Image courtesy of Iziko Museums

Iziko is made up of national museums which offer spaces for cultural interaction where everyone can gather, share, learn and connect with our history, art and natural world.

Currently there is a range of interesting and exciting exhibitions being held at the South African Museum and the historic Slave Lodge, which is just across the road from Taj Cape Town.

The King’s Map

A unique map of South Africa produced 222 years ago for King Louis XVI of France and has never before been exhibited, forms the centre-piece of the King’s Map exhibition.

Other very rare and valuable works by map creator, modern ornithologist and social critic François le Vaillant will also be on display. The exhibition forms part of the prestigious ‘French Season’ – the multifaceted bilateral collaboration between France and South Africa which links histories, art and nature.

The exhibition also includes a major selection of watercolours held by the South African Parliament, original bird illustrations for Oiseaux d’Afrique and elephant folio versions of his bird books illustrated by Barraband from the Brenthurst Library. This is the last week to catch the exhibition at the South African Museum which ends on 26 May 2013.

Labels

Running throughout the year at the Slave Lodge is Siemon Allen’s “Labels”, a large architectural installation which forms a visual memorial to South Africa’s rich musical past.

The site-responsive installation features 5000 photographs of record labels inserted into a suspended clear plastic curtain. The installation forms a historical record, a chronological discography of select labels which has been configured to converse with part of the museum’s collection of historical artefacts.

Each label represents an individual recording, visually paying homage to that past by naming every artist in the archive as it meanders through the space amongst the musical instruments and clocks of the Music Room, to form a number of intimate accessible enclosures.

Iziko is an isiXhosa word meaning “hearth” – traditionally and symbolically the social heart where food is prepared and shared, stories are told, and knowledge is passed from one generation to the next.

Taj Cape Town offers luxury accommodation in the historic heart of the city and is proud to have partnered with premier cultural heritage institution, Iziko Museums of South Africa.  Guests of the hotel will now have the opportunity to experience “behind-the-scenes”, specialized tours of how historical institutions are curated and managed in the Mother City.

The Good Food and Wine Show is making its return to  Cape Town along with a bevy of the world’s most inspiring chefs, for South Africa’s premiere food, wine and lifestyle exhibition.

The Good Food & Wine Show has pushed the boundaries of innovation and excellence for over a decade and the 2013 offering is expected to be bigger and better than ever. The celebrity chef line-up and a second-to-none culinary lifestyle experience is expected to draw up to 130 000 visitors for a taste of the extraordinary.

Visitors have a wide range of interactive theatres showcasing favourite local and international chefs live at the Chefs in Action Theatre to look forward to, as well as the South African Bar Show which will be launching as a premier annual event for the Southern African bar industry.

The Good Food & Wine show will be taking place from 23 – 26 May 2013 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Tickets can be purchased at R110 per person – R55 for children between 2 and 12 – for the full event and are available through Computicket.

The Taj Cape Town team is especially excited as we look forward to not only celebrating one of Cape Town’s premier food and wine exhibitions but to hosting Gordon Ramsay, Eric Lanlard, Bill Granger and The Bliss Sisters, as we have recently been announced the preferred hotel sponsor for the Celebrity Chefs attending the Good Food & Wine Show.

The exhibition will be hosted by the CTICC, which is situated in Cape Town’s Foreshore, a stone’s throw away from the city centre and the V & A Waterfront. If you are planning on staying in the city for the duration of the Good Food and Wine Show, why not book 5-star Luxury Cape Town accommodation at Taj Cape Town, located in the heart of the city centre.

 Image courtesy of Idaba 2013

Indaba 2013, Africa’s top travel and tourism exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere,  will be taking place in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. Taj Cape Town will be joining the Leading Hotels of the World  by attending the four day tourism extravaganza.

INDABA 2013 is a celebration and showcase of South Africa’s professional, hard-working and vibrant tourism industry and the variety of world-class tourist offerings available. It showcases the widest variety of Southern Africa’s best tourism products, and attracts international visitors and media from around  the world.

The high-quality, four-day show will take place in Durban and is purely aimed at stimulating business between the tourism trade and buyers looking to invest.  Speed marketing sessions focusing on ‘Heritage and Culture’, ‘Wine Routes of South Africa’ and ‘South Africa’s National Parks’ will take place throughout the event.

Designed to facilitate connections, networking and constructive business engagement between buyers and exhibitors, INDABA 2013 aims to have a wide cross-section of South Africa’s tourism products introduced to top quality buyers this year. Over 500 journalists are expected to cover INDABA this year – over 100 of them top trade and leisure journalists – as well as the introduction of Live Host Radio and Television broadcasts.

The exhibition will be taking place at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from 11-14 May 2013 where the Shaping our Future Together” theme will be underpinned with a strong ‘Heritage and Culture’ message.

Taj Cape Town will also be in attendance and fans and friends of the hotel are welcome to come join us at the Leading Hotels of the World stand – located in the Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre Hall on Stand ICCL014.

The Taj Cape Town offers luxury accommodation in Cape Town in the heart of the city and hosts a selection of fine dining restaurants with street parking available in Queen Victoria Street and secure parking available at Mandela Rhodes Place.

Image courtesy of timeslive.co.za

The first day of May symbolizes solidarity with workers around the world and is a day for reflection on the struggles, as well as a celebration of the power, of the working class.

South Africa inaugurated their first Workers Day as an official national public holiday following the first democratic elections in 1994. It is celebrated on the first day of May and observes International Workers Day. Also known as May Day or Labour Day in many countries, Workers Day is a national holiday in South Africa honouring workers which originated in the struggle to achieve fair employment standards by workers and their trade unions. The day has evolved from efforts of the labour union movement to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers and is now celebrated as a national holiday across many countries in continents around the world.

The historic struggle to establish a culture of human and worker rights has been enshrined in international law and the national law of the countries aligned to the International Labour Organisation, of which South Africa is a member. The role played by the Communist Party, trade unions and other labour movements in the struggle against apartheid and for worker’s rights is of great importance in South Africa and is sure to be reflected on.

South Africa remains committed to ensuring the welfare and good conditions of service for workers and to achieve this progressive labour legislation,  key programmes have been put in place to align with the constitution, including the prevention of discrimination as well as workplace discrimination.

Taj Cape Town would like to wish everyone a happy workers day this May and to give thanks to all our hard working staff for their tireless contribution.

The Taj Cape Town offers luxury accommodation in Cape Town in the heart of the city and hosts a selection of fine dining restaurants with street parking available in Queen Victoria Street and secure parking available at Mandela Rhodes Place.

Taj Cape Town is proud to have recently partnered with StreetSmart South Africa, an initiative working towards alleviating the plight of street children.

StreetSmart raises money via participating restaurants, and distributes this money directly to organisations with the experience and facilities to help vulnerable children. The initiative runs throughout the year and StreetSmart South Africa’s current beneficiaries are organisations that work with street children and as well as other children who are vulnerable and are at risk of becoming street children.

The way it works is;  participating restaurants display a StreetSmart card on the table informing patrons that a voluntary R5.00 donation will be added to their bill, although there is the option to give more than R5.00 – or not give at all. Every cent raised in the restaurants goes to the selected beneficiaries in each city, town or area while all StreetSmart’s operational costs are taken care of by corporate sponsorships. In 2012 StreetSmart restaurants and their patrons managed to raise R675 000 directly benefiting over 1108 children through various beneficiary organisations in the communities of participating restaurants.

StreetSmart South Africa was set up in 2005 by a group of concerned Capetonians under the patronage of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. It’s a registered Non-Profit Organisation and Public Benefit Organisation comprised of resourceful board members representing business and the hospitality and tourism industries.

The long-term vision is to develop a StreetSmart South Africa with key restaurants in all major centres, although at this point in time it is only operating in Cape Town, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Somerset West. The number of participating restaurants now stands at 51, with six new restaurants embracing StreetSmart’s vision this year, including Mint Restaurant at Taj Cape Town.

The Taj Cape Town offers luxury accommodation in Cape Town in the heart of the city and hosts a selection of fine dining restaurants with street parking available in Queen Victoria Street and secure parking available at Mandela Rhodes Place.

Images courtesy for Decorex SA.

Decorex Cape Town returns to the Mother City for its 15th year of design and décor, ideas and inspiration, as well as a showcase of the latest decor trends, quality edutainment, and lots to buy.

The theme for Decorex Cape Town this year is “bliss” and the show promises to provide visitors with an impressive line-up of expert speakers, Decorex SA’s own trend features and designer installations. There will also be a range of gourmet foods on offer at a variety of trendy pop-up restaurants.

Starting in 1994 as a then, unknown interior design and décor exhibition in the South African market, Decorex has constantly reinvented itself while encouraging consumers, local decorators and interior designers to seek inspiration locally instead of overseas. Always at the forefront of a trend-driven industry, Decorex provides consumers and buyers with inspired solutions and develops design sophistication.

This is of course an especially important event for the Mother City during the lead up to being Design Capital of the World in 2014.  Those wondering exactly what being World Design Capital 2014 will mean for the city are encouraged to head down to the event. This prestigious title will transform the way the world views South Africa’s design talent and contribution.

Decorex Cape Town takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre between 25th and 28th April 2013 from 10:00 until 19:00. Tickets are R70 for adults, R60 for pensioners and students and R10 for children under 12 years old.

The exhibition is hosted by the CTICC, which is situated in Cape Town’s Foreshore, a stone’s throw from the city centre and the V & A Waterfront. If you are planning on staying in the city for the duration of Decorex, why not book 5-star Luxury Cape Town accommodation at Taj Cape Town, located in the heart of the city centre.

Cape Town is well known for its range of fine dining experiences. From casual lunches to intimate luxury dinner cuisine, superb after work oyster selections and scrumptious breakfasts.

At Taj Cape Town, our two spectacular restaurants – Mint and The Bombay Brasserie – as well as The Twankey Bar, offer Artisan Coffee – Craft Beers and Great Food. . Our restaurants provide a selection of excellent dining opportunities designed to delight the appetites of both locals and visitors alike.

Mint Restaurant

Mint is our casual all-day dining restaurant, specialising in innovative international and local fare.  The surprisingly intimate three-level restaurant has a spectacular open-plan show kitchen, allowing guests a glimpse at the cuisine being created from a menu which consistently tempts their taste buds and appetites.

The floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open onto St Georges Mall for outdoor dining under the trees, while its tasteful décor creates a relaxed atmosphere. The interior sports a floor-to-ceiling wine wall as well as an informal wine tasting nook and the mezzanine level is perfect for private functions. The la carte menu and light meals are ideal for business lunches, dinners and celebrations.

Bombay Brasserie

Bombay Brasserie is a prime location for an intimate fine dining experience. Amidst its contemporary design and luxurious decor, guests will find a rich atmosphere of intimacy and exclusivity. Its highly acclaimed menu provides an extraordinary choice of starters, mains and desserts as well as a wine list tailored to pair the best of South African wines with the best Indian cuisine.

At the Bombay Brasserie all dishes are a delicate melody of flavours for a taste of modern fine dining Indian fare. The mouth-watering meals are skilfully prepared using traditional ingredients, creating some of the finest Indian cuisine outside of India.

The Twankey Bar

The Twankey Bar is a rare find in this historic part of the city. Along with a fine selection of local wines and bubbly as well as the freshest Guinness served in Cape Town, The Twankey Bar has also joined a growing list of bars which serve locally produced craft beers and ciders from some of the South Africa’s finest brewers.

Freshly baked croissants, pastries, fresh fruit, yoghurt and muesli are served between 7am and 11am along with a range of Barista coffee’s available throughout the day and evening from a blend especially created by TRUTH Artisan roastery.

The Taj Cape Town offers luxury accommodation in Cape Town in the heart of the city and hosts a selection of fine dining restaurants with street parking available in Queen Victoria Street and secure parking available at Mandela Rhodes Place.

Image courtesy of dicktay2000

As the festival known as Africa’s Grandest Gathering approaches, a scintillating line-up of top international and local jazz musicians will treat Cape Town audiences to the very best of jazz music at the Cape Town Jazz Festival.

Now in its 14th year, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Friday, 5 and Saturday, 6 April 2013. This year’s festival will feature over 40 musicians, five stages and headline acts from the four corners of the globe.

Attendance figures have increased from the initial 14 000 to 34 000 in the last 13 years and it’s a testament to the popularity of the festival that tickets have already been sold out.

A traditional part of the build–up to the festival, a free Community Concert held at Green-Market Square, will take place once more on Wednesday 3 April 2013. Successful acid-jazz/UK funk group, Brand New Heavies will join one of South Africa’s jazz greats Jimmy Dludlu as well as winner of the popular local Open Mic Jazz Vocal completion Candice Thornton, Cape Town pop star Jimmy Nevis and the St Joseph’s Marist College School band on the stage.

The festival is one of the highlights of the mother city’s cultural calendar, with a great many music fans from around the country flying into Cape Town for the event.
Taj Cape Town is conveniently located close to the CTICC, which is the venue for the event. Transport to the event is available for all guests of the Taj Cape Town, courtesy of one of the hotel’s luxury vehicles.

Taj Cape Town offers luxury accommodation in Cape Town in the heart of the city. The Taj Cape Town is conveniently located near the CTICC and other event venues and is home to some of Cape Town’s finest dining, including the renowned Bombay Brasserie restaurant.

Easter is a time for egg hunts, the sharing of hot cross buns and spending time with your loved ones while indulging in sweet treats and good cheer.

Visitors to Cape Town who stay at the Taj Cape Town over the Easter weekend can expect an unforgettable treat – at unexpectedly affordable rates – and to perhaps indulge one’s sweet tooth with some good old-fashioned chocolaty goodness.

This Easter the Taj Cape Town is offering tantalising Easter temptations, including a scrumptious Chocolate afternoon tea and the ultimate luxury of the Taj Cape Town experience.

Guests spending the Easter weekend at Taj Cape Town will find Cap Classique and delectable Home–made Chocolate Truffles waiting for them in their rooms and freshly baked Hot Cross Buns with their wake up coffee and breakfast. This double room is priced from only R1800.00 including Cap Classique and Chocolate Box and a second room can be booked for an additional 50% off for families with up to 3 children.

Served daily in the hotel lobby from 25 March until 07 April 2013, guests can choose from a range of delicious treats for only R150.00 per person-eat as much as you like. Treats you can expect to find on the buffet will be Chilli–Hot Chocolate, Éclairs, Choc–chip scones, Chocolate truffles and chocolate cake.

Normal Mint and Bombay Brasserie Restaurant menus are available for lunch and dinner and anyone looking for more information or to make a booking at one of our restaurants may contact us on +2721 819 2000 or email restaurants.capetown@tajhotels.com

From the anticipation and excitement of an Easter egg hunt, to the sweet smell of hot cross buns, Easter is a time for creating fond memories with our loved ones.

The Taj Cape Town offers luxury accommodation in Cape Town and welcomes all to enjoy a delicious and family friendly Easter at our fine dining restaurants on Easter Sunday.

Images courtesy of Earth Hour and the WWF

Earth Hour will once again bring communities together from across the world in celebrating a commitment to the planet by switching off all lights for one designated hour.

The global movement of uniting people to protect the planet takes place towards the end of March every year. The aim of Earth Hour is to encourage  an interconnected global community, to share the opportunities and challenges in creating a sustainable world shared by all of mankind.

2013 marks the seventh year of the campaign since WWF-Australia inspired Sydney-siders to show their support for climate change on the 31st of March 2007. More than 2.2 million individuals and 2,000 businesses turned their lights out for one hour and it has since, become a global event. The campaign experienced its biggest growth in 2012 when more than 7001 cities and towns in 152 countries and territories across all seven continents took part.

Restaurants and chefs all over the world have taken to intimate dining in the dark, as candle-lit dinners have become a popular way to celebrate Earth Hour. Our very own Mint Restaurant lights will be turned off and candle light used for Earth Hour, so it’s well worth dropping by for.

This year Earth Hour will take place on Saturday 23 March 2013 between 8.30PM and 9.30PM in local time zones across the world.

Taj Cape Town will also be doing its own part for Earth Hour by turning off the lights in conference rooms, external walkways and our iconic Taj sign, as well as the air conditioning and lights in vacant bedrooms. Our Lobby lights will be dimmed as low as possible and guests are encouraged to participate in the global event by turning off all services when leaving their rooms.

The Taj Cape Town offers luxury accommodation in Cape Town with the best in Indian cuisine at the Bombay Brasserie and contemporary candle lit fare at Mint Restaurant.

Taj Cape Town’s luxury accommodation in the heart of the city offers an oasis-like retreat from the lively bustle of the city centre.

Home to the exquisite Heritage Rooms, Tower Rooms and Suites with walkout balconies, Presidential suite as well as the Taj Club Rooms and lounge, the hotels 176 exceptional rooms and suites are beautifully decorated and replete with every luxury amenity.

The Heritage Rooms are classically designed, located within the two historic buildings of the hotel and all have traditional high ceilings and original large sash windows.  For guests who want to enjoy splendid views of the city or Table Mountain, all the Tower Rooms in the new towers building have floor to ceiling glass facades and private walkout balconies.

Guests booked into these suites are pampered with 24 hour butler service and have access to the private Taj Club floor lounge for complimentary breakfast, high tea and cocktails.

The second floor of Taj Cape Town is dedicated to the Taj Club, which consists of 13 rooms, where guests have exclusive use of the private Club Lounge as well as a selection of services and facilities, on a complimentary basis.

The premier Taj Cape Town Suite is the Presidential or TATA Suite located on the 16th and 17th floors. Exceedingly spacious and offering unobstructed views of Table Mountain and the Company Gardens from every room, the wrap around terrace itself provides a number of social recreation options for guests set against the breathtaking backdrop of Table Mountain.

To enjoy the luxury accommodation of the Taj Cape Town the hotel has a number of excellent special offers and promotions available including the “Long Stay @ Cape Town” offer which allows guest to enjoy an additional two complimentary nights when booking a five night stay at the hotel.

This gives guests seven magical nights to experience the ultimate in luxury and all that Taj Cape Town has to offer, while only paying for five. The package also includes a daily buffet breakfast in Mint Restaurant; one dinner on any night for 2 at Bombay Brasserie Restaurant; one 60 Minute Indian Aroma Therapy Spa Treatment for two at Jiva Grande Spa and return airport transfers as well as a complimentary upgrade which is subject to availability.

The Taj Cape Town offers luxury accommodation in Cape Town with the best in Indian cuisine at the Bombay Brasserie and contemporary fare at Mint Restaurant.  Get real value and the luxury Taj Cape Town experience with our special offers and promotions.

Taj Hotel and Veritas Wine Awards have a superb evening of Indian cuisine and top South African Wines in store for Cape Town.

Foodies and wine enthusiasts will have a chance to enjoy a variety of double gold and gold Veritas medallists, perfectly paired with mouth watering cuisine prepared by our very own Harpreet Kaur, executive chef at the Bombay Brasserie.

The Veritas Awards have earned a reputation as one of South Africa’s most authoritative and credible competitions for market ready wines. Starting out as the first National Bottled Wine Show in South Africa in 1990, it was renamed the Veritas Awards from 1991. After two decades the Veritas emblem has become a symbol for top quality wines.

The Veritas Awards are now the longest running and most prestigious wine competition in South Africa. The Veritas website also features a comprehensive list of results dating back to the start of the competition and visitors are able to follow the success stories of the hundreds of participating wineries since the inception of the Veritas Awards.

The tantalising 5 course masterpiece will feature a wonderful selection of dishes that originate from various regions in India, prepared with South African ingredients.

The menu will also be accompanied by no less than six superb wines, including some of the country’s best whites, reds and dessert wines.

The Taj Veritas dinner will be held at the Bombay Brasserie Restaurant at the Taj Hotel on Thursday 14 March 2013 and the price per person is R490, inclusive of the Menu, Wine, Water and gratuity.

The Taj Cape Town offers stylish accommodation in Cape Town with the best in Indian cuisine at the Bombay Brasserie and contemporary fare at Mint Restaurant. For a chance to win an all expenses paid dinner and a nights stay at Taj Cape Town, head over to our Veritas Golden Double competition on our Facebook page.

Images courtesy of Design Indaba 2013

The Design Indaba will once more bring all the best of South African creativity into one place for a showcase of exceptional design across all disciplines.

First established in 1995 with its flagship conference, the Design Indaba began as a multifaceted platform committed to a bettering the world through creativity. The expo has since, evolved into a multidisciplinary experience of community initiatives, training workshops, music festivals, design projects, performances and publications.

