While many Capetonians made their way to the beaches or shopping malls to escape the intense heat we’ve been experiencing, Kerry-Anne and I made our way to the tranquil and cool One & Only for High Tea. We spent about two-and-a-half air-conditioned hours sitting in comfy chairs drinking unusual teas and eating the most delectable sweets and savories from the buffet table. The whole experience was truly delightful.

What made the visit to the One & Only a little more special was that we spoke for a while with the hotel’s executive chef, Roberto de Carvalho (who joined the One & Only in December and was formerly executive chef at the 12 Apostles). From what I’ve heard, and from what Kerry-Anne has experienced, executive chefs often tend to be aloof, slightly eccentric, and engrossed in their own culinary fame. Roberto, on the other hand, appeared not to fit into that box at all – he seems to be a genuinely nice guy with a passion for awesome food.

We spoke for a few minutes about the cakes, his yummy macarons, and his new position at the One & Only, and then continued to relax while munching away and being bathed in the 5-star service that you’d expect from an O&O hotel. It was a great afternoon that comes highly recommended.

Read this article about Roberto's move to the One & Only, and perhaps this Q&A session with Muzi Mohale.