Being a Capetonian means that we actively seek the finer things in life, and then indulge in them whenever possible. With the Cape weather turning cold and miserable, you might have to search a little harder but you are guaranteed to be rewarded – as I was recently. It is no secret that my favourite thing to do in the summer is relaxing in Kirstenbosch gardens while watching the live bands they have playing every Sunday evening, actually it was this that I was thinking about when I went on my search to find something as fun to do, in winter.
As it turns out Kirstenbosch has a winter concert series which lasts from May 9th to October 10th. The concerts are hosted in the Silvertree Restaurant with its exquisite views over the Botanical gardens and high lofty ceiling, making it a fantastic substitution to the natural, outdoor amphitheatre which is used in the summer. Your entrance ticket gets you a welcome drink and a starter after which you can order off the a la carte menu while you watch some of South Africa’s leading musical talents perform.
The Winter Concert Series starts at 19:00 and ends at 20:30 – slightly later than its summer counterpart. Tickets are R100 which you need to book at the restaurant itself by calling 021 762 9585, or emailing info@kirstenboschrestaurant.com Spending an evening relaxing in one of the most beautiful botanical gardens the country has to offer, beside a log fire listening to live music, certainly qualifies as ‘the finer things in life’, wouldn’t you agree?
Candice Winterboer focuses on travel, surfing, running, dark chocolate and uncovering gems hidden in the Cape outdoors.
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When the Cape Town Book Fair opens its doors at the CTICC this year, it will be doing so as the largest fair in sub-Saharan Africa. With over 220 exhibitors representing 31 countries there is no wonder why the CTBF holds this accolade. Doors to the fair open on July 30th with the newly introduced ‘Professional Day’ after which the public will be granted entrance, from July 31st until August 2nd.
If you are an exhibitor or trade professional you will have the unique opportunity on ‘Professional Day’ to network at seminars, have guided tours of the exhibitions and take part in ‘match-making’ sessions. For those of us who don’t fall into this category, the fair is a place to discover your favourite writer or publisher – in flesh and blood! It isn’t unheard of to rub shoulders with Jodie Picoult or Archbishop Desmund Tutu at the Book Fair!!
This year also marks the biggest International presence in the 5 years that the book fair has been going, with the biggest stand being taken this year by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH). This organisation promotes the culture and heritage of the Emirates and is said to be taking part this year with the intention of using the CTBF as a platform to pursue networking opportunities in the buying and selling of book rights, as well as to promote their very own Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
An impressive line-up of African publishing houses is expected to take part in order to help promote the lesser known publishers and introduce their unique ideas to the industry. I would strongly recommend visiting the Cape Town Book Fair if you are in the Western Cape at the end of July, I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Candice Winterboer focuses on travel, surfing, running, dark chocolate and uncovering gems hidden in the Cape outdoors.
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If you are in Cape Town for the weekend starting Friday 16th you will be in for quite a unique treat… This weekend Cape Town, and South Africa, will be celebrating Nelson Mandel’s 92nd birthday! I can safely say that just about everyone who is reading this has heard of our famous and much loved former president. As a quick summary if you haven’t, Madiba (as we call him) was imprisoned for 27 years for his part in the struggle against Apartheid, upon his release he went on to become president of SA and, against much speculation, proceeded to promote the philosophy of forgiveness and moving forward as a unified nation, which is actually where the philosophy of Ubuntu comes from.
Celebrations will kick off on Friday with a business breakfast hosted by the SA Ubuntu Foundation at the V&A Waterfront. On Saturday there will be a celebrity cook-off with the Giggling Gourmet, Jenny Morris, who together with other top chefs will be preparing fabulous meals for various shelters around the city.
On Sunday, the entire country will sing Happy Birthday to Madiba. There will be a free music concert held on St George’s Mall in the city centre, with local artists entertaining everyone from 10am to 6pm. There will also be a Cultural Cuisine Quarter where you can sample delicacies from some of the top hotels and restaurants.
