There are many reasons to head to Villiersdorp in the Overberg this summer, but this season is hotter than ever with Aphrodisiac Shack Smokehouse Deli’s summer jazz concert series and picnics – aptly titled #DamFineJazz, with music by Jazz Between Friends, right on the banks of the Theewaterskloof Dam.
Some Dam Fine Jazz: The Aphrodisiac Shack Smokehouse Deli, situated just outside of Villiersdorp on the R321 on the way to Grabouw, has been gaining popularity the last few years with organic smoked produce. They have now upped the ante by giving you the opportunity to enjoy their delicious delicacies during their monthly jazz concerts, under the trees next to the Theewaterskloof Dam. Take some time out from the busy city life and head to the country for homely hospitality, joyous jazz and the very best smokey delicacies.
#DamFineJazz is a new event that took place for the very first time on 27 September 2015. This monthly event offers guests the chance to enjoy some of Aphrodisiac Shack’s best produce while chilling on picnic blankets and enjoying the music next to the dam.
There are two options available: A gourmet picnic lunch, which includes a garden salad, smoked trout, freshly baked breads, hand crafted cheese and a meat platter. Or just a bowl of delicious mussels and fresh bread. The gourmet picnic basket also includes a bottle of red or white wine, or grape juice (to be share). Picnic blankets, crockery, cutlery, glassware and ice are provided.
Tickets to the event, including a gourmet picnic for two, is only R375. There are also options for baskets for four or six guests. Click here to book your basket. If you book via Quicket or on the day of the event, you will also receive a bowl of fresh West Coast Mussels and freshly baked breads. A choice of craft beer and Stettyns’ range of wines, oysters and champagne as well as a selection of handcrafted cheese and meat platters are for sale in the deli.
The smoking man and the Aphrodisiac Shack Smokehouse Deli: Sean Hormann, the owner of the Aphrodisiac Shack, a trained chef, learnt the art of smoking while working for a cheese maker in the United Kingdom. Since then he has expanded on this artform and he is constantly experimenting with new cures, marinades, seasoning, woods and smoking times to produce the unique flavours of their smoked fare. Nowadays he even smokes Oryx Salts, which he prefers when curing meats.
Klein River Overberg cheese attained a bronze at the recent World Cheese Awards. The Smoked Stanford cheese won second place – smoked by Sean. The Klein River Overberg cheese was entered into the “New Cheese” category for hard and semi hard cheeses at the NEC in Birmingham on Thursday 26 November 2015. Klein River Overberg received a bronze award along with two other cheeses. There were no silver or golds awarded in this category this year. Various Klein River Cheeses for sale at Aphrodisiac Shack.
Their now famous Streaky Bacon were presented at the Bucus World Cup of Culinary Excellence by celebrity chef Bertus Basson who represented South Africa (2007). Aphrodisiac Shack also won the Sunday Times Food Entrepreneur Award (2008).
But the true test lies in the taste.
Since the smokehouse was founded, they have hosted a number of events and Sean, and his partner Jeanette Wright, have now started their latest adventure: a monthly jazz concert where you can enjoy their fantastic products.
Update: A fire ransacked Sean and Jeanette’s home on the property on Sunday, 20 December 2014. Luckily no one was hurt in the fire and they managed to save the smokehouse. “It’s business as usual,” said Sean on Monday. They have decided to keep all of their events on the calender, even in this trying time.
The music: Jazz between Friends is a jazz group which was started in 2011 by a group of friends, all studying jazz at UCT and they have since gone from strength to strength. As the group has grown, the music has become more diverse, their greatest strength lies in the flexibility of the musicians in terms of instrument choice and repertoire. Different musicians perform together at different events, which means each performance is unique.
Make sure to book now for these dates: Jazz Between Friends will be performing at the Aphrodisiac Shack on the banks of the Theewaterskloof Dam from 12:00 to 16:00 on Sunday 27 December. The concert will continue for the rest of the summer, so save these dates for their 2016 events: 31 January, 28 February, 27 March and 24 April. For more information about the Aphrodisiac Shack, their products and events, visit their Facebook page or their website.
More reasons to visit Villiersdorp: The area offers a wide variety of things to do for young and old. There are wine tastings at some of the fine restaurants in town or you can just enjoy some of the excellent cuisine at some of the local restaurants. Enjoy a cup of coffee or stroll through one of the many art galleries.
The Theewaterskloof Golf Estate offers beautiful greens for the pros and there are various scenic and 4X4 routes for motoring enthusiasts.
The town also boasts a wide variety of watersports on the dam. The dam offers the perfect environment with great wind and water conditions, perfect for adults and kids learning to sail. The Theewater Sailing Academy operates here. The Sailing School also provides youth sailing camps, family sailing lessons, Hobie sailing lessons, keelboat lessons and the best tourist sailing in Cape Town. Contact Neil: 072 219 5951. For more about the town, visit the Villiersdorp Tourism offices (or their website).
Hug an alpaca! Do something different, visit Villiersdorp to hug an alpaca! Visit Helderstroom Alpaca Farm where Alison or Chris will intorduce you to a few of their alpacas. Here you can see how they spin the wool and their shop offers some beautifully made alpaca garments. Entrance to the farm is only R20. Make sure to set up a meeting first! Call Alison or Chris on 082 662 9670 or 072 236 9356.
Want to stay over? TravelGround has some great options:
Theewaterskloof Golf Estate
Photos: Aphrodisiac Shack and Anina Lambrechts, Villiersdorp Tourism Office and TravelGround.com.
With thanks to Sean Hormann and Anina Lambrechts at the Aphrodisiac Shack and Reinette Swanepoel, Vice Chairman, Villiersdorp Tourism for additional information.
