The winners of the 2024 Kfm Best of the Cape Awards were announced on air on Thursday 15 August, with some Helderberg businesses chosen among the province’s best.
The basin’s increasingly popular panaderias – which is passionate about putting a weird twist on traditional Argentinian medialuna, a beloved pastry deeply embedded in the country’s culture and cuisine –clinched the title of the Cape’s Best Bakery. Weirdough Bakery & Deli in Somerset West kicked flour in the eyes of fellow Helderberg businesses Bäckerei and The Biscuitry that were also among the top five category contenders.
Nadia Kaiser said the win was such a pleasant surprise and an absolute honour, as both she and her husband had left their corporate jobs to open up the little bakery at the Lion Square Shopping Centre last September. “The title serves as validation and confirmation that we are doing something right and people are liking our offerings, which is such a nice feeling,” she declared.
Another Helderberg establishment honoured as the Cape’s Best Pet-Friendly Restaurant was The Grille Shack in Clarence Drive, Gordon’s Bay. The thriving eatery has gained popularity as a 1950s pump diner-inspired eatery that welcomes petrol-heads, road-trippers, adventurers, tourists and families with well behaved four-legged members. The local restaurant outshone fellow finalists Brick Lane Eatery in Century City, Massimo’s in Hout Bay, Milk on the Beach in Onrus and St.BeerYard Bellevue.
“We are absolutely astonished and over the moon about the award, especially after a hard winter season,” commented restaurant manager Sanet Collard considering the title honour. “We have a fantastic team that is equally delighted with the milestone, which engages new customers, and our team spirit is 100% better.”
Congratulations are in order for Overberg neighbour Peregrine Farm Stall, which walked away the winner of the Best Farm Stall category. The Grabouw roadside stop has been serving generations of travellers seeking honest home-made fare and warm country hospitality since 1964. Manager Chantel Meyer expressed their elation following the establishment’s second consecutive win, which would not have been possible without their hardworking team which champions every working day with renewed spirit and passion, and their loyal customers for their continued support over the past six decades.
“It is truly an honour to be nominated and to win even more so, especially since the recognition coincides with our 60th birthday,” said Meyer, adding that there’s hope for the charm of the third win next year.
The winners across various categories of the biggest awards show of the year were announced following an online voting period between Wednesday 24 July to Thursday 1 August (“Vote your for favourite eatery, vendor, delicacy or service provider,” News24, 26 July). Kfm 94.5’s listeners were implored to nominate their favourite spots, services, clubs and individuals in the province from Tuesday 2 July. After nominations closed at midnight on Friday 12 July the judges had the arduous task of selecting the five finalists in each of the 30 categories to do battle for the prestigious awards.
A shout-out to other Helderberg establishments honoured as category finalists, including Vergelegen Wine Estate (Best Wine Farm Experience), Houw Hoek Farm Stall outside Grabouw (Best Farm Stall), Cape Canopy Tours in Grabouw (Best Adventure Experience), 178 on Mane and Alchemy Hair Studio in Somerset West (Best Hairdresser), The Elgin Railway Market (Best Market category), Goldfish Café & Take Away in Strand (Best Breakfast Spot), The Butcher & Son (Best Biltong), Lord Charles Hotel (Best Hotel), Shaza (Best Local Musician).