On Monday, in association with Cape Town Tourism, there will be a symposium to discuss the concept of Ubuntu and how we can incorporate it on a sustainable level, in our businesses, homes and lives in general – drawing on the fact that we managed to sustain a level of unity and ‘Gees’ throughout the World Cup, which proves that it can be done.
Do not miss this truly South African celebration and being part of something great!
Candice Winterboer focuses on travel, surfing, running, dark chocolate and uncovering gems hidden in the Cape outdoors.
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This weekend is the Bastille Day Festival in Franschhoek. Traditionally Bastille day has very little to do with South Africa and everything to do with the French Revolution and the storming of the Bastille in 1789, signifying the uprising of a modern French nation. Although French Huguenot settlers did come to South Africa looking for religious freedom, they were at least a century too early to be regarded as revolutionaries, but we do commemorate their descendants and the role they played in what is now, an incredibly lucrative wine industry in SA.
Traditional French festivities will be found intertwined with South African traditions throughout the beautiful town of Franschhoek on the 17th and 18th of July, with a Minstrel parade down the main street along with a barrel rolling race and boules competition. A food and wine marquees is the perfect place to base yourself from and where local wines can be sampled and delicacies indulged in. There will be a farmers market complete with a French Quarter as well as musicians and fun activities for children.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the release of Nelson Mandela from the Drakenstein Prison, situated just outside Franschhoek and is indelibly printed on each and every South Africans memory as a turning point in our own turbulent history. Bastille Day has grown over the years in Franschhoek to signify the struggles not only of those with French descent but all people who fought and worked on our soil as slaves and during Apartheid, to make South Africa the free nation that it is today.
Tickets to the food and wine marquee should be bought before hand from webtickets, they are R100 each. If you would like to make a weekend out of it, The Franschhoek is just a stone’s throw from all the action and means you can make the most of this 2 day event.
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Candice Winterboer focuses on travel, surfing, running, dark chocolate and uncovering gems hidden in the Cape outdoors.
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With the Soccer World Cup drawing to a close and millions of people start trying to get back into a regular routine again, I think it is important to have a few exciting events to look forward to, to make sure that the transition back to ‘normal’ life is as smooth as possible. Luckily there are more than enough hidden gems to look forward to in the Western Cape during the next few months.
Next week, from July 13th to the 16th is the annual Cape Town International Ballet Competition. Local talent as well as some international entries from as far afield as Cuba, USA, the Republic of Korea, England, Italy, Canada and Australia will compete against each other in the hope of winning the prize money which is the largest for a competition of this nature.
Contestants range in ages from 15 to 28 years old with Junior (15 – 18 years) and Senior (19 – 28 years) category divisions. A contemporary division is also available for competitors although the prize money is considerably less for the winners of this category. The panel of judges for this event includes national as well as international dance stars and professionals in the field. The format of the competition consists of elimination rounds on July 13th, 14th and 15th and then the final round which will be held on July 16th.
The organizers of this event have also set up workshops to be held in disadvantaged communities where young, aspiring dancers have the opportunity to interact with professionals from all over the world. To be honest I’m not a huge fan of ballet, although I did do it myself for about 10 years, but I think this might be a great change to the frantic excitement which has been the soccer – so I’m going to give it a try. You can book tickets through Computicket.
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Candice Winterboer focuses on travel, surfing, running, dark chocolate and uncovering gems hidden in the Cape outdoors.
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With our colonial background, it is no wonder that most South Africans have been brought up drinking tea of at least 2 kinds – Ceylon and Rooibos. Rooibos is a herbal tea only grown in the Western Cape and is known for its anti-oxidant qualities, it is also caffeine free and helps with help digestive disorders, nervous tension and allergies.
