Last weekend I was introduced to a vice of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Vin de Constance, a sweet dessert wine from Klein Constantia that’s been in the making since 1791 (bottle available at R60 000). It is an exceptional end to an amazing meal. The setting was Die Ou Pastorie in Somerset West.

Walking into this restaurant is incredible. Built in 1819 it has seen many things change, from ossewas to cars, rich wooden floors, warm fireplaces and friendly staff. I cannot picture a better setting on a cold winter night in Cape Town.

Warm friends around the fire, freshly prepared Duck la’Orange with rotkhol and crocheten and warm malva pudding for dessert, and then the Pièce de résistance, a fine glass of Vin de Constance.

I have found that after a long, bitter struggle after the recession of 2009 it’s a good thing to remind ourselves that life is not that bad. Sometimes there are simple pleasures that just make things worth-while, like a glass of wine, a fireplace and a few good friends.