Cape Town Insider

Restaurants in Cape Town - Winter or Summer!

2013-01-30T06:02:00.001-08:00

Winters are wet and cold but specials and winter menus offer enticing fare at fantastic discounted prices, the infamous Cape Town restaurant specials.
Cape Town restaurants enjoy a great reputation. In the colourful city bowl, visitors are invited to discover a smorgasbord of cultural attractions, as well as some of the cities top dining establishments, trendy bars and nightclubs. Afterwards get musical and try your hand a playing the djembe drum. So you can actually pick any time of the year for your vacation, and it would be just perfect.
How do you choose the best restaurants in any country? Food, dance, beaches, and heritage, you name it and its here. This is where people are drawn together, attracted by the authentic ambience of charming restaurants. The hottest days are, often chilled by pleasant breezes or strong winds. However, to see nature's blessing on the mountain, one needs to get up close and personal with it. The infrastructure of the metropolis is one of the main reasons why people from the west find it so fascinating to come here for a vacation. The sea beaches are exceptionally romantic and have side pubs and restaurants for chilling if groups are hanging out together. This country would present to you large land masses, huge mountain ranges, vast fertile valleys, some of the best beach resorts, and not to mention, quite a few great but uncrowded beaches.
You can also explore the countryside that boasts of best vineyards in the world. The streets are always alive with music, fireworks and celebrations. Extensive exciting menus are offered at many fine dining establishments, offering sumptuous meals at pocket-friendly prices. A tip would be to try the harbor cruise at night along with a fantastic dinner, believe me, it's worth it. Take a quick look at the spots. It's well-known for their exotic beaches with amazed natural scenery. It can, however, often rain for successive days on end. If one is faced with cold wet, winter days there are many indoor attractions to enjoy , including these family activities. Not only is the weather quite a bit cooler, but the city is far less crowded in winter than it is during the summer. Known to be 260 million years old, it is the highest point of the city.
We encourage you to eat out in Cape Town - you won't regret it!

Cape Town Bars: Live Music at Bascule Bar on Sundays!

2013-01-17T05:13:00.001-08:00

Cape Town Bars: ShenFM at the Bascule Bar

One of my favourite hangouts in Cape Town is playing host to ShenFM – catch him live at the Bascule bar on Sunday evenings. In case you haven’t been there yet, the Bascule Bar is in the Cape Grace at the V&A Waterfront…

(I’ve included a little video – what an awesome vibe!)

Cape Town Bars: Live Music at Bascule Bar on Sundays!

Twitter Spammers and Your Options

2013-01-17T05:09:00.001-08:00

I came across this post by The Squashed Tomato today, it makes for interesting reading… Since joining twitter I’ve received my fair share of spam comments, some even from people that I know whose accounts have been hacked, and it’s becoming a proper mission to manage these spam messages. I’ve included the key points from the article, it’s common sense, but if you’re a twitter newbie it’s important to make sure you’re aware, find the full version here.

Interestingly though, an American blogger with over 50000 followers was recently discussing on her blog about how she manages twitter, and avoids spam in the process, read the article here. It’s a radical departure from how we approach twitter, and obviously it won’t work for a lot of people. I’m no where near 50000 followers there’s no need for a radical reworking of my strategy, but what I am going to do in light of her article is: 1) use twitter lists more actively, and 2) remember that “a Twitter follow is not a validation of your worth as a human, nor is it a stamp of approval from someone online that you’re awesome or not.”

The current spam wave appears in the form of Direct Messages (DMs). These messages come from accounts you know and follow, which makes them seem “legitimate”. There are, however, commonalities that allow you to recognise the spam:
1. The messages are almost always written in lower case (no capitals)
2. The grammar is usually poor
3. There is always a link
4. The messages ALWAYS intimate that you’ve been portrayed in a bad light, or similar, either on a blog, a website or in a video
Examples include:

The first rule is DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINKS! Clicking on the links allows the spam account to access yours, which then allows it to send out the same or similar spam messages to your followers, from your account. Most bots achieve this by way of taking you to what appears to be the Twitter login screen. Believing you’ve been logged out, you re-enter your login details and the spam bot accesses them.
It is a common misconception that this is “being hacked” – this is not the case. No one has taken over your account, or “hacked” into it: you’ve simply given a spam bot access to use your account by clicking on the links.
If you have clicked the link, and become a victim, immediately change your password. The more secure the better, so I encourage the use of numbers and letters. Make sure to set your browsing option (in your Twitter settings) to secure.
If you receive a spam DM, simply delete it to remove it from your inbox. If you feel it’s necessary, send the person a tweet to let them know their account has been compromised and to change their password. Keep in mind that they’ll probably be receiving the same tweet from most of their followers as well, to inform them.

Twitter Spammers and Your Options

Life is Savage Presents the Next Level Passion Gap!

2012-12-28T12:00:00.001-08:00

Love this from Life is Savage

Got sent this early this morning and it deserves to be seen and shared. Behold…next level Cape Flats passion gap. Outstanding. If you live in Cape Town then you are obligated to stand and slow clap because that my friends is quality. [thanks MC] The post Next level Cape Flats passion gap [pic] appeared first on Life is Savage.

