All theJuly/Augustaction PAGE 2

Latest inGreat ConfectioneryPAGE 3

SeafoodCelebration PAGE 4

Musts forlawns &pruning PAGE 5

Our Starpersonality PAGE 6

Red-hot WestCoast spots PAGE 9

All theJuly/Augustaction PAGE 2

Latest inGreat ConfectioneryPAGE 3

SeafoodCelebration PAGE 4

Musts forlawns &pruning PAGE 5

Our Starpersonality PAGE 6

Red-hot WestCoast spots PAGE 9

Your guide to a cool West Coast lifestyle

JULY/AUGUST 2013

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WHOLE LOTTA ACTION

2.

JULY

3 - 7 Kids willdelight in followingMickey Mouse tofour destinations inDISNEY ON ICE atthe CTICC.

6 Learn secrets ofthe garden on theguidedKIRSTENBOSCHHISTORICALCENTENARY WALK. Booking essential.

5 - 14 27 musiciansfrom across the globewill perform at the10th annual

STELLENBOSCH INTERNATIONALCHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL at theStellenbosch University Conservatory.

6 - 15 Diarise amust-do event, the30th PICK ‘N PAYKNYSNA OYSTERFESTIVAL.

6 THE KIRSTENBOSCHWINTER CONCERTpresents Francois vanCoke and LaudoLiebenberg at Moyo,

Kirstenbosch Gardens from 18h00. Glassof wine on arrival and dinner available.

8 - 13 Two of the most revered acousticguitarists in the world, Jon Gomm andPreston Reed, can be enjoyed atINTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT AT THEBAXTER.

13 - 14 Celebratingits French heritagewith activities, sports,films, wine and food,Franschhoek presentsthe BASTILLE DAY FESTIVAL.

20 Dear Reader performs at theKIRSTENBOSCH WINTER CONCERT, heldat Moyo.

26 - 28 Parents,get inspired at thepremier parentingexpo, the BABA INDABA, CTICC.

26 Altogether 24 top SA artists performat the CAPE TOWN FOLK ‘N ACOUSTICMUSIC FESTIVAL at the Baxter.

27 - 28 It will be ashopper’s paradisewhen top qualityfactory shops exhibitwith unbelievable

deals at the FACTORY SHOP EXPO, CTICC.

30 - 31 Aftertwo years, WWESMACKDOWN canagain be seen live atthe Grand Arena. Stars include Alberto DelRio, Randy Orton, Seamus, the Great Kaliand more.

4 - 10 Diverse entertainment is on handat the WOMEN’S FESTIVAL, Artscape.

9 - 11 If you like taking your time overgood wine, home-cooked farm dinners andlong Fynbos walks, visit the ROBERTSONSLOW WINE FESTIVAL.

9 - 11 An array of premiumwine and culinary treats areon show at the HERMANUSWINE & FOOD FAIR.

20 See Mike & the Mechanics in THELIVING YEARS at the Grand Arena.

22 Wine loversare given theopportunity totaste rare andinnovativeauction wines atthe NEDBANK CAPE WINEMAKERSGUILD AUCTION SHOWCASE, CTICC.

29 - 1 SEP Find thelatest in homeimprovement, décorand lifestyle trends atthe CAPEHOMEMAKERS EXPO.

29 CAPE FLORALKINGDOM EXPOshowcases thebiodiversity andendemism of the

Fynbos, Renosterveld, Fynbos thicket,Afromontane forest and Succulent Karooin the Western Cape at Mega Park,Bredasdorp.

30 - 2 SEP Professionalperformances take place in allthe Darling ‘voorkamers’ at theannual VOORKAMERFEST.

31 Fine wines and fare are to be had atthe MCGREGOR FOOD & WINEFESTIVAL.

AUGUST

3.

Wow trendsin confectionery & chocs

Tastes change, trends change and so too dochocolates and confectionery. Whereas large,solid portions of cakes and pastries and mostlymilk chocolate might have been the case 10years ago, bite-sized portions offering a varietyof tastes and only the best in chocolate arethe norms today.

