From the outside this eatery does not look like much, but definitely do not be fooled. They serve excellent seafood!
We popped in here for something to bite after our first ever “amazing race” we did as a family as a fundraiser to make a sporty girl’s dreams come true and I can proudly add that we slotted into third place from 15 teams! After the event our stomachs were running on empty so it was time to pop in and fill up before heading home.
As it was a windy Saturday afternoon in Port Elizabeth the shutters were drawn against the elements, but did not dampen our spirits as we finished in third place in the “amazing race”. So we had something to celebrate. The eatery was rather quiet as it was still early and there was some major rugby matches on television.
Situated in the harbour area it serves everything fish related. So, we had fish for lunch – had a hake and calamari combo served with chips, hubby’s fish served with rice and the ‘little one’s” fish and some fresh healthy salad. All the dishes are served with a tartar sauce on the side.
Somewhere during our lunch I noticed this somewhat unusual tree in the middle of the outside area and on closer inspection I saw that it was a cork tree – yes, those that they used (nowadays they use a plastic version) to make the wine bottle corks from. The very first time in my life that I see such a tree up close and personal! I do not know how old they get, but I guess this one must have been around for quite some time as it has a very big trunk.
This cork oak tree inspired me to do some research once we were home. Reasearch that took me on a fascinating journey of discovery. On average a cork tree can reach an age of 200 years during which the bark can be harvested only 17 times. The art (as it is not that simple to harvest the cork) of harvesting cork can only be done every 9 years and the trees are mainly commercially grown around the Mediterranean Sea and North Africa. Next time when I sip on my glass of red wine I will appreciate that cork stopper in the top of the bottle!
“If you do not like how things are, change it – you are not a tree!” — JIm Rohn
