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www.thevillagenews.co.za
10 February 2021
Country Market: And now for something the way forward different… D LOVE A LITTLE LOCAL
iscussions between representatives of the Hermanus Country Market, the Overstrand Municipality and the Hermanus Sports Club have been ongoing for the past month in an attempt to resolve the various issues that are threatening the survival of this popular attraction.
A
fter eight years it was time to shake things up a little!” says Chef Anton Verhoogt of Fisherman’s Cottage, explaining why this popular restaurant’s menu has been completely revamped. The focus is now on small plates, enabling diners to taste a variety of dishes instead of just one plate. “To be honest, I’ve been missing the opportunity to cook more contemporary food and felt like doing something different,” says Anton. While the food at Fisherman’s Cottage was mostly geared towards tourists, this innovative chef was able to give his creativity free rein at his second restaurant, The Barefoot Cook. Unfortunately, due to the lockdown, Anton had to take the difficult decision to close that restaurant as they would not both have survived the crippling restrictions.
Last week the municipality was pleased to announce that progress had been made at another fruitful discussion held on Wednesday 3 February, to ensure the continued operation of the market. The menu at The Barefoot Cook had changed regularly according to the availability of fresh seasonal produce and the dishes always had a touch of European sophistication. It wasn’t exactly fine dining but the food was very fine indeed, and the restaurant had a firm following. It’s no wonder Anton became a bit bored with preparing the same kind of food week in and week out at Fisherman’s Cottage, no matter how delicious or popular. (There also seems less point to serving the kind of food tourists enjoy when there are so few tourists around!) So Anton seems to be back in his element with his new small plate menu, which still retains a firm focus on seafood, plus a few old favourites from The Barefoot Cook (with a new twist, of course) such as a beetroot and goat’s cheese tartlet, crayfish kroketten, roasted bone marrow
and red wine snails, rabbit wonton bombs, and sliced sirloin steak. Then there are the fishy dishes, which include a seafood curry (yes, the famous one), linefish of the day, confit octopus carpaccio, grilled sardines, calamari bangers, and a smoked fish paté with a crumbed poached duck egg. Not to mention the mouth-watering desserts, which will guarantee a sweet ending to a memorable meal. Locals are invited to come and try out the new menu at the launch on Friday evening (knowing Anton, there is sure to be additional entertainment of some sorts) and if you swing by Fisherman’s Cottage on Valentine’s Day this Sunday, you’ll be treated to a seven-course tasting menu which will really knock your loved one’s socks off. To book, call 028 3123642 or 082 556 5107. – Hedda Mittner PHOTOS: Gillian Coetzee
Core Hermanus:
SHOP ONLINE WWW.CORECATERING.CO.ZA WE DELIVER
Shop 16c, Lifestyle Centre 028 313 1775
At the meeting, chaired by the Mayor, Ald Dudley Coetzee and attended by the Deputy Mayor Elnora Gillion, Ward 3 Councillor, Ald Kari Brice, and the Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill, as well as representatives of the Hermanus Country Market and the Hermanus Sports Club, the mayor again emphasised the importance of the market for our town. “The Overstrand Municipality values the significance of the market toward creating jobs and ensuring the livelihoods of traders, as well as its contribution to the economy and tourism of the region.” The following issues were resolved: 1. The market will remain at its present location. 2. A long-term lease will be considered by the Hermanus Sports Club. 3. Overstrand Municipality will assist with ensuring that the market stalls
are structurally sound. 4. Hermanus Country Market will negotiate the use of the area with the Hermanus Sports Club, whereafter they will report back to the Municipality on the agreement reached. Among the obstacles that prompted the organiser of the Country Market, Liza van Coppenhagen to step down and close the market at the beginning of January were the many months the market had been unable to trade during the lockdown, while its costs had remained constant; the uncertainty of tenure due to the Hermanus Sports Club’s reluctance to grant a long-term lease, as well as repeatedly requesting that the market be moved to another location; and the prohibitive cost of upgrading the market structures in order to comply with building regulations. Liza’s decision, however, led to a public outcry and resulted in a dedicated group of traders taking matters into their own hands and ensuring that the market remains open. So don’t forget to come and support your favourite traders every Saturday morning! The Country Market ‘guardians’ have worked very hard to ensure that the venue complies with Covid-19 regulations and is a safe outdoor space for the whole family. Bring a basket, fill it with goodies and enjoy a picnic on the grass while relaxing with your loved ones.