Pastry chef Nicolas van der Walt of the FBIChef School and Pastry Academy says, “As faras desserts are concerned, it’s all about a varietyof items which complement one another. Forinstance in a chocolate dessert, use all threetypes of chocolate on a frozen base such as asorbet. In a mousse, include flavours such aspraline. And remember: a plate with threebite-sized items to give a spread of flavours isvery ‘now’.”

The never-say-die cupcake has becomesomething of a bakery phenomenon over thelast number of years. While cupcakes havebeen a bakery staple for decades, they’ve nowbecome the hottest bakery product since, well,sliced bread.

Van der Walt says using crystallised celery oncakes is hot, hot, hot. “Not only is it beautiful,but the taste is really wow. It’s all about anatural look, no colourings and using fruitchips and tuiles as garnish.”

Sports stars and so-called celebrities are doingit and mainstream consumers are followingsuit with gluten-free diet plans. Although themedical need to adhere to a strict, no-glutendiet is limited to people diagnosed withceliac disease and dermatis herpetiformis,many believe that removing gluten helpsease the symptoms of diseases such asautism and hyperactivity, as well as helpingwith weight loss.

From the bitter, medicinal drink of the Aztecsto today’s refined indulgence, chocolate hasundergone significant evolutions in its 4 000-year history. Chillis and salt with chocolate areall the rage. Gaspard of Gaboli Chocolates ofBetty’s Bay not only makes these, but alsochocolates with blue cheese, biltong, gingerand spices. And single origin chocolate barsby DV Chocolate of Spice Route winery in Paarlhave become extremely popular as gifts.

Alas, the health trend has overtaken chocolatetoo. (What’s wrong with having somethingjust for a treat?) Everything from Goji berriesto soy nuts are being smothered in rich, darkchocolate. Also on offer are entirely veganchocs, made up of organic ingredients suchas acai, barberry and antioxidants – absolutelyout-of-control healthy.

4.

Stunning location whereSeafood is celebrated

If you feel like a special outing with good foodin mind on a Saturday or Sunday, take a leisurelydrive to the idyllic village of Yzerfontein.Situated smack-bang on the Sixteen-mile Beachis Strandkombuis, an informal open-air seafoodrestaurant with breathtaking sea views. Don’tworry about the weather, as half the area iscovered with a roof and the rest with a Bedouintent. Large fireplaces provide extra warmth forcolder days. What’s more, kids and well-behaved pets are welcome (and they get tomess around on the beach!).

The soup starter is a winner, with a choice ofhake & yellow tail or butternut soup. Rich and

satisfying flavours delight, as does theaccompanying home-baked bread. A plethoraof choice awaits you at the main course buffet:the creamiest West Coast mussels, crispyprawns, tender calamari, moreish yellow tailwith ginger and lemon grass sauce and warmsmoked snoek – the best I’ve had. End it allwith genuine ‘boere’ coffee and sinful, syrupykoeksisters.

You can bring your own wine and champagne,while other drinks can be bought at the rusticcash bar. Bookings are essential: 022 4512360or 082 4912562. (Sadly, the restaurant is closedfrom 1 June till 31 August.)

Flowers, flowers everywhereAugust heralds flower month on the WestCoast and no matter how many times you’vemade flowers trips over the years, it’s alwaysan enriching experience.

Between July and October, the sun-baked plainsand sandstone mountains of the West Coastmetamorphose into brilliant colour as the veldexplodes with flowers. The roadsides andwetlands burst with patches of Arum Lillies.Then, white Rain Daisies herald the arrival ofspring, jostling with tiny yellow Button Daisies,Blue Flax and pink Nemesias. Look out for thedaintier, sometimes hidden Winecups, Sparaxis,Lechenalia and Babiana. Multi-coloured Vygies,Watsonias and fields of orange and yellow‘Stinkkruid’ will await you too.

Your best bet in finding out which places offerthe most spectacular flower-viewing is to phonethe Kleenex Flower Hotline on 071 3207146.

As always, the West Coast National Park andPostberg offer beautiful displays. Tienie Versfeldand Groenekloof reserves near Darling also aretransformed wonderlands. Other ‘musts’include Biedouw Valley and Ramskop naturereserves near Clanwilliam, as well as the GrootWinterhoek reserve near Porterville.

