From Asia to Hermanus: Lizette’s Story, Moms in Business & More 🥘

👋 Hello Hermanus - food, family and local flair are on the menu this week!

We’re celebrating the people and places that make our town shine - from the inspiring journey behind Lizette’s Kitchen to part two of our Moms in Business feature for Women’s Month. Once again, it’s all about community, courage and the stories that remind us why Hermanus is such a special place to call home.

You are one of over 1000 readers getting this message in your inbox this morning - we’re humbled and grateful for the support and this is but the start of big things.

In this week’s Scoop, we’re bringing you:

🍴 A closer look at Lizette’s Kitchen - how one woman turned a derelict Voëlklip house into a culinary landmark loved by locals and visitors alike

💡 Our Women’s Month focus part two - meet more incredible Moms in Business, shaping Hermanus with passion and persistence

📅 Plus… your guide to what’s happening in and around Hermanus this week

Happy reading - and here’s to keeping it local.

- The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Love local stories? Share the Scoop with a friend and send them to hermanusscoop.co.za – it’s free and it’s lekker.

🏡 Property of the Week - Presented by Greeff Properties

Looking for ocean views or a mountainside retreat?

Each week, we spotlight a standout listing that captures the unique charm and lifestyle of the Overberg. From ocean-view escapes to tucked-away treasures, these are the homes that inspire imagination - and maybe even your next move. Brought to you by Greeff Properties, trusted specialists in exceptional real estate across the Overberg.

3 Bedroom lock up and go in Onrus

Nestled in a sought-after area of Onrus, this charming property is conveniently located just a 1km stroll from Onrus Beach and a mere 300m from your favorite morning coffee spot, Sam's.

Ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle with no garden upkeep, this home features a braai room in the garage.

The ground floor offers an open-plan kitchen, dining, and lounge area, along with a north-facing ensuite bathroom. A second ensuite bathroom includes an additional door that serves as a guest toilet.

View the property in full.

Business Feature of the Week: Lizette’s Kitchen

Step into the Lizette’s Kitchen - A story of roots, risk, and reinvention.

When you step onto the stoep of Lizette’s Restaurant in Voëlklip it feels like you’re being welcomed into more than just a place to eat - it’s a piece of Hermanus history that has been reimagined with heart, vision and a distinctly global flavour.

Owner and chef Lizette Austin didn’t arrive in Hermanus by chance. After spending a decade in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia working her way up from kitchens to managing large hospitality businesses for an Australian company her life took an unexpected turn. The sudden passing of her father pulled her back toward her close-knit family in the Western Cape. Drawn to the mountains and the sea she found herself in Hermanus and standing before a derelict heritage home on the Voëlklip Circle that no one else wanted.

“Everyone told me it would never work,” she recalls. “They said I’d come in with big dreams and leave with my tail between my legs. That just made me more determined.”

Six months of painstaking renovations later, Lizette had transformed the ghostly old house into a vibrant, flowing restaurant space that welcomed the outside in. Fourteen years on, Lizette’s has become a cornerstone of Hermanus dining - known for its warmth, character and unwavering consistency.

A Culinary Journey Rooted in Experience

With nearly 30 years in the food industry, Lizette’s cooking carries the imprint of her global journey. While her menu resists simple labels, it weaves together threads of Southeast Asian flavours, Middle Eastern influences, and a North African twist.

“When I first opened, people didn’t understand the food,” she says with a smile. “Now, after years of travel and broader palates, Hermanus has embraced it.” From fragrant curries to creative takes on familiar favourites, nothing on the menu is ordinary. Each dish comes with a story, a flavour and a touch of risk - the very things that brought the restaurant to life.

The Chameleon of Voëlklip

What makes Lizette’s unique isn’t only its food : it’s the ability to adapt. In Summer, the wide doors open to a leafy garden where guests sip wine under the trees, watching the world pass by. In Winter, the firelit family room and the famous Chesterfield blue cart become gathering points of comfort and conversation.

“We’re a bit of a chameleon,” Lizette explains. “We do all the seasons well. That’s part of the charm.”

Add to that a carefully curated wine list, renewed twice a year and the attention to detail from the handpicked furnishings to the copper-embossed menus that creates an atmosphere of quiet elegance without exclusivity.

