I have been dying to try the Corner Post Bar and Dining Room in Howick in the KZN Midlands, and last week I finally got to go! Chef and owner Adam Robinson welcomed us wearing a floured apron, bearing a platter of meze. I dived into delicious homemade, garlicky baba ganoush, handmade bread, chunky hummus and creamy skordalia. I was a little hesitant to try the mussels (seafood in Howick?) but they were soft, plump and buttery – probably the freshest mussels I have ever eaten, apart from the ones that we pick from the rocks. They were served in a big steaming bowl with hand-cut chips and a silky aioli – so much more than country food. 

It didn’t take long for the country air to make me hungry all over again. After a brisk walk at the foot of the Drakensberg, we headed to Hartford House – a piece of heaven in the Midlands. For dinner, a feast of earthy mushroom soup with truffle oil, followed by local beef, creamed potatoes, freshly grated horseradish and steamed green beans. A deconstructed peppermint tart finished it off. 

Did I mention that we started the morning with a very good breakfast at stylish Blueberry Hill I had my favourite, Welsh rarebit, but served with mushrooms this time. And I ask myself why my son loves the tune of “I’m in the mood for some yummy yummy food”! I visited one other restaurant while I was there, but I’ll keep that one for next week.

Happy eating!
Abigail