This year’s annual Clanwilliam Wildflower Show,from 29 August to 8 September, will pay tributeto the unsung heroes of the floral spectacular:the millions of tiny creatures that pollinatethese plants.

The Darling Wildflower Show exhibits the largestvariety of South African indigenous flowers -from 20 to 22 September. An example of eachplant is provided on the specimen tables, withits full name and related species. In addition,there’s a display of lichens compiled by respectedamateur botanist Dr Pixie Littlewort.

WEST COAST FAUNA

Petite,solitaryantelope

Said to be the most abundant smallantelope throughout South Africa, thefleet-footed Steenbok weighs about11 kg and measures 520 mm at theshoulder. It has a rufous brown to fawncoat, while only the rams have uprightslender horns, 7 – 19 cm long,projecting above the eyes. Both sexesfeature conspicuous black facial glandsin front of the large, dark brown eyes.

Raphicerus Campestris typically browseon low-level vegetation as they can’treach above 0.9 m, but they’re alsoadept at scraping up roots and tubers,as well as showing a preference forforbs. They’ll take fruits as well andonly rarely graze on grass. Because oftheir moisture-rich diet, they’re almostentirely independent of drinking water.

Mainly solitary, rams and ewes onlycome together to breed. However, theydefend and share a territory, whichboth sexes mark by using dungmiddens. They’re the only bovid whoscrapes the ground before and afterurination and defecation. The malesare known to use roads and telephonelines as boundaries.

Births have been recorded throughoutthe year after a 170-day gestationperiod. Usually a single lamb is bornand concealed for the first three to fourmonths. During this time the motheronly makes contact in the early morningand evening to feed and groom theinfant. To conceal the infant’s presence,the mother eats her lamb’s faeces anddrinks its urine during her visits to keepthe hiding place relatively odour-freeand protected from predators.

Photos: Lauren Kriedemann

References: Wikipedia; www.krugerpark.co.za;www.ultimateungulate.com

5.

Pruning of fruit trees and ornamental shrubstakes precedence over everything this month.There are two reasons to prune. One is toshape the tree in its early years by inducing itto develop into a nicely balanced specimen.Two is to keep the tree free from dead wood,which is a harbourage for pests, and to removeweak shoots and unwanted wood - brancheswhich may grow into the tree’s centre, keepingout light and air and branches which may rubagainst others.

Be sure all your pruning tools are keenly sharpand clean. When large wounds are made,protect them by painting them with builders'knotting, lead paint or sealing compound.Always cut cleanly just above a good strongbud pointing in the direction in which it’sdesired the branch should grow. Gather up

the pruned branches afterwards and burnthem, because there are sure to be insect pesteggs on them, and when all’s done, spray themwith lime-sulphur.

Mulch over the tops of beds planted withspring-flowering bulbs and see that the soildoesn’t become too dry. Loosen the soilbetween winter-flowering bedding plants tobreak up the crust and conserve moisture.

Cacti and succulents will soon be coming intogrowth again and should have their watersupply increased slightly.

If you planted a ‘winter garden’ then the bedsshould now be in full bloom and they’ll remaincolourful longer if you dead-head the flowers.All outstanding winter work should be completedas quickly as possible. This includes planting oftrees, shrubs and hedges, plus pruning.

Now’s the time for lawns to get a springtimetreatment. Get a good sharp-toothed rake andrake the lawn as though you really mean it,first across, then down, and next diagonally,until you're rid of the dead undermat. Then,cut off the tufts of grass sticking up with the

garden shears. After that take a hollow tinefork and drive it into the turf every 30 cm orso. That will open up the surface and let in air,plus the water and food you may give thelawn later on. Once this has been done, a top-dressing may be applied. Watering is nowvery necessary.Reference: www.mweb.co.za/gardening/MonthByMonth

&GARDEN GNOME

Pruninglawns takecentre-stage

JULY

AUGUST

6.

