Anita Labuschagne, the sugary genius behind Sweet Temptations Soft Toffees, first started making the old-fashioned sweets as a hobby. Since the innovative chews and their distinctive stripy wrappers won the 2012 Eat In DStv Food Network Produce Award for the best small producer in the confectionery category, Sweet Temptations has grown in leaps and bounds, now offering additional treats such as salted caramel spread (which you are guaranteed to eat out of the jar with a spoon) and nutty toffee bars. We caught up with Anita to find out where she gets her foodie inspiration.

My favourite place for…

Indian Food
I love Bukhara in Church Street, Cape Town. I love spicy food and the spices and heat in the food are perfectly balanced. There’s also a relaxed atmosphere with perfectly matched décor. They have so many different dishes to try and there are great meals to share with close friends.

Anita Labuschagne, the sugary genius behind Sweet Temptations Soft Toffees

Asian Food
Wang Thai in Somerset West. I think it’s the best Asian food in town and they have a lovely view. I also love their sushi.

Burgers  
Bossa Social Café in Main Road, Somerset West. Try the Baconnator burger. Huge portions, but utterly delicious beef burgers.

A great view
Tokara at the top of Hellshoogte outside Stellenbosch for an exceptional view over Stellenbosch. At night the lights of False Bay are so beautiful. The food and service are world-class.

Tokara Restaurant in Stellenbosch

Takeaways
Nothing beats Steers chips, but I love Bossa Nova for burgers!

A week-day breakfast
For quick service with good portions, Mugg and Bean remains a favourite. (Plus, they have wi-fi hotspots.)

Sunday lunch with the family
Die Grys Kombuis. This great, rustic place sells the best real boerekos with traditional South African dishes like potjiekos, green beans, sweet carrots and pap and wors. No fancy décor, but great tasting food and really good prices.

A romantic dinner
Ben’s in Strand. It’s right on the beachfront and serves excellent food with great service. Separate sections in the restaurant allows for more privacy for a romantic dinner…

A blow-the-budget celebratory dinner
Aubergine in Gardens, Cape Town. It’s a real treat; fine dining at its best with a great wine selection.

Aubergine in Gardens, Cape Town

An end-of-the-month weekday dinner
Casa Valdez in Somerset West. It’s the best down-to-earth restaurant with rustic interior, but a great vibe with live music. For the best prego rolls and espatadas at very affordable prices.

Buying wine
I love going directly to the wine farms. Living in Somerset West is a great excuse to visit a few wine farms that are within a 10km radius, do some tasting and buying by the case. For quick wine buying, Checkers in Somerset West has a huge variety of the best South African wines available.

We’re giving away a hamper of Sweet Temptations Soft Toffees worth over R800. (Competition closes Sunday 16 February 2014.)

Know of a small producer like Anita, worth shouting about? Nominate them for the 2014 Eat Out Zonnebloem Produce Awards.