Love in Stanford

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@eatout_southafrica

Love in Stanford

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

If soulmates exist, then Peter and Mariana Esterhuizen fit the profile. Cupid intervened early on, with these lovebirds meeting before they could even walk. They have enjoyed a long and happy life together and will be celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary this year. The couple own and run the incredibly popular Mariana’s Home Deli and Bistro, nestled in the quaint little village of Stanford, near Hermanus. We caught up with them to discuss romance, cooking, vegetables and their thoughts on Valentine’s Day.

How did you meet?

At three months of age, in our respective prams (we were born exactly three weeks apart). Although we were in the same school, nothing much happened until Grade 10. There were no immediate sparks to speak of, but a slow charge that resulted in marriage on 1 January 1981.

When did you open Mariana’s and what was the motivation for it?

In January of 2000 we opened what we envisaged to be a small, fuss-free home deli. To our surprise and subsequent delight, the damn thing turned into a restaurant after one weekend!

What’s it like owning and running a restaurant together?

Not something that’s advisable for any sane couple! It puts serious stress on any relationship but, thankfully, it’s nothing that a glass of good wine or two can’t sort out.

When you’re both in the kitchen, who takes charge?

Peter: Mariana does, she’s the cook and I do front of house, but we do tend to hiss at each other a lot.

What are your favourite meals to cook together?

Mariana: Peter is the best fish braaier I know and I am happy to do the side dishes when he is taking charge at the coals.

Peter: Mariana makes a mean salad in no time, after a quick tour of our vegetable patch.

Which ingredients are perfect for Valentine’s Day and other celebrations of love and romance?

We are talking to my fig trees every day in the hope of having fresh figs for Valentine’s Day – in our book figs are far more sensual than apples.

How will you be celebrating this Valentine’s Day?

We’ll be sitting quietly under the shade trees in our garden, enjoying a bottle of bubbly and each other’s company.

What’s your secret behind your happy marriage?

Phyllis Diller once said to never go to bed angry, rather stay up and fight. We believe in being tolerant and speaking your mind at the same time. Also, do not ever underestimate the value of laughter.

What’s the most romantic thing that you have each done for the other?

Peter: The first candlelit dinner when I moved in with Mariana in May 1976. We still eat by candlelight, even if it’s just sardines on toast.

Mariana: Peter brings me coffee in bed every morning. Every now and then, the coffee is accompanied by a few flowers from our garden.

Any love-themed specials on the menu in February?

We’ll serve a pretty pink watermelon salad here and a heart-shaped treat there but, most importantly, we hope to create an ambience that will give both old and new love a place to blossom.