The conference has continued to grow from year to year with the expo in 2012 covering additional 1000 squares metres of floor space and seeing more than 40 000 visitors. Not surprising as the conference has become the country’s premier showcase of high-end, home-grown design.

Visitors can expect the blossoming of South African creativity in such areas as, Architecture and interiors; Art and Photography; Craft; Creative Economy; Design Thinking; Fashion and Jewellery design; Graphic design and Illustration; Music and Sound; and Product Design.

Design enthusiasts who are looking for accommodation in Cape Town during the Design Indaba Expo will be pleased to know that the Taj Cape Town is located in the city centre, close to the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The Taj is a wonderful design destination, as the beautifully restored architecture represents an innovative twist on timeless elegance.

The Design Indaba Expo will be taking place from Friday, 1st March 2013 till Sunday, 3rd March 2013 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Tickets are available at the door or from Computicket at R70 for adults. Pensioners and students can get in for R50 and ages 10 -18 can get in for R40 at the door only, while children under 10 can attend for free.

The Taj Cape Town offers stylish accommodation in Cape Town in the city centre. The Taj Cape Town, situated close to the CTICC, venue for the Design Indaba, and other Cape Town attractions, boasts fine restaurants and the exquisite Jiva Spa.

Image courtesy of PhilippN

Cape Town will once more play host to the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces as the heart of the city fills with who’s who of political power in the country.

Famed for many things including, the sitting of the first truly democratic South African Parliament led by Nelson Mandela. The South African Parliament buildings in the heart of Cape Town are just a short walk from Taj Cape Town. The building itself lies in the uppermost corner of Company Gardens, with an entrance on Parliament Street.

During parliamentary sessions between January and June, tickets to sit in the public gallery are available to visitors as well as guided tours though the Houses of Parliament buildings during the week.

Along with fancy cars, famous faces and haut couture buzz which is sure to transform the Cape Town city centre into the networking capital of South Africa, the annual notice of road closures and rush hour dread already has many locals thinking ahead. The full list of road closures can be found on the South African Government Information website along with parking restrictions, alternate routes and MyCiTi bus info.

A key event on South Africa’s Parliamentary and political calendar, the opening of Parliament and the State of the Nation Address will be taking place this Thursday, 14 February 2012.

Those looking for a stress free pre-Valentines evening unwind, are welcome to join us at Twankey Bar for a selection of fresh seafood tapas, perfectly poured cocktails and a range of champagnes.

The Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in Cape Town and will be offering divine Valentines Day menus at Bombay Brasserie and Mint Restaurant for a romantic evening in the heart of the city.

Since 2002, the Footsteps to Freedom city walking tour of Cape Town has introduced visitors to the very heart and soul of the Mother City.

Their walking tours trace 350 years of the city’s history including the challenges faced by the early Dutch settlers, the plight of slaves, the Cape as a colony, the dark days of apartheid and the dawning of the new South Africa as a Rainbow Nation.

The Footsteps to Freedom guided walking tour is now being hosted by Taj Cape Town as part of the luxury hotel’s unique service offering in association with “The Only Team”.  Specialists in various fields and able to provide touring experiences based on qualified knowledge, “The Only Team” of tour guides tailor-make each experience according to specific wishes and spend whatever time is required to attend to the smallest detail.

They have provided Taj Cape Town with professional tour guides who will take participants on a leisurely walking tour of sites including St George’s Cathedral, the Slave Precinct, the Grand Parade, St George’s Mall, Company Gardens and Parliament.  This two-hour leisurely stroll which departs from the Taj Cape Town’s lobby is sure to captivate and engage locals and tourists alike.

The Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in the heart of the Mother City. Ask our friendly concierges for more information on tailor-made tours with “The Only Team” as well as other unique Cape Town attractions.

Image courtesy of J&B Met.

The 2013 J&B Met is set to attract more than 50 000 people to the picturesque setting of Kenilworth Racecourse as Cape Town’s most prestigious horse racing event is “Made to Fly.”

Visitors to the J&B Met this February are encouraged to accentuate their fly personalities with the 2013 J&B Met theme of ‘Made to Fly’.  It’s a call on supporters to break the rules and transcend fashion and style to new heights in over the top, groundbreaking, outfits.

So expect the Kenilworth Racecourse to be transformed into a tapestry of colour and fashion as guests compete for the title of J&B Most Elegant Couple. This hugely popular competition will see judges carefully selecting 16 finalists for the chance of winning R5000 in his and hers gift vouchers as well as a range of fashion prizes, holidays and much more.

The J&B Met was originally known in 1883 as the Metropolitan Mile and while the race had a chequered existence in the early 1900′s, it was firmly established as one of the “big three” races in the country by the 1960′s. It wasn’t until J&B stepped in as sponsor in 1978 though, that the J&B Met as we know it today was born.

The J&B Met will now celebrate its 36th anniversary as the country’s longest standing sports sponsorship on 2 February 2013 at the Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town. Tickets for this premier social event will cost R185 and are available through iTickets.

A contribution from ticket sales will also be going towards funding the Kenilworth Conservation Area, an internationally renowned, pristine tract of Cape Fynbos which includes a number of protected species of both fauna and flora.

The Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in Cape Town and will provide transport in one of the hotel’s luxury vehicle for any guest wishing to attend the J&B Met, as well as any other Cape Town events.

With Valentine’s Day approaching couples can look forward to indulging in a romantic evening out, enjoy a spectacular meal that delights the senses and ultimately luxuriate in a venue that lends the evening a sense of elegance and glamour. 

For those looking for the ultimate romantic gesture, a romantic night in the heart of the Mother City awaits.  Romantic foods, exotic locales and luxurious settings are available at Taj Cape Town ready to make this Valentine’s Day an unforgettable experience.

Amidst its contemporary design and luxurious decor, the Bombay Brasserie offers a rich atmosphere of intimacy and exclusivity. Its highly acclaimed menu provides an extraordinary choice of starters, mains and desserts as well as a wine list tailored to pair the best South African wines with delicious  Indian cuisine.

This Valentine’s Day guests of the Bombay Brasserie can enjoy our famous 5-course tasting menu at only R595 per person in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Alternatively, couples can also enjoy a relaxed and intimate evening at the Mint Restaurant. For those wanting to enjoy a romantic dinner outside under the trees, Mint Restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere and varied menu of local and international dishes is ideal for a romantic Valentine’s Day.

Mint’s mezzanine level is also perfect for private dining with a set dinner menu on offer for R395 per person in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Guests of either venue will both receive a ‘Cupids Kiss’ cocktail on arrival  in the Lobby Lounge while enjoying romantic live jazzy tunes from the Rainbow Academy.

The Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in Cape Town and invites all to a romantic fine dining in the heart of the city this Valentine’s Day. Ample secure parking is available in Mandela Rhodes Place adjacent to the hotel with the parking entrance located in Burg Street, off Wale Street.

2013 is in full swing and the summer season sees the return of some of the Cape Town’s classic January events.  From classic cars to classic plays, there is plenty for visitors and locals alike to enjoy this month with a range of exciting attractions and happenings to kick-start the coming year as the Mother City prepares to become Design Capital of the World in 2014.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Maynardville kicks off its impressive 57th season with an African-infused production of Shakespeare’s classic, A Midsummer Night’s Dream by famed director and master of multiple theatrical arts, Fred Abrahamse.

Maynardville is the home of Shakespearean theatre in the Mother City and has attracted scores of visitors to the open-air venue. From fans of Shakespeare’s classic plays to learners looking at the chance to experience their school curriculum set works with a distinct South African flair.

The show will preview on the Monday, 21 and Tuesday, 22 January 2013 and there are special rates for ticket prices which will range from R110 to R160 for two. The rest of the show’s run is set for Wednesday, 23 January until Saturday, 23 February 2013 and as single tickets are at the full price of R110 to R160, it is highly encouraged to invite a friend or partner to take advantage of the special rates and enjoy a spectacular evening of theatre.

Classic Car and Bike Show

The Classic Car and Bike Show is a charity fundraiser for the International Police Association, an international non-profit organisation who conceived the idea in 1999. The exhibition is a must see for those with a love for restored classic vehicles and well-maintained vintage cars. Hot rods, street rods, modified and custom vehicles as well as race cars and motorcycles will be on display.

It’s a weekend event with a range of food stalls and a beer garden with the addition of a jumping castle to entertain the children. Make it an outing for the whole family. The Classic Car and Bike Show will be taking place on Saturday, 19 and Sunday, 20 of January 2013. The exhibition is at the Timour Hall Villa in Plumstead, Cape Town with entry at just R20 per person.

Transport can be arranged for any guests of the Taj Cape Town who wish to attend these events, in one of our hotel’s luxury vehicles.

The Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in Cape Town. Situated in the Cape Town city centre, the Taj is conveniently situated close to many Cape Town attractions.

It’s been another fantastic year for the Mother City and a great year for Taj Cape Town. From hosting delegates from New7Wonders and World of First growths to bringing the tastes and expressions of the Winelands into the heart of Cape Town, we have been blessed with the very best of friends, family and fans of the hotel.

As we bid 2012 a fond farewell, we have a wonderful New Years line up sure to kick off 2013 in elegance and style.

Join us at our Mint Restaurant which will be serving a carnival buffet, roasts, traditional Cap Malay dishes, fresh seafood and delectable puddings and at midnight, you will be treated to a complimentary glass of Cap Classique. A live jazz trio will be entertaining guests from 20h00 onwards and Mint guests are all granted complimentary access to the Twankey Bar Street Party.

Guests of the Bombay Brasserie can enjoy our celebrated, seven-course “Chef’s Tasting” menu including a glass Methode Cap Classique at Midnight.

For light entertainment, a pianist will be in the hotel lounge from 18h00 and at 22h00 a Malay choir will perform a repertoire of traditional songs for guests. A selection of Methode Cap Classique and Champagne will be available at our festive Champagne Bar and complimentary access to the Twankey Bar Street Party will be sure to see the New Year in, in style.

The Twankey Bar Minstrel Carnival Street Party, located on the corner of Wale and Adderley Streets, offers the best vantage point to view the annual Cape Minstrel March at midnight. Guests can enjoy a variety of party plates, featuring Cape Malay and local delicacies before capping of the New Year with Cap Classique.

