Osteria Allegra restaurant, situated at Arcangeli Wine Estate on the outskirts of Botriver, is more than worth the short trip to enjoy one of the fantastic meals on offer. The menu is simple and concise, but as the dishes are all equally appealing, deciding what to order can be a challenge. The only thing to rival the mouthwatering menu are the stunning views from the restaurant, and the service provided by the staff, Fortune Mujokeri and Julan Arries.

Owner and chef Dean Van Huyssteen has created his own take on favourite dishes, enhancing them with the fine dining skills that he has acquired over his 20-year cheffing career.  

The Ostrich Carpaccio is a must-have. Served on a bed of Ex-Oh (an Asian inspired South African dish consisting of sunflower seeds, toasted almonds, ginger, molasses, lemon rind and a hint of chilli oil), the tender and generously sliced ostrich is crusted with black pepper and herbs, and complemented with kimchi and balsamic caviar.

Pork Belly features as a popular main course option and is served with mustard mash, a variety of vegetables, Dean’s citrus purée and his apple and cinnamon sauce. On the menu you will also find Steak, Egg and Chips (sirloin steak with red wine jus topped with a perfectly poached egg and served with Dean’s signature hand-cut chips), proving that fine dining and comfort food do indeed go well together. The smooth and creamy Rooibos Crème Brûlée is a delectable end to a meal, and its recipe, which Dean has been using for years, is a closely guarded secret.

Dean hails from Johannesburg and his interest in cooking began during his high school years when he took Home Economics as a subject at school. According to Dean, he was a "chubby" teen and his home economics choice was less of a future investment in his culinary career than it was for his love of eating. He also admits to wanting a certain niche appeal with his fellow female learners seeing as he wasn't heartthrob material. 

Dean found himself enjoying Home Economics more than he expected, and with the encouragement of his teacher, upon matriculating, Dean attended HTA Chef School in Randburg. 

Dean's first placement was at the Mount Grace where he undertook a nine-month internship under renowned chef Trevor Boyd. This provided Dean with the opportunity to build good relationships and open doors to other opportunities. 

From Mount Grace he moved on to the Intercontinental in Sandton where he was able to work with, and gain experience from, Chefs Klaus Beckmann, Garth Schneer, and Arnold Tanzer. Dean then moved to Wimbledon in London (affectionately dubbed ‘Wimbledonfontein’ for its South African expat community), and worked as a Chef at The Dog & Fox.

As one does, Dean returned to South Africa, and accepted a position at a new hotel in Fourways but before long, and ever keen to continue expanding his culinary knowledge, skills and resume, Dean moved to the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands to work at 'Granny Mouse Country House’, a popular, opulent boutique hotel where fine dining comes standard and crab and truffles are the order of the day.

However, it was his next placement at the Sheraton Group that helped shape a young, oftentimes frustrated Dean into the chef that he is today. Under the mentorship of Chef Wayne Walkinshaw, Dean learnt management skills, how to deal with staff, and all the other aspects that make for a great chef and leader, and the results speak for themselves… one only has to look at how Dean interacts with his current staff to see how important they are to him. They all give their input and help to make the restaurant what it is.

His next few years were spent working at Madikwe Safari Lodge in the North West Province which Dean says he really enjoyed, and he used his time there to work on self-development and gain new perspectives. Further cheffing positions (from Olifantsfontein to Boksburg) followed before Dean began working at Summerfields Rose Retreat and Spa, a luxury retreat close to Kruger Park. It was here that he met his wife Ashleigh who worked at the spa, and who he describes as his best friend. According to legend (aka Dean), Ashleigh threw herself at him, so much so that “had there been a cliff she would have thrown herself off it.” *

It was Ashleigh’s mom that told Dean about an opportunity at a new restaurant in Hermanus, and so in 2017, Dean and Ashleigh made Hermanus their home. Since moving to the Overstrand, Dean, who is always eager for new experiences, has held cheffing positions at The Thatch House Boutique Hotel, The Rock, The Breakfast Room, and Bientang’s Cave, amongst others. 

This year the opportunity for Dean to start his own restaurant arose, and in May he proudly opened Osteria Allegra’s doors. The restaurant is family-friendly, and homely yet spacious, with artworks by local artists displayed on the walls. The restaurant caters for children, and as a father to a six-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son, Dean knows that one can’t go wrong with chicken nuggets or a Mac ‘n Cheese.

