Hermanus 22

HERMANUS 2022
Whale Watching & Lizettes Restaurant
29th September 2022

September in the Western Cape means WHALES,and this year they are shining! In Hermanus reports are that they are plentiful in the bay – and great excitement for all who boarded the coach in Tableview, and Constantia was that we were off “To See the Whales”!

Hermanus is a long drive from our two pickup points (Tableview and Constantia) and we arrived in the main road of Hermanus just after 11h30. The Hermanus Municipality has re-organised the traffic route, and coaches are only allowed to park for 10 minutes before they need to move on! (Drop passengers and GO!). We were in Hermanus one day before the annual Whale Festival, and there was much activity in setting up the huge marquees on the walk-away. Art is plentiful along the walk and much discussion was had about the ‘meaning’ of some of the sculptures!

We were lucky in the little bay in front of the Windsor Hotel where we spotted a whale or two – always great excitement, and testament to this was the many photos of people showing the group where the whales were in the bay! One lady commented “Oh Carol you organised the weather for us – no wind and a perfect sunny, warm day”

By 12h30 we headed out to Lizette’s at 20 on 8^th Street just off the Voelklip circle, arriving to a very warm reception from Lizette who is extremely hands-on in this well recommended restaurant!

In Lizette’s own words – “A Stylish and vibey meeting point, bar restaurant on the circle at Voelklip! Craft Beers, Fine wines, and Gastro Food with a difference for all the family”

We opted for the suggestion to have their ‘social manner of eating’ – where they serve the lunch in 4 ’sessions’, all served on platters to the tables, with the dessert served individually.

Super Green Rice Paper rolls & Ginger-Coriander dipping sauce/Panko Prawns & Nori Mayo/Bobotie Spring rolls & Chili Jam.
Masala Chicken & Minted Yoghurt Artisan Flatbread / Exotic Mushroom, Shiitake Pesto & Caprino Artisan Flatbread.
Mussels steamed in Coconut Milk and Sweet Chili /Winter Salad of Kudu Carpaccio, Fresh Berries and Buffalo Mozzarella.
Tempura fresh Line fish, Soya-Rice Wine dipping sauce / Peri Peri Chicken skewers on valley salad

Kefir Panna Cotta

All in all, a fabulous, ‘social’ way, to enjoy lunch together! Reluctantly we left the restaurant just after 3.00 pm and had our last whale viewing at Sievers Point, very close by! Once again, we were not disappointed – with whales in the bay coupled with many people eager to spot the whales, either walking the fabulous beach path or taking to the waters in boats or kayaks to get closer!

The long drive coupled with traffic meant that we only dropped off at Constantia by 17h00 and Tableview after 18h30.

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, occasionally, and climb a mountain or spend some time at the beach. Wash your spirit clean.”