A Team that Feels Like Family

Behind the scenes, Lizette is quick to point out that the restaurant’s real strength lies in its people. The restaurant employs 30 staff members, supporting 30 families and many have been with her since the very beginning.

Her general manager, Ray, started as a waiter before working his way up. Her head chef walked in one day as line staff and now runs the kitchen with such flair that even visiting Asian guests ask if the restaurant employs a Chinese chef. “She has warm hands,” Lizette says proudly, “and incredible talent.”

Empowerment is central to her philosophy. Staff are trained, mentored and encouraged to grow, with many sent on courses or supported in personal development. The result is a team that runs the restaurant seamlessly even when Lizette spends time on her community projects in Zambia.

Giving Back, Quietly but Consistently

Lizette’s doesn’t just feed visitors, it nourishes the community. Over the years, the restaurant has supported local initiatives, from donating to schools and putting children through their studies, to helping with relief efforts during fires, storms and times of crisis.

“We don’t make a big deal of it,” she says. “But where there’s a need we step in. Small steps can make a big difference.”

A Love Letter to Hermanus

For Lizette, Hermanus is more than where she works, it’s home. She speaks with passion about the sense of community that shines in moments of crisis, like during the 2019 fires when neighbours and staff stood together to protect the restaurant and the village.

And, of course, she never takes the beauty of the town for granted. “We have the whales, the mountains, Fernkloof, the Cliff Path, the Wine Valley - it’s magnificent. We are all so lucky to be here.”

Fourteen Years and Counting

As Lizette’s Restaurant marks its fourteenth anniversary this September, it stands as a testament to vision, resilience and the spirit of Hermanus. From a derelict heritage house to a culinary landmark, it is a place where global flavours meet local warmth, where every detail matters, and where community sits at the heart of it all.

“Consistency is everything,” Lizette says. “If you can keep your food, your service, and your heart consistent, then people will always come back. That’s what we strive for every day.”

Quickfire questions with Lizette Austin:

• Best coffee in town: I feel we have a good claim to that - our beans are supplied by Mikro Coffee, so that definitely backs up my claim!

• Favourite local restaurant or hidden food gem: Lizette’s again 😉 We have a unique offering and are chameleon-like in our seasonal approach!

• Go-to place for a walk or fresh air: The Cliff Path - with a stop-over at Lizette’s on your way into town!

Sit back, relax and enjoy at Lizette’s Kitchen.

Women’s Month focus part two: Moms In Business

It’s Women’s Month in South Africa and part of our duty in Hermanus is to not only celebrate but also support and promote local women doing awesome things in town.

Together with the support of a local Moms Whatsapp Group we’re shining the spotlight on our next 6 Moms in Business - highlighting the incredible work that they are doing.

Thank you to all our participants over the last couple of weeks - let’s all support them where we can and help spread the word!

What’s in your Glass…

Our featured wine for the week – Newton Johnson Albarino 2023

This week I decided to go “off piste” - venturing beyond the familiar into the lesser-known, and perhaps even never-heard-of corners of the wine world.

After a week of honest graft and a bit of traveling, I opened my wine fridge in search of something intriguing. For a self-proclaimed wine geek, the best hunting ground is always that shelf stacked with the “funny stuff” - the bottles that make you pause, tilt your head, and wonder.

And there it was, waiting quietly for its turn in the spotlight: Newton Johnson Albariño 2023.

Albariño is a grape with roots in the windswept Atlantic coastlines of northern Portugal and Spain, where it thrives in misty vineyards buffeted by ocean breezes. In 2013, Newton Johnson broke new ground by introducing it to South African soil - proudly becoming the first producer in the country to bottle this variety. A decade later, it remains a rare and distinctive offering.

At first, the wine plays a little coy - shy on the nose, yet quickly revealing itself with an enticing aromatic lift. Floral and saline notes emerge gracefully, drawing you in. As it opens, citrus nuances of lime and nectarine take centre stage, underpinned by delicate white blossoms. Layers of lanolin and a touch of beeswax add intrigue and texture, hinting at both charm and longevity.

On the palate, the wine is fresh, vibrant, and energetic - but not without depth. There’s tension between brightness and texture, a balance that makes each sip linger. It’s refreshing enough to enjoy with a plate of prawns or oysters, yet complex enough to reward quiet contemplation on its own.

For me, it became the perfect Sunday afternoon companion - a comfort for a geeky soul and a reminder of why it’s worth straying off the beaten track.

