Cape Town - unlike

Location: Dungeons

2011-12-09T09:07:41-08:00

Since surfers Pierre De Villiers and Peter Button first ventured out to the break that became known as Dungeons sometime in the ‘80s, daredevils and thrill seekers have followed suit, heading to the quaint harbor at Hout Bay to ride some of the most intimidating waves in surfing folklore.

To get the full throttle experience, you have to make your way out of the bay and toward the break which is made easier by hitching a ride with some fishermen till you’re out far enough. Then all you have to do is conquer these goliath waves and impress the crew, until they call time and sail you back to safe and dry terra firma. Simple.

Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

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Story: Tudor Heritage Advisor

2011-11-25T08:17:40-08:00

Tudor has become an icon of retro chic style, a seductive expression of form and function rooted in supreme reliability. This year, they again pay homage to its unique values and its six decade heritage by launching an updated version of the Tudor Heritage Advisor model, one of the brand’s emblematic pieces.

The Heritage Advisor is the latest addition to the Heritage line, which was launched in 2010 and draws its inspiration from the brand’s past, reinterpreting its most iconic models. At the crossroads of style and technology, the 2011 Advisor is a modern version of the emblematic 1957 alarm watch and a true expression of Tudor’s vintage spirit. Its movement is equipped with a mechanical alarm clock module, exclusively developed by Tudor and featuring a perfectly uniform crisp clear sound.

The watch comes fitted with either a vintage-size satin-finished three-piece link steel bracelet, or an alligator leather strap with a folding clasp and a new safety catch. By uniting weaving and watchmaking for the first time, the new Advisor’s additional black fabric strap is decorated with raised rows of interwoven satin, showcasing a traditional craft and bringing a new dimension to the watch. These stunning new pieces are the fruit of a studied stylistic redefinition of the brand.

www.tudorwatch.com

Story: 1 App, 25 Hours, 25 Insiders, 5 Cities

2011-09-23T08:38:30-07:00

Sometimes you need a little help getting inspired, no matter how great a city is. We know this, which is why with a little help from Samsung GALAXY S II, we’ve pulled together 25 influencers from London, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam and Barcelona to give you personal video tours that reveal the essence of the city, in depth and in style.

We’re not talking about some cheesy tour guide holding a flag here. The project launched last week in London with with 5 culture-savvy Londoners revealing their favorite haunts. This week we’re turning the spotlight on Berlin where we’ve enlisted Niki Pauls, Marcus Gaab & Christiane Bördner, Boris Radczun, Philip Gaedicke and Jan Mihm to show us around town. From the rail station-turned-club, to fish markets and cutting edge galleries, get yourself acquainted with the best in music, drink, food and art by checking out their guides.

Five freshly cut video shorts will be released for a new city every Friday, so check back soon for walk-throughs of our insiders’ favorite bars, clubs, hang-outs, restaurants and shops. The best of Paris, Amsterdam and Barcelona is still to come…

And the cherry on top: our new Android app in collaboration with Samsung GALAXY S II is available over on the Android Marketplace. The best bit? It’s free! So grab it while it’s hot. The app lets you:

*Explore thousands of venues in 5 of Europe’s most exciting cities
*Check out Unlike’s bespoke guides and videos
*Make the most of your night with hand-picked event listings
*Discover new locations with the “Inspire Me” feature
*Locate nearby destinations by area or browse by category
*Plan your journeys and discover the unexpected with immersive maps
*Share locations with friends on Facebook

Whether you’re a born-and-bred local or just visiting, the Unlike app helps you make the most of your city. Visit our homepage for more information.

Location: Unknown Union

2011-03-17T13:08:58-07:00

Unknown Union and their end-of-the-rainbow inspired boutique is an international collective setting up base in Cape Town. Specializing in architecture, design, fashion, music and cuisine, their store is a medley of cross-cultural dialogue and an African hub for the exchange of ideas and products.

The vivid interior is the brainchild of internationally renowned architect, Rafael De Cardenas, and sets the colorful stage to flaunt their exclusive roster of cosmopolitan fashion collections. The selection ranges from 100 year old heritage workwear brands such as Pendleton to young designers like RxMance and Naked & Famous. Staying true to their roots, their in-house label will be manufactured in Africa and available exclusively at the Cape Town boutique with a portion of all proceeds of the Unknown Union brand going to local charities such as Ambassadors For Change.

The official launch on March 24th sees the Unknown Union crew unveiling their limited edition series of tees from artists including Milkbeard, Cornrow Rider and THECAST.

24 Kloof Street, 8008 Cape Town, South Africa
+27714581662
http://www.unknownunion.co.za/
hq@unknownunion.co.za

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Location: Fat Back Soul

2010-11-22T16:55:24-08:00

Relative newcomer to the Cape Town circuit, Fat Back Soul, is an up-market, sleek and stylish hangout located at the top of the recently resurgent Long Street.

If you’re in the mood for lounging and eyeballing the überhip crowd, the deep toned, swanky leather seating that hogs the wall is the place for you. Everything about the purified, mirror-lined interior smacks of class and quality—from the dark, angular furnishings and moody, amber glow of the retro-chic lighting, to the well curated selection of premium imported spirits that stock the bar.

Taking the soul vibe strictly to heart, Fat Back’s DJs ensure that nothing but the most ultimate slabs of Motown, Funk and Soul are responsible for keeping the high heels and sneakers of the clientele moving to a slomo metric shuffle.

It is already a buzz-spot on the strip with a rapidly accelerating reputation as the place to be seen at for Cape Town socialites, who can be found lapping up the creamy basslines and alchemic grooves long into the early hours.

