Devout fans of Mariana Esterhuyzens homely, country-comfort fare will be delighted to hear that her eponymous Stanford restaurant, Marianas Home Deli and Bistro, is now also going to be open in winter.

When asked why she is forfeiting her annual breather, Mariana gamely answers: “It would be terribly unpatriotic of us to be closed during the 2010 Fifa World Cup!”

Mariana’s won the best country kitchen award at the 2009 Eat Out Awards, and this has led to great media exposure for the restaurant. “The least we can do is stay open during this time!” Does she have any ideas of what she will be dishing up during the nippy months?

“The food I make wholly depends on what’s growing in my garden,” she answers. “But, as always, therell be distinct Cape Overberg and Mediterranean flavours on the menu. Im definitely going to be making lots of game dishes too.”

Other Stanford restaurants that are joining Marianas in welcoming visitors over winter include Havercroft’s, Madré’s Kitchen and Paprika.