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May 27, 2009
Kalinka in Oudtshoorn - a shrine of gastronomy!
Sopie Lindop - Click here for her blog.

Meet Olga... My new friend and chef at Kalinka in Oudtshoorn. Olga is from Russia, and started this restaurant a few years ago in this Karoo village. A few years ago Paddy and I were driving through Oudtshoorn on our way to Prince Albert when we stumbled upon this shrine of gastronomy. What was supposed to be a quick bite ended 3 hours, a bottle of wine, and 3 courses of beautifully executed cuisine later! We also had the best service we had ever had from a waiter there!!

So, en route from Prince Albert to Knysna last Friday, we called Kalinka only to listen to an answering machine that shared the sad news that Olga was only open or dinners... Paddy missed part of the message so he called back, and Olga happened to answer. She was in the kitchen preparing dinner. When she heard it was us, she invited us to come for lunch, telling us that she would prepare something especially for us. What a privilege! She prepared 'our table' on the veranda of the beautiful Oudtshoorn home and we sat back and enjoyed whatever she brought from her kitchen...we're such suckers!

We cruised in there and left again 2 hours later, only 'cause we had to get to Knysna! Olga's style is fresh and uncomplicated, and she produces the most amazing flavours! Her wine list is exceptional - we enjoyed a 2005 Haute Espoir Reserve Chardonnay, with a rich golden colour!

When asked about the amazing service, Olga laughed and said, "It's my mom. She 'owns' the waiters!" Her mom trains the waiters and accepts nothing but the best!

I invite you to visit her website, but more than that, I urge you to visit her restaurant! It carries my stamp of approval!

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