George Hallett : A nomad's Harvest - At Iziko National Gallery

Cape Town First Thursdays - Explore Cape Town's art for free - March 2014

ON THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH,
EXPLORE THE ART GALLERIES AND SHOPS OF
CAPE TOWN'S CENTRAL CITY UNTIL LATE FOR FREE!!!

First Thursdays Cape Town is approaching, and once again, City All Sessions will take to Greenmarket Square – this time, with a triple bill of South African sounds.

 The show opens at 18h00 with a set from the Native Groove Collective, our resident brass ensemble.

Following this will be Afro-folk guitarist Bongeziwe Mabandla accompnied by percussionist Texito Langa.

Also part of the line up is the Josh Hawks Band, joined by drummer Barry Van Zyl, and guitarists James Kibby and Chris Bakalanga.

for more Info on First Thursdays Cape Town:
Venue: Various art galleries around Cape Town city centre    
Time: between 5pm and 9pm     Cost: Free
Email: goodevening@first-thursdays.co.za
www.first-thursdays.co.za

Monday Deals at Gourmet Boerie

I love a good deal when I see one and today being Monday, I particularly enjoy something to lift my mood!

If you haven't tried the South African must boerewors (farmer's sausage) roll, today is the day!

Get your ass to Gourmet Boerie on kloof street for a Buy 1 get one Free Boerie!!! Add a tribe coffee for a mare R10... that's what we love!!! :)

For their full menu, visit their page

GOURMET BOERIE
021 424 4208
8 Kloof St, Gardens

The Office restaurant and bar

 
 
Founded by a group of entrepreneurs, The Office was born out of a belief that great ideas can only be explored in the right environment. Kitchen tables, coffee shops and box-shaped office in business parks aren't conducive to productivity. A laptop, cloud storage and a cell phone allows you to work anywhere - so why not choose a relaxed space? 

Indeed, that was the idea! A modern spin on a private member's club, The Office is a place to work and socialise.... but is it?

So on a sunny afternoon, got the munchies and decided to give it a go.. In all fairness, I still thought this was "Blakes" which I enjoyed for the bangers and mash.. but hey, I was already there and hungry so gave in..

When I got in, the place was totally empty - I could hear the sound of flying bugs, was so quiet. None the less, never judge a restaurant by its empty surroundings.., right?

Although, they tried to add some nice touch to the deco, I found it somewhat cold, even in the day's 32 degrees heat.. The staff was friendly though and looked desperate to have something to do.

I was disappointed that the new owners couldn't be bothered to change the menus holders from Blakes and still had pages of the Blakes menu within their own... thumbs up for recycling on this one but somewhat confusing when you want to order food... where was I???

 

The menu is extensive... a tad confusing and frankly overpriced...

 

 

 

Bonus point : the stunning view from the deck :)
Downside : Offices / board rooms scattered all over the place making it cold and dull - Might work for an office rental space (maybe) but not recommended for a meal. 

The food?? Well, if I haven't mentioned it, was not worth mentioning! Don't waste your time, nor money!

http://theofficecpt.co.za/

La parada tapas Bar

Opened since September last year, La Parada has become one of my favourite place to hang out.


Like its sister restaurant in Kalk Bay, La Parada celebrates the Spaniard passion for social eating.
If you have been in Spain before, you would know how much the Spanish love late, loooong social dinners where the focus is on meeting friends and socialising while enjoying a whole bunch of delightful foods.
I love tapas - simply because I love food! And if you know me a little, you will know that I always struggle picking one dish only and I want to try a bit of everything at once. This is exactly why, La Parada is my heaven place. With tapas ranging between R15 to R25 each for small portions and R35 to R50 for large portions, you will not break your bank account.



My ideal lunch is to order 6-7 different small portions and usually my bill comes to about R150 for all to be shared with a friend or lover - Not too shabby if you ask me! (and you don't go home hungry at all)
  - I personally didn't enjoy the oxtail though, was too sweet and too much cinnamon...seems to be some form of trend in Cape Town, as if the town wasn't sweet enough already! :)






Spanish chefs produce calamari tubes with fresh salsa verde for soaking up with crusty bread, tender and fragrantly spiced oxtail canneloni with crisp potato topping, and patatas bravas (squares of fried potato in a vivid tomato sauce). The paprika-spinkled octopus, served on a bed of sliced potato, tastes much better than it looks. Croquettes (in prawn and ham versions) are everything you dreamed: creamy in the centre and dark golden and crisp on the outside. Glossy with garlic and olive oil, this is rich, bold food that’s not for sissies.