Osteria Allegra also serves breakfast and offers classics such as French Toast, Eggs Florentine, and Eggs Benedict. Be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook page for their Sunday Lunch specials. For more information or to make a reservation phone 076 303 5457. Walk-ins are welcome.

* Dean’s version of how he and Ashleigh met has not been verified.

Inspiring creative design, sustainable solutions, and original concepts, the 2024 Laager Schools Design and Laager Schools Science competitions have succeeded in unearthing the incredible talent of the Western Cape youth. On 16 November at Sandbaai Hall, competitors will showcase their hard work and incredible creations to the public, and the competition winners will be announced. 

The science and design competitions are run by Laager Rooibos in partnership with The Creative Space from Hermanus, TDL Advertising, and the Western Cape Education Department. 

Commenting on the drive behind these contests, Laager Marketing Manager Candice Sessions, says: “Our youth have such incredible potential in the science and art sectors, and we wanted to provide a platform to not only support the development in these two subject areas – with a particular focus on South Africa’s Rooibos tea – but to give them an audience as well. We’d like to congratulate all the participants on their hard work, dedication, and innovation, and we encourage them to continue breaking barriers throughout their educational careers.”

For the Laager Schools Design competition, learners were encouraged to think of ways to creatively reflect the Laager colours and logo, which would then be displayed in 2D visual communication designs and 3D product designs. Tea samples were sent to each school and a resource booklet was printed for each teacher to use as stimulus material for the visual diary experimentation.

The competition, which started with three schools in 2022, welcomed nine schools in 2024 and 42 learners will be displaying their inspired ideas at Saturday’s event. The competition will feature digital and hand-crafted work with prizes allocated in these categories. 

Two schools from Hermanus participated in the Laager Schools Science competition, namely Hawston Secondary School and Northcliff House College. The Grade 9 competitors were tasked with finding innovative ways to recycle Laager Rooibos tea for home or garden use. Running from 17 July to 18 September, the competition saw participants outline research questions, plan methodology, set up experiments, monitor and record results, as well as write up a comprehensive report, including photographs, tables, and graphs.

They were given funding for testing equipment, a refurbished Wendy house for a science laboratory, and extra classes to attend, all of which were overseen by science teacher Nicola Mackenzie. The children embraced the task of finding sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for reusing this healthy product. 

The judges for Saturday will consist of Jeandre Marinier (professional artist and well-known mural artist), Frieda Lloyd (Overberg District Municipality Manager: Local Economic Development, Tourism and Resorts), Lindsay Leppan (TDL Advertising) and Taylum Meyer (Local Life Whale Coast). They will be tasked with assessing each project and selecting the final competition winners in each category. 

Every entrant will receive a certificate of participation, with the winners earning gold, silver and bronze prizes and design materials from PNA. They will also earn themselves Laager Rooibos hampers for top place finishes.

The creations will be open to the public from 10:30 and tea and cake will be on sale, so come and support our talented learners for the morning.

Three of the displays from the 2023 Laager Schools Design and Laager Schools Science competitions. 

Moviegoers in Hermanus are in for a treat as the Whale Coast Mall cinema undergoes a major transformation under new management. Gravel Road Distribution Group, a dynamic local film distribution company, has taken the reins, bringing their passion for extraordinary cinematic experiences to this venue. Reopening at the end of November as ROAD HOUSE CINEMA @ WHALE COAST MALL, the cinema promises a refreshed, inviting space for film and entertainment enthusiasts alike.

The renovations will include a completely redesigned foyer that captures the allure of classic Hollywood, blending nostalgic charm with a modern look. The current beanbag cinema will be reconfigured with new, stepped seating to ensure an optimal viewing experience for all. A second cinema will remain open throughout the renovations, operating daily.

Beyond the space itself, ROAD HOUSE CINEMA will introduce an expanded menu and extended showtimes, offering more options for moviegoers. In the future, the cinema will also be available for corporate events, with the main theatre equipped with a stage and backstage facilities suitable for live performances, concerts, festivals, and more.

Staying true to its legacy, the cinema will continue as a cherished venue for movie screenings, now enhanced with new features and exciting plans that promise a diverse lineup for all audiences.

“We are committed to offering more than just movies at this unique cinema. Our vision is to create a powerhouse of big-screen entertainment for the entire Overberg district,” says Ryan Waters, Marketing Manager at Gravel Road Distribution Group. 