R290

91/100

📆 What’s On in Hermanus

From music to markets, here’s your guide to the last weekend of August in Hermanus.

Friday | Mikro Coffee Run ☕🏃
🗓 Friday, 29 August · 06:00
📍 Mikro Coffee, Hermanus
Join Wihan and his team for a friendly 5km run, then cool down with a coffee at Mikro.

Saturday | Hermanus ParkRun 🏃 
🗓 Saturday, 30 August · 08:00 📍 Hermanus Forest, Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley - Start your weekend with a scenic 5km trail run (or walk). Free to join - just register online at parkrun.co.za.

Saturday | Benguela Cove ParkRun 🏃 
🗓 Saturday, 30 August · 08:00 📍 Benguela Cove, R43, Botriver Lagoon, Hermanus - Start your weekend with a scenic 5km trail run (or walk). Free to join - just register online at parkrun.co.za.

Saturday | Hermanus Country Market 🌿 
🗓 Saturday, 30 August · 09:00 - 14:00 📍 Hermanus Cricket Club - Artisan stalls, live music, food, fresh produce and a family-friendly vibe - a staple Saturday outing for locals and visitors alike.

Friday & Saturday | Flavours of the Coast Festival 🎶🍴🌊
🗓 29 August · 09:00 - 22:00 & 30 August · 07:00 – 22:00
📍 Hermanus Cricket Club - A 2-day coastal celebration of food, music & fun! Expect delicious food stalls, live bands, DJs, a beer & wine tent, kids’ activities, carnival rides, magic shows & more. Kids under 6 enter free.
Highlights: Fri 29 Aug – Die Heuwels Fantasties, Valiant Swart, Elandré & more · Sat 30 Aug – Biggy, Colour Burst Run (07:00–11:00), family fun, kids’ shows, DJs & After Party
👉 Book tickets: Quicket

Saturday & Sunday| André Rieu on the Big Screen 🎻
🗓 30 & 31 August 2025
📍 Road House Cinema - The King of Waltz returns with Waltz the Night Away! A spectacular new concert film showing for two nights only.
👉 Book here: roadhousecinema.co.za

On the Horizon | Overberg Business Lunch 🏄‍♂️
🗓 5 September · 13:00 - 17:00 📍The Kitchen Door at Gabriëlskloof - Professional Networking Event to Connect Tech, Innovation, and Business Leaders in the Overberg Region. Featuring International Speakers. Tickets are R370 per person. RSVP here.

Sunday | Music & Song in Winter 🎶
🗓 31 August 2025 · 16:00
📍 NG Kerk Hermanus – An afternoon of music directed by Louna Stofberg.
👉 Tickets available at the door

Around the corner…

Friday & Saturday | Bruce’s Kitchen at HPF 🍷
🗓 5 & 6 September 2025
📍 Hermanuspietersfontein - Bruce is back with his famous 3-course dinners! Homemade sourdough, your choice of steak with THE ONION!!!, and baked cheesecake or chocolate mousse for dessert. Wines at cellar door prices.
💵 R600 pp
👉 Bookings essential: [email protected] | WhatsApp 082 459 2199

Saturday | SOFCA Spring Fair 🎉🌸
🗓 6 September 2025 · 09:00 - 13:00
📍 United Church, Hermanus - Celebrate spring at the annual SOFCA Fair! Enjoy live music, a fashion show (10:30), art & food demos, plus a bouncy castle and face painting for kids. Browse food stalls, plants, books, handmade crafts, preserves, baked goods & more - all in support of SOFCA.
👉 Contact Nadelie: [email protected] | 028 312 3236

Saturday | King Price Race to the Sea 🚴
🗓 6 September 2025
📍 From Franschhoek / Caledon to Hermanus – 164 km of rolling gravel from Franschhoek or an 82 km dash from Caledon. Ride through orchards, golden canola fields and beneath towering wind turbines, ending in Hermanus.
👉 Enter before 1 Sept: racetothesea.co.za

Saturday | Thrift Fest 🛍️
🗓 13 September 2025 · 09:00–13:00
📍 Onrus De Wet Saal – A community market featuring pre-loved clothes, shoes, accessories, handmade goods and all things vintage. From grandma’s gaudy jewellery to that Clinton-era T-shirt - come haggle and hunt for treasures!
👉 To book a stall: WhatsApp 081 042 9153

