4th of July BBQ. Riebeek Kasteel. At Andrea & Chris Mullineux.

Who were there? Andrea & Chris, with very cute JZ, who was wearing a total US flag-inspired outfit. Renche & Nic van Aarde and of course the Augusta crew, represented here by Michel wearing his USA sweater.

Obama graced the table in the shape of a tablecloth, which I would kill for & Andrea’s patriotically themed red and blue reminded us of the main focus of the event, while the food was out of this world and a USA/RSA fusion of flavours. Augusta’s Chakalaka and potato salad, Rensche’s pear & pomegranate salad & Andrea & Chris’ BBQ ribs, cheesy corn bread and Nyala fillet, which was perfectly cooked on the BBQ by Chris and a game meat none of us were too familiar with. Highlight of the evening was the cupcake which was without fail the best cupcake ever. Andrea made red, white & blue velvety chocolate cupcakes, New York-style, with beetroot and a Philadephia cheese icing.

The other highlight was a wine served by Chris which was a knockout.  The Hartford Zinfandel is a blend of old-vine Zinfandel vineyards from the Russian River Valley in California. The average vineyard age is about 85+ years. Zinfandel grown there is characterised by a bright, natural acidity and vibrant fruit aromas and flavors. Exotic spice as well as sweet berry aromas of blueberry, loganberry, and black raspberry are complemented by flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, anise, mocha& allspice.  Chris had it bang-on when he called it Christmas cakey.