South Africa is one of the most beautiful places in the world, offering golden sunsets, wide open spaces, and a diverse landscape that brings a sense of wonder to anyone lucky enough to explore it! With the excitement of the December holidays in the air, this gorgeous country brings you a literal smorgasbord of places to visit and unique summer dining experiences that have the views to match! We have put together a list of our favourite places for Summer Dining in South Africa for the holidays!
Parkside Picnics | Outdoor Bliss
Take advantage of a glorious Summer’s day, and get your guests outside. A park is the perfect environment for large family gatherings, or even an intimate afternoon for two-a firm favourite pace for Summer dining in South Africa. The trick to entertaining outside is to prepare a variety of quick and easy food options that don’t require a lot of on-the-day attention.
Snacks and finger foods are a must have for your picnic basket – pack chips and dips, crackers, cheese and cold meats, or even an assortment of pasta salads for guests to choose from. Serve on a divided platter
For a hearty meal that isn’t admin intensive, let your guests make their own wraps. Simply provide flour tortillas, a few pre-sliced salad ingredients and chicken pieces. Don’t forget to pack some tasty cheese of your choice and some pesto or mayonnaise for garnish.
Put the proverbial cherry on the top by providing some fresh fruit as a dessert. Watermelon, strawberries and an assortment of fresh berries are no fuss treats that are easy to eat, and of course, easy to enjoy! Place your different fruits in different serving bowls, and let their colour add to your Summer Dining décor!
Beach Bonfires | A New Year’s Tradition
If you are making your way to the beach over the festive season, (especially over New Years Eve), there is nothing more quintessential than enjoying the atmosphere of a beach bonfire with friends. Treat your guests to simple, but delicious foods, whilst the fireworks and South African skyline do the entertaining.
For starters, make use of the abundance of corn that SA offers, and enjoy warm, roasted corn on the cob. Drizzle butter over the sweetcorn, and serve to guests with corn skewers.
For mains, it’s all about simple and tasty food. The last thing you want is grains of sand peppering your delicious foods! We recommend making the classic, and never disappointing – cheese burger! Simple to make and eat, these are sure to be a hit! Shape pattys in a Burger press, place on the grill and serve with grilled burger buns and afew toppings and garnish for guests to help themselves!
If you’re finishing off your eve with sweet treats, a bonfire calls for s’mores, or toasted marshmallows. Set aside a large bowl filled with fluffy marshmallows, and let guests skewer their own, while you all sit around the fire, welcoming in the new year! Of course, a well-deserved glass of champagne wouldn’t go amiss either!
Poolside Perfection | Local is Lekker
Many Saffa’s know and love their Summer times spent outside by the pool, and this is normally accompanied by a local and lekker tradition- the braai! Welcome guests to your poolside Summer experience, and embrace our warm days with good friends and family!
As any good South Africa knows, a braai is the central point to a day spent outdoors. The best part – braai’s are not just good for meat, but a variety of food that can be prepared and served, mostly without fuss.
There are a few staples to any braai experience- good meat, fresh veggies and a potato salad to name but a few. We suggest getting a 28 day wet aged rump, and cooking on a cast iron steak platter for a delicious steak that will have your guests begging for another invite. Serve with Roasted Veggies cooked in an Eetrite Veggie Wok, or a homemade potato salad, served in a large serving bowl. Simple summer dining in South Africa, at its best!
Finally, get your guests into the pool, and serve them dessert there! We love these poolside Watermelon popsicles- super easy to make, but a taste of summer with every bite!