289 Long Street, 8001 Cape Town, South Africa
Wed-Sat, 20:00-02:00
+27214224086
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cape-Town-South-Africa/Fat-Back-Soul/173056489376232

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Location: The Fugard Theatre

2010-05-20T10:48:01-07:00

A new theatre in Cape Town’s infamous District Six, The Fugard, is housed over two warehouse spaces of the landmark Sacks Futeran building and the old Congregational Church Hall in Caledon Street as its entrance, on the edge of District Six.

Named after South Africa’s most famous and awarded playwright, Athol Fugard, the theatre aims to play a part in healing the scars left by forced removals in the area. The theatre complex comprises a 270-seater theatre, a rehearsal studio, foyer space, dressing rooms and full staff facilities.

Caledon St, 8001 Cape Town, South Africa
Varies, check site for details
+27214614554
http://www.thefugard.com/
info@thefugard.com

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Location: Daddy Cool

2010-05-19T09:45:46-07:00

Self-proclaimed as the ‘blingest’ in the land, The Grand Daddy’s Hotel Bar is an extravagant showpiece, combining a shiny metallic palette with plush white leather and quirky gold treasures in jewel boxes. In keeping with the art theme of the hotel the corridor leading up to the bar boasts an ever changing digital art and photographic gallery from the Cape’s top talent.

The excellent bar staff mix and shake a fine selection of cocktails and the extensive range of wines, champagnes and whiskies on offer will please the most hardened connoisseur. With laid back beats from resident DJ’s it’s a great place to kick back and unwind, or meet up before a night of serious clubbing.

38 Long St, 8001 Cape Town, South Africa
Tue-Sun, 13:00-01:00
+27214247247
http://www.granddaddy.co.za/drink/
Info@granddaddy.co.za

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Story: The World Champions Collection

2010-05-17T07:46:07-07:00

To celebrate the world’s greatest football tournament, this summer Umbro has released the World Champions Collection. This truly inspired football range has been designed in collaboration with some of the hottest international artists, each hailing from one of the seven nations that have ever won the tournament. The twist in the brief to them was to base their design on the tailored silhouette of the Umbro England home shirt.

When Umbro launched the England home shirt in March 2009 they redefined replica and this kit will arguably make England the best-dressed team this summer. Based on the heralded canvas of the home shirt, this latest collection honours the football cultures of the seven champion nations – Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy and Uruguay.

Umbro has teamed up with artists from a diverse set of creative backgrounds to create a limited edition version of the England home shirt plus a T-shirt based on the resulting design. Using their nationality’s football culture as inspiration this is expressed through the unique crest design on each shirt.

In Argentina, Umbro connected with Buenos Aires based record label, ZZK Records. Credited with re-invigorating the Buenos Aires party scene, the label combines a love of eclectic music with a recognisable design identity. ZZK’s crest design depicts the sun, Argentina’s national emblem, shouting “goal”, two indigenous birds holding up one finger for each of the country’s wins and kids playing football in the street, a pastime seen throughout the country.

Brazil’s remarkable achievement of winning five times, is celebrated through Umbro’s collaboration with Fernando Chamarelli, an illustrator, visual artist and tattoo designer from Sao Paolo. Chamarelli’s unique art, which connects symbols and legends of Brazilian culture, is apparent in his crest design. Chamarelli said “I was inspired by several elements of Brazilian culture – Capoeira, berimbau, music, birds, samba, carnival masks, the beauty of a tropical country, waves, and football of course. When I began to create the crest, I was thinking about some moves, dribbling, goals. I tried to put the movement in the crest over my art.” His design refers back to when the Brazil kit was first yellow and green in the 1950s, and the team became known as Canarinho, little Canaries.

The England shirt collaboration has been designed with Ben Eine, one of England’s most prominent street artists and graffiti pioneers. ““I wanted to do something very traditional, something regal from the days of shining knights and Tudor roses. I wanted to show England as a strong, solid and brave team,” said Ben. This is translated into a bold, beautifully detailed red crest printed onto the classic, white England home shirt.

In France, Umbro chose to work with graffiti artist, now turned international fashion authority and club owner, Andre. The French shirt, a modern interpretation of the one worn in the early 80’s, is a classic Gallic blue and Andre has designed a crest that is a clean, fresh take on the most famous of French landmarks, the Eiffel Tower.

Thomas Marecki (Marok) is a designer, artist and publisher from Berlin, set up Lodown Magazine in 1995, which is now one of the most influential graphic design and pop culture magazines in the world. Umbro were thrilled to collaborate with him on the German shirt and crest design. ““The crest is a delicate part of the uniform, and the uniform enhances team spirit. I was looking for something that could reflect my country in a positive way. The dredger is a symbol for the imminent will to construct and destruct. The stars refer to the German championships, and the sausage needs no further explanation,” said Marok.

Umbro contacted Italian comics author, illustrator and artist Tanino Liberatore to design the Italian collections shirt. “My crest design celebrates Italy’s long history of gladiatorial athletes and their spiritual home. It is an analogy of our team going in to battle to defend the World Cup they won in 2006.”

In Uruguay Umbro teamed up with Martin Albronoz, a mixed media artist from Montevideo. Working across photography, painting and graphics Martin created a crest commemorating Uruguay’s legendary 1950 World Cup victory over Brazil; such a culturally remarkable moment, Uruguay refers to it as ‘El Maracanazo’, which refers to the way the team fought against the odds to victory. Four stars feature on the crest, two from their wins in 1930 and 1950, plus the two representing the team’s gold medals from the Olympics in 1924 and 1928, before the formation of the modern tournament as we know it.