Artist, author, Reiki Master, footologist,animal lover, teacher and board sailor– this is Ann Gadd, a woman of prolifictalents and insights.

After many years as an art director inthe advertising industry, Ann swoppedcorporate life for a more relaxed andfulfilling lifestyle and hasn’t had timeto look back. Initially, she and herhusband owned a health shop inCavendish Square. This awakened herinterest in natural healing and shestarted “on the journey of self-discovery”. Apart from practising asa Reiki Master and footologist, Annalso facilitated art workshops, teachingpeople to explore and learn aboutthemselves. “Essentially, I teach peopleto use art as a form of self-expression– whether they can draw or not,”she explained.

During Reiki and footology sessions,Ann learnt that stress created negativehabits in people. “I started taking notesand explored why some people hadcertain habits. Wanting to reach a wideraudience than the one-on-one sessions I had,I then put pen to paper. This is how I startedwriting self-help books.” So far, she’s writtenand/or illustrated: Ewe at Work, The AmbitiousSheep, Making your art work, How to makeincome from your art, The new Ewe, Wineand Ewe’ll feel better, What went wrong withMr Right?, Climbing the Beanstalk - TheSpiritual truths in Fairytales, A-Z of Habits,Finding Your Feet, The Girl who bites her nailsand the man who is always late – What ourhabits reveal about us, Healing Habits andBoardsailing in South Africa. Some of the bookshave been translated into 14 languages.

But, many people recognise the name AnnGadd because of her sheep paintings. Whysheep? She replied, “Sheep in their conformistlifestyle mirror the human condition to a largeextent. Like sheep we seldom stop to questionour life, its purpose and the validity of what

we do. Struggling to achieve a stable patchfor ourselves and yet being ever-threatenedby the inevitable tumble downhill, in therepetitive conformism of our lives, sheepbecome icons for our own insanity.” Annalways paints with humour. To quote from herCV, “To mirror the paradoxical universe, Iexplore the profound through humour. In doingso, I reveal our human nature, aspirations andweaknesses.”

In 2001 Ann painted her first sheep, The sheepwho studied astrology and then in 2006when her husband Anthony’s advertisingagency closed down, she was forced tostart thinking of painting to feed a family.“In short, I had to turn a passion into anincome.” That’s when she had the lightbulbmoment and started a few versions of ‘Thesheep who studied astrology’. The paintingssold, the gallery wanted more … she’d strucka winning formula.

To date, Ann has painted over 1 000sheep concepts for galleries throughoutSouth Africa and a number of privatecommissions, but she said there wasstill much room for expansion. Shedescribed her philosophy of life as ‘Man,know thyself’. “We’re all a work inprogress. Most of us don’t move happilythrough all life’s changes because weall fear change. But change is good.Everything in the universe is in a stateof perpetual change.”

In 1985, Ann represented South Africaat the World Championships in Six Foursand in 1987/8 she was SA NationalBoard Sailing champion.

Asked whether she preferred paintingto writing, Ann replied, “My husbandsays I’m a lot more fun as an artist. Thewriting process is extremely intense andcan be quite draining.”

For the past 24 years, the Gadd familyhas lived on the West Coast –Bloubergrant specifically - and Ann loves

it. “We have it all. The environment is relaxingand stimulating at the same time.”

Fast FactsMARRIED TO: Anthony, a fine artist

CHILDREN: Tess (21), an art director andartist and Taun (18), a first-year yearcomputer science student at StellenboschUniversity

PETS: Golden Retriever Hunta, plus catsDuffy and Caesar

SPORT: Stand-up paddling

FAVOURITE FOOD: Thai

FAVOURITE DRINK: Wine

To learn more about Ann and her work,visit www.artforewe.co.za

WEST COAST STARS

Many talentsmaketh Ann

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While many of us guard our favourite spotsjealously, we nevertheless like knowing whatother people fancy. All the more so if thesefavourite spots are on our stomping groundalong the West Coast. We asked a numberof people to name the coffee shops, shopsand restaurants they love and the answerswere as diverse as the West Coast population.High on the list for favourite coffee shopswas the delicious cakes on offer, while greatsteaks feature strongly among the restaurantsof choice.

