Here's wishing all of you.......
All the best for 2012......!!!
All the best for 2012......!!!
River Bend Lodge is a mere 55 minutes’ drive from Port Elizabeth and is an ideal malaria-free safari addition to a Garden Route holiday. Personalised game drives are led by enthusiastic and experienced guides, who will ensure you have a truly memorable safari experience.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Lemon Puree recipe - for Smoked Salmon!
Here is another of Chef Jonathan's personal additions to create a great burst of flavour.
Lemon Puree
Ingredients
6 lemons - remove the rind with pith
160g Castor Sugar
100g olive oil
100g water
pinch of Turmeric for colour
Method
Place Lemon rind with the white pith into a saucepan, bring to boil and simmer for 1 minute. Strain off water, cover with more cold water and repeat the process 5 - 6 times until tender to the touch. (The purpose of this is to boil out the bitterness from the Lemons).
Place the Lemon rind into a blender, blend until smooth, add sugar, water, and turmeric. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a squeezy bottle and refrigerate.
Lemon Puree
Ingredients
6 lemons - remove the rind with pith
160g Castor Sugar
100g olive oil
100g water
pinch of Turmeric for colour
Method
Place Lemon rind with the white pith into a saucepan, bring to boil and simmer for 1 minute. Strain off water, cover with more cold water and repeat the process 5 - 6 times until tender to the touch. (The purpose of this is to boil out the bitterness from the Lemons).
Place the Lemon rind into a blender, blend until smooth, add sugar, water, and turmeric. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a squeezy bottle and refrigerate.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Recipes to enhance your New Year Lunch
Our Executive Chef, Jonathan Hodder has some suggestions for you to take your New Year Lunch to a new level - should you have either Parma Ham or Smoked Salmon on the Menu....!
Parma Ham and Pea Mousse with Crispy Egg - the Pea Mousse Recipe
Ingredients:
3 egg yolks
10g flour
120g milk
150g frozen peas
35g egg whites
50g whipped cream
2 leaf gelatine (soaked in cold water)
Method:
Put on milk to boil gently, whisk egg yolk and flour together - whisk until smooth. Add a little of the hot milk to yolks, whisk and add back to remaining milk. Using a spatula, cook out the milk and eggs until smooth and thick custard......allow to cool.
In a blender, blend peas whilst frozen (to keep the bright green colour). When the peas are broken down add the cool custard and blend until smooth and pass through a sieve. Melt the gelatine in a pan with a touch of water - be careful not to burn the gelatine.
Whisk egg whites and cream, add first the egg whites to pea custard and fold in gently...followed by the cream...and once completely folded in...refrigerate until set.
Makes 10 - 15 portions.
Tomorrows Blog will feature the Recipe for Lemon Puree....for your Smoked Salmon.
Parma Ham and Pea Mousse with Crispy Egg - the Pea Mousse Recipe
Ingredients:
3 egg yolks
10g flour
120g milk
150g frozen peas
35g egg whites
50g whipped cream
2 leaf gelatine (soaked in cold water)
Method:
Put on milk to boil gently, whisk egg yolk and flour together - whisk until smooth. Add a little of the hot milk to yolks, whisk and add back to remaining milk. Using a spatula, cook out the milk and eggs until smooth and thick custard......allow to cool.
In a blender, blend peas whilst frozen (to keep the bright green colour). When the peas are broken down add the cool custard and blend until smooth and pass through a sieve. Melt the gelatine in a pan with a touch of water - be careful not to burn the gelatine.
Whisk egg whites and cream, add first the egg whites to pea custard and fold in gently...followed by the cream...and once completely folded in...refrigerate until set.
Makes 10 - 15 portions.
Tomorrows Blog will feature the Recipe for Lemon Puree....for your Smoked Salmon.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Christmas Greetings from RiverBend Lodge
Sunday, December 18, 2011
A Celebration of Elephants
Probably the biggest single reason why there is a thriving Hospitality Industry in the Sunday's River Valley......... Let's celebrate them in this time of Celebration!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Martial Eagle
At the back end of November we featured a Forest Buzzard on our Blog, and promised to bring you a photograph of another Summer visitor - a Steppe Buzzard. We haven't managed to get a good image of the Steppe Buzzard.....but we can feature another Raptor today...a Martial Eagle.
Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) Status - uncommon resident...listed as vulnerable.
A wonderful sighting!
Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) Status - uncommon resident...listed as vulnerable.
A wonderful sighting!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tasting Menu at RiverBend
On Monday night (12th December 2011) we were treated to a Tasting Menu with Jonathan - an exercise to explore various flavour combinations and wine pairings......