Trevor Cairns, Chief Marketing Officer from Umbro said, “Umbro has been a football tailoring brand for over 85 years and our shirts have been worn by champions throughout this time. Today, tailoring is pivotal to everything we do and we wanted to see how the strong aesthetic of this crafted piece of kit could inspire these artists. The clash of football and culture has created crests that tell insightful, deep and rich stories about that country’s pride in football and their broader culture.”

For stockist information please visit umbro.com

Location: Lobby Books

2010-05-12T13:09:39-07:00

Lobby Books – Cape Town’s newest independent book shop – offers a great selection of engaging fiction and non-fiction on a wide range of topics, while specializing in titles from and about Africa. In addition to the complete catalogue of Institute for Democracy publications they stock books on politics, current affairs, economics, history, governance, art and culture as well as select magazines and documentary DVDs. Working in partnership with the fabulous Book Lounge and in collaboration with Clarke’s Book Shop in Long Street they also offer an enticing selection of second-hand and out of print books on African and South African history and rare titles from neighbouring countries – Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.

Lobby Books is located in the magnificent ground floor of the historic Sir Herbert Baker building at 6 Spin Street in the centre of Cape Town. It’s the perfect setting for browsing for an exciting read or paging through a new book over a cup of coffee or a delicious lunch at 6 Spin Street Restaurant with whom they share the beautiful space.

6 Spin St, 8001 Cape Town, South Africa
Mon-Fri, 08:30-17:00; Sta, Sun closed
+27214677606
aspath@idasa.org.za

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Location: Kalk Bay Books

2010-05-12T08:16:21-07:00

Housed in a beautiful old stone building that was once a once a sailors’ pub, Kalk Bay Books is lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with a wide range of new books, magazines and newspapers. Described as the book shop with the best view in the world, the shop is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, who browse and buy books, share a glass of wine or two with visiting authors, and gather for new book launches or discussions.

Friendly, knowledgable staff will help you find an elusive title and the inviting leather sofa will compel you to spend some time considering the books on offer, catch up on international book news with the New York Review of Books or just enjoy the view beyond the broad bar counter, through the arched windows, over the Kalk Bay harbour

124 Main Road, 7975 Cape Town, South Africa
Daily, 09:00-18:00
+27217882266
http://www.kalkbaybooks.co.za/index.php
books@kalkbaybooks.co.za

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Location: Zula Sound Bar

2010-05-11T22:24:19-07:00

Zula is the venue on Long Street if live music, great DJ’s and performance is your thing. From the comedy evenings on Monday nights, to the acoustic sets on a Tuesday, month-end poetry slams, and rump shakinghip hop, soul, funk and rock beats on the weekends, there’s a little bit to please everyone.

Inside this old Victorian building , The Magic Tree Bar offers every drink under the sun, from Cape wines to local and international beers and a wide range of cocktails is available to wash down the BBQ meals that are served all day. Whether you chill on the balcony watching Long Street go by between sets, or join the throngs on the dancefloor Zula is a perfect encapsulation of Cape Town nightlife.

196 Long St, 8001 Cape Town, South Africa
Mon-Sun, 11:00-04:00
+27214242442
http://www.zulabar.co.za
vusa@zulabar.co.za

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Location: The Deli Express Co.

2010-05-11T21:14:24-07:00

Nicky, originally from West Yorkshire, and Carlos, a Londoner with a central American twist, have been partners in crime for twenty years. The Deli Express Co. evolved out of a shared passion for fresh and additive-free food. Recently opened in Woodstock, the restaurant and catering service strives to deliver the ultimate mid-day meal that is delicious, healthy and affordable.

The fare certainly lives up to the billing, offering a great selection of sandwiches, burgers,salads, pastas and wraps, and some delectable freshly baked goods. Give the chocolate cake and generous muffins a try. Combining great ambience, from the large wooden tables to the colourful Tintin prints given a unique twist with catchy slogans, with really good food, it’s a great spot for a healthy lunch. They also deliver to all parts of the city.

190 Sir Lowry Road, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa
Mon-Fri, 19:30-16:0; Sat, 09:00-15:00; Sun closed
+27214489567
http://www.thedeliexpressco.co.za
order@thedeliexpressco.co.za

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Location: Word Of Art

2010-04-14T16:46:14-07:00

Word Of Art is a stronghold of creative talent that creates opportunities, provides insight, and represents artists in many sectors of the creative industry. As agents, curators, managers and producers of art, they provide a multi-faceted platfrom for emerging talents in the city.

Their gallery in Woodstock has been host to a number of well-received shows and initiatives including 1000 Drawings, the Write on Africa Initiative that communicates sensitive issues in poor and rural communities as well as a number of collaborative projects with the likes of Nike, The Design Indaba and The Loerie Awards.

66 Albert Road, Cape Town, South Africa
Mon-Fri, 09:00-17:00; Sat, 10:00-16:30
+27833009970
http://www.word-of-art.co.za
rickylee@writeonafrica.com

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Story: Ubuntu

2010-04-14T12:53:34-07:00

The video showcases selected items from the brothers coming A/W collection in stunning South Africa, but also represents their upcoming summer ‘10 collection – The Ubuntu Collection – “I am because we are”, coming soon!…

The video will be featured on an exclusive usb-key in the form of a miniature handmade South African doll, which will come with every item from the summer collection.

Location: Five Flies

2010-04-06T08:38:07-07:00

Five Flies has recently celebrated 10 years in the restaurant business, something of an achievement in the fickle Cape Town market, and a testament to the consistently excellent food. Situated in the legal district, in a beautifully restored national monument, there are several intimate dining rooms and a comfortable lounge area where you can enjoy a drink before dinner. Prices are set for two to four courses, with a modest supplement for special items like crayfish.

