REPORT : TIME OUT TRIP TO RIEBEEK KASTEEL

Thursday 26th September 2019

End of September and it’s time, once again, for Time Out to head out on a coach trip.  We never had a coach trip in August because of the Spring Flower Tours, and so, it with great excitement that we all met at the coach pick-up points to head out to Riebeek Kasteel.

Riebeek Kasteel is just over 76 km along the N7.  This motorway has extensive road works along the way so speed has to be reduced and we only arrived in the Riebeek Valley just after 11h00.  It was decided to park the coach in the town square and suggestions were given to all on where they could shop; drink; collect or just discover the little town.

Many headed to the Royal Hotel where they indulged in a new Gin and Tonic – Tanquareay Sevilla served with tonic and slices of orange; lime; and lemon – it is a refreshing drink and very enjoyable!  A great way to chat and catch up with each other sipping away at this drink.

A few of the group enjoyed a coffee and muffin or a chocolate croissant at the coffee shop called Beans about Coffee.  Many went into Aitsa and stocked up and gathered local olives and jams and even toffees from Darling Sweet flew off the shelves!

Four of our group went on their own mission and were allowed into the local Dutch Reformed church which they said is magnificent and very well kept!

At 12h15 everyone started gathering at the newly opened Bay Leaf and Thyme restaurant.

Bay Leaf & Thyme, situated in the heart of the Riebeek Valley, in the centre of Riebeek-Kasteel. In their own words: “A new culinary experience celebrating classic dishes from around the globe, prepared in our own style. The focus of our a la carte menu is to serve unpretentious food with the emphasis on quality and friendly service”.

Their efficient staff very quickly got to taking drink orders and then came around and took our starter choices, from Asparagus Soup; Salmon Roulade with salad or Carpaccio!  Well presented and, oh so delicious, were our starters!

Mains were a choice between Vegetable Moussaka; Fried Hake; Chicken Schnitzel or a Lamb Kofta – all equally delicious and well presented.  These mains were served with choice of rice; chips or side salad!

The old saying that the best way is to a man’s heart is through his stomach and as we were mostly women (bar 2 men), I know Bay Leaf and Thyme ‘hit-the-spot’ for all the ladies.

Then we left the confines of the air-conditioned restaurant and headed out in a temperature of 37  degrees, to find the temperature on the coach was 44 degrees!  Sizzling, and it took almost the distance to Tableview to feel that the coach had cooled down!  AND we’re only in September – must be the hole in the ozone that is causing these unusually high days!

However, at the end of the day we all know and realise how very close the group of Time-Outers has become – somehow more than friends!

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