I’m saying all of this not to promote Rooibos (although I am one of those South Africans, that when we travel has to take a box with me), but to highlight that we are no strangers to tea, HOWEVER just when I was thinking that I was rather ‘open’ to other teas and that I often try other flavours – like Rooibos and honey, Rooibos and ginger - I was truly blown away when I walked into Nigiro Tea Shop and was presented with 130 different teas from all over the world…
Once I’d managed to catch my breath and choose a jasmine green tea (oh so experimental :) I was rather shocked when the waiter brought me a tray with a little pot of water – still boiling thanks to a flame over which said pot was resting, a very delicate tea cup and an egg timer. I was instructed to turn the egg timer once and when it had run to its end, pour the tea. These instructions were delivered in such a way as to make me follow them explicitly, fearing my tea would be whisked away should I disobey.
Once poured and cooled enough for me to drink, the tea turned out to be delicious although I must say that it’s the experience of waiting for your tea to steep while surrounded by beautiful décor and the very warm, authentic feeling that Nigiro seems to emanate that really makes it worthwhile. So, if you are a tea lover, I’d urge you to head over to Nigiro and experience this for yourself, their website is under construction but if you follow them on Twitter you can find out all you need to know.
Candice Winterboer focuses on travel, surfing, running, dark chocolate and uncovering gems hidden in the Cape outdoors.
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With the Cape Town weather taking a turn for the worse it is no wonder that outdoor activities have come to a grinding halt in the face of the pouring rain and cold. I of course have problems sitting still for too long and get bored very easily which is what led me to uncover some gems I can indulge in when its too nasty outside to venture outdoors. It came to my attention that there are a huge number of art exhibitions on in Cape Town at the moment and so I thought I’d list them here in case you find yourself limited to indoor activities because of the weather.
African Odessy at the Raw Vision Gallery in Woodstock is a tribute by world class photographers to the African continent. The exhibition has been going since February and ends in July, so if you want this virtual trip into Africa then make sure you get there before it ends.
At the EDGE Glass Gallery at the moment, there is an exhibition showcasing the inherent reflective qualities of glass. Both local and international artists have donated exhibits which have been displayed to perfection at this purpose built gallery.
At the Michaelis Art Gallery on the Hiddingh Campus of the University of Cape Town you can see a touching photographic exhibition of soccer, played by those who have little else in life to sustain them. This is a free exhibition and I’d urge you to pop in.
For die-hard artists, Tammy Griffin is exhibiting her ground breaking artwork which incorporates electronic equipment into abstract art which, in the dark is seen as surfaces of coloured lights. It is called “Room to Breathe” and can be seen at the Ardvark Gallery in Kalk Bay.
I will be making my way through more of these little gems over the coming weeks so I will be sure to share any others which are interesting.
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Candice Winterboer focuses on travel, surfing, running, dark chocolate and uncovering gems hidden in the Cape outdoors.
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If you are in Cape Town between June and August you HAVE to go and see Madame Zingara’s Love Magic Tour! This burlesque style performance is put on in ‘The Theatre of Dreams’ a 25 meter velvet big-top tent which has been touring the world for the last 80 years, and is fondly referred to as Victoria. Seating 400 guests for a 4-course dinner and then the spectacular show, you will leave feeling star struck and awed at the incredible performances.
Jugglers, mind readers and daring acrobats will entertain you throughout the evening. I haven’t seen this particular show but I can guarantee a night at Madame Zingara’s is well worth it. Wondering what the dress code to a burlesque style dinner theatre might be? ‘Bohemian & Burlesque. Intriguing & Fanciful. Enchanting & Delightful. Dress up, dress down, just be yourself and enjoy. However after a ‘few’ we always have costumes in the back!’ This came straight off their website, which has some video footage of a couple of the performances, check it out here.
Booking is essential and can be done by calling the box office at 021 001 3366. There are shows from Monday to Saturday and sometimes Sunday too, depending on the demand. 5% of each ticket sold is put aside so that at the end of this particular show a community centre complete with medical, educational and social facilities will be developed for the underprivileged communities. I would recommend booking a seat now and then allowing yourself to be carried away to a land of mystical magic, where things aren’t always as they seem and fun is guaranteed.
