Archive for March, 2018

Moootastic family fun

Upon returning from a two week business trip to the fairest Cape (where he was in charge of researching some exciting developments that Farmer van der Byl has in stall in the near future), Bill decided that some quality family time was much needed. He thought it the ideal opportunity to book us the Family Fun package at African Pride Irene Country Lodge, not only so that the calves could experience staying in a hotel but also so that we could enjoy experiencing the luxury of all that the Lodge has to offer.

Needless to say, we arrived for check in early Friday afternoon with three super excited calves in tow…

After been ushered to our inter-leading rooms and once the calves had sussed out every corner of their accommodation for the night, we opened up the patio doors to a lush, green, gorgeous view. Within two minutes our youngest was over at the kiddies play area where he made new friends, enjoyed the jumping castle and played soccer for the afternoon. Our other two calves made themselves comfy in bed and read the afternoon away.

Bill and I simply sat on our patio and took in every bit of peace and tranquillity that we could. A snack platter and some refreshing sundowners meant that we finally had some time to catch up whilst the calves were as happy as little pigs in mud!

In the late afternoon a typical Highveld thunderstorm rolled in and although we all had to come back indoors, it was a mooovelous sight to see. The colours of the sky with loud thunder and glorious rain was wonderful to watch from our beautifully decorated rooms.

Delectable dinner 

That evening we headed off for dinner in the Meadow Green Restaurant where our calves were spoilt with delicious milkshakes and the best spaghetti bolognaise ever! Bill and I enjoyed the buffet – variety and melt in your mouth deliciousness was the order of the day.

On the walk back to our rooms that evening the calves commented on how much they loved staying at the Lodge and Bill was pleased that he had made the right choice.

After a restful night’s sleep we awoke to yet another beautiful day. I noticed the calves’ eyes doubling in size when they saw what was on offer at the breakfast buffet and this was one morning that I didn’t put my hoof down insisting that it was a healthy one! Pancakes, pastries, fresh muffins and croissants – need I say more! We all ate to our hearts content and the best part was, I didn’t have to deal with hungry tummies till dinner time that day!

Before departing, we were sure to do a little more exploring and we enjoyed a game of identifying the abundant birdlife on the lake.

Our Family Fun getaway was worth every minute spent with my gorgeous brood in what is most certainly, my most favourite Destination Irene place to stay.

Till Next Week,
The Dairy Cow

Herding off to scrumptious pastures…

It’s been a hectic few weeks! Bill has been mooorse busy with all the exciting renovations going on at Irene Farm and the calves have kept me on my hooves with homework, swimming galas and all sorts of other activities in-between.

This past Sunday morning I woke up absolutely exhausted! Counting down the days on my Irene Farm calendar to the upcoming holidays, Bill decided that I needed the day off. Grateful for his concern (and the fact that he actually noticed how tired I was) my excitement at a scrumptious Sunday meal soon turned to disappointment when I realise our favourite family restaurant was temporarily closed! The Barn Restaurant is undergoing some fabulous additions and unfortunately, it means they’re only re-opening mid-year.

The Pop-up Pasture

Little did I realise that the pop-up restaurant, The Pasture, has been set up during the course of the renovations, providing undercover seating with the same delicious meal offerings we all have become accustomed to.

In fact, when Bill suggested we enjoy our Sunday lunch at The Pasture, he mentioned that it’s so well equipped that they had hosted a morning wedding there just last week!

Excited at the prospect of a scrumptious home-cooked styled meal, we were all ready to enjoy the day out. Upon arrival, the calves were very pleased to see that the jumping castle, jungle gyms and big stretch of lawn was still open for them to run around to their hearts content. Bill and I didn’t see them until it was time to graze!

The Sunday Lunch Chef’s Carvery

With limited kitchen facilities available during the renovation, The Pasture serves buffet-style breakfast and lunches on the weekend. The Sunday Chef’s Carvery was just as good as ever. A selection of salads for starters, choices of chicken, sirloin, hake and vegetable pasta to name just a few of the mains options and finishing off with delectable deserts, this meal was just what I needed!

Bill was pleased with himself when he realised his suggestion of The Pasture was well-enjoyed and even agreed to herd back there with Mooother-in-Law and kie in tow for her upcoming Birthday. Still ideal for special occasions and family get-togethers, the fairy lights in the undercover area make it all the more fabulous. A light spray of water from the edges of the area do a good job of cooling it down too making it pleasant even if it’s a scorcher of a day.

I’ve even made arrangements to meet up with our coffee group for lunch this coming week – their Monday to Friday A la carte menu includes some all-time favourites such as scones, toasted sarmies and home-made burgers.

Hooves up to Irene Farm for ensuring that we can still enjoy the same deliciousness whilst they are busy with their exciting renovations. Until then, we will keep visiting The Pasture… proof that sometimes the graze is just as good on the other side!

Till Next Week,
The Dairy Cow

 

 

An elegant Affair

Bill and I have been mooorse excited about all the upgrades taking place within Destination Irene of late. One of particular enticement is the Silver Rose Lobby Lounge at African Pride Irene Country Lodge. With a royal new reception area, this latest addition promises to be the epitome of elegance and so, I insisted that Bill accompany me to an afternoon of deliciousness coupled by sophisticated ambience and all round adulting in style!

Stepping into the Silver Rose Lobby Lounge can be compared to placing oneself into an upper class formal sitting room with beautiful wooden pieces of furniture complimented by the most appeasing fabrics. Unbelievably comfortable sofas and chairs adorn the room with an inviting fire place to one side and an impressive book shelf to the other.

Old photos scattered around the room of the farm that once was on this property, are a reminder of where it all started. The infusion of old to new makes up the character of this room – all of which epitomises African Pride Irene Country Lodge’s haven of peace and tranquillity.

Bill and I chose to sit in the centre from where we could take in all of its beauty whilst enjoying each other’s company.

A beautiful samovar adorning the serving table is host to a selection of Ronnefeldt teas. Hailing from the finest plantations in Sri Lanka, Darjeeling, Assam, Japan and China, extreme care is used in harvesting, processing, packaging and preparing these teas which is synonymous with Ronnefeldt’s traditional tea production. And the proof is in the taste – a perfect cup of tea in the perfect setting.

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With a wide range of other beverages on offer, Bill and I decided to treat ourselves to something from the eats menu – we were so glad we did! The variety from savoury to sweet with little extras in-between such as designer sandwiches and a signature carrot cake make for a fabulous light meal. We decided to taste test Sélection Salée (luxurious savouries) as well as the Sélection Sucrée (sweet delicacies).  Made to order, both were equally tantalising and it certainly lived up to our expectations.

After browsing some of the books on the bookshelf we decided on one last cup of tea before heading back to the barn.

Our afternoon spent in the Silver Rose Lobby Lounge was one of complete decadence – I’m not convinced that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet!

Till Next Week,
The Dairy Cow