“From the freshest Hollywood blockbusters, to the most critically acclaimed arthouse releases, festival films, thematic movies, and the very best in family, kids and teen entertainment too,” he added.

ROAD HOUSE CINEMA is bringing something for everyone.

Keep an eye on their Facebook page (Whale Coast Theatre) to see what's upcoming, or visit their website. For more information, contact Jenny Griesel on 083 406 3444.

A hand up, not a handout 

Learn to Earn (LtE) is a non-profit, skills development and job creation organisation in Hermanus and Khayelitsha that seeks to develop people socially, economically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Since 1989, they have trained more than 17 000 unemployed people with market-related skills. According to LtE, over 83% of their graduates become economically active, with up to 20% starting their own businesses. 

The students in Hermanus have access to a number of courses, namely Bake for Profit, Basic Handyman Skills, Basic Hospitality Skills, Home Management Skills, and Basic Computer Skills. Their latest training initiative is the Ground UP Academy, whose aim is to train and equip unemployed people in becoming entry level baristas. 

All of the courses also have a life skills aspect that covers topics such as self-esteem, gender-based violence, family relationships, conflict resolutions, goal setting, job readiness, and CVs. 

"Developing people's life skills is an integral aspect of Learn to Earn," says Stoffel Fourie, LtE Hermanus Branch Manager, "We provide emotional support and healing where we can to those students who need it."

Each course has a basic fee (ranging from R400 to R950, depending on the course) and is between two and three months long. The courses are repeated throughout the year to small classes of 6 to 8 people, which allows teachers to give each student individual attention to help them achieve their full potential. Other costs such as teacher's salaries and course equipment are covered by donors. 

At the end of the course, each student is given a certificate to show that they have completed the modules, which include practical and theory tests. LtE also throws them a graduation ceremony to celebrate, and helps them to find internships at local businesses.

"Our students quite frequently find employment through their internships," says Stoffel, "Either the business hires them, or it gives them the experience and confidence to either find a permanent job, or start their own business."

If you are interested in taking a course, becoming a donor, or would like to offer internships at your business, please contact herm@learntoearn.org.za or 028 313 0564. You can also WhatsApp 071 585 3836. Alternatively, you can visit them at the corner of Lelie and Angelier Streets, Mount Pleasant, Hermanus. To learn more visit www.learntoearn.org.za.

BY LEA SMITH

MSc Student, MRI Whale Unit, University of Pretoria

Each year, humpback whales migrate vast distances between summer feeding grounds in low latitudes and winter breeding grounds in higher latitudes, with some migrating along South Africa’s coastlines. But these gentle giants aren’t simply passing through – some have begun to linger.

In the southern hemisphere, humpback whales are divided into seven distinct populations, or stocks, known as stocks A through G, each with different migratory paths and breeding grounds. Two stocks, namely stocks B and C, are especially important to South Africa, using separate migratory routes along the west and east coasts of Africa, respectively. 

In recent years, humpback whales have been spending more time along the west coast, where the nutrient-rich Benguela Upwelling System provides ideal conditions for feeding during the spring. Here, humpback whales have been observed forming large 'super-groups' – tight-knit gatherings of 20 to 200 whales feeding opportunistically on surface prey. First recorded in 2011 with groups of around 20 to 30 individual whales, these dynamic gatherings have grown considerably in size, revealing new behaviours that are likely driven by changing ocean conditions. 

To better understand these trends, we are using 'HappyWhale', an innovative platform that utilises artificial intelligence to identify individual whales based on the unique patterns on their flukes. This automated process has sped up the identification and matching of whales to global datasets. Accessing HappyWhale’s global database, we can now track individual whales across vast distances, offering valuable insights into their movements, including possible interactions between different stocks. Previously, it was assumed that genetically distinct stocks had limited interaction; however, HappyWhale data paints a different picture, indicating potential mixing between stocks B and C along South Africa's coastline. 

Alongside photo-identification, biopsy samples are also being collected from whales on both the east and west coasts to analyse their genetics. This genetic work, combined with photo-identification, is part of my Master’s project at the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit. 

My study aims to determine the specific stock identities of individual whales within the super-groups, further clarifying if individual whales from both stocks are participating in the formation of these super-groups. Beyond stock identification, the biopsy samples provide additional genetic insights, allowing us to assess population demographics and relationships within these stocks. 

Together the genetic data and photo-identification records are enhancing our understanding of humpback whale movements and how these stocks might be more connected than previously imagined.