When it comes to the food, many regard the steaks as the best in town, especially the Tournedos of beef fillet, with frites, roasted courgettes and bearnaise sauce, while the 400g T-Bone remains a firm favourite. On warm summer nights a table in the cobblestoned central courtyard is worth ensuring that you book early.

14-16 Keerom Street, 8001 Cape Town, South Africa
Lunch: Mond-Fri, 12:00-15:00; Dinner: Mon-Sun, 18:00-23:00
+270214244442
http://www.fiveflies.co.za

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Location: Avatara Guest House

2010-03-30T09:15:48-07:00

Situated within the maze of streets that form the De Waterkant, the Avatara Guest House is a relaxed home-from-home a stone’s throw from Greenpoint’s stunning new stadium. On what was once a cobbled street, this beautifully renovated Victorian town house is a reminder of the understated sophistication of a neighbourhood that was until fairly recently, rather unsalubrious. Redevelopment together with the opening of vibrant restaurants, bars and stylish malls like the Cape Quarter have however transformed the area.

Opened in 2009 the Avatara, with its high ceilings and polished wooden floors, combines the best of the old and the new. Each of its six spacious rooms retains beautiful period features together with stylish modern fixtures and furnishings including tasteful en suite bathrooms, luxuriant king-size beds and flat screen TV’s. There is a communal kitchen and a tranquil patio space where guests enjoy a buffet breakfast in the mornings or relax with and mingle in the afternoons. Coming from the Hindi word meaning ‘heaven on earth’, Avatara is indeed a slice of tranquility beside the bustling heart of the city.

25 Leinster Rd, 8005 Cape Town, South Africa
+27214330341
http://www.avatara.co.za/
info@avatara.co.za

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Story: Shining Light: Kesivan Naidoo

2010-03-23T15:52:45-07:00

Kesivan Naidoo “caught the beat” at the tender age of 11, falling in love with percussion when he heard his aunt’s boyfriend playing the drums over a song on the radio. That was in 1990. Three years later, aged 14, Naidoo made his professional on-stage debut at the Hogsback Arts Festival, playing with the Webster Jazz Quintet.

In 1994, Kesivan’s passion for music was fuelled further at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown where he got the opportunity to take lessons with internationally acclaimed jazz drummer Lulu Gontsana. These sessions started a mentorship process that would continue for two years. He then performed with jazz legend Hotep Galeta who encouraged him to study music at the University of Cape Town and in 1999 he became the youngest person to win the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Competition. Kesivan seized this opportunity to study under sitar guru Sanjay Bandophadyah, head professor at the prestigious Rhabindra Bharati University in Kolkata, India. Later that year he became the only South African to have performed with the Kennedy Centre Jazz Ambassadors, a touring group from New York City.

Kesivan has ploughed his experience into developing the future of South Africa’s performing talent by facilitating workshops on performance at many South African universities. He was also one of the youngest people to be invited to lecture at the Grahamstown Youth Jazz Festival in 2003 and 2004. More recently Kesivan received the Standard Bank Young artist of the Year award for Jazz.

“I believe that creative people with new ideas are the ones who will make this country work,” says Naidoo. “Good ideas mean nothing if they don’t become part of reality, just like a musical composition means nothing unless it gets performed. So I am working on creating venues throughout South Africa so that creative music can live.”

Through his involvement with cultural exchange programs with Switzerland and Sweden over the past 5 years, Kesivan has assembled a stellar cast of jazz artist from both South Africa and Europe, which he calls “The Lights”. “Kesivan & The Lights” has just recorded his debut album in Sweden called “Instigators of the Revolution”. The album is dedicated to the jazz artists who have contributed to the revolution of the acoustic jazz sound. Expect to hear works from Bheki Mseleku. Winston Mankunku Ngozi and John Coltrane. This year “The Lights” performing at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival are: Martin Sjöstedt, Mark Fransman, Reza Khota, Adrian Mears, Karl-Martin Almqvist, Johan Hörlén and special guest Feya Faku.

In 2009 Kesivan had the opportunity to perform with legendary saxophonist and educator Dave Liebman, known for performing and recording with Miles Davis. He has shared stages and recorded with an impressive string of leading South African musicians, including Miriam Makeba, Selaelo Selota, Feya Faku, Bheki Mseleku, Jimmi Dludlu, Marcus Wyatt, Zim Ngqawana, Judith Sephuma, Errol Dyers, Hotep Galeta and Steve Newman. Naidoo has also taken his music to international audiences, performing in the US, Germany, France, Amsterdam, England, Sweden, Poland, Switzerland and Norway, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya.

Kesivan lists a wide range of musical influences from John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Thelonious Monk, Bjork to Rage against the Machine. Drummers that have inspired him include Elvin Jones, Max Roach, Tony Williams, Jeff “Tain” Watts and Brian Blade.

Location: SMAC Art Gallery

2010-03-15T09:32:28-07:00

The Stellenbosch Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery (SMAC), is situated in the historical heart of Stellenbosch on the first floor of the De Wet Centre. Through maintaining a keen interest in historical as well as contemporary art developments and discourses in South Africa, SMAC has made huge strides by hosting solo exhibitions, group shows and large themed.

The gallery has collaborated with and represents a number of important South African artists. SMAC recently curated retrospective exhibitions for Fred Schimmel and Claude Bouscharain and recently hosted a large retrospective show of much celebrated artist Erik Laubscher. Further recent highlights include Kay Hassan’s Fixing Time and Jonathan Guiatamacchi’s Locations.

Church Street, 7488 Cape Town, South Africa
Mon-Sun, 09:00-17:00
+27218873607
http://www.smacgallery.com/
info@smacgallery.com

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Location: Cape Town City Hall

2010-03-15T08:16:39-07:00

The last major Victorian building to be erected in Cape Town, the foundations of the City Hall were laid at the end of the 19th Century and it opened in July 1905. Designed in an Italian renaissance style, its classical façade looks out over Darling Street and the Grand Parade, and the clock tower – modelled after Big Ben and built to scale – is visible for all over the city.