Parma ham, pea mousse, crispy egg
THE MENU
Spiced lentil and roast pepper soup, onion bhaji
Smoked salmon trout, pickled cucumber, lemon puree
Parma ham, pea mousse, crispy egg
Poached kingklip, tomato cous cous, vierge sauce
Roast tender loin of pork, crispy belly rosemary gnocchi, caramel apple sauce
White chocolate pannacotta, fresh berries, honey comb
We will be bringing you recipes for individual elements which form part of the dish.....Lemon Puree....Pea Mousse......Caramel Apple Sauce - elements which take each dish to new heights!!
We are busy 'reinventing' our wine list - which we will share here once it is done.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Jonathan Hodder's first Dinner Menu
Our Guests at RiverBend Lodge were treated to Jonathan Hodder's first Dinner Menu at RiverBend yesterday evening.
What a pleasure to stand to be able to watch and learn.....and taste every now and then!!! Debate which wine would pair best with various dishes!! Taste the elements of the dish individually...and then together.....how they all come together to create what can only be described as a 'Taste Sensation'!!
Becoming a Culinary Destination is one our Quest's and we are taking this seriously.
SOUP
Carrot and Orange, vanilla olive oil
STARTER
Crisp Belly Pork, poached Prawns, spiced Apple dressing
or
Smoked Salmon Trout, pickled Cucumber, Fennel herb dressing
MAIN COURSE
African spiced Kudu 'chakalaka' braised shank, confit Tomatoes, and Onion puree
or
Curied Monkfish, Spinach, Onion bhaji, curry bubbles
or
Roast butternut Risotto, Rosemary, Pecorino cheese, Truffle oil
DESSERT
Cheese platter with preserves and crackers
or
White chocolate panacotta, Strawberries and basil, honeycomb
or
Coconut frangipan tart, spiced Pineapple, mango sorbet
What a pleasure to stand to be able to watch and learn.....and taste every now and then!!! Debate which wine would pair best with various dishes!! Taste the elements of the dish individually...and then together.....how they all come together to create what can only be described as a 'Taste Sensation'!!
Becoming a Culinary Destination is one our Quest's and we are taking this seriously.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Jonathan Hodder - new Exeutive Chef at RiverBend Lodge
As promised - we would like to introduce you to our new Executive Chef at RiverBend Lodge, Jonathan Hodder.
Jonathan is married to Vicki and they are expecting their first child in January. Born and raised in Dorset, England, Jonathan has worked in some highly rated establishments. He began his career aged 16 and, before leaving England to move to South Africa with his wife, was the Sous Chef at Alan Murchison's resturant Paris House (which got a Michelin Star within one year of opening), having previously worked at The Queen's Square (Head Chef), La Becasse (French for Woodcock) and L'Ortolan (in Reading, Berkshire) amongst others! Jonathan relates an interesting story about the name L'Ortolan. An Ortolan is a rare bird which, whilst migrating in France, was caught in long nets and served up as a delicacy - eaten bones and all.
Having also had a spell in the famous Fat Duck Resturant in Bray - Jonathan is sure to be serving up some 'Gastronomic Delights' to Guests at RiverBend Lodge. We look forward to keeping you updated with photographs, recipes and Jonathan's food and wine philosophy!
Jonathan replaces Adriaan van Niekerk who is leaving us on to go on an East African culinary adventure. All of us at RiverBend Lodge, and many of the Guests who have stayed at RiverBend I'm sure, wish you all the best Adriaan. Go well!
Jonathan Hodder
Jonathan is married to Vicki and they are expecting their first child in January. Born and raised in Dorset, England, Jonathan has worked in some highly rated establishments. He began his career aged 16 and, before leaving England to move to South Africa with his wife, was the Sous Chef at Alan Murchison's resturant Paris House (which got a Michelin Star within one year of opening), having previously worked at The Queen's Square (Head Chef), La Becasse (French for Woodcock) and L'Ortolan (in Reading, Berkshire) amongst others! Jonathan relates an interesting story about the name L'Ortolan. An Ortolan is a rare bird which, whilst migrating in France, was caught in long nets and served up as a delicacy - eaten bones and all.
Having also had a spell in the famous Fat Duck Resturant in Bray - Jonathan is sure to be serving up some 'Gastronomic Delights' to Guests at RiverBend Lodge. We look forward to keeping you updated with photographs, recipes and Jonathan's food and wine philosophy!
Jonathan replaces Adriaan van Niekerk who is leaving us on to go on an East African culinary adventure. All of us at RiverBend Lodge, and many of the Guests who have stayed at RiverBend I'm sure, wish you all the best Adriaan. Go well!
Jonathan Hodder
Monday, December 5, 2011
The Largest Elephant in Addo National Elephant Park
This is the largest Elephant in the Addo National Elephant Park...and he goes by the name of Vali Moosa.
He has been rather solitary of late, but has just come into musth and has joined up with one of the herds.