GIANNI CARCHESIOof West Beach

Likes shopping at:Builders’ WarehouseFavourite coffee shop:Carlucci’s, Waves’ EdgeSpecial restaurant:Forneria Italia, Table View– Delizioso!

HELEN DIENERof Melkbosstrand

Likes shopping at:Dischem, BaysideFavourite coffee shop:Kauai, BaysideSpecial restaurant:CTFM, Seaside Village –excellent sushi

GILLIAN ROSSof West Beach

Likes shopping at:Woolworths, West CoastVillageFavourite coffee shop:Dulce, West CoastVillageSpecial restaurant:Ons Huisie, Kleinbaai -consistent

MELONEY KNAAPof Flamingo Vlei

Likes shopping at:Woolworths, ParklandsJunctionFavourite coffee shop:Petits FoursSpecial restaurant:Cattle Baron, Table View– first-class steaks

CAROLINE LINDESof Sunningdale

Likes shopping at:Chocolate & Vanilla,West Coast VillageFavourite coffee shop:Petits Fours, BloubergSpecial restaurant:Black Angus, Paddocks– superb steaks

HILTON TAYLORof West Beach

Likes shopping at:Woolworths, West CoastVillageFavourite coffee shop:Starke AyresSpecial restaurant:Café Orca, Melkbos –super food

INGEBORGMUHSFELDTof Sunningdale

Likes shopping at:@Home and Dischem,BaysideFavourite coffee shop:Bread & Butter, SandownJunctionSpecial restaurant:Blue Peter – always good

JACQUIE POTHECARYof Bloubergstrand

Likes shopping at:Coco Li, PaddocksFavourite coffee shop:Melissa’s, Table ViewSpecial restaurant:Grill & Butcher, TableView – lovely steaks

JANINE O’BRIENof West Beach

Likes shopping at:@Home, BaysideFavourite coffee shop:Bread & Butter, SandownJunctionSpecial restaurant:Karoo Cattle & Land, BigBay – great meat

PETRA VAN ASCHof Melkbos

Likes shopping at:Carol Boyes & @Home,BaysideFavourite coffee shop:Arti Deli, MelkbosSpecial restaurant:Café Orca, Melkbos –seafood is tops

MANDY FAUREof Table View

Likes shopping at:Woolworths, West CoastVillageFavourite coffee shop:Eden Café, Big BaySpecial restaurant:Eastern Fusion, SunsetBeach – super sushi

ROBERT VOCKERODTof West Beach

Likes shopping at:Builders’ WarehouseFavourite coffee shop:Starke AyresSpecial restaurant:Cattle Baron, Table View– consistently satisfying

9.

Red-hot West Coast ‘faves’

10.

Osteopathy can help in treating: Backand neck pain; joint pain; headacheand migraine sinusitis; jaw pain;digestive disorders; period pain andirregularity; pain associated withpregnancy; colic and reflux for babies;asthma and chest complaints; stress,depression and fatigue;developmental problems in children;general ill health

Phone now for an appointment!071 508 6064

www.osteopathpatrick.com

ABOUT ATLANTIC GULLAtlantic Gull started off as a newsletter for AtlanticBeach Golf Estate residents way back in 2007.Since 2012 it has evolved into an alternatemonthly publication which celebrates life on theWest Coast. It’s distributed to each home onAtlantic Beach Golf Estate, as well as Starke AyresNursery, Sandown Nursery, all the Pick ‘n Pay andCheckers outlets on the West Coast, several

doctors’ surgeries, physiotherapist waiting rooms,breakfast venues, coffee shops, vet clinics,beauty salons and hair-dressers throughoutthe Table View/West Beach/Sunningdale/Blouberg/Parklands/Melkbos areas.

Publisher & editor: Mariette Greyling, TomarCommunications, tel 021 5540442, 082 5667816;mariette@tomar.co.za; www.tomar.co.za.

Design & layout: Annène van Eeden, Zone One

Printing: Fineline Print Solutions

Front cover photo: Annène van Eeden,tel 082 542 8844.

