie, hand-made chocolates and salmon trout from the area.

Not to be missed is the festival's comprehensive sporting element featuring the usual, popular traditions and activities of: boules, Franschhoek minstrel parade, a barrel-rolling contest and a waiters' race. A farmers' market, French Corner Market, musicians and children's activities are also included in the line up of festival celebrations. For those wanting to appreciate French heritage in comfort, the Screening Room at Le Quartier Français will be screening movies throughout the weekend.

Known throughout the world for its fine cuisine, Franschhoek's award-winning restaurants will also be offering special menus exclusively prepared for this annual Festival.

So, with something for everyone, make a weekend of your visit, taking full advantage of the many Bastille accommodation packages on offer. Come celebrate the universal triumph of freedom. C'est la vie!

A R100.00 per person entrance fee allows you access to the Food and Wine Marquee, which includes a tasting glass and a complimentary booklet containing 10 tasting coupons. Thereafter all tastings will be charged on consumption.

The Selkirk Grace - Scottish

2010-06-02T08:15:00.002+02:00

Some hae meat and canna eat

Some canna eat that want it

But we hae meat and we can eat,

Sae let the Lord be thank'it.

Some (people) have meat and cannot eat

some (people) cannot eat that want to

but we have meat and we can eat

So let the Lord be thanked

visitors that became family - dec 2009

2010-03-22T12:58:00.002+02:00

We have had such a wonderful two weeks here at Petit Plaisir. The Cottage has been perfect for us and totally relaxing. Marlicia Meyer spoiled us in so many ways and nothing is to much trouble. A truly special and memorable place!

Charles and Pauline

Testimonial 1 - they stayed with us Dec 2009.

2010-03-22T12:46:00.001+02:00