Vali Moosa is one of the bulls brought in from the Kruger National Park - and perhaps we are witnessing the birth of yet another 'legendary' Elephant in the Addo National Elephant Park, following in the footsteps of the one and only Hapoor. Incidentally this photograph was taken at the waterhole named after his illustrious predessor!
Our Guides at RiverBend Lodge will be more than happy to take you on a drive through the main section of the Addo National Elephant Park. RiverBend Lodge is situated on a Concession area of the Addo Park - the Nyathi Concession, which is 14 000 hectares in extent. Our motto is "THE LUXURY OF CHOICE" - you choose! We'll do our best to deliver.
He has been rather solitary of late, but has just come into musth and has joined up with one of the herds.
Vali Moosa is one of the bulls brought in from the Kruger National Park - and perhaps we are witnessing the birth of yet another 'legendary' Elephant in the Addo National Elephant Park, following in the footsteps of the one and only Hapoor. Incidentally this photograph was taken at the waterhole named after his illustrious predessor!
Our Guides at RiverBend Lodge will be more than happy to take you on a drive through the main section of the Addo National Elephant Park. RiverBend Lodge is situated on a Concession area of the Addo Park - the Nyathi Concession, which is 14 000 hectares in extent. Our motto is "THE LUXURY OF CHOICE" - you choose! We'll do our best to deliver.
'Click' on the image to view larger version.
Three Banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris) album
Finding the nest of the Three Banded Plover is no easy task....so the nesting part, unfortunately, is not included in this album.
The chicks in these images are really tiny - I would imagine one could fit one into a matchbox!!
It brings me great pleasure to be able to share these images.....and after having spent so many hours with these little birds I am reminded of the wonder's of this Creation.
The chicks in these images are really tiny - I would imagine one could fit one into a matchbox!!
It brings me great pleasure to be able to share these images.....and after having spent so many hours with these little birds I am reminded of the wonder's of this Creation.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Reviews and Roadblocks - Greetings from RiverBend Lodge
Should you wish to avoid the mad rush that can be encountered at this time of the year - here is the ideal place to do it.
Don't take our word for it though - go and check, (on the Trip Adviser link on our Website Homepage), what our Guests (note the Capital 'G') have to say about their stays at RiverBend Lodge. I will quote from some recent reviews!
"Highlight of our Trip" (Chook-in-Sweden 27th Nov 2011)
"Truly Outstanding" (Nailbiter London 27th Nov 2011)
"Mindblowing" (Flackwell 26th Nov 2011)
These are some the comments from the reviews...!
"This (RiverBend Lodge) was the absolute favourite part of our trip....."
"Joe (one of our Guides) was awesome...."
".... Steff and her crew made us feel like we were the most vip Guests (Capital added) they had ever had..."
"Julia was not only a sweet and caring lady, but extremely professional and competent and our baby loved her..."
"My only complaint was that 2 nights was way too short and I was wishing we had stayed a couple more.."
"This was truly a wonderful experience from start to finish".
"Steff (RiverBend Lodge Manager) and her team were excellent".
"Steve, our game driver, was excellent and knew his subjects".
"I would not hesitate to recommend".
"But it was personal care I have not experienced before from a hotel manager".
"I just also want to give the chef the thumbs up as the food was absolutely devine and the best meals we had eaten in South Africa".
So if you would like to indulge yourself, away from the 'maddening crowd', come and experience this kind of Roadblock at RiverBend Lodge this Christmas!!
Don't take our word for it though - go and check, (on the Trip Adviser link on our Website Homepage), what our Guests (note the Capital 'G') have to say about their stays at RiverBend Lodge. I will quote from some recent reviews!
"Highlight of our Trip" (Chook-in-Sweden 27th Nov 2011)
"Truly Outstanding" (Nailbiter London 27th Nov 2011)
"Mindblowing" (Flackwell 26th Nov 2011)
These are some the comments from the reviews...!
"This (RiverBend Lodge) was the absolute favourite part of our trip....."
"Joe (one of our Guides) was awesome...."
".... Steff and her crew made us feel like we were the most vip Guests (Capital added) they had ever had..."
"Julia was not only a sweet and caring lady, but extremely professional and competent and our baby loved her..."
"My only complaint was that 2 nights was way too short and I was wishing we had stayed a couple more.."
"This was truly a wonderful experience from start to finish".
"Steff (RiverBend Lodge Manager) and her team were excellent".
"Steve, our game driver, was excellent and knew his subjects".
"I would not hesitate to recommend".
"But it was personal care I have not experienced before from a hotel manager".
"I just also want to give the chef the thumbs up as the food was absolutely devine and the best meals we had eaten in South Africa".
So if you would like to indulge yourself, away from the 'maddening crowd', come and experience this kind of Roadblock at RiverBend Lodge this Christmas!!
