Ice Cream store, as you can tell I enjoy my ice cream too. Being Lactose intolerant makes things a gamble when I have ice cream. I am pleased to tell you that this place has vegan options! They have ice cream, sorbets and speciality flavours, all of which change on a daily basis. It is a small shop with a few chairs outside to sit on the street.
It is all gold and pastel colours inside there is a a choice between cone or cup and how many scoops. There is price for 1 scoop, 2 scoops and then more. It is reasonably priced and is good quality for the price you pay.
Staff we welcoming and friendly. You order and pay at the same counter. You have a choice of white or milk liquid chocolate to put over the top with the waffle. The serving I had was a hazelnut, chocolate and vanilla ice cream with a strawberry sorbet. I have to say, I loved this little place. I thought the sorbet was better than the ice cream but I generally prefer sorbets.
Such a unique place on the outskirts, it is the perfect place to get something before heading to Company’s garden for a walk around. You can order big tubs if you want to take some home.
Cafe Caprice is the place to be on a Sunday night in Cape Town… however I wanted to experience it during the day.
Location: Camps Bay.
Two menus given upon arrival one for drinks one for food, both the same length can you believe. The drinks are many, from a range of cocktails special and exciting to the standard Havana Mojito, to Beers and wines.
It is a light restaurant, with a good atmosphere, sports on a screen or two and modern music. There is outside seating but much easier to see whats going on from inside, this view was perfect.
I am not going to lie the service was a little underwhelming here. I watched staff standing around, I watched them chatting to friends as other guest attempting to find a seat outside by themselves – now don’t get me wrong I enjoy catching up and chatting to friends, I have been a culprit of this very action however I have generally spotted a customer and ended my conversation with a, ” I have to work, see you later”. Not quite sure what was going on here, they were nice enough to me, when I was being served that is. The manager was omnipresent, ensuring myself and other guests were being looked after in general.
I ordered calamari with rice and a salad… turns out what I had actually ordered was calamari and a salad.. think the waitress might have been trying to tell me something? Not a problem regardless. The greek salad was well balanced with feta, olives, cucumber and leaves.
The calamari I had grilled, It came with a delicious sauce and had been well seasoned. I enjoy the meal. Towards the end of the calamari it was a bit cold and tough but that could have been the fan right above my head. It was around R40 for the beer and then R70 for the meal.
The beer was cold and the food was good. It would give this place another chance totally, of course I would. I enjoyed the atmosphere and being able to come right off the beach into a good well priced restaurant. There are so many down this stretch of road that are busy or crowded or just mediocre. But I would come back here every day of the week.
Surrounded by lovely other restaurants, this one needs to stand out. It seems a dark interior however it is quite airy once inside. There is a DJ most evenings, when I was there most of the sitting was taken, so I sat at the bar. Not for everyone. There’s some outside seating should hat be preferred, it is on high seating. The bar tenders looked after my very well, it has to be said.
Cocktails galore in this place, a range of alcoholic and non alcoholic to fit every palate.
I went for a Coney Island – I enjoy my gin and the sound of coconut foam intrigued me. The image above was what was given to me. What a taste! slightly bitter but sweet enough. The foam was an interesting texture, and very sticky – not something you could take off the top without looking a little odd… fingers and thumbs.
I do have to say make sure to have a look when Happy Hour is, the cocktails are not inexpensive I was tempted to have one more when he said they were half price… but well… a girl has to be careful with half price cocktails on her own.
When it comes to the food, there is not a great deal on offer – and with a name like Burger and Lobster one can make an educated guess as to their specialities. I went with a beef burger the smaller of the two sizes) and the above image was what was presented. (Note most of the cocktail has gone at this point….opps) The salad was a little disappointing, too much parmesan to balsamic vinegar for my taste. The Burger was cooked medium and was good quality beef. Brioche bun as standard and the usual condiments. Fries were well salted and crisp.
All in all I would recommend this chain, I know there are plenty all over the world. I do hope the next one I visit has a bit more space for me to sit down and people watch a bit better.