Once again we would like to thank all of the friends and fans of the hotel for all their support over the last year and we are looking forward to providing many more luxury Cape Town experiences for you all in 2013.

Taj Cape Town provides stylish accommodation in Cape Town this festive season. Ample secure parking for any of our New Year Events is available in Mandela Rhodes Place adjacent to the hotel with the parking entrance located in Burg Street, off Wale Street.

Image courtesy of Cape Town Minstrels Carnival Association

Dating back almost 200 years, The Cape Minstrel Carnival is Cape Town’s longest-running street party. While the New Year always arrives with a big bang in the Mother City, it’s the Cape Minstrel Carnival, which gives the celebration its local colour.

The origin of the carnival stretches back to the 19th century and has its origins in the time of slavery in Cape Town, when the original citizens of District Six were allowed their one day off on January 1st.

The Cape Town Minstrel Carnival takes place every year at New Year, when thousands of musicians, singers, dancers and tailors connected to them; gear themselves for a celebration of life and a new year, rather than a reflection on the days of slavery.

Performers from local communities dressed as minstrels and waving parasols, dance and sing their way from Zonnebloem, formerly District Six, through the city centre. Most involved are third or fourth generation participants and the more garish the costume, and the more the banjo tunes can make your feet tap – the better.

This year The Twankey Bar invites one and all to join us in celebrating the wonderful local tradition of the Cape Minstrel Carnival parade. At the stroke of midnight on 31 January, we will see in the new year together with good cheer, fine bubbly and delicious foods.

The Twankey Bar Minstrel Carnival Street Party has two street part packages available on 31 December 2012. Priced at R150, this option grants entrance fee including Cap Classique at midnight. or for R350 entrance fee and tickets for a variety of party plates, featuring Cape Malay and local delicacies and Cap Classique at midnight. For R350, you get your entrance covered as well as tickets to enjoy a variety of party plates featuring Cape Malay and other local delicacies, all to be capped off at midnight with Cap Classique.

 
Taj Cape Town provides stylish accommodation in Cape Town, conveniently located in the heart of the Mother City and is home to the Twankey champagne and oyster bar, the best vantage point for the Minstrels’ Carnival.

Image courtesy of the Cape Town Summer Market Facebook Page

In celebration of South Africa’s 360-year heritage, the City of Cape Town will be hosting an 11-day family market at the Company’s Garden.

The market will be an excellent opportunity for South Africans and tourists to Cape Town of all ages and backgrounds, to combine Christmas present shopping with fantastic live entertainment. It’s a great excuse for fun for the children and an incredible family picnic in the Company’s Garden.

The market itself has been divided into six zones and visitors can expect a family zone, a bar and wine garden party, a lifestyle and eco tent, a gourmet food and deli zone and 900m of market stalls. Offering a mixture of street-style and artisanal goods, as well as a picnic zone in the public gardens.

A new addition to the Cape Town Festive Season, this exciting new market is part of the City’s aim to provide integrated entertainment facilities for residents from all walks of life in the heart of the Mother City. The Cape Town Summer Market will run from 14–24 December 2012, from 12pm until 9pm each day.

Local vocal talent is set to entertain shoppers from a number of stages around the Company Gardens and children will be entertained in a Kiddies Corner., There will also be  wandering face painters, balloon benders, magicians and trapeze artists.

Taj Cape Town provides stylish accommodation in Cape Town, conveniently located in the heart of the Mother City, nearby the Company Gardens and many other Cape Town Attractions.

Images courtesy of De Grendel

As the end of 2012 approaches, so does our tour of the beautiful Cape Winelands. In our final instalment of our “Expression of Wine Series” we visit our last wine region to bring you “Expressions of Durbanville”.

Expressions of Durbanville will be in conjunction with De Grendel Wine Estate and Restaurant, which also means we welcome and introduce Cape Town pallets to guest chef Ian Bergh. The philosophy of De Grendel is of beautiful, simple and tasty food and wine in an uncomplicated style. Expressions of Durbanville is certain to be a hit for those who attend the dinner and it will also be a welcome addition to the Mint Menu for December.

The last of our wine series for 2012 will commence at 18:00 on 06 December with a complimentary wine tasting to which all are welcome. A 4-course dinner with paired wines follows at 19h00 for 19h30 which is priced at only R350 per person. This also includes mineral water and parking at the adjacent Mandela Rhodes Place. A special room rate is also provided for attendees who wish to enjoy the elegant luxury of Taj Cape Town at R1750 per room, breakfast included. Price is for single/double occupancy.

For those unable to attend the launch, you are also invited to join us on Thursdays at the Earth Fair Market between 12h00 and 15h00 to taste a selection of regional wines from the current Expressions series as well as meet some of the people who created them. The dinner courses will be available on our Mint Restaurant Table d’hôte dinner menu for the month of December for two courses at R175 excluding a glass of wine or a three courses at R210 including a glass of wine.

Featured wines from the launch are now also available for purchase at cellar door prices through our wine kiosk which is open seven days a week.

 
As usual, those dining from our Expressions menu or those who purchase wine at our Thursday tastings stand a chance to win one of many prizes, including an evening stay for two in a luxury room at Taj Cape Town.

Taj Cape Town provides stylish accommodation in Cape Town. Secure complimentary parking is available in Mandela Rhodes Place adjacent to the hotel with the parking entrance located in Burg Street, off Wale Street.

Images courtesy of Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts

The hugely popular Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts will once again draw audiences from far and wide to the internationally renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

Starting on 25 November 2012, locals and visitors alike are set to hear the festive season kick in with good cheer and great music. The concert series runs every Sunday until 7 April 2013, so get ready to experience some of the hottest acts in the South African music industry.

The concerts are set to run the gambit from jazz, R&B, hip hop, folk and rock to big band swing and can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages and tastes. Kirstenbosch Gardens itself allows concert goers to put down their blankets and enjoy a picnic basket on the soft grass banks that slope down towards the amphitheatre stage.

Gates to the concert area open at 16h00 and each concert runs from 17:30 until 19:00.  Online bookings can be made at Webtickets and e-tickets can be redeemed at the Kirstenbosch Ticket Offices on any day after purchasing them, including concert day. Box Office tickets go on sale on the Tuesday preceding each concert, from the Visitors’ Centre Ticket Office and on Sundays tickets will be available at all three entrances of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

A Kids’ Zone will be situated at the top of the concert lawn and provides supervised activities for children during the concerts, but parents should bear in mind that this is not a child-minding service.

Kirstenbosch was recently voted one the world’s top picnic spots by National Geographic, and the open-air amphitheatre amidst the gardens allows for friends and family to experience a combination of exquisite beauty and great music in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Taj Cape Town provides stylish accommodation in Cape Town this festive season as well as a range of Festive Events from elegant dinners to decadent New Year’s Eve parties and scrumptious afternoon teas.

The festive season is fast approaching and this year Taj Cape Town is set to make this Christmas and New Years the best ones yet.

The Taj Cape Town experience comes gift-wrapped this year. Our fine restaurants and five-star facilities offer everything to make this festive season unforgettable. From elegant Christmas dinners and decadent New Year’s Eve parties, to scrumptious afternoon teas. Our eager patrons will be swept up in the festive spirit.

For Christmas Eve we have a Bombay Brasserie Dinner for only R575 per person as well as an A la Carte Mint Restaurant Dinner for the family. On Christmas Day patrons can enjoy a delicious Mint Restaurant luncheon at R495 per adult and R245 per child under the age of 12.

Join us for a fun, Mint New Years Eve Party at R795 per person and R345 per child, or you can join us for our exclusive Bombay Brasserie New Years Eve Party at R1100 per person and bid farewell to 2012 in style.

Finally, to round off the festive season, we have a Mint Restaurant Family Jazz Brunch to welcome 2013 on New Year’s Day for R225 per person and R110 per child.

Throughout the festive season, you can join us for delicious treats from local Cape wine farms as the Twankey Bar introduces the Twankey ‘Winelands Board’. For only R95 (an extra R20 will get you a cold glass of beer too), it Features farm-cured charcuterie, cheese, olives, breads and crackers and homemade preserves – delicious! Open throughout the festive season throughout December and January from 12h00 daily, the Twankey Bar will also celebrate 31 December with a Minstrel Carnival Street Party, join us from only R150 to R350 per person.

For only R95 per person, come and enjoy a spot of tea, choose from our menu featuring 20 loose leaf infusions and enjoy tasty treats like summer berries, meringue nests and other sugar and savoury delights. As a special treat, during December, festive fruit mince pies will be added to our afternoon tea offering, for a true taste of festive enjoyment.

Afternoon Tea is served from 3-tiered stands and is available daily from 14h00 until 17h00.

Taj Cape Town provides stylish accommodation in Cape Town this festive season. Ample secure parking for any of our Festive Events is available in Mandela Rhodes Place adjacent to the hotel with the parking entrance located in Burg Street, off Wale Street.

Images courtesy of WineX.

Cape Town WineX is celebrating ten years of being the undisputed festival of choice for the discerning wine consumer.

The premier public event on South Africa’s national wine calendar, WineX will be bigger than ever this year as thousands of wine enthusiasts descend on the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Along with an exciting array of newcomers, boutique producers and garagistes – this year’s exhibition boasts perhaps the greatest selections from South Africa’s top cellars all under a single roof. Visitors are afforded the chance to discover all that is good to savour from the world of wine, while relaxing with friends and mingling with award-winning winemakers.

Slated as having a cosmopolitan and wine-in-the-city feel, WineX will showcase wines from  top Cape Producers. Visitors will be given ample opportunity to taste recent vintages and trophy wines while catching up with the latest wine gadgets and glassware.

The SHOP@SHOW facility at WineX will allow wine enthusiasts to enjoy their best WineX tasting experiences at home, as almost all of the exhibitors have entered into a retail arrangement with local fulfilment partners. These WineX offerings will be immediately available to collectors and consumers at prices which rival the farm’s own.

The exhibition has also taken steps to promote responsible drinking and this year.  Organisers have teamed up with Corporate Cabs, which allow  visitors to book a driving service for the evening and take the stress out of enjoying wine tasting with friends.

WineX 2012 will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre’s Ballroom on Thursday, 29 November and Friday 30 November 2012 from 17h00 till 12h00. Early Bird Tickets are currently available at Computicket at only R120 per person before 18 November, after which the price will be R150 per person.

The Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in the Cape Town city centre and is in close proximity to the Cape Town International Convention Centre and many other Cape Town attractions.

 Images courtesy of the Cape Town Festival of Beer

The Southern Hemisphere’s largest beer festival the “Cape Town Festival of Beer” returns to the Mother City for a great weekend of entertainment for the entire family. Come and enjoy a pint along with some tasty food, great music and rugby.

The Cape Town Festival of Beer is the largest annual gathering of beer enthusiasts, connoisseurs and aficionados and will happen on the 23rd, 24th and 25th of November at Hamilton’s Rugby Club in Green Point. It promises to be one of the highlights on the Cape Town social calendar this year.

A celebration of brewing heritage and craft both locally and internationally, the festival will feature over 150 beers and visitors can expect over 40 breweries – both from home and abroad – as well as a limited edition of beers brewed just for the Festival.

Parents are free to bring the kids along for the day as well. There will be dedicated child-minding services and entertainment areas with qualified staff on hand. Your kids will have a great day of fun, while the grown-ups get to learn more about the appreciation of artisanal beer and the perfect food choices to pair along with each brew.

The Festival  also includes guided beer tours, workshops, beer judging, blind tastings, samplings of a variety of beers, home brewing demonstrations and (for the rugby fans) a chance to catch all the action live on big screens on Saturday at the festival.

With a beer judging competition, beer merchandise for sale, lucky draws, raffles, a “fusbal” competition and the highly anticipated Beerlympics. The Cape Town Festival of Beer is very much the epitome of beer events in South Africa and is an event not to be missed.

Tickets for the Cape Town Festival of Beer are available through Webtickets and cost R90 for each day of the festival.

The Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in Cape Town and is home to the Twankey Bar where excellent craft beers can be enjoyed with fresh seafood tapas or a variety of oysters.

Image courtesy of Swartland Wine Route

As we approach the festive season, our exploration of the Western Cape’s beautiful Winelands takes us to Swartland and Darling for a selection of great wines and delicious dinner pairings.

On the menu from local restaurant, Bar Bar Black Sheep – pallets can expect the best in organic and home-grown ingredients that the Swartland can offer, all seasonally fresh and locally sourced. Their delicious menu consists of rustic, slow-cooked country fare and pairs delightfully with excellent boutique and garasiste wines from the area supplied by the Wine Kollective.

The Expressions of Swartland and Darling launch evening commences at 18h00 on the 1st of November 2012 with a complimentary wine tasting which all are welcome to join. A 4-course dinner with paired wines priced at R350 per person and including mineral water will follow at 19h00 for 19h30. Guests are also invited to make an evening of it and enjoy the elegant luxury of the Taj Cape Town at a special rate of only R1750 per room, breakfast included.

Wines featured on the night, will be available for off-consumption purchase at Cellar Door prices through our wine kiosk. During the month of November, Mint Restaurant will offer two of the courses for R175 (excluding a glass of wine) or three courses including a glass of wine for only R210.

Join us at the Earth Fair Market on Thursdays between 12h00 and 15h00 and enjoy a tasting of some of our wines from our current Expressions series, along with some of the people who created them.

 Those dining from the Expressions menu or purchasing wine at Cellar Door prices at our Thursday Tastings, stand the chance of winning one of many prizes, including an evening stay for two people in a luxury room at Taj Cape Town.

Taj Cape Town provides stylish accommodation in Cape Town. Secure complimentary parking is available in Mandela Rhodes Place adjacent to the hotel with the parking entrance located in Burg Street, off Wale Street.

The most beautiful type of dance is set to enchant the Mother City, as international and local dance schools join for the 7th International Oriental Dance Festival in aid of charity.

Visitors are invited to take part in belly dancing workshops, browse the bazaar for dancing accessories, jewellery, costumes and food or simply enjoy the performances by over 500 dancers.

Dance performances include; Oriental, Belly, Tribal fusion, Gypsy, Flamenco and fantasy dances with international performers hailing from Germany, Israel, Iraq, Spain, Indonesia, Argentina and Belgium.

The objective of the International Oriental Dance Festival is to encourage cultural diversity and tolerance as well as to introduce and educate South African communities on diverse cultures. The festival also doubles as a charity event in aid of the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children.

The festival will take place at the V&A Waterfront from Thursday 25 October until Sunday 28 October. Tickets for the opening Gala Evening are available now at Computicket.

The program for the festival is as follows:

Thursday, 25th October 2012 will be the official start of the festival with the opening Gala Evening. Visitors can enjoy performances by professional International and South African Oriental Dancers at the Nedbank BOE Auditorium at the V&A Waterfront.

Friday 26th 9.30am – 9.30pm and Saturday 27th, 9.00am – 13.00am October 2012 will consist of workshop days. Visitors can learn from the world’s best oriental dance teachers and performers at the V&A Waterfront Clock Tower.

Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October 2012, the Fringe Program at the V&A Waterfront takes place in the Moroccan Tent next to the Craft Market. The Blue Shed and Amphitheatre will see hundreds of belly dancers, of all dance levels, from beginners to professionals performing for all to see.

The Taj Cape Town provides its guests with complimentary transport to attractions within close proximity to the Hotel. It is close to the V&A Waterfront and many other unique Cape Town attractions.

Image courtesy of Cape Town Diwali Festival

The Mother City lights up once again as the Cape Town Diwali Festival makes its much anticipated return for its 4^th amazing year.

The festival this year takes on an elemental theme as the festival will be bringing out all the stops to ensure that visitors leave the festival with a ‘memory of a lifetime.’ as they are engulfed in the elements of earth, wind, fire and water.

This year’s festival takes on the theme of elements and will be engulfing visitors in the elements of earth, wind, fire and water. The organisers this year have promised to pull out all of the stops to ensure each visitor to the festival leaves with a ‘memory to last a lifetime.’

An initiative supported by the City of Cape Town and Indian High Commission, the Diwali Festival was held for the very first time in Cape Town in 2009. This vision of bringing all people to one venue to celebrate the love and joy of the Festival of Lights has since become a permanent feature on the calendar of the Province of the Western Cape..

The Hindu thanksgiving festival Diwali, also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, where light is the symbol of hope and optimism, indicating victory of good over evil, is celebrated by Hindus all over the world.

The Hindu thanksgiving festival, Diwali, is also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, and is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. Light is the symbol of hope and optimism and is indicative of the victory of Good over Evil.

In Hindu mythology, Diwali celebrates the homecoming of Lord Rama, along with Sita and his brother Lakshmana, after a 14 year exile to Ayodhya. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya lit the kingdom with diyas (oil lamps) and burst firecrackers to light the pathway for Lord Rama to find his way home.

Visitors can expect dance performances, music, fashion shows, an esoteric fair, traditional goods, food and clothing stalls, therapies, lifestyle workshops, book launches, exhibitions, selected rides opened at the theme park, a bhangra bash and a fireworks display to end of the evening with flair and lights.

The festival will be held at Ratanga Junction in Century City on Saturday 27 October 2012 from midday to midnight and entrance is priced at R50 per person. Children under 5 are welcome for free though and tickets are available through Computicket.

The Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in the heart of the Mother City and is renowned for fine dining Indian cuisine at the Bombay Brasserie.

This October, the World of First Growths returns to Taj Cape Town with the White Club and our very own Chef Shyam Longani, for a dinner and wine experience unlike any other.

This unique and incredibly exclusive wine-tasting experience, The World of First Growths, first wowed guests at Taj Cape Town in April. The White Club has decided to bring back this unique experience where guests can share in the grandest wines yet again and of course, share that great moment when a truly great wine is opened. A fantastic collection of famous and sought-after wines is once again to be paired with a specially designed menu at Taj Cape Town.

The Wine Lineup includes:

Chateau Petrus 1997

Chateau Pavie 2000

Chateau Blanc 2001

Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1996

Chateau Margaux 1998

Chateau Lafite 1995

Chateau Latour 1991

La Mission Haut Brion 1986

Chateau Haut Brion 1995

Penfolds Grange 1998

Pingus 1998

Ausonne 2002

This is  merely a selection from 22 different wines from the World of First Growth Series which will be served along with Jokers, Surprises and Blinds sponsored by the White Club.  The exclusive tasting forms part of three events to be held in South Africa, two of which are being held in Cape Town.

World of First Growths will be at the Taj Cape Town on 27 October 2012 and the hotel is pleased to present an additional VIP offer to guests attending the World of First Growths in Cape Town.

R2250 for a Luxury City Facing Room, R2500 for a Luxury Mountain Facing Room, R3400 for the Taj Club Room and R5500 for a One Bedroom Suite. All these accommodation options include breakfast.

The Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in the heart of the Mother City and is renowned for its many great wine tasting events.

This October, our journey through the beautiful Cape Winelands brings us to the foot of the Steenberg Mountains.

Our  “Expressions Series”, of wine and dinner pairings introduces the city centre to one of the oldest farms in the picturesque Constantia Valley, one of South Africa’s premier wine growing regions.

Our “Expressions of Constantia Valley” will be launched on 4 October 2012 with a private wine-tasting at 18h00, followed by a 4-course dinner with paired wines. Our Guest Chef, Brad Ball from Bistro1682, brings with him his own original take on modern Bistro dining and will serve delicious raw cuisine such as sashimi, Gravlax, Ceviche, carpaccio oysters and tartars.

The Dinner is priced at R350 per person and includes mineral water and parking at the adjacent Mandela Rhodes Place.  All those attending the dinner can also enjoy the elegant luxury of the Taj Cape Town at a special rate of R1750 per room, with breakfast included.*

Our MINT Restaurant Table d’hôte dinner menu for the month of October will be featuring two courses from the evening at only R175, excluding a glass of wine or have  three courses and include a glass of wine at only R210.

As always, we’re extending an open invitation for you to join us at the Earth Fair Market on Thursdays between 12h00 and 15h00 to taste a selection of regional wines from our current Expressions series, as well as to meet some of the people who created them.

These featured wines are also available for off-consumption purchase at Cellar Door prices through our newly opened wine kiosk, which is open seven days a week.

*(Price is for single/double occupancy)

Taj Cape Town provides stylish accommodation in Cape Town. Secure complimentary parking is available in Mandela Rhodes Place adjacent to the hotel with the parking entrance located in Burg Street, off Wale Street.

This October, the vibrant city centre of Cape Town plays host to the inaugural FNB Variété Festival. This talent-filled festival hits the Mother City with a variety of comedy shows, cabarets and dinner-theatre experiences performed by top local artists.