Candice Winterboer focuses on travel, surfing, running, dark chocolate and uncovering gems hidden in the Cape outdoors.
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With so many visitors here from other provinces as well as other countries, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to mention one of the Western Cape’s most beloved hidden gems – Evita’s se Peronn in Darling. Just 60km from Cape Town you would be doing yourself a great disservice if you didn’t make at least one trip up to this quaint little town and one of its most famous landmarks – the Darling Station, which is where you will find Evita’s se Peronn (peronn being the Afrikaans word for station platform) and of course Evita (or more commonly known as Evita Bezuidenhout, South Africa’s most famous white woman).
Essentially a theatre, Evita’s se Peronn also sports a restaurant and bar, arts and crafts activities, Darling Trust Craft Centre and Boerassic Park which is a garden of sorts which will have you giggling behind your hand and recognising some faces from the colourful South African political history.
The theatre is open from Tuesdays to Sundays with the main focus being on the weekend shows. These shows star Evita aka Pieter Dirk Uys who has been dazzling audiences with his quick wit and hilarious views/impersonations of South African politics since 1969. Although mostly funny, Pieter Dirk Uys’ shows have a very clear message – poking fun at serious issues not only raises awareness but also helps us see the lighter side of things which keeps us laughing even in the harsh times our country has been through.
Performances are at 14:00 every day and on Saturdays there is another one at 19:00. I would suggest taking a drive up to Darling and after poking around this quaint little town, heading to Evita’s se Peronn for some lunch (they are said to make the best curry in the Swatrland) and watching a show. You can see the program here, you need to book in advance so make sure you do so by calling Beryl at (022) 492 3930.
Candice Winterboer focuses on travel, surfing, running, dark chocolate and uncovering gems hidden in the Cape outdoors.
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It’s no secret that I’m a fan of most things outdoors, I also love watching live sport where I’ve managed to see quite a few professional games such as World Cup Rugby in England, ice hockey, basketball and baseball in the USA and now, I’m proud to say ,a Soccer World Cup game in South Africa :)
I have never been a huge fan of soccer although I do know the rules and have been known to watch a couple of international games if I have nothing else to do, BUT with this month being the month of the World Cup, it’s no wonder that I managed to secure tickets to at least one match at the Cape Town stadium…
Heading off to watch the Italy v. Paraguay match I had no idea what to expect. I had walked the fan mile from Long Street to the stadium on the opening day so I knew that it would be really festive. We had a sneaky pre-game drink at Cubana which is the ideal spot to stop if you are in need of some refreshment, and then we set off for the stadium. Entry went down smoothly and was pretty efficient in my opinion. Once seated I had a chance to look around the stadium and yes, this is a world class facility which will take your breath away, no matter what you are used to.
The game was fantastic with Italy having to defend their title as the last World Champions, Paraguay snuck a goal past their defense in the first half but the Italians managed to pull it together with an equalizer just after half-time. With almost 63,000 people shouting and screaming and blowing on their vuvuzela’s I can honestly say that this was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had watching sport. If you are in South Africa and you weren’t planning on going to at least one match, I’d urge you to reconsider – there are still tickets available.
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Candice Winterboer focuses on travel, surfing, running, dark chocolate and uncovering gems hidden in the Cape outdoors.
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Candice focuses on travel, surfing, running, dark chocolate and uncovering gems hidden in the Cape outdoors.
Steve Bolnick is recognized as one of southern Africa’s outstanding safari guides. He grew-up with a deep love for the African bush and has spent the past 29 years living and guiding in southern Africa.
Lisa Griggs writes about the hidden vineyards and the undiscovered cultivars in the Western Cape.
Nicky Coenen looks for the secret hideaways and hidden gems in Cape Town and surrounds.
Steve Robertson tracks the off the beaten track action happening around Cape Town.
Fred Roed looks for the undiscovered coffee spots in the Western Cape and rates them.
Peter has worked in the wine and spirits industry for over 40 years and is an appreciator of fine things.