A street festival that happens every so often on Bree Street. Bree Street is shut to all motor vehicles and reserved for two legs or rollers. People on bicycles, roller blades, skates you name it.
There are a range of stalls along the road on either side of the road. The road is full of chalk drawings, plenty of activities for children in the centre of the road from art and crafts to trying new things.
Each section of the street has a different genre of music playing, live DJ’s or live bands. Traditional bands to modern music. Xylophones to Drum circles. There are dancers alongside some of the music and others are such the band itself. It is a very pleasant. Bree Street had enough shade during the day to be comfortable.
There is plenty to see, dancers to Muy Thai to Boxing you name it, they are demonstrating it. Showing off just some of activities that Cape Town has to offer. Definitely gives some idea of what to do, new hobbies or new things to try.
As you continue down the street there is a small food court with burgers, drinks, hot dogs, a good range of easy, quick options. All the restaurants are still open naturally. There is a good atmosphere relaxed and yet there is a vibe.
At the mid point of the street there is an info point and a map if you are looking for a particular place or particular demonstration.
Would you think behind these gates there is a independent theatre, only 4 screens with only a limited number of film on but one of the best places in Cape Town.. No I didnt think so either, nor did I think that I would want to go to the cinema when I am on holiday.
It is gorgeous. It shows blockbusters as well smaller independent films. The website is the best place to plan when you want to go, or what to see. Each screen has its film (only one or two in each) and only 4 times throughout the day to watch said films.
There is a space to eat outside, a little cafe where you can get a drink both alcoholic and non alcoholic. Even cocktail slushies if that takes your interest. Not any what I would call ‘proper’ food, all cakes, popcorn, chocolates, sweets. You know the usual pre cinema snacks – or during the film if you have that level of resistance.
The Cinema doors are so traditional, and inside it still had the wooden panels from when it was first opened. There is a little box office kiosk, like in the old school 50’s movies. I loved it here. So small and unique. I wish all cinemas were like this.
R50 gets you a ticket regardless of the film you are seeing. You can go in whenever, but I preferred to go in just 5 mins before the film.
I dont know if it was the film I was seeing or not, but the place was empty. I might as well had the place to myself. It was lovely. Retro lighting, Art Deco almost. Chairs surprising comfortable and spacious. Plenty of space for your arms to relax and your legs. No sardines, pack ’em in feeling here. I felt as though I could have been at home watching this film all by myself. The perfect film watching experience. I will be back!
This little ice cream shop on Kloof Street is just a little place, you could walk past it. It is just an open shop front. Next to molten toffee.
It seems that the back, behind the glass is where they make the ice cream, juding by the big containers. It is all glass and very sleek, minimalist and stylish. It’s openness and simple style invites you in to know what is going on and before you know it…
10 flavours or so in the table you walk in and order R38 for one scoop in either a cone or a cup. They can even do 1 litre tubs to take away – say whaaat?!
So smooth – was lovely. A lovely refreshing treat.
Location: Park Road Gardens; just off Kloof Street.
Cuisine: Tex Mex.
This place is great for those cravings of nachos and fajitas. The menu is incredible with so many options.
Their wine and beer menu is extensive, as well as their tequila options, naturally. You are truly spoilt for choice – frozen cocktails and jugs too.
The decor is western style, wooden features throughout including the table and chairs. Behind the bar there are parts of mirror and tiles. The body of the bar is made up to old western movie posters.
There is a large outside seating area, well maintained comfortable seats. For lunch this place is quiet, a few business lunches and friends. In the evenings this place gets jumping happy hour seems to be popular.
Steak Fajitas is what i ordered in the huge choice that is what I decided.
Enough of a kick without being spicy, Guacamole and Salsa has enough of kick to make it interesting. The portion size is perfect for lunch, for dinner I might be left a little hungry, but as you can see there is plenty to put in the fajitas. Onions, Cabbage, cheese everything you could want.
Only three tortillas was a little disappointing but for someone who is not keen on bread it was a relief. I was pleased to have to eat the food without accompaniment.