BY DR ROBIN LEE

U3A Overberg History Interest Group

In Part 1 of this article (Local Life Issue 19), Dr Robin Lee looked at the earliest moves towards developing businesses in Hermanus, and how they gained momentum in the late 1800s when original settler families, who had arrived as fishermen, entered the property market and bought sites.

From the information available for the period 1895 –1915, three important facts can be identified.

Firstly, Mosselrivier Farm was a farm in name only. No one was actually farming it. Thus, it was easier for the Colonial Government to proclaim parts of the land as ‘commonage’ and allow the Village Management to survey and sell plots. In this way, the land was available for businesses.

Secondly, the early families were familiar with the capitalist economy, either from experience in their home countries or from their time at the Cape. And thirdly, there was no other economic model available, and no organised grouping opposed the shift into a capitalist system. These facts are essential to the later history of the economy of our region.

We see that families that had come to Hermanus as subsistence fisherfolk were acquiring permanent residences and places of business, within a single generation. For instance, when, in 1897, larger plots between Main Road and High Street were surveyed and sold by the Village Management Board, the Henn family bought two plots, the Allengensky family three, the Groenewald family two and the Sheriffs and the Warringtons purchased one each.

Two businesses stand out in the real estate sector. These are the Mossel River Seaside Township Development Co and the Poole’s Bay Township Development Company. Both of these were initiated by Jack Poole, whose wife had inherited the land from her grandfather, Duncan MacFarlane. It seems to be a feature of real estate transactions that a deal could be struck over an unsurveyed plot, and it could be occupied immediately. The formal survey might take place months or even years later, and registration yet later still. In one case, more than 20 years elapsed between ‘purchase’ and final registration.

The decade 1900 to 1910 saw a boom in hotel and business construction: Royal Hotel (1902); The Marine Hotel (1904); Ocean View Hotel (1906); Riviera Hotel (1906); business premises for rental (Balcony Building, 1906); Rainsfords (department store, 1904); and three buildings comprising what was later called ‘Lemm’s Corner’ (owned by the Oblowitz family). 

Joey Luyt tells an amusing anecdote about this general dealer:

[Jacob Oblowitz’s] shop carried a very varied stock, piled in confusion, and he would never admit – unless absolutely forced to do so – that he did not have any particular article. Nothing was marked and prices would vary considerably, according to the customer. Olive Crews told me that on one occasion she went to Oblowitz’s shop to buy some Post Toasties, the first of the many bowls of cereal we have today, but new on the market then. The children had become tired of porridge for breakfast every morning and she had suggested to my mother-in-law that they be given Post Toasties instead. Mr Oblowitz said yes, of course, he had it. After searching among his shelves he triumphantly produced a box of postcards. “There! I say I have it! Oblowitz has everything!” he exclaimed proudly. “No, Mr Oblowitz, I don’t want postcards. I want Post Toasties,” Olive said. “Hey! Vot you say? Postcards you ask for, postcards are vot I got!” Oblowitz insisted. “Post-Toasties,” Olive said firmly. “Post-Toasties, hey? Post-Toasties,” he muttered and went searching around the shelves again. But eventually, he had to admit defeat. “Vot sort of t’ ing is dis Post Toasties?” he demanded. “It’s a kind of breakfast food,” Olive explained as she prepared to leave. As she reached the door, he called to her, “Vait, vait, Miss Crews! I’ve got herrings!”

By 1910, the following types of business were operating in Hermanus (with the names of those involved in brackets):

• The fishing industry, which was in the process of transformation from subsistence fishing based on the boat-and-skipper model to a capitalistic structure; (Allengensky, McFarlane, Melnick)

• Sales of public and private land, as this was made available for private ownership of surveyed plots: (Poole, Morton, McFarlane, Bredenkamp, Van Coller)

• Construction of hotels, residences and a small number of public and commercial buildings (McFarlane, Beyers, Allengensky, Luyt, Sheriff, Rainsford)

• Management of the hotels (P John Luyt, Henry Luyt, Johnny Stemmet, Allengensky)

General dealers of the uniquely South African small-town type, known as algemene handelaars.

As new hotels and shops opened in the early years of the 20th century, several townspeople revealed another aspect of a successful capitalist economy.

P John Luyt, the owner of The Marine and Riviera Hotels, had previously worked for an insurance company (the Southern Life Association) and must have known something about selling to the public. He started actively marketing the town.