Built to commemorate Kind Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. The interior with its mosaic floors, marble staircase, stained glass windows and specially designed organ with 3165 pipes is a magnificent spectacle. In 1990 the outside stairs were used by Nelson Mandela to address the nation when he was released from prison, his first public appearance in 27 years.

Darling St, 8000 Cape Town, South Africa

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Location: The Roundhouse

2010-03-10T10:50:31-08:00

Hidden away in The Glen, a woodland area above Camps Bay, The Roundhouse is a converted 18th Century hunting lodge offering a wonderful setting with sublime views down the valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. A fitting location for the incredible dishes prepared by Head Chef J. P. Vargas and the amazing creations of pastry chef Vanessa Quellec.

Dinner menus change regularly, and you can choose between four or five courses, or go the whole hog and opt for the tasting menu. Wines are expertly chosen to accompany the food and you can expect the likes of Eland Carpaccio with Pickled Cranberry puree and braised ox tongue, Green Asparagus with Fried Duck Egg and Truffle Vinaigrette to start, followed by the most sublime Artichoke and Porcini Risotto or the most succulent duck breast with hazelnut, each dish perfectly prepared with the utmost care. Top it all off with one of Vanessa’s incredible creations – you can’t go worng with the Apricot soufflé with Amaretto Ice cream.

The Glen, Round House Road, Cape Town, South Africa
Dinner, Tue-Sat, 18:00-22:00
+27214384347
http://www.theroundhouserestaurant.com
info@theroundhouserestaurant.com

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Location: La Colombe

2010-03-10T10:22:38-08:00

Chef of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, voted one of the top 50 restaurants in the world in the San Pellegrino Restaurant Awards, these are just some of the accolades heaped on Luke Dale-Roberts in the four years he has been executive chef at La Colombe. Adding exciting new Asian influences to the mix of classic and contemporary French Cuisine, Dale-Roberts has raised the bar for Cape Town eateries.

Food here is an unforgettable experience. You might start with the Terrine of foie gras, Jerusalem artichoke, smoked quail and truffle, follow it with Fricassee of quail and langoustines, corn and Miso “beurre blanc”, smoked olive oil and baby leaves, before making your way to the a la carte menu which features a dizzying array of delicious temptations. Add a magnificent setting on the Constantia Uitsig wine estate and an impeccable wine list and you’ll never want to leave.

Spaanschemat River Rd, Cape Town, South Africa
Lunch Mon-Sun, 12:30-14:15; Dinner Mon- Sat, 19:30-21:30
+27217944480
http://www.constantia-uitsig.com/pages/restaurants/la-colombe.php
restaurant@uitsig.co.za

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Location: O on kloof

2010-03-05T13:28:26-08:00

Named after its owner Olaf (Dambrowski), the O on Kloof is an oasis of calm on the bustling Sea Point / Bantry Bay border. Stepping through the main gate you find yourself in a serene modernist water garden. Enter the hotel and you are in a spacious lounge that also serves as a bar and breakfast room. The balcony overlooks the roof-tops of Sea Point towards the sea where huge ships slide slowly past Robben Island.

The rooms in this intimate hotel fully live up to their reputation, with two spacious suites each with their own jacuzzi, and six other deluxe rooms. There is a large indoor pool, a gym and a spa. With exceptional service and relaxed Cape hospitality the O is one of the hippest places to stay in a city that boasts of the coolest hotel accommodation in the world.

92 Kloof Street, 8005 Cape Town, South Africa
+27214392081
http://www.oonkloof.co.za
info@oonkloof.co.za

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Location: Dante Wellness Spa

2010-03-04T10:06:25-08:00

Dante Wellness Spa, adjoining the luxury New Kings Hotel on the Atlantic Seaboard, offers a range of decadent treatments from your classic manicure and pedicure to its signature treatment – a heavenly Balsamic Vinegar and Rice Wrap.

With a wide range of treatments, from peels to waxes to the excellent pedicures and massages, coupled with the beautiful setting and sumptuous décor, a visit here will leave you feeling pampered and refreshed. Make sure to book an appointment well in advance though as they are very busy.

94 Regent Road, 8005 Cape Town, South Africa
Mon-Fri, 08:00-19:00; Sat, 08:30-17:00; Sun closed
+27214341011
http://www.dantewellness.co.za
info@dantewellness.co.za

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Story: Just Now

2010-02-24T12:59:42-08:00

During Art Basel 2009 Gazelle staged a public Performance Art Piece that commented on this situation in the hope that the wealthy of the world that visits the Art Fair had something to think about ….

In this modern day satire, while the west is giving money as aid to Africa…. Countless of corrupt African rulers return to the source to exchange the same money for luxury goods.

The performance piece was cut into a music video to throw the medium and statement into the global view so it could be seen on an international level, by moving the public statement from the gallery into television pop culture and making sure of exploiting the issue through performance.

The stage was set by recieving an invitation to the official opening vennissage of the art fair, it was an opportunity for public statement that had to be taken. The guestlist was made up of various public figures such as Karl Lagerfeldt, Brad Pitt and Pharrell Williams, not to mention some of the most wealthy people in the world and was used as a very important strategic move by having all the international media there.

A simple strategy of Gazelle not delivering any comment to press made them even more interested in the identity of this mysterious character. Masses of media confronted the entourage to interview and find out whom this was but the bodyguards were simply instructed to say. We come from Africa and we come to spend money

View the premier of the video on the official Gazelle webpage

Location: Scar Hair

2010-02-17T17:12:58-08:00

From provocative ads to the latest styling for South Africa’s flavour of the month Die Antwoord, Scar hair on Kloof Street has forged a well-deserved reputation as the best place in town for a hairdo.