Verashni Pillay's Address to the 3rd Year Journalism Class

2012-12-28T02:16:00.001-08:00

Verashni Pillay is one of my favourite journalists - I love her commitment to integrity in journalism and her passion for news! I came across this article of hers based on her address to the University of Pretoria's third year Journalism class.

Just reading through her address, the passion and hope she expresses for new journalists entering a tough, competetive industry is genuinely encouraging and give us, as news readers, some hope for the future!

Without scaring you guys too much I have to tell you that I’ve been quite excited about addressing you all today. Excited because you represent a new wave of minds and creativity entering an industry in flux. It is your generation and the people in this class who will be the leaders of tomorrow’s newsrooms. And this is not just an industry matter: the role of journalism in this country is more important than ever. Our democracy is facing serious challenges and the oversight of an independent and rigorous media is critical. Just this morning the Mail & Guardian revealed that a series of tenders for feeding Limpopo school kids were given to Julius Malema’s cronies, meaning that in some cases kids, 80% of whom are orphans, haven’t received the one meal they can rely on since April, while the fatcats who should have been delivering the food still get paid, with our taxes.

And now some final tips from our newsroom: [By Amanda Strydom and Melissa du Preez].

Be excited. As a young journalist, you’re allowed to be that over-eager puppy who wants to help wherever you can. Volunteer for every story, even if you know the editor will send the senior political reporter. The only way I got into reporting (off the traffic desk) at 702 was by putting up my hand for every story.

Keep in mind, though, you won’t always do exciting stuff. In fact, you could be writing traffic stories. In order to get to covering big marches, you first have to prove your worth. So cover that bake-sale as if it’s the most important story of your life.

You’re going to make mistakes and get into trouble. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad journalists/writer – even the top journalists in the country started where you are

Ask as many stupid questions as possible, as soon as possible – people that ask the most questions, the earliest, learn the fastest – a month of silly questions will give you an edge over others and very soon ,even over the senior staff

Speak up – no matter how lame the story seems, fresh perspective and being proactive gains brownie points

And finally have a good attitude. Your classmate Neo has started interning for us recently and is efficient, super-willing and fast. She does what every one should do on a new job: she makes herself useful and finds things to do. She’s a pleasure to have around. If that’s true of the entire class, I can guarantee you’re all going to go very far. And I wish you all the best as you embark on a future that is not only bright, but exciting and meaningful.

Read the full article here: Verashni | Blog and website

The answer to a tanned summer in Cape Town

2012-12-19T01:44:00.001-08:00

I have super pale skin thanks to some very western-european genes and so summer is a cross between ensuring that my legs have some colour while trying to to add to the freckle-count. I came across Kiss Blush Tell's latest article on self tan - and I think it might just be the answer...
This is what she had to say:

I firmly believe that one way of feeling summery and ready to slip into all your summer forcks is by getting a nice tan and, if like me, you work full time and only get to the beach when Cape Town actually decides to have nice, non-windy weather on a weekend, then fake tan is the way to go.
I, personally, love the colour of the tan that you get from Caribbean Tan – never orange and quite an intense colour, so not really something for first timers, but fantastic for seasoned self-tanners who know the deal and want a proper tan.

View the full article here: Kiss, Blush and Tell

Cape Town's Achievements in 2012

2012-12-19T00:42:00.000-08:00

Wow, just read this great post on the Cape Town Active Blog, Cape Town you beauty!

“In 2012 alone Cape Town was named:

- Favourite City World Wide, Telegraph Travel Awards 2012.

- Number Two City in the World, Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2012.

- Top City in Africa, Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2012.

- Eight beaches and two marinas got Blue Flag Status 2012.

- Best Beach Destination in Africa, World Travel Awards 2012.

- The World’s Top City in Africa and the Middle East, Travel+ Leisure World’s Best Awards 2012.

- Fourth Top City in the World, Travel+ Leisure World’s Best Awards 2012.

- Muizenberg was voted One of National Geographic’s World’s 20 Best Surf Towns.

- 8th Top 10 Truly Unique Beaches in the World, TripAdvisor 2012.

- One of the World’s Ten Most Loved Cities 2012, CNNgo.

- 23rd: Top 25 Destinations in the World, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2012.

- 8th: Top 10 Beach Destinations in Africa, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2012.

- At the end of 2011 Table Mountain was announced as one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature, and the nomination has just been made official

- Cape Town was announced as World Design Capital 2014. – Cape Argus”

Cape Town Awards 2012

Cape Town"s Achievements in 2012

Blaauwklippen Family Market – Christmas Market

2012-12-18T11:57:00.001-08:00

Ooh, I love me a good Christmas market and I cam across what looks like a goodie on the Cape Town Active Blog - have a look!