His activities included many techniques used today. He collected information about attractive aspects of the town and directed promotional material at groups interested in each aspect. He produced printed material describing the attractions of Hermanus and mailed these to thousands of targets, in South Africa and abroad.

Luyt’s six daughters from two marriages spent many long afternoons at The Marine, addressing and filling envelopes by hand. All the hotels took extensive newspaper advertising and the massive coverage associated with Bill Selkirk’s record shark catches was twice featured on a full-colour cover of the Illustrated London News. This publicity boosted the numbers of those visitors aiming for a pleasant angling holiday or looking for international recognition as a fisherman.

Keep an eye out for Part 3 of this series in the 28 January 2025 edition of Local Life.

Night Of A Thousand Drawings 

On 6 December as part of their regular Hermanus First Fridays Artwalk (HFFA), 21 galleries in the centre of Hermanus will again be hosting ‘Night of a Thousand Drawings’ from 5pm to 8pm.

The intention behind this popular annual event is to raise funds for small, deserving, and often overlooked Hermanus-based charities. To achieve this, the galleries assemble a collection of A5 sized drawings, paintings, and sketches. 

The works come from both amateur and professional artists, and on the night in question, each of the galleries will exhibit no less than one hundred artworks – all for sale at R100 each. 

Night of a Thousand Drawings in December 2023 raised R130 000 and was divided amongst the following causes: Camphill, Franklin Ohana Sustainability Garden, Hermanus Visual Arts, Reinet de Jager (a much-loved artist in Hermanus whose family needed help with funding her funeral), Kalfiefees students’ workshops, Seeds4Kids, Sluyter Foundation Summer Camp, stationery to assist local schools, and funding for students to practice in Sandbaai Hall.

HFFA would like to appeal to all artists to put aside some time to create A5 artworks that can be donated to this important cause. The artworks can be of any subject and in any medium, signed or unsigned, and must be dropped off by 5 December at any of the galleries in the CBD. 

Between now and the end of November, local charities are invited to submit their requests for funding. Once submissions close, a collective decision will be made as to who the recipients will be. When the funds have been distributed, follow-up meetings will take place to ensure the funds are appropriately utilised.

Night of a Thousand Drawings has become an important and much anticipated event in Hermanus. It draws large numbers of residents and visitors into the CBD and provides an opportunity for the galleries to give back to the community. 

It also allows everyone the chance to enjoy the indulgence of purchasing artwork – even if modest in terms of size and price – while simultaneously supporting local charities.

Rocking The Daisies bowls day  

Hermanus Senior Centre hosted their annual bowls fundraiser on 31 October at the Hermanus Bowling Club. The dress code was 'Rocking the Daisies' and the participants did not disappoint! 

Businesses, friends and individuals entered as teams of four, paying a minimal entry fee which also covered dinner prepared by a dedicated team of volunteers and the staff at the bowling club. 

At the end of the evening, raffle prizes were handed out and a quick prize giving was held to award the winning bowls teams. Other prizes included ‘Best Dressed Team’ and ‘Best Gees’.

"Thank you to all our sponsors, players and volunteers, without you we are not able to do our fundraising," says the Hermanus Senior Centre, "And a big thank you to Hermanus Bowling Club – you were like a well oiled machine!"

Sa JKA Hermanus Karate   

Six members (Dawid Badenhorst, Eli Tyers, Michail Kleyn, Kayla Freyer, Kokķie Burger Sensei, and Ronnie Knott Sensei) from the Hermanus dojo of the South Africa Japan Karate Association (SA JKA) formed part of the national team that took part in the Funakoshi Gichin Cup 16th Karate World Championship Tournament held recently in Takasaki, Japan. 

The championship is an amazing experience for both experienced and young karateka. It is an eye opener to the high level of karate around the world, and just to make it through a round is an outstanding achievement. 

After some tough competition against 38 participants from around the world, Dawid Badenhorst placed third in the boys’ kumite (12 years old), earning himself a bronze medal.

While there for the championships, Sensei Ronnie successfully completed his 7th Dan certification under the grading panel of Chief and Deputy instructors of JKA Japan. It has taken 51 years to attain this rank. At the higher Dan ranks, only JKA headquarters is authorised to evaluate, grade and issue certification.

SA JKA Hermanus would like to give a big thank you to all support and sponsorships in getting them to Japan.