Head stylist Andrew and the rest of his team are quite simply unmatched when it come to “hair couture” and nothing is beyond their amazing stylistic wizardry. Make sure you book though. There’s no way they can accommodate walk-ins such is the demand for their skills.

22 Kloof St, 8001 Cape Town, South Africa
+27214225900
http://scarhair.com/
scarhair@gmail.com

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Location: Sidewalk Cafe

2010-02-16T11:28:38-08:00

Vredehoek, a suburb on the slopes of Table Mountain, is often overlooked for the more immediate pull of the Atlantic Seaboard and the City Bowl, but there are a few gems hidden away in this largely residential neighbourhood.

One of these is the Sidewalk Café, a lovely restaurant where you are made to feel immediately welcome by the friendly proprietors who have spared no effort on the little details that make a visit here memorable. Stunning views over Lion’s Head and the city add the finishing touch. Make sure you try the mussels, calamari or nectarine-herb-nut and feta salad. Delicious, high quality food and great value for money.

33 Derry Street, 8010 Cape Town, South Africa
Mon-Sat, 08:00-22:00; Sun, 09:00-14:00
+27214612839
tillharrison@gmail.com

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Location: Long Beach

2010-02-16T09:51:05-08:00

One of the most beautiful beaches in the Cape Peninsula, Long Beach in Kommetjie is popular with surfers who take on the powerful Atlantic Ocean waves. Bordering on Noordhoek Beach, and surrounded by majestic mountains offering spectacular views it’s also a great place for a long romantic walk as it offers a respite from the crowds at beaches closer to the city.

While surfing is the main activity here, there is ample room for those wishing to soak up the sun and scenery. Nature lovers will appreciate the abundant birdlife and the fynbos covered dunes, home to unique and protected plant species.

Benning Dr, 7976 Cape Town, South Africa

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Location: Reubens

2010-02-16T09:04:56-08:00

Reuben Riffel has made a name for himself as one of South Africa’s top chefs at his eponymously named restaurant in Franschhoek. The interior is brasserie-styled but with a sophisticated modern edge and minimalist décor. Alternatively you can sit in the shady courtyard under the stinkwood trees, or enjoy a drink before dinner at the Gooney Bar, fashioned from the wing of an old DC10 airplane.

The food provides exciting combinations of flavours, deceptively simple yet astonishingly good, from salmon fish cakes, steak and frites with sauce béarnaise, to chilli salted squid and duck pie, and daily specials are displayed on the chalk board. Try the seafood risotto and you’ll be coming back for more.

19 Hugenot St, 7690 Cape Town, South Africa
Mon-Sun, 09:00-21:00
+27218763772
http://www.reubens.co.za
reservations@reubens.co.za

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Location: Victoria Junction Hotel

2010-02-16T08:03:46-08:00

A 172 bedroom hotel The Victoria Junction Hotel combines industrial chic design with luxury and comfort. Conceived and built in the early stages of the film and production boom in Cape Town in the 1990s, the hotel, restaurant, bar, coffee shop and smoking lounge all depict scenes or actual sets from well known films.

There are 172 bedrooms ranging from standard rooms to superior and double-storey loft apartments boasting views of Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and Cape Town Harbour. The hotel’s central location allows easy access to restaurants, theatres and nightlife, or you can enjoy your stay on the pool deck sipping cocktails and enjoying the magnificent views.

Somerset Rd, 8001 Cape Town, South Africa
+27214181234
http://www.proteahotels.com/protea-hotel-victoria-junction.html
reservations@victoriajunction.com

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Festival: On The Edge of Wrong

2010-02-12T10:18:32-08:00

On The Edge of Wrong is a festival of improvised music, where alternative subgenres within electronica, noise, jazz, and different forms of improvised compositions and programmed sound are presented.

Premiering in Cape Town five years ago, despite a minimal following for improvised music the festival has been a resounding success and is back in 2010 for four performances from Norwegian and South African musicians, accompanied by visuals from Zara-Moon Arthur.

Location: The Intimate Theatre

2010-02-12T09:06:29-08:00

Part of the Drama Department at The University of Cape Town, The Intimate Theatre came into being in the 1950’s as a rehearsal space for drama students after the department’s studios were lost in a fire. In 2002 Christopher Weare and Patrick Curtis opened up the space for public productions.

The theatre is primarily for newly established performers and writers to experiment and produce fresh and exciting work, a policy that has seen countless new South African plays and performers’ careers launched here. Don’t miss Theatresports every Monday night, where some of the city’s most talented performers create mayhem and magic in a totally improvised show.

37 Orange St, 8001 Cape Town, South Africa
Mon-Sat, 19:00 to openend; Sun closed
+27214807129
http://www.intimatetheatre.net
little.theatre@uct.ac.za

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Location: The Forge

2010-02-12T08:34:19-08:00

The Forge is the ceramic studio of highly-acclaimed porcelain artist Katherine Glenday whose award-winning creations have found their way into most major art collections in South Africa. Just up the road from the legendary Olympia Café, on an old cobbled street, the studio is a converted blacksmith’s forge and plays host to porcelain classes, workshops, dance classes, poetry readings and acoustic music performances.

Glenday’s ceramic work is inspired by the natural world, and she concentrates on qualities of translucence, fragility and light, her one-off pieces evoking a quiet sense of stillness, refinement and grace.