The festival will be on from 6 – 20 October 2012 and is the start of a five-year plan to grow the festival and to embrace even more of our beautiful Mother City, including the National Museum, The Fugard precinct, the de Waterkant precinct and the Long Street area.

Taj Cape Town is honoured to be hosting three out of the five acts being featured at the festival; we will feature them from 8 – 13 October and from 15 – 18 October at 20h00.

In our St Georges Conference room, Cape Town’s favourite and most loved comic Marc Lottering will be teaming up with multi-award winning cabaret artist, singer and pianist Godfrey Johnson for Marc Lottering in Song.

Voted Best Cabaret Show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2011, Sharron Matthews brings her show to Cape Town after two years of sold-out performances around the world. Canada’s leading cabaret singer will thrill and entertain her audience with her singular brand of comedy and mash-ups from Queen, Lady Gaga and more in our very own Lobby Lounge.

Finally, Tina C, the creation of award-winning actor, comedian and musician, Christopher Green, will have audiences laughing and thinking with her collection of satire, great music and clever lyrics at our Twankey Oyster and Champagne Bar.

Taj Cape Town offers luxury accommodation in Cape Town and is home to the Twankey Champagne and Oyster Bar and a range of stylish event venues.

As part of the City of Cape Town’s Heritage Day festivities on Sunday 23 September, the Cape Town Marathon will once again test endurance while giving runners an ideal opportunity to experience and celebrate the city’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

Starting at 06H30 in Adderley Street in the historical heart of Cape Town the route will take runners out to Rondebosch before looping back to the City via the V&A Waterfront and Sea Point finishing on the Green Point Common Fields.

Heritage highlights en-route include:

•    The Adderley Street flower sellers

•    Table Mountain – named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World

•    The Castle of Good Hope completed in 1679

•    Groote Schuur Hospital – site of the world’s first human heart transplant

•    The University of Cape Town – South Africa’s oldest university

•    Rondebosch Common

•    The Red Cross Children’s Hospital

•    The South African Astronomical Observatory founded in 1820

•    The Salt River Market

•    The V&A Waterfront

•    The Green Point Lighthouse – South Africa’s oldest, dating back to 1824.

•    The majestic Cape Town Stadium which hosted eight matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup

•    The Green Point Urban Park

The event is supported by the City of Cape Town, Cape Town Tourism, Western Cape Government: Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, and Peninsula Beverages. The marathon itself is set to provide a wonderful opportunity for competitors to get involved in a big city event while encouraging a culture of healthy living and activity.

A special MyCiti shuttle service will also be in operation on race day to ferry runners between Stadium Station in Green Point and Thibault Square Station every 3 minutes between 05h15 and 06h15, with marshals at Thibault Square Station directing runners to the race start in Adderley Street.

Taj Cape Town offers stylish accommodation in Cape Town . Taj Cape Town, situated in the historic heart of Cape Town, boasts fine restaurants and is within walking distance of many cultural and historic attractions.

Set to showcase major advances in local winemaking to the international trade fraternity of wine buyers, restaurateurs and sommeliers, the Cape Wine trade exhibition returns after a 4 year absence.

Held every two years in the Cape Town International Convention Centre and presented by Wines of South Africa, the exhibition has attracted wine trade professionals and media from across the globe. This triumphant return to the Mother City will see the flagship business showcase of the South African wine industry well attended with two-thirds of the country’s winemakers, including the major corporates, independents and artisanal producers already showing support.

Delegates will include international importers, agents, buyers, sommeliers and educators who will be coming from across Europe, the UK, North America, as well as Africa, Latin America, Hong Kong, China and Japan to take in the massive advances in winegrowing, winemaking, and wine marketing made by South Africa.

More than 330 wineries are expected to exhibit over 5 000 wines at the three-day trade exhibition and in addition to the array of tastings, seminars and workshops, the programme will cover changes in wine styles, producers’ response to climate change and the management of scarce natural resources.

Attendees will have the opportunity to taste newly released wines from the 2012 vintage as well as the chance to get up close and personal with South Africa’s iconic wines and winemakers, including “garagiste” bottlings, volume and value brands, distinctive estate wines and new icons in the making.

Cape Wine 2012 will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 25 – 27 September 2012.

Throughout the week of Cape Wine, Wines of South Africa and the wineries will organise special visits, tours and functions, including a Green Tie welcoming event on 24 September and the renowned Nederburg Auction taking place on 29 September.

Taj Cape Town offers stylish accommodation in Cape Town . Taj Cape Town, situated close to the CTICC, venue for Cape Wine 2012, boasts fine restaurants and the exquisite Jiva Spa.

This September 5th, South Africa celebrates Secretaries Day joining in with employers the world over to show their appreciation for all the effort, time and hard work their secretaries and assistants put in throughout the year.

Also known as Administrative Professional Day, Secretaries Day was created in America in 1952 with the specific idea of encouraging more people to consider secretarial and administrative positions. This salutation to the hardworking staff who keep the wheels of business and industry turning has grown to become perhaps one of the largest workplace rites.

Always celebrated on the first Wednesday of September in South Africa, the day is celebrated with parties, time off and the all important gifting. Customary gifts range from flowers, chocolates and trinkets to restaurant lunches and spa treatments.

Taj Cape Town is once again inviting you to bring your secretary this coming Wednesday 05 September and to show them just how much you appreciate them.

Secretaries come and enjoy lunch in MINT Restaurant, order a main course and your dessert is on us. Jiva Grande Spa offers all secretaries a 30-minute Deep Tissue Back Massage for R345 or R695 for double. And as a very special treat, a free gift from Miglio designer jewellery is included with purchase of the gift voucher.

Miglio designer jewellery is a proudly South African jewellery range of beautiful, uniquely versatile fashion jewellery.  These free gifts are only available while stocks last though, so it’s highly encouraged to get in on this offer as soon as possible.

Wishing all a fabulous Secretaries Day this September from Taj Cape Town!

The Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in Cape Town and is home to the famous MINT restaurant on St Georges Mall as well as the luxurious Jiva Spa.

Image courtesy of  La Motte

Our Expressions series continues its journey of bringing unique Cape Winelands experiences to the heart of Cape Town with the new September offering – Expressions of Franschhoek.

Pairing wines and cuisine from the beautiful Franschhoek valley, Guest Chef Michelle Theron will wow Cape Town pallets with her passion for the home-cooked, traditional farm-style food which has made the Cape Winelands cuisine at Pierneef à La Motte restaurant a true treat for patrons.

The launch of the new expressions menu will be taking place on Thursday 30 August  before hitting Mint Restaurant as the Table d’Hôte dinner menu for the month of September. The evening will begin at 18h00 with a private wine tasting, followed by a 4-course dinner with paired wines at 19h00 for 19h30 at a cost of R350 per person including mineral water.

A special room rate is also provided for attendees to enjoy the elegant luxury of Taj Cape Town at R1750 per room, breakfast included.

Those not attending the launch are also invited to join us on Thursdays at the Earth Fair Market between 12h00 and 15h00 to taste a selection of regional wines from the current Expressions series as well as meet some of the people who created them.

Featured wines from the launch are now also available for purchase at cellar door prices through our new wine kiosk which is open seven days a week!

As usual, those dining from our Expressions menu or who purchase wine at cellar door prices at our Thursday tastings, stand a chance to win one of many prizes, including an evening stay for two in a luxury room at Taj Cape Town.

Taj Cape Town provides stylish accommodation in Cape Town. Secure complimentary parking is available in Mandela Rhodes Place adjacent to the hotel with the parking entrance located in Burg Street, off Wale Street.

Image courtesy of the Cape Town Partnership

Cape Town’s inner city has experienced a gradual renaissance as the Central City Improvement District brings a range of top–up and  complementary services over and above what the city currently provides to help Cape Town be a cleaner, safer and more caring city.

The Central City Improvement District itself is a private–public partnership formed by a collaboration between the public and private sectors working together to develop, promote and manage Cape Town Central City. An independent non-profit organization, the CCID has drawn from a diverse range of stakeholders who have brought their expertise and networks together for the benefit of the Central City.

The purpose is to promote Cape Town Central City as a leading centre for commercial, retail, residential, cultural, tourism, education, entertainment and leisure activities, constantly seeking to add value to public services and planning processes.

The Partnership was first formed in November 2000 when the City of Cape Town, the South African Property Owners Association, the Cape Town Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other stakeholders came together to address issues of urban degeneration and disinvestment in the city centre as well as related social problems.

Since then Cape Town has seen the regeneration of many key precincts which has led to a significant international and public interest in Cape Town’s diverse inner-city tourism offerings, from streets dedicated exclusively to urban fashion by local designers to thriving local neighborhoods steeped in Cape Malay culture. Not surprising considering that by 2008 property owners had already contributed more than R150-million to the rejuvenation of the Cape Town’s city centre.

With Table Mountain officially named one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and Cape Town’s upcoming Design Capital of the World status for 2014, the Mother City’s reputation as a world-class destination for both leisure and business travel will continue to grow in leaps and bounds.

Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in Cape Town and is situated within walking distance of a wealth of heritage sites, museums, galleries, street markets, restaurants, bars and retail outlets.

Images courtesy of Cape Town Opera

Unhappily married couples and suspect fiancés take centre stage as Cape Town Opera presents two amazing shows this August for Cape Town audiences looking for a unique evening out in the Mother City.

A month of excellent entertainment can be expected as Bernstein’s “Trouble in Tahiti” will be playing at the Fugard Theatre while Mozart’s “Così fan tutte” starts at the Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch.

Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti

Set in an affluent, unnamed American suburb, Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti is a 1-act opera recounting the events of a typical day in the life of an unhappily married couple desperately trying to keep up appearances. The piece is filled with memorable tunes drawing on a wide range of musical styles, ranging from wistful operatic arias to jazzy toe-tapping numbers.

The opera was first performed in June 1952, and Bernstein took great pains to make his opera as real as possible writing in language that would have been heard in the everyday speech of the time.

Trouble in Tahiti runs from 15 to 18 August 2012 at 19h30, and tickets are available through Computicket for R90 with a R10 discount to both Friends of Cape Town Opera and Friends of the Fugard.

Mozart’s Così fan tutte

Two lovers assume disguises to test the constancy of their fiancées in Così fan tutte as Mozart’s sophisticated Italian comedy is put through a thought-provoking new staging by director Matthew Wild and designer Tina Driedijk.

