HAPPY BIRTHDAY – TO US!!!

Hi Everybody!
Can you believe it? Manuka @ Southeys is 5 years old Today!!!
Following the change from Southeys Vines Farmstall and Coffee Shop, we re-opened as Manuka on 8th September 2004. Goodness, how the years have flown, and how Manuka has GROWN! After some “interesting” times in the first year or two, (resulting in much grey hair and sleepless nights!), we’ve survived and thrived, and hope that we are now a well-established part of café life in Somerset West.
To some of our regulars, we’ve seen your families grow with us, children who once were “bumps” are now enjoying the playground, and even have brothers or sisters to play with. We’ve had several generations of ducks & chickens, who somehow also survive!
On the staff side, Tania, now our Kitchen Supervisor, was here when we took over Southeys in 2003, and Elmien started the day we opened as Manuka.
Somehow, Alison & I got through the first summer season on our own, before Morné joined us on 1 March 2004. Indeed, most of our staff have several years service with us, something not often found in this industry.

So, we have been blessed with loyal and competent staff, who have in turn produced food, service and assistance which have enabled us to develop our loyal and regular following, without whom we would not still be here.
So, it is a HUGE THANKYOU to you the customers, whether it be in the Restaurant, the Wine Shop, (or preferably both!), for enabling us to continue to meet your needs, and to support the local charities and organisations that we have been able to assist over the years.
If you’re in the area, please do drop in and join us for a complementary glass of celebratory bubbly!

As Alison and I also celebrate our 32nd Anniversary this week, we can honestly say that, in spite of having never worked so hard in our lives before, we have never been so fulfilled as we are now. And as we’re too tired to argue, we’ll probably clock up the next 32 years as well, though I can guarantee they won’t all be spent here at MANUKA!

So what else is happening?
In the Wine Shop, there are still plenty of 2008 Sauvignon Blancs available, and they are all drinking beautifully now. The 2009 wines are coming though now as well, and it promises to be a fantastic vintage especially for Sauvignon Blancs.
I can especially recommend the Klein Constantia (R83), Pecan Stream (from Waterford – R49), Springfield Life From Stone (R84), Warwick Professor Black (R99) and Le Pommier (R40), all available now, and all still at last year’s prices.
We have specials on:
De Grendel Shiraz 2006, buy 6, only pay for 5;
Saronsberg Provenance Shiraz 2006 or Rooi 2006, R99pb, or buy any 6 for R90pb.
First Sighting Sauvignon Blanc 2008 – buy 12, only pay for 11.
Oak Valley Blend 2005 (mainly Merlot/Cab Franc) R98, below farm price!
The 2010 John Platter 5* wines were recently announced, and although many have not yet been released, we have secured very limited stocks of those that are available. These include:
Eben Sadie Palladius 2007 – WHITE WINE OF THE YEAR
Eben Sadie Columella 2006
Ataraxia Chardonnay 2008
Catherine Marshall Pinot Noir 2008
Rustenberg Syrah 2007
Beaumont Hope Marguerite Chenin Blanc 2008
Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2006

Meet The Winemaker Dinners
Our remaining 3 Dinners for the year are:
Weds 30th September – SPRINGFIELD with ABRIE BRUWER
Weds 21st October – CEDERBERG with DAVID NIEUWOUDT
Weds 25th November – DE GRENDEL with CHARLES HOPKINS
Booking is essential, so please make your reservation asap. Cost of the 2 course dinner, plus coffee is R155pp.

Saturday Tastings
These are free tastings in the Wine Shop from 12.00-3.00 on Saturdays.
Sat 12th September – Uva Mira & Zorgvliet
Sat 19th September – First Sighting
Sat 26th September – Simonsig & Morgenhof

Somerset West and Strand Business Networks
“Come and enjoy the energy and atmosphere of our meeting where people are making valuable business contacts.”
Manuka hosts the monthly Somerset West Business Network Meetings, with the next meeting this week on Thurs 10th September.
The following week, the Strand Business Network meets at Strand Golf Club on Weds 16th September. Both meetings start at 7.45 for 8.00am.
For Somerset West contact Caroline Malherbe on caroline@khensi.co.za and for Strand contact Sylvia Malinowski on homeoffice@adept.co.za

Lost Property!!!
We have the usual collection of caps, shoes and jerseys, waiting to be claimed, otherwise they will be given to charity.

Finally, a big “Thankyou” to Tony Schreiber of Manuka for his assistance, patience and wise counsel over the last 5 years.
We hope you will be able to join us today to celebrate our birthday, otherwise we hope to see you soon here at Manuka!
Best Regards,
Stephen, Alison, Morné and the Manukans!
Tel: 021 851 6060 or 087 808 2013
Fax: 086 665 1051
Email: southeys@manuka.co.za  
Web: www.manuka.co.za