12 Windsor Rd, 7990 Cape Town, South Africa
By appointment
+27+217217885994
http://www.katherineglenday.com
info@katherineglenday.com

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Festival: Infecting the City

2010-02-08T14:36:02-08:00

Infecting the City is a festival of innovative, high-quality commissioned and collaborative works accessible to people from all walks of life. Performances are not staged in theatres, but in sites like public squares, fountains and on moving vehicles, becoming part of the living flux of the city.

This year talented creative artists from around the world will investigate the theme HUMAN RITE, presenting collaborative performance works, art installations, choreographed pieces and public interventions that grapple with the knots, scars and wounds of the Cape Town CBD.

Audiences are invited to attend a series of evocative works of ritual healing – a transformative journey that celebrates our fundamental right to be human.

Guide: All that Jazz

2010-02-02T12:32:29-08:00

Cape Town has a long relationship with jazz and the mother city has conjured up its own unique take on the art form. An eclectic mix of African, European and American sounds took root, infused with an idiosyncratic blend of local musical traditions that could be heard from the harbour to the dusty townships of the Cape Flats.

It was this tradition that gave birth to legendary musicians like Abdullah Ibrahim, Basil “Manenberg” Coetzee, Robbie Jansen, Mac Mackenzie and Winston Mankunku, and is continued in the clubs and bars by a new breed of sound traveller.

One of the best spots to catch a glimpse of what Cape Town jazz is all about is at Asoka on Tuesdays where you’ll catch the Restless Natives building textural spirals of improvised sound to a packed house.

Story: The future sound of Africa

2010-02-01T12:41:09-08:00

Gazelle is a small but colorful part of the African Renaissance promoting the growth and world view of any African born art. Apart from a fresh mixture of sound, a strong visual performance involving various artists and dancers makes it a very entertaining theatrical show. Combining influences from funk, reggae, disco, 80’s electropop and traditional African melody, the sound comes alive in a fresh genre.

The group was born in 2006 following a long journey of discovery in music. Xander Ferreira, the founding member, started his journey as a reggae singer known as the White Lion. Originally from a remote part of South Africa, close the border of Mozambique, he grew up being a part of authentic South African culture in confusing but colorful times.

Gazelle had it’s breath of life when Xander started experimenting with producing electronic bedroom music. Mixing an element of Reggae Dub and Electro something fresh was found. Recently he has joined forces with music producer and DJ Nick Matthews from bands like The Iridium Project and Coda. Together they combine an interesting mixture of backgrounds to create the unique sound of Gazelle.

Check the future sound of Africa via Soundcloud

While Gazelle is representing the traditions of Africa, Sweat.X come with a different “new-ravish” approach, an Afro electro duet destined to stun, amaze and thrill not just South African music fans but heads around the world as well.

Sweat.X is the pairing of electro wizard Markus Wormstorm and top notch hiphop rap maestro MC Spoek Mathambo! Fusing the now sound of Afro-electro dance beats with old skool hip hop and pop, the Sweat.X sound is as cutting edge as it gets!

Sweat.X is putting the dance back in head nod. Mixing the art worlds of fashion and music, Sweat.X rides the re-emergence wave of neon rave culture with a heavy dose of glitch-a-delic-dance techno, sexified lyrical assaults, multi coloured sculptured clothing and a disposable attitude to match.

In just a few short months of existence, after receiving release offers from labels in Canada, New York, Berlin and UK, and collaboration requests from top hiphop rap acts like Infinite Livez (Big Dada) and Machine Drum (M3rck), the two have inked a deal with London-based label CitiNites.

Flexing his mighty production skills to bridge the genre gaps between hiphop rap, electro and minimal music, Markus Wormstorm has created the perfect platform for his MC Spoek Mathambo to deliver his most raunchy, off beat but on, and highly freaked MCing that fans of hiphop rap could ever hope to hear.

Listen to Sweat.X on their Myspace page Sweat.X

Story: Jazz in exile

2010-02-01T12:39:12-08:00

Abdullah Ibrahim is undoubtedly the towering figure in South African music, a man who brought together all its traditions with a deeply felt understanding of American jazz, from the orchestral richness of Duke Ellington’s compositions for big band to the groundbreaking innovations of Ornette Coleman and the 1960s avant-garde.

On his first trip overseas, to Switzerland in 1962, the pianist-composer met and impressed Duke Ellington himself, who sponsored his first recordings. Later, in New York, Ibrahim absorbed the influence of the early 1960s avant-garde, which was then pioneering new open-ended forms of spontaneous composition.

Over the next four decades, Ibrahim developed his own distinctive style, slipping back into South Africa in the mid-1970s to make a series of seminal recordings with the cream of Cape jazz players (Basil Coetzee and Robbie Jansen, for instance), which included his masterpiece, “Mannenberg”, one of the greatest South African compositions ever.

Ibrahim’s extensive oeuvre has continued to expand the South African musical palette, as he has worked as a solo performer (in mesmerising unbroken concerts that echo the unstoppable impetus of the old marabi performers), with trios and quartets, with larger orchestral units, and, since his triumphant return to South Africa in the early 1990s, with symphony orchestras. He has also founded a school for South African musicians in Cape Town.

Ibrahim’s old collaborator, the trumpeter Hugh Masekela, also had a glittering career outside South Africa. Initially inspired in his musical growth by Trevor Huddleston – a British priest working in the townships who financed the musician’s first trumpet – Masekela played his way through the vibrant Sophiatown scene and to Britain with King Kong, to find himself in New York in the early 1960s. He had hits in the United States with the poppy jazz tunes “Up, Up and Away” and “Grazin’ in the Grass”.

A renewed interest in his African roots led him to collaborate with West and Central African musicians, and finally to reconnect with South African players when he set up a mobile studio in Botswana, just over the South African border, in the 1980s. Here he reabsorbed and reused mbaqanga modes, a style he has continued to use since his return to South Africa in the early 1990s.

