Review from Craig Blewett

Thank you for the lovely review, Craig Blewett!

"One of the books I really enjoyed was Tuesdays with Morrie. It had so many lessons and the author, Mitch Albom recounts what he learned from Morrie. Who would have thought going to a restaurant in Gansbaai on a Sunday night for our anniversary - when everything else is closed - would be much more than just an amazing meal, it would be a precious and memorable Time with Rosemary.

We were surprised when they took our booking late on Sunday afternoon as we were certain nothing would be open. “What time do you close?” my wife asked when she called. “Whatever time the guests leave,” was the reply. We would discover that time at Rosemary’s is not measured in time but love and care.

Arriving just before 8pm and the Main Street of Gansbaai is deserted. However the homely lights of Thyme at Rosemary’s draw us in. We are welcomed at the door by a friendly waiter who shows us to our table set next to a roaring log fire. Perfect on this evening as the first of the autumn rains bring an early chill. The homely decor blends with the flickering light of the log fire and the ambient music filling the warm dining room.

The menu offers a range of options. We are at a harbour town and so decide to go with the fish options. I choose the prawns and my wife the line fish. “I doubt there is a chef in the kitchen,” my wife says. I agree. Such a small town, who can afford a chef?

Chef or not, the food arrives beautifully plated and smelling delicious. The homely goodness continues to weave its magic as we taste the perfectly prepared food. The prawns and fish are delicious. The veggies perfectly done. The food is superb. There must be a chef in the kitchen.

It’s then that Rosemary appears. We are the only patrons in her restaurant yet they serve us with 100% effort. Immediately we begin to chat to Rosemary. At over 80 years of age she and her team produce fine food, blended with love and care for all who enter her doors.

As we talk and hear her story I feel that my meal as delicious as it was - and we still have the chocolate lava cake to go - was nothing compared to the wonder of Rosemary herself. We are in awe of her story. Her selfless care for her staff, strangers, animals - she has two cute little dogs (one of course is a rescue dog), and all who enter her doors. She is the flavor of this place. Her love and passion and kindness is found in her staff, in the food, and felt in the warmth of her restaurant.

We leave having enjoyed one of our best anniversary dinners - and this was number 29. And not just because the food was so good, but because the person behind the food is truly remarkable. Her story is what Thyme at Rosemary’s is all about. Love. Compassion. Kindness. Joy. Peace. These are tastes that only a real master chef of life can truly produce. We have just been blessed to truly spend Time with Rosemary."  - Craig Blewett