For advertising rates, please phone Mariette Greylingon one of the above phone numbers, or send anemail.

11.

When buying a puppy for your child, rememberthat while all pups are adorable, they naturallygrow into not-so-cuddly adult dogs, requiringmuch care and responsibility.

Deciding on a breed is imperative. Or you mightdecide to do the kind thing and adopt a petfrom one of the many animal shelters in andaround Cape Town. Is your child physically strongor weak? Will your youngster be able to copewith a boisterous pup, a headstrong teenageror a quiet pensioner? Certain breeds demandand need a lot of direct attention, while othersare content to lie around with the occasionalpat on the head. Avoid dog breeds known forunpredictability and aggression.

If owners and dogs could be suitably matched,then it might overcome the problem of manycanines being left at stray shelters because

they were deemed ‘unsuitable’. Look into thebreed’s good and bad points in terms ofcharacter, health and maintenance and thenassess the individual dog’s personality. Yourchoice also should be dictated by the spaceyou have, the amount of time your child needsto spend on training and exercise and yourbudget for food and veterinary services.

The influence on your puppy’s temperamentwill depend on you and your child – the homeenvironment, socialising and training, plusadequate time spent with the pup.

Teach your child to respect other people whenexercising his/her canine friend. Always takeplastic poop bags along (small freezer bagswork well). Also, the pet shouldn’t be allowedto bark continually, nor frighten people orother dogs with aggressive behaviour. A well-trained dog is a pleasure. Thus, training is agood investment.

Other lessons your child should learn are: goodnutrition (puppies eat three meals a day untilnine months old; from then onwards, all dogsshould receive a healthy meal twice a day);avoiding table scraps and treats (dogs will eatuntil they fall down and obesity in dogs resultsin severe health problems); regular, controlledwalks at least once, but preferably twice a day;not to discipline dogs by hitting them; annualvaccinations and providing mental stimulation.

Small children should never be left alone withdogs or cats.

Many behaviour problems in dogs stem from‘rank confusion’, according to animalbehaviourist John Faul. Therefore, to reducethe dog’s view of its rank within ourcanine/human pack, you and your child needto establish certain rules.

These rules can be laid down one at a time toavoid confrontation. It might take a few daysto establish the first rule, but persevere untilthis is truly understood before moving to thenext stage. Remember, these wonderfulcreatures have the mentality of toddlers!

Ensure that you and your child go throughdoorways and narrow openings first. Thesimplest way is to close all doors in the housefor a few days so that the dog’s freedom ofmovement becomes dependent on the doorsthat you choose to allow him through. Don’ttell him to stay, sit, or wait. (That’s basicallyasking him if he minds if you go first.) Ideally,

he should grant you the right of rank byallowing you to precede him. If he tries tobarge in front of you, close the door quickly– be careful not to trap his nose!

Ensure that he doesn’t occupy beds or chairs.However, you and your child should be ableto occupy the areas where he generally choosesto sleep. Besides his bed, spend a day mappingout his favourite spots and occupying them.

Eat before he does. When your child mixes hisfood in his presence, he/she should make apoint of sitting down and eating a biscuit. Bygoing through the act of eating first, the dogis told that at feeding time, the highest rankingeats first and thus gets the richest pickings.

Teach your child not to allow him to demandattention. Dogs do this in a variety of ways,such as nudging one’s arm for a stroke.Privileges should be earned – even if it’s onlycomplying with a sit command.

Only allow the dog(s) five minutes to eat theirfood. Dominant dogs have a habit of leavingsome or all of their food for long periods as avisual display of their rank. Even if they starteating it after four-and-a-half minutes, it shouldbe taken away after five.

Your child should conduct regular obediencesessions of at least ten minutes a day withthe dog.

Neutering or spaying is essential. If you’ve seenhow many pets are looking for homes inshelters, you’ll realise that breeding simplyadds to the problem.

Wishing you and your child many happy,responsible pet days, months and years!

Teach kids petresponsibility: Dogs

Ed

itor: M

ariette Greyling

, Tom

ar Co

mm

unications T: 021 554 0442 m

ariette@to

mar.co

.za

12.