Wednesday - Saturday | NAMPO Cape 2025 🌿🚜
🗓 10 – 13 September 2025
📍 Bredasdorp Park, Bredasdorp - The Western Cape’s leading agricultural showcase returns! As part of the renowned NAMPO family, this 4-day event brings together farmers, agribusinesses, innovators, and entrepreneurs for a celebration of agricultural excellence.
Experience: Live machinery demos · Livestock exhibits · Expert talks · The latest in agri-tech & innovation
🎟️ Tickets: Adults R100 (online) / R110 (gate) · Children R50 (gate only) · Pre-school Free
👉 Book tickets: TicketPro

Wednesday | Hermanus Netball Club Corporate Fast 5 Challenge 🏐
🗓 24 September 2025
📍 Hermanus Sport Centre Netball Courts - An energetic day of netball, competition and team spirit. Annual Corporate Challenge is our main fundraiser of the year. Hermanus Netball remains one of the strongest clubs in the Overberg and funds will go directly towards purchasing new equipment and supporting the growth of the club. Entry is R1 000 per team. Register your team now: https://forms.gle/W6QuU6A8cDKfPGki6 or contact Bea for donations at 082 957 2029.

🎓 Schools

Curro Hermanus Men’s Evening – 27 September 2025 🏈💥
Don’t leave it to the last minute - get your Men’s Evening tickets now! Watch the Boks take on Los Pumas live on the big screen with great entertainment, an auction, and lucky draw prizes.

🗓 Date: Saturday, 27 September 2025
⏰ Time: 15:30 till late (kick-off 17:00)
📍 Venue: Curro Hermanus School Hall
💵 Tickets: R600 pp | Golden Circle: R750 pp
☎ Bookings: Elaine - 082 885 1899

Hermanus Primary School
The build-up to interschools is in full swing as Hermanus Primary prepares to take on Courtrai Primary in Paarl. The school is celebrating with a lively Geesweek, bringing spirit and excitement to every corner of the campus. We wish all the teams the best of luck - bring the cup home this year! 🏆💙

🌬️🌦️ Hermanus Weather Update: 28 August - 3 September

Spring edges closer, and this week Hermanus leans into sunshine more than showers. The days ahead are bright and mostly dry, with steady mild temperatures and gentle breezes. Winter still lingers in the cool evenings, but there’s a clear sense of warmth on the rise.

Here’s what the days ahead look like:

⸻

Thursday 28 August
Quiet and steady. 🌥️ Light cloud cover, high of 17°C and low of 9°C. Winds 3-2 m/s.

Friday 29 August
Hints of change. 🌤️ Sunshine with a touch of rain (0.1 mm). 17°C / 11°C. Winds 7-3 m/s.

Saturday 30 August
Softly bright. 🌤️ Mostly sunny at 17°C / 9°C. Winds at 5-2 m/s.

Sunday 31 August
Mild and gentle. 🌤️ A cooler 16°C high, 11°C low. Winds 4-2 m/s.

Monday 1 September
A burst of warmth. ☀️ Mostly sunny and springlike, 20°C / 12°C. Winds calm at 4-0 m/s.

Tuesday 2 September
Grey edges in. ☁️ Cloudier skies with a light shower (0.2 mm). 17°C / 11°C. Winds 5-1 m/s.

Wednesday 3 September
Cloudy with a light breeze. 🌥️ Bright sunshine with highs of 20°C, lows of 11°C. Winds light at 4 m/s.

From soft Saturday sun to Monday’s springlike glow, Hermanus is easing us into the season ahead with balance and beauty.

Here’s to stepping into spring, one day at a time.

🦐 Restaurant Specials:

Here are some of the best deals from all over town for you to enjoy during the coming week:

Spotted in the Overberg: Photo of the Week

Each week, we feature one special snap submitted by someone who calls this place home. From misty morning walks to playful pups on the beach - we want to see what you see.

And here’s the perk: every featured photographer gets a free flat white on us - in partnership with Molo Coffee. So send in your best shot to [email protected], and you might just sip your way to local fame.

That’s a wrap for this week’s Scoop!

Stay warm, stay dry, stay curious and we’ll catch you next week!

- The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Got a story, sighting, or scoop to share? Drop us an email at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you.

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