The Thirsty Oyster, Gordon's Bay, South Africa - Day 13

Leaving Chamonix is bittersweet like I've never known. But after almost a week in food-and-booze tourist-heaven, I'm eager for a change of pace.

Gordon's Bay is a short sidetrack on our way back to Cape Town. A gorgeous harbor town along the Western Cape, Gordon's Bay promises a different kind of adventure, and most importantly, Gordon's Bay has Justin's high school buddy Harry.

Harry greets us at his spacious home, and he has us sitting seaside at the Thirsty Oyster, lunching with the locals while he and Justin reminisce about their crazy adolescent times. Apparently I was reallyREALLY boring as a teen - my affinity for street racers will never in any way equal their antics, but at least I have his girlfriend Kerryn for compan - she is the sweetest and possibly the easiest-to-get-along-with person I've ever met. Plus she works at the Thirsty Oyster so we get all sorts of great service and smiles.

The second floor patio of the Thirsty Oyster overlooks a beautiful pier, docked with dinghies and sailboats as guys grill fresh seafood outside. A bottle of Buitenverwachtnig Buiten Blanc washes down smooth and light-white, and soon I'm the most relaxed I've been all year.

Starting with West Coast Oysters. Freshly shucked, more butter than brine, a smooth and approachable finish. Perfect with a squeeze of lemon, and add a drop of hot sauce if you're brave.

This will be the 40th time we have underestimated South African portion size, and this Pan o' Prawns makes American portions look measly. There are so many juicy, jumbo, butterflied shrimp in this stainless steel skillet, and every single one of those shrimp tastes as succulent and well-spiced as the one before it. Garlic butter and lemon butter are popular toppings, and peri-peri sauce is a zesty mix.  

I got the flame-grilled Tuna before I knew how much shrimp we were getting. The tuna is seasonal, and 'tis the season for this fresh, meaty brick of red.

Lunching with the locals is probably one of the coolest things we've done in South Africa. There is an irresistible charm to truly relaxing by the bay with friends both old and new, and our visits to Gordon's Bay are among my favorite excursions of this trip.

Still to come: dinner at the long-anticipated Test Kitchen. That review will have to wait. In order to end this trip on a high note, I'll save the other best for last.