Carlin and Deni Archer’s website and blog, Food With a Story (http://foodwithastory.co.za), has been nominated for best local food blog in the 2014 Eat Out Zonnebloem Produce Awards. (The winner is chosen by public vote, so cast yours here before 24 March 2014. Also follow @Eat_Out for updates and use the hashtags #eatoutproduceawards #WDC629.)

Passionate about ethically produced food, the couple’s blog tells stories about producers who care, and provides a space for like-minded farmers, manufacturers and retailers to list their products and services. We asked Carlin and Deni where they like eating out on their days off.

Our favourite place for…

Asian food
Sawaddee never disappoints for good quality and tasty dishes. We go there for the Thai, as we’ve found it hard to find really good Thai in Cape Town. (We were spoiled in New Zealand, which is where Carlin is from, and where we have both lived.)

The Square at The Vineyard Hotel

A lazy Saturday morning brunch
The Vineyard Hotel’s buffet breakfast has a good selection of food, and an amazing, sophisticated ambience. Nice to enjoy the gardens afterwards, too. And, of course, we love their focus on sustainability!

Take-away coffee before work
Our local in Harfield Village is Twigs with Beans. Their coffee is always good: rich and dreamy.

Ordering birthday cake
Charly’s Bakery never disappoints! They’re ‘mucking afazing’!

La Motte in Franschhoek

Sunday lunch with the family
We like La Motte in Franschhoek for a day outing. The wine tasting is enjoyable, the food at Pierneef à La Motte is good, and the garden shady setting unbeatable. We also like that you can do a small but decent hike on the property before indulging.

Market-style shopping
We are loyal customers to Ethical Co-op (www.ethical.org.za). We like the ease of ordering online, and the selection of organic and healthy goods is top-notch.

A romantic dinner
Kitima in Hout Bay for its beautiful, plush décor and setting. There are lots of cosy corners to tuck away into, great food and great cocktails! (Clearly we like Asian…)

Kitima in Hout Bay