Blaauwklippen Family Market – Christmas Market

Blaauwklippen Vineyards will host the second annual Christmas market on the 17th – 22nd December 2012. The idea surrounding the Christmas market this year is to bring the classical and beautiful European Christmas markets to the heart of the Cape wine lands. A visit to the market will not be complete until you tasted the excellent wines of Blaauwklippen Vineyards, a perfect complement to the Christmas lunch. With a diverse selection of gifts ranging from fashion items, hand crafted wooden toys, handmade candles, pottery, jewellery to name but a few, the market is the perfect venue to buy gifts for your loved ones.
Join for the following exciting live entertainment every night:
17 Dec: Harry Curtis sings hits of yester year & Christmas Carols (17h00 – 21h00)
18 Dec: Ivan Siegelaar (17h00 – 21h00), Blaauwklippen Creche Nativity Play (18h00)
19 Dec: Jamestown String Band (17h00 – 21h00). Carols by Candle Light (20h00)
20 Dec: Natasha Meister (19h00 – 21h00), Blaauwklippen Creche Nativity Play (18h00)
21 Dec: Light Jazz & Christmas Carols by Chantel & Friends (17h00 – 21h00)
22 Dec: Jamestown String Band (17h00 – 20h00). Carols by candle light (20h00)
Blaauwklippen Family Market – Christmas Market Date: 17 – 22 December 2012 Time: 16h00 – 21h00 Venue: Blaauwklippen Vineyards, Stellenbosch, GPS -33.972672, 18.848311 Website: www.blaauwklippen.com
Stay up to date with news on the Christmas Market by “liking” our Facebook page, Blaauwklippen Vineyards Family Market http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blaauwklippen-Vineyards-Family-Market/147482601... or by following us on Twitter: @BKFamilyMarket

Boutiques

2012-12-18T01:55:00.001-08:00

Ooh, goody, just found this great competition on Style Guide CT's blog! With 36 Boutiques they're giving away this beautiful book Grace: A Memoir...

If you can think of some of the most stunning fashion coffee table books - you will probably find them to buy on the new books selection from the 36Boutiques gifting store. And because I am a bit wily, I managed to secure a copy of Grace: A Memoir to give away to you, my loyal blog readers courtesy of 36Boutiques. If you are interested, of course. Are you?
All you have to do is name one other book for sale on the boutique, and leave the name, and your email address in the comments section below. Do this by the end of the day on Sunday 23rd December, and I will make the draw and announcement on Monday 24th December. Christmas eve. Keen? Get involved. It's an AMAZING book. Style Guide CT

Want to make money from your blog? Consider charging. | Cape Town Girl

2012-06-13T11:39:00.001-07:00

via capetowngirl.co.za

Well said! Absolutely awesome post, thanks @CapeTownGirl...

Eat Out - &Union - The only restaurant guide you'll ever need: South African restaurants, critic's reviews, news

2012-05-30T02:10:00.001-07:00

&Union
(Average user rating)
Call 021 422 2770
http://www.andunion.com

Physical address: 110 Bree Street, St Stephen's Church, City Bowl, Cape Town

Cuisine: Light meals, Portuguese

Ambience: Comfy & Casual, Contemporary Cool

Lunch: 1pm - 12 midnight, Monday to Saturday
Dinner: 1pm - 12 midnight, Monday to Saturday

via eatout.co.za

We love &Union, especially the fact that they do free wine tastings on Tuesday and Thursday. You don't need to make it out to the wine farms, but can just pop in after work, meet some great people and enjoy the amazing wines that they showcase.

Run by Jemma who knows her wines, the tastings are informal, fun and accessible even for newbie wine connoisseurs!

Thanks to Eat Out for a concise summary.

Three of the Best Cape Town Restaurants

2012-03-21T05:17:00.000-07:00

Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world has a lot on offer for the foodies. Since the city is home to a wide range of ethnic groups and cultures, each of them have significantly contributed to the assortment of tastes that the visitors might enjoy while dining out at Cape Town restaurants.

Typically a good restaurant should serve delectable dishes at a reasonable price. Memories of the dining must remain in your memories for years to come. Following are three of the best Cape Town restaurants where you can pamper your taste buds with scrumptious meals:

The Africa Cafe:

If traditional African cuisine entices you, Africa Café is the best place to relish authentic organic cuisines from South Africa to Ethiopia. The menu is brief and simple with 16 appetizer options. Though the foods change with season, some of the all-time-favorites are ‘Cape Malay Dhal Curry’, ‘Malawi Mbatata Balls’ and ‘Basboussa’. Food is complemented with a wide assortment of interesting cocktails of which ‘Casablanca’, a concoction of white rum, coconut milk and rose water is a must try! The touristy and brash place is no doubt a great venue to enjoy an African culinary safari.

Aubergine:

Aubergine caters to all fine dining enthusiasts looking for great quality food served at a serene and sophisticated setting. Their creative combination of foods and beverages pique utmost curiosity and contentment within the diners’ hearts. The restaurant is located at the heritage garden areas of Cape Town which certainly contributes to the place’s aesthetic charm.

La Colombe:

Diners with a special penchant for French inspired cuisines must visit the La Colombe. Located amidst the much acclaimed transcendent wine lands, La Colombe certainly appeals to the visitors with its daily changing luscious menu and rustic charm. It has topped the list of best fine dining Cape Town Restaurants for two consecutive business years.

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