The Woodlands Eatery | Photography by Claire Nicola

Over winter this year I had the amazing opportunity to spend some of my time practicing a new skill. Food photography! It was a delight and an honor to spend a day with the lovely folks over at The Woodlands Eatery in Vredehoek, Cape Town. This delightfully homely restaurant is one of my neighborhood favorites. The owners and staff love what they do, and take immense pride and pleasure in their customer relationships. Besides this … oh boy. Their food blows my mind! If flavor and good portion sizes are what you love, then you’ll never be disappointed here! As if all this wasn’t already enough, they invited me in to photograph their new menu additions. Food photography and styling has been something I’ve been dying to try my hand at, but during wedding season this is nearly impossible. Now however, the Woodlands crew have fulfilled not only my dietary needs, but also one of my creative pursuits, and for this, I couldn’t be more grateful! This new challenge has been such fun, and hopefully something I’ll have the chance to do again soon. If anything though, it’s taught me a valuable lesson … when someone says “you’re welcome to eat the food after you photograph it” … you say YES! Thank you so much Team Woodlands for being so patient with me, and for letting me take over your space for a day. I, as well as a large portion of the Cape, will be seeing you very soon for more culinary bliss! All my love, Claire xxx