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Mrs. Samira & Mr. Björn Waenerlund
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WB Center: What is your book about?
Samira & Björn: We were very strict on not making a cook book because there are more than 400 cook books launched in Sweden each year. Which means that is more than 1 a day so the competition is fierce, just hysterical. We wanted to do a guide book that we wanted to do ourselves.
So this book is written for the people who wanted to tour to vineyards mainly on their own. A lot of people like to come to Cape Town and explore on their own like people do in France or Italy. The difference though is that people are more friendly.
WB Center: What is this book based on?
Samira & Björn: 99% of the book is based on interviews that we have done with our favorite wine estate and restaurants; and by tasting and eating. The rest of the facts has been found on the internet, books and other sources.
WB Center: How would you label the South African food?
Samira & Björn: There is a South African song called the rainbow nation. Because of all the difference color of skin, religion, raze, is really a melting pot with people from all over the world. I personally like to label the South African kitchen as the "RainBow Cuisine".
South Africa is influenced from so many places in the world. The slaves that came in the 16th century brought by the European came from Malaysia, India, Madagascar, Mauritius and they also brought influences with them to the Cape Malay cuisine which is popular. Many people say that this is the South African cuisine but that's not fair judgment I would say. It's just a part of it.
WB Center: What is a Braai?
Samira & Björn: The Braai tradition is maybe the most noticeable tradition in Africa. They are a braai loving country. Braai is short for Braai Flay means "to grill meat".
WB Center: What do you like about South Africa?
Samira & Björn: One of the things I like about the South Africa is that people are very friendly, smiling, relaxed, people are true originals and they do not pretend to be anything else.
Recommended Accomodation by Samira & Björn in Cape Town:
David's: Excellent fresh, affordable and personalized guest house in the city electricity inside the Green Point Cape Town.
City Lodge: Very centrally located, inexpensive hotel on the Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, central Cape Town.
Bergzicht Guest House: Charming and intimate guesthouse owned by a Norwegian couple. Centrally located in the district of Tamboerskloof in Cape Town.
Recommended Accomodation by Samira & Björn in the Wine Districts:
The Swedish couple Katarina and Peter Stigson owns and two very nice and popular guest houses called "The Beautiful West Guest House" located at Somerset West 4 miles west from Cape Town and "The Beautiful South Guest Home" the other in Stellenbosch 4 miles northwest of Cape Town.
Ridgemor Villa Lifstyle Hotel: Amazingly beautiful and elegant five-star boutique hotel in Somerset West, 4 mil east of Cape Town. Owned by Swedes!
Recommended wine estates and wineyards:
Vergelegen Wine Estate: Good wines and great cellar tour.
Lourensford: They even have a wine tasting with nougat.
Morenster: Excellent Bordeaux Blend and Olive Oil.
Hartenberg: Merlot 2005 is Best in the world. Al fresco lunch on the terrace.
Backsberg, Paarl: The restaurant serves every day Lamm on the spit in the garden.
Franschhoek: French huguerots. Try sparkling wines and dine at one of the restaurants with a fantastic view.
Blog: News blog for Swedish visitors to find tips of the South African wine lands www.sydafrikablogg.blogspot.com
Published August 2010 by Wine & Beverage Center, WB Center