Last year we did a family vacay to Mossel Bay on the southern part of what is called the Garden Route along the south coast of the Western Cape.
We were determined to do something new every day because we have been coming to Mossel Bay every year since I was born! We tend to do the same things and needed a change.
The girls jumped in a car (with my teenage son, Seth) and headed inland along the R328. We basically googled anything in the area that we have never been to before and spotted Ruiterbos Farmstall, which is the home of Boerqi Bistro.
At this time lockdown was just beginning to lift for the first time and we all needed some new scenery, other than our own backyards. Roads were quiet. Restaurants were quiet, but Boerqi Bistro seemed dead.
We were pleasantly surprised by the rustic, arty character of the farmstall and quickly realised that we were the only guests that they had that day.
The facade was brightly painted and dotted with succulent plants all along the front stoop. It was so busy that you didn’t quite know where to look, but we loved it all the same!
We headed inside to find antiques, reclaimed and restored scrapyard items and ceramics, all for sale to the discerning collector.
The menus was mainly aimed at pizza and what we call roosterkoek. It’s a roughly thrown together dough that is baked in a wood fire oven (like a pizza oven) and then served either with savoury filling like a tomato and onion smoer (chunky chopped tomato and onion that is boiled and simmered on the stove to form a Chucky sauce). Add sausages or burger patties or a meat of your choice. OR served sweet with honey, jam or curd.
When you’re visiting local, you have to sample the local delicacies. And I’ve got to mention that the coffee was goooooood!
The garden and pastures were green and sported an interesting jungle gym for kids.
And the donkeys were very friendly! The dog - not so much. Although apparently he is more willing to be your friend if there is no fence between you - I’m not going to take that chance.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CE1khE2np1J/?igshid=1ow39vfmo522w
The owners live on the cottage next door and sleep with their windows and doors open with only the dogs on guard. (For South Africa this is unusual)
The owner popped in to see hello and check out his customers for a few minutes. He talked and talked and talked and seemed to need a change in conversation. My sister is in the hospitality industry so she always has plenty to say and share about all things tourism. It’s been in a sad state for so many months and with a new lockdown over New Year and January, the high season was again squashed down and more jobs lost and businesses closed.
It makes me wonder if Boerqi Bistro is still there today.
My mom had to do the obligatory pose with the old Petrol pump and the small cart out front before we piled back into the car.
It really is a stunning area surrounded by wildlife reserves, mountain biking paths and trail runs. There aren’t too many options for accommodation, but it’s only 30 minutes from the coast where there is plenty access to accommodation, restaurants and whatever else you could need.
Please pop in for a visit if you happen to be in the area. I know they would love to see you and hang out for a good chat.
all photos my own