The nachos on some of the neighbouring tables looked amazing, piled high and an easy one to share. This place is quiet enough for a nice lunch, or dinner, just off Kloof Street it is well trafficked and lit.
This is an indoor market – not the most popular in town during the weekend, but i can imagine during the week at lunchtimes it would be manic!
Mojo market has food galore, again from a range of cuisines, the ice cream is exceptionally good here as well. There are a number of bar too, which have good floor space, so a cold beer with your food, this would be the place to go. I have not seem alcohol freely available at other markets.
Not only food and drink available here as well guys, amongst the labyrinth of corridors there are boutique shops with less of your usual souvenirs, and more African print t-shirt and children’s clothes. Ordinary clothes and jewellery. It is a nice space to walk around with two ATMs at either end of the market and the stalls seem mostly permanent and therefore card is more widely accepted.
Live music is definitely a theme for Cape Town Markets, these places seem to be just ready for these up and coming artists. The audience is quite large and with decent set times – its a gig you would want.
As you can see from the picture above, there is ample places to sit and watch the world go by, there is free wifi here for those who want or need to work. Their is upstairs seating for those that want to get away from the hub bub of below. The cricket was on in the background, no sound but enough to keep an eye on the score if that was your thing. I saw so many families here, relaxing with pizzas and groups of friends enjoying a bit of everything.
It is a good market and to be available everyday – one that I know I will be visiting again.
Disclaimer: I went to this place specifically for the Gin and Jazz Sunday lunch. R250 for bottomless Gin and live jazz music.
Upon arriving and stating we had booked a table for the Gin and Jazz, we got comfortable. We had to pay for Gin and Jazz first before anything else. The lunch menu that accompanies this, is reduced naturally. Focused on burgers and salads, there is still a choice. When it comes to gin, there are thee tonics, blue, pink and ordinary. Both myself and my friend had one of each at least.
Looking at the photos and above and below, can you think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I must say there is other beverages available, just not under the Gin and Jazz event. The music is not loud, and its tonality is smooth – easy listening. It is jazz but not dancing jazz. The band is Hot Club if you want to look them up. Described sometimes as gypsy music, I don’t think you can quite pigeon hole this band.
I ordered the chicken burger, it came with avocado in it, and chips on the side. It was a good portion size, plenty of chips with tomato ketchup and mayo as standard. Not too many gerkins (pickles) in the burger. I demolished this easily, it was really tasty. Chicken was not too dry either, which was a relief.
Chin Chin all!
What can I say, with it being attached to a boutique hotel, i thought it had the potential of being a touch ostentatious or the food being expensive. This was not the case, it was lovely food, good service: attentive but not smoothering. The outside which is reserved for the Gin and Jazz event, in covered and shady. Just a wonderful afternoon event.
There are private exhibition areas as well as public galleries.
This exhibition above and below is called When the Dust settles by Igshaan Adams. It is a mixed media piece, using textiles, wire, paper and tiles. These shapes made of wire and what seems to be string are spread throughout the exhibition space. With what appears to be a mirror and prayer ‘equipment’ at the centre. The room with different tiles and wallpapers, seems to project the different layers to life and how throughout our lives we take different forms. As I have said in previous blogs, I am not so much an art lover to a art appreciator. I never seem to come to the same conclusions as others though…
The museum is all on one floor, and it is R30 entry. Once you come inside there is no set way to venture about the spaces, each one seems to lead to another through themed rooms. From photographs, to sculpture to paintings. It is laid out in an easy to follow and spacious way. Space to move around and see everything before moving onto the next room. Some of the pieces have strong meanings that are abundantly clear, others are more mysterious. But that is the nature of art and the mixed media that this gallery exhibits.
This figure, again above and below, is made up of computer elements, a mouse at the end, keys from a keyboard make up the robe. Wires and stands create the figure at the end. To me this speaks, the grim reaper create by technology.. or maybe you see something different. It is definitely an interesting concept to use something that we have become to rely on to create a sombre and quite foreboding character