'Click' on photo to view larger image.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
"Movember" at RiverBend Lodge
Our Guides at RiverBend Lodge all grew moustaches during the month of "Movember"!!
Guests who stayed with us during the month of N(M)ovember requested that we show the 'Final Result'. - well here are images of our Guides sporting their 'accomplishments'!!
Our Guides even persuaded one of the Zebra's to join in the 'spirit' of things - he couldn't get the moustache thing right so he sports a Mohican instead!!!
Darlington
Joe
Michael
Steve
The Coolest Zebra on the Plaines!!
Guests who stayed with us during the month of N(M)ovember requested that we show the 'Final Result'. - well here are images of our Guides sporting their 'accomplishments'!!
Our Guides even persuaded one of the Zebra's to join in the 'spirit' of things - he couldn't get the moustache thing right so he sports a Mohican instead!!!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Rain at RiverBend Lodge this week
We have had some welcome (it was beginning to get a bit dry and dusty) rain this week. The Elephants have changed colour - from cavorting in the red mud.
Over the next few day's we will be bringing you news about a new Chef, as well as a very kind gesture from Africa Geographic and Africa Bird's and Birding which they have very generously made available to all Guests that stay at Long Hope Villa.
Over the next few day's we will be bringing you news about a new Chef, as well as a very kind gesture from Africa Geographic and Africa Bird's and Birding which they have very generously made available to all Guests that stay at Long Hope Villa.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Summer Avian Visitor's to RiverBend Lodge
Throughout summer we have visits from Migratory Birds. Today we feature one of these - the Forest Buzzard.
FOREST BUZZARD Buteo trixonatus
"Sexes - alike. Difficult to seperate from slightly larger (and usually darker Steppe Buzzard). Key feature seperating the 2 species are the blotched or streaked (not barred) underparts. Juvenile - more mottled above than adult, underparts heavily streaked or blotched. STATUS: Generally uncommon; only at a few localities with Afromontaine forest." (Roberts Bird Guide)
We hope to bring you an image of a Steppe Buzzard within the coming weeks.
Other Migratory Birds to look forward to include the brightly coloured European Roller and the beautiful Eastern Red Footed Kestrel also called an Amur Kestrel. They are normally here in late summer.
FOREST BUZZARD Buteo trixonatus
"Sexes - alike. Difficult to seperate from slightly larger (and usually darker Steppe Buzzard). Key feature seperating the 2 species are the blotched or streaked (not barred) underparts. Juvenile - more mottled above than adult, underparts heavily streaked or blotched. STATUS: Generally uncommon; only at a few localities with Afromontaine forest." (Roberts Bird Guide)
We hope to bring you an image of a Steppe Buzzard within the coming weeks.
Other Migratory Birds to look forward to include the brightly coloured European Roller and the beautiful Eastern Red Footed Kestrel also called an Amur Kestrel. They are normally here in late summer.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Have a great day from all of us at RiverBend Lodge!!!
The day did not get off to a good start........
but......
.....after some breakfast....
...things look a whole lot better.
Enjoy your day - from all of us at RiverBend Lodge!
You can view these images as a Slideshow by 'Clicking' on an image.
but......
.....after some breakfast....
...and a stroll with Mom.....
Enjoy your day - from all of us at RiverBend Lodge!
You can view these images as a Slideshow by 'Clicking' on an image.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Elephant Family Group at RiverBend Lodge
The largest Elephant in this Family Group image is one of the males brought in from the Kruger National Elephant Park to increase the gene pool of the Elephants in the Addo National Park. Prior to importing these males all of the Elephants, in Addo National Park, were descendants of the original 11 Elephants which survived the slaughter of the Elephants in the Sunday's River Valley, which was halted in 1958. This photograph illustrates just how big he is - especially in comparison with one of the youngest members of the herd being protected between others of the Family Group. The baby was visible for just a few seconds before being drawn back into the safety if the Group.
Click on the photograph to view a larger version of the image.
Click on the photograph to view a larger version of the image.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Recent postings about RiverBend Lodge
Read what Guests have had to say about their recent stays at RiverBend Lodge. We welcome comment and criticism that is fair. Please direct any particular problems to us directly. We are ALWAYS wanting to improve.
The Link to Trip Adviser is on our Home Page with the Links to our Facebook Page, Blog and Directions to RiverBend Lodge.
We are very proud of the Good Comments - however, we do take any criticism seriously, and use it to improve our service. And we have had 'the odd one out'!!
The Link to Trip Adviser is on our Home Page with the Links to our Facebook Page, Blog and Directions to RiverBend Lodge.
We are very proud of the Good Comments - however, we do take any criticism seriously, and use it to improve our service. And we have had 'the odd one out'!!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Images from RiverBend Lodge
We bring you some photographs taken lately whilst on Game Drives at RiverBend Lodge
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