What I'm loving this month...

1. FORBRYDELSEN (THE KILLING) Just to set the mood! This is a really excellent, although very bleak, detective procedural (the detective is a woman in a frumpy but somehow incredible jersey, which is enough to set it apart anyway). The Killing was released about 10 years ago, but it was the first Danish series to get international interest 2 and showcases how brilliant they were. Apparently the show everyone is holding out for at the moment is Gidseltagningen. No idea how to say it, but it’s meant to be excellent…

2. DAINTY BESS PINOT NOIR 2013 MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE If you’re already over winter, this lovely pink bubbly is a reminder that spring is around the corner. Now made by Jane Ferreira, Dainty Bess can be tricky to find because Jane produced only 712 bottles, but it’s totally worth it (remember that bit about ‘treating yourself’?): delicate in texture, exquisite in colour and deep and complex in taste. It’s gorgeous.

3. TRUE ITALIC ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN BREE STREET, CAPE TOWN I had no idea that this was what gnocchi actually tasted like… soft clouds that quietly burst in your mouth, releasing all sorts of delicious flavours. It was incredible. There’s no menu because the pasta is prepared every day depending on what’s available, but True Italic was a revelation. I’ll be back!

4. RUBY ROAD AFRICA This online shop stocks stylish products from all over Africa – and delivers (in an always beautiful package) anywhere in the world. I love the range of their stock: from Mungo linens to ‘emergency gin’, the necessity for which could strike any of us at any time. Everything is made in Africa, too. A great gift, specially for expats longing for home.