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 12pm – late (kitchen closes at 10pm); Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
107 Bree Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 424 2235

Henry Holland designs available at Mr Price!

Mr Price and Henry Holland Collaboration

The news of the day for us ladies of Cape Town : Mr Price have collaborated with indie-rock-pop band FUN, to produce a line of limited edition tees available at Mr Price stores. 

With that an entire new range of fabulous, fun dresses and other items come with Mr Holland - We had the privilege to be at the Mr Price Summer Festival party for the launch of the new range and let me tell you, its just beyond stunning.

The launch was set in the beautiful gardens of no other but the Résidence de France - it was like being a little girl all over again with a beauty bar so you can have your nails done and your hair braided - a flower stand to make your own flower crown - 2 pop up shops with instant shopping available with the latest designs. There was so much to see and to do, it was an amazing experience, attended by most Cape Town's A-Listers :)

All this to the beautiful sound of Jimmy Nevis's live performance, followed by DJ's until the night ended - just spoilled I tell you!!

 

FUN and Mr Price will donate R10 from the sale of each tee to the Red Cap Foundation Schools Project an initiative that empowers and creates cultures of learning excellence in schools throughout South Africa.

The co-lab with FUN. is the perfect combination of hot fashion, happening music and giving back to the community.

Another exciting co-lab is with Henry Holland, one of London’s hottest fashion designers. His dynamic and risk-taking fashion epitomises cutting edge London street style and everyone from international supermodel Agyness Deyn to music superstar MIA have rocked his designs. R10 from the sale of each of these items will also be donated to the Red Cap Foundation Schools Project. 

You can find all of these items of clothing at your local Mr Price store, or shop online here!

Oh the fun :)

Devonvale Provoyeur Wine

Who doesn't love a good glass of full bodied wine after a hard day of labor?
We all do of course!

And who doesn't love a nice relaxing day in a peaceful quiet place where we can eat as much as an ogre and drink.. well as much as ... an ogre too?
Well, one of my favorite place is Devonvale in Stellenbosh. About 30 mins drive from Cape Town, Devonvale is first of all a world class golf course, but also an wine farm and event venue surrounded by rolling vineyards and majestic mountains, the ideal place for the entire family or just a meal for two.
I enjoy their Sunday lunch as I hate doing anything at all on Sundays and this is always a good excuse to top up on most divine wine! :) And now that the sun has finally decided to join us, it's the perfect time to take a little trip to Stellenbosh, enjoy a good home cooked Sunday lunch and come back the boot full of wine for the season! Oh and if you happened to have one too many, you can always just stay over in luxurious accommodation.
With their wonderful Provoyeur Cabernet Shiraz blend at R45 per bottle, you cannot go wrong and you will find me leaving Devonvale with 2 or 3 cases each time.. hehe which I always share with my friends though!




The Cabernet / Shiraz is a meaty red blend of cabernet sauvignon 60% and shiraz 40%. Wood smoke and  pepper on the nose is carried by a savoury palate of red fruit and chocolate with a chalky mineral finish. Matured for 12 months with new French Oak.
My second favourite,  which has been recently voted N°1 on the top 12 Wine ( Top12 listing here )  is the Cabernet Sauvignon at R75 per bottle.
A classic Cape Cabernet Sauvignon with deep crimson colour. A palate of blackcurrant, green herbs and a chalky mineral finish compliments Cedarwood and cigarbox on the nose. A perfect companion for classic fine dining.
For More information and booking or purchase, contact Brigitte (who is just lovely) on brigitte@devonvale.co.za or +27 (0) 21 888 4736.
I hope you enjoy as much as I do and try to meet with JJ Provoyeur while you are there, he is one of the most interesting man I have met, and again, just so nice and lovely!! (must come from drinking that delicious wine!!)