Conductor Kamal Khan leads the brightest young talent of the UCT Opera School in what has been described as one of Mozart’s most unsettling and sophisticated masterpieces.

Così fan tutte runs from the 28^th of August to the 1^st of September and tickets are R175. Pensioners & students are able to get a 50% discount on the day of the show with ID at the venue. Tickets are also available through Computicket.

Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in Cape Town. What better way to top off an evening at the opera than by enjoying a nightcap at the Twankey seafood, oyster and champagne bar?

Image courtesy of HomemakersOnline

Celebrating its 17th year, the home improvement and lifestyle exhibition Homermakers Expo 2012 will gather the finest home improvement product and service providers at the Cape Town International Convention centre.

Homemakers Expo is the largest and most comprehensive home improvement and lifestyle exhibition with 350 stands and over 80 different product categories. The theme for this year’s expo is “HOME-it” which boasts enough trendsetting and innovative ideas to turn houses into homes by creating a personal style and unique identity for homeowners.

Featured areas at the Homemakers expo include the décor and accessories area for collections of contemporary and cutting edge style ideas, an Audiovision Pavilion offering a substantial range of the most advanced new-generation digital home entertainment systems, a selection of the Cape’s finest wines, great cheeses, olives and other gourmet goodies at the d’VINE Life area, as well as Future of Design area which will celebrate the innovative “upcycled” designs of South Africa’s leading local talent.

A variety of artists including fine artists, designers, ceramicists, fashion designers and mosaic artists have also been invited to present pieces for the exciting Clock Art Project. Visitors will be able to view and bid on these pieces for the duration of the Expo, and all funds raised will be donated to charity.

The 2012 Homemakers Expo will take place from Thursday 23 August until Sunday 26 August 2012 from 10am to 8pm on Thursday to Saturday, and from 10am to 6pm on Sunday at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The entrance fee is R60 for adults and R40 for pensioners, while children under the age of 12 attend free of charge.

Taj Cape Town offers stylish accommodation in Cape Town in the city centre. Taj Cape Town, situated close to the CTICC, venue for the Homemaker Expo, and other Cape Town attractions, boasts fine restaurants and the exquisite Jiva Spa.

Image courtesy of African Fashion International

African Fashion International’s annual fashion extravaganza, Cape Town Fashion Week, will be in town once again to showcase an abundance of extraordinary and revolutionary fashion in South African designer’s 2012 spring and summer collections.

The inaugural Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town brings an illustrious line-up of South Africa’s leading fashion arbiters to the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Although the fashion week will now be entering its tenth year, 2012 is a first with new sponsor – Mercedes Benz.  Presenting a theme of “icons”, the fashion extravaganza runs over four days with 26 designers showcasing in 18 shows.

The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town will be taking place from 25 to 28 July at the Cape Town International Conference Centre and tickets are available for purchase via Webtickets at a cost of between R150 and R300 per person, depending on the show.

Emerging Cape designers will receive a specialized showcase on 27 July at 15.30 at the CTICC. The five chosen designers – Pumeza Mekuto of Black Coal Clothing, Celeste Lee Arendse of Selfi, Robyn Victor of August Clothing, Tarien Malherbe of Non-European and Maloti Mothoni of Strato – were chosen for their ability to mould their fashion brands into sustainable business platforms.

African Fashion International will also host AFI Fastrack Seminars on 27 July at the CTICC to provide education and inspiration for the development and success of the fashion industry.

The seminars include presentations by Johan Crouse, Foschini’s head of design, the announcement of fashion market trends by Worth Global Style Network and an exclusive “icons of fashion” panel discussion with Jenny Le Roux and French designer Fred Sathal.

Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in Cape Town and is conveniently located in the Cape Town city centre, close to the CTICC and other design hubs. Round out an enjoyable day in Cape Town with a visit to the exquisite Jiva Spa.

“Sketch of the old Reserve Bank”

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has been creating, enhancing and caring for landmark properties around the world for over 100 years and Taj Cape Town, with its blend of the heritage buildings and the ‘modern’ tower is a perfect reflection of this urban revival in Cape Town’s heritage area.

The seed of what would become the City of Cape Town was the need for a vegetable garden and a hospital which led to the refreshment station established in 1652 at the Cape of Good Hope by the Dutch East India Company.

The hospital, which was built on the site bounded by today’s Adderley, Wale, St. George’s and Longmarket Streets would, along with the Company Gardens, become the city’s historical and cultural core.  An area which has become synonymous with the the city’s cosmopolitan culture, and history, travellers can find a wealth of heritage sites, museums, galleries, street markets, restaurants, bars and trendy retail stores are all within walking distance.

It’s entirely fitting then that in Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces would beautifully restore the South African Reserve Bank and the adjacent Temple Chambers, both national monuments built on the same property as the original hospital and across the road from the gardens, into the 176-roomed hotel.

Every effort has been made to remain as faithful as possible to the internal historic structure of the buildings, giving Taj Cape Town a blend of old-world charm and elegance. The facades were restored and modern external interventions kept to a minimum, while internally every effort was made to remain historically faithful while maintaining and restoring as many of the important historic rooms as possible.

The hotel is a celebration of the old and the new with a design vision which creates a synthesis between the two historic buildings on the site and the contemporary building that rises out as a new tower amidst Cape Town’s iconic skyline.

An iconic example of the gradual renaissance of Cape Town’s inner city, and a central five-star base in a city that is taking exciting strides forward in art, design, fashion and food while still honouring its history and heritage.

Taj Cape Town provides stylish accommodation in Cape Town and is centrally located the historical heart of the city amidst many historical landmarks and tourist attractions.

Image courtesy of the Knysna Oyster Festival

Said to be the ‘Best 10 days of your Winter’, the annual Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival returns with more than 100 exciting events ranging from cycling, running and adventure races to wine and whisky tastings and gala evenings

Perhaps one of South Africa’s most popular festivals with huge appeal for sports lovers, families and oyster aficionados, the Knysna Oyster Festival is once more expected to draw about 65,000 people for the consumption of 200,000 oysters over the 10 days.

Oyster hotspots will be selling oysters with a variety of accompaniments and there will be oyster-related events including the annual oyster-shucking competition, the oyster eating competition and the Pick n Pay Oyster & Wine Mardi Gras.

The festival, now entering its 29th year since first being held in 1983, has grown to include a huge charity component and the involvement of the local community.

The festival will run from 6 -15 July 2012 and is sure to be a treat for oyster fans able to make it to South Africa’s beautiful Garden Route for the 10 day period.

For those unable to make the Oyster Festival or even those unable to wait until July, the Twankey Champagne and Oyster Bar at Taj Cape Town serves the freshest and most comprehensive range of oysters to be found outside of the festival.

Oysters from all over the country are served with fresh seafood tapas and a variety of tasting options and Capetonians can enjoy oysters from Alexander Bay, Knysna, Luderitz, Paternoster, St Helena Bay and Walvis Bay as well as wild and West Coast Oysters.

The popular Twankey Teaser is a great way to experience different taste sensations as Guinness and Bloody Mary shots join the oyster drink roster alongside Champagne and Cap Classique.

Taj Cape Town offers luxury accommodation in Cape Town in the heart of the city and is home to the fabulous Twankey Champagne and Oyster Bar with its sublime oyster menu.

Image courtesy of 96 Winery Road.

Each month, one of South Africa’s top chefs presents a four course dinner designed especially to express the culture of the featured regions as part of Taj Cape Town’s Expressions series.

Our journey through the world’s most beautiful winelands continues to Stellenbosch Berg, Banghoek and Helderberg wards of Stellenbosch

Launching on Thursday 28 June, guests can experience the harmonious balance between traditional and modern winemaking styles of the region as some exceptional wines are paired with offerings from Guest Chef, Janice Anderson of 96 Winery Road.

Janice Anderson draws her inspiration from a combination of South African favourites and flavours from around the world, using fresh, organic and local ingredients to create a rustic cuisine taste sensation of which selected dishes will be featured on our MINT restaurant Table d’Hôte menu for the month of July.

The evening will begin at 18h00 with a private tasting with the winemakers from the participating estates and is followed at 19h00 for 19h30 with a 4–course dinner, paired with regional wines. Cost is R350 per person including mineral water and parking at the adjacent Mandela Rhodes Place.

Wines featured at the private tasting will be available to purchase on the night at cellar door prices through our newly opened wine kiosk which is open seven days a week.

Our MINT restaurant Table d’Hôte menu for the month of July is R175 for two courses, R210 for three courses, including a glass of wine. Whenever guests dine from our Expressions menu, there is chance to win one of many prizes including an evening stay for two people in a Luxury Room at Taj Cape Town.

Taj Cape Town provides stylish accommodation in Cape Town. Secure complimentary parking is available in Mandela Rhodes Place adjacent to the hotel with the parking entrance located in Burg Street, off Wale Street.

Image courtesy of Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail offers a unique South African experience with north and southbound routes between Pretoria and Cape Town as well as a range of spectacular journeys on one of the world’s most luxurious trains.

The trains themselves combine the golden age of rail travel with modern conveniences to create an unforgettable travel experience. Guests aboard Rovos Rail can expect the extravagant elegance of a bygone era on beautifully rebuilt trains.

Rovos Rail was started in 1989 by Rohan Vos and it is still family owned. The original train, the Pride of Africa, has been named as being one of the World’s Top 25 Trains by the Society of International Railway Travellers. Today, Rovos’ trains consist of restored South African coaches with two lounges, two restaurant cars and private sleeping compartments – each with private en-suite facilities.

The air-conditioned suites aboard the train are the epitome of luxury, decorated in handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features and come in three distinct varieties – Royal, Deluxe and Pullman – with varying levels of luxury and comfort.

Dining aboard Rovos Rail includes local delicacies such as game with an emphasis placed on fresh and seasonal ingredients. An enthusiastic team of chefs specialising traditional meals serve dishes in a single sitting amidst a Victorian scene resplendent with fine china, crisp linen and shining silver, complemented by a selection of excellent South African wines.

The luxury train holiday routes can be as short as 48 hours, or as long as nine days or more providing the perfect opportunity to see South Africa and beyond.

Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in central Cape Town and along with Rovos Rail has created an opportunity for patrons to win two nights in a luxurious one bedroom suite at Taj Cape Town and a two-night journey aboard Rovos Rail with a special promotion.