Masekela has continued to work with young artists like Thandiswa Mazwai, Zubz and Jah Seed, fusing Afro-pop sounds with jazz tunes. He recently went on a tour of Canada and the United States in support of the live recording Hugh Masekela: Live at the Market Theatre.

Also pursuing the expansion of South African jazz into new realms, though in Britain, was the band the Blue Notes. Having made a name for themselves in South Africa in the early 1960s, this dymanic, adventurous group, led by pianist Chris MacGregor, left for Britain in the late 1960s and stayed there. The other members of the band, Dudu Pukwana, Mongezi Feza, Johnny Dyani and Louis Moholo, contributed richly to the sound of this ever-evolving ensemble, and also recorded significant solo material.

The Blue Notes, and later MacGregor bands such as Brotherhood of Breath, as well as the Pukwana and Moholo bands, became an essential part of the European jazz avant-garde, carrying the African influence far beyond these shores. Sadly, all the original members of the Blue Notes, except Louis Moholo, died in exile.

Story: Wines of South Africa

2010-01-29T20:06:33-08:00

The establishment by the Dutch East India Company of a refreshment station at the Cape in 1652 had one single aim: to provide fresh food to the company’s merchant fleet on their voyages to India and surrounding areas. But much more evolved than that – the establishment of a trading station led to a flourishing wine industry and later to the birth of a nation.

Jan van Riebeeck, the first governor of the Cape, planted a vineyard in 1655, and on 2 February 1659, the first wine was made from Cape grapes. This led to the planting of vines on a larger scale at Roschheuvel, known today as Bishopscourt, Wynberg. Van Riebeeck strongly encouraged farmers to plant vineyards although initially they were most reluctant.

There were many setbacks in the beginning, chiefly because of the farmers’ ignorance of viticulture. Things improved when Van Riebeeck was succeeded in 1679 by Simon van der Stel, who was not only enthusiastic but very knowledgeable about viticulture and winemaking. He planted a vineyard on his farm Constantia and made good wine from the outset. Later, Constantia was acquired by the Cloete family and their wines became world-famous. To this day, Constantia wine is mentioned when the world’s finest examples are discussed.

The Dutch had almost no wine tradition and it was only after the French Huguenots settled at the Cape between 1680 and 1690 that the wine industry began to flourish. As religious refugees, the Huguenots had very little money and had to make do with the bare essentials. They also had to adapt their established winemaking techniques to new conditions. But with time their culture and skills left a permanent impression on our wine industry, and on life at the Cape.

The 18th century was a difficult phase for the wine industry. There was resistance to Cape wines from the European and Far East export markets and the quality of some Cape wines left much to be desired. A critical shortage of oak vats made it difficult to age wine properly. Some of the vats used for exporting wine had previously even been used to brine meat. Meanwhile, the industry struggled to identify the best varieties for each district and to adapt winemaking techniques to local conditions.

The first half of the 19th century brought prosperity to the industry. The British occupation of the Cape, in addition to Britain’s war with France, created a large new market for Cape wines. The vines at the Cape increased within 45 years from 13 to 55 million and wine production from 0,5 million to 4,5 million litres.

However, 1861 brought disaster. Britain finally resolved her differences with France, and South Africa’s wine exports collapsed. In 1886, the disease phylloxera was discovered at the Cape and decimation of the vineyards followed.

The year 1899 saw the beginning of the Anglo-Boer War. The wine industry was in chaos. A proliferation of new plantings caused overproduction and 25 years of hardship followed.

It was Charles Kohler who set out to alleviate the situation. His efforts led to the creation in 1918 of the Ko-operatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-Afrika Beperkt (KWV). An umbrella for its farmer members, the KWV brought stability to the industry, placing it on the road to growth and prosperity. The foundation was laid for today’s thriving wine industry.

TwentyFiveHour: Anne-Sophie Leens

2010-01-29T15:01:43-08:00

Living in Cape Town, I get to create visuals for hip hop artists who are proud of their South African roots. I get to create a visual language to represent South African artists who are proud of their country, their roots, their culture and their own language.

I’m surrounded by amazing artists, some who I work with (such as artists signed to Pioneer Unit, who are truly dedicated to their craft), others who constantly inspire me-Cape Town is teaming with visual, fashion and performing artists.

The quieter pace of Cape Town compared to Johannesburg means I can retreat from everything once in awhile and concentrate on designing or animating music videos for weeks on end without feeling like I’m missing out on too much. Cape Town feels like a giant holiday village where one can take time off to be creative.

A downside to Cape Town? The temperature of the water! Going from 32º outside to freezing cold sea water is way too harsh for my system.

TwentyFiveHour: Anne-Sophie Leens

2010-01-29T15:01:43-08:00

A downside to Cape Town? The temperature of the water! Going from 32º outside to freezing cold sea water is way too harsh for my system.

TwentyFiveHour: Pierre Estienne

2010-01-28T12:16:47-08:00

Can you believe there’s a city on the most southern point on Africa with so many European influences? I’ve been living on the streets of Cape Town since the early 90s, so suppose I can call myself a true Capetonian. I’ve always been interested in club culture and stuff that happens on street level. Currently I design, make and engrave jewellery from my petite shop on Long Street but also used to own a record store called Phatbeat Records on the same street in the late 90s. I think the reason why I always miss this sleepy city is because you find such an interesting mix of people and it doesn’t take too long to bump into most of them. Within an hour’s drive into any direction from the city you can find the most diverse and magical places. It’s a unique city … easy living.

TwentyFiveHour: Pierre Estienne

2010-01-28T12:16:47-08:00