Bill Cosby once said that fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope. Fortunately, at Taj Cape Town we have an especially great day planned for dad with plenty for him to enjoy.

To make this Father’s Day special for our Dads, Taj Cape Town is pleased to invite all fathers to the Mint Restaurant for a relaxed Father’s Day lunch buffet.  More so, Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, has partnered with Taj Cape Town to offer all dads a vertical tasting of their 12, 15 and 18 year old whisky in our Lobby Lounge.

The Father’s Day lunch buffet with an added carvery is available between 12h00 and 15h00 in our MINT Restaurant, with a dessert buffet served in the adjacent Lobby Lounge.

We also have a very special treat at 14h00 when two lucky dads’ names will be ‘drawn from the hat’, with the first dad winning a bottle of Glenfiddich 15 year old malt whisky, and the second winning an advanced off-road driving course in the winelands with Land Rover Experience, ‘your passport to an adventurous lifestyle’.

The buffet will have mushroom and truffle risotto with grated parmesan and rocket oil; Fricassee of line fish, prawns and mussels in vanilla and lemon sauce; free range chicken breast stuffed with basil pesto, baby tomato and fior de latte; potato and leek au gratin and finally steamed garden vegetables drizzled with ‘fleur de sel’ and rosemary scented olive oil.

There will also be a beef wellington carvery as well as a salad bar consisting of spicy sweet potato and jalapeno salad; crispy plantain chips and curry dressing; butternut and couscous salad minted vinaigrette and chicken satays with peanut dipping sauce alongside the usual selection of salad leaves (tomato, feta, olives, cucumber, onion and pepper dews).

The pastry selection includes lemon tarts; warm chocolate bread and butter pudding with aged ‘Klipdrift’ anglaise; American baked cheese cake; caramel choux pastry rings and a selection of sliced fruit.

The Father’s Day lunch buffet is R185 for adults, R85 for children under 12 and children under 5 eat with our compliments. Complimentary parking is available at the adjacent Mandela Rhodes Place building when dining at our restaurants.

Father’s Day is a day to honour all our fathers for everything they have done for us. Join us on 17 June 2012 as we express our gratitude towards our dads for all their love and support.

Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in Cape Town in heart of the city centre. The Taj Cape Town is proud to invites all dads and families to celebrate this Father’s Day at Mint Restaurant.

We continue exploring the world’s most beautiful Cape Winelands as we pair the wines and cuisine that best represent the region in this month’s Expressions of Robertson and Tulbagh.

Through our Expressions series we have brought the wines and cuisines of Wellington and Paarl, Cederberg and Lamberts Bat, the Stellenbosch wards of Greater Simonsberg, Stellenbosch Valley and Bottelary Hills to the heart of the city. Each month, one of South Africa’s top chefs presents a dinner designed especially to express the culture of the featured regions. This dinner is then paired with the wines from the area’s participating wine estates.

In June, Robertson and Tulbagh will find expression at Taj Cape Town with guest chef Sandra Papesch of Fraai Uitzicht 1798 Historic Guest House & Wine Farm. She will be preparing her award winning regional dishes with a delicate German touch and accompanied by fresh seasonal vegetables and just-picked herbs from her garden.

The June Expressions menu will be launched on Thursday 31 May at Taj Cape Town’s famous Wine & Dine with the Winemakers dinner. A private wine tasting of the selected regional wines will kick start the evening at 18h00. A delectable 6-course tasting dinner with the paired wines will commence at 19h00 for 19h30. The dinner evening is priced at R350 per person including mineral water and parking at Mandela Rhodes Place.

Selected dishes from the evening will once more be made available on the Mint restaurant Table d’hôte dinner menu for the month of June. Patrons who missed the evening can enjoy two courses for R175 and three courses for R210, excluding wines which are available by the glass.

Taj Cape Town provides stylish accommodation in Cape Town. Secure complimentary parking is available in Mandela Rhodes Place adjacent to the hotel with the parking entrance located in Burg Street, off Wale Street.

Image courtesy of Corporate Games

For everyday athletes who love health, fitness and sport the world’s largest multi-sport festival for the worldwide corporate sport community comes to Cape Town.

The 2012 Cape Town Corporate Games invites teams to participate in a multitude of sporting events open to institutions, businesses, national and multinational companies, retailers, government agencies, partnerships and sports clubs.

The Cape Town Corporate Games commence from 14 – 17 June 2012 for a weekend multi sport festival with over 15 sports to choose from. The festival is held on an annual basis with the Cape Town 2012 event being the first in South Africa since the Johannesburg World Corporate Games in 1994.

The event promises to re-enforce Cape Town’s position as the Sports Capital of South Africa being the ultimate combination for Sport, Business and Tourism with a host of influential business, media and civic partners already on board for a weekend dedicated to sports aficionados.

Originating in San Francisco in 1988, the project has been held in such diverse places as Budapest and Bilbao, Johannesburg and Geneva, Malaysia and Hawaii, Sydney, Stuttgart and The Hague.

Dr Maureen Johnston, the Founder of the World Masters Games conceived the idea of the World Corporate Games after seeing a need for a project that offered everyone of every age and ability the chance to play sport on a worldwide basis, represent a team, wear its colours and be proud to be part of a multisport festival.

With more than 1,000,000 athletes welcomed into over 50 host cities and over 20,000 organisations worldwide, novices and ex-professionals alike will come together to enjoy this finest of sporting festivals and with no restriction on age, gender or ability.

An online brochure includes more information about the Official Program, Sport Details, How to Enter, the Benefits of participation and involving ones organisation.

Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in central Cape Town and is close to the Cape Town International Convention Centre and many other unique Cape Town attractions.

Image courtesy of the Cape Town Book Fair

South Africa’s literary and publishing worlds will gather and trade amidst an unparalleled programme of literary functions, events, displays and workshops at the 2012 Cape Town Book Fair.

Promising a literary feast for booklovers to indulge in, the three-day programme features book launches and signings, author interviews, literary workshops and forums, exhibitions and displays by book associations, distributors and stores, electronic book traders, libraries, literary agents and publishers, and much more.

The Cape Town Book Fair was established in 2006 with a joint venture between the Publishers’ Association of South Africa and the Frankfurt Book Fair and has since become a hugely popular book fair for the general public. The Fair has established itself as the best platform for the literary world to gather and trade in the business of publishing and in 2011 organisers announced that the Cape Town Book Fair would become a biennial event, starting in 2012.

The Fair will also be enhanced with a decidedly international flavour as the who’s who in the publishing world gather for the 29th International Publishers’ Association Congress which coincides with the fair. This is set to attract between 600 and 1000 delegates with top professionals and policy makers in the book sector speaking at the congress.

“Something for everyone” is to be expected with programs catering to young and old, covering all genres and interests. With over 50 000 bibliophiles of all persuasions expected to attend the Cape Town Book Fair it promises to be an extravaganza of literary entertainment sure to impress both booklovers and the book world.

The fair will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 15 -17 June 2012 and tickets can be purchased via Computicket.

Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in central Cape Town and is close to the Cape Town International Convention Centre and many other unique Cape Town attractions.

The 8^th annual Vodacom Funny Festival returns to the Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch from June 11 to July 8 2012 for more laugh out loud comedy antics to shake off those winter chills.

Showcasing the best local and international stand-up comedy at the Baxter Theatre, the festival traditionally runs for three weeks, playing to capacity audiences. The Vodacom Funny Festival is Cape Town’s flagship stand-up comedy festival, founded by Eddy Cassar back in 1997 and known as the Smirnoff Comedy festival before a sponsorship change led to the renaming.

Alan Committie, South Africa’s top MC returns to run proceedings at the festival which includes hot international talent from the UK, New Zealand and even Japan as wells as local SA favourites for a hilarious four-week season. The current line up includes:

• Imran Yusuf , UK’s new sensation and a hit at the 2011 Edinburgh Festival.
• Kev Orkian, Winner of the “best musical comedy” at the 2011 Edinburgh Festival.
• Kurt Schoonraad, the face of Cape Town’s comic scene.
• Piet Potgieter, Afrikaans comedy with a twist.
• Carl Wastie, or Constable Carl as he has become known.
• The Boy with Tape on his Face, returns with a new bag of tricks (11–23 June only).
• Jon Hicks, speed painting with a difference. (25 June – 8 July only).
• Gamarjobat , known all over the world as the “kings of silent comedy” (11–30 June only).
• Kagiso Mokgadi, affectionately known as KG, son of a sangoma (2–8 July only).

Tickets can be bought through Computicket for R140 and it is highly recommended to book tickets soon as several of the evenings have already sold out for what is certainly the best in stand-up comedy this winter.

Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in the heart of the Cape Town. Round out an evening of great comedy with fine dining at Mint Restaurant or Bombay Brasserie.

May is a special month for mothers everywhere and a time to appreciate and be thankful for that unconditional love that only our moms can express. Our mums need to be acknowledged for the love and care they so readily give every day and for the thoughtful kindness in everything they do.

Treat your mom to fine dining and relaxing tunes with our Mothers Day Jazz Brunch. This carvery with brunch buffet items and dessert buffet in the lobby is great for a family outing on mom’s special day. Starting from 11h30 and running until 15h00, this delicious buffet is only R185 for adults, R85 for children under 12 and children under 5 may eat with our compliments.

For an extra-special treat on Mother’s Day, book a double room for the evening with that special partner in your life or for your mom and yourself, including breakfast in bed at the hotel from only R1850, 00 for the night.

There is also a three-and-a-half-hour treatment package available at our Jiva Grande Spa. The package includes a two-hour Cape Fynbos signature treatment, a 30 minute Spa Energising facial and 60 minutes of steam, jacuzzi and sauna usage for only R1199 per person. An ultimate spa experience and a glorious way to spend the day, this package is guaranteed to leave mum feeling refreshed and renewed.

Our Chocolate Afternoon Tea is also available for moms with a sweet tooth. Chilli-hot chocolate, Éclairs, choc-chip scones, chocolate truffles and chocolate cake, all presented from a 3-tiered stand, is available for R95 per person.

It’s our turn to treat our moms to a day of pampering and relaxation which they so readily deserve and to show them how much love we have for them on this very special day.

Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in the heart of the Mother City and is home to fine dining at Mint Restaurant and luxurious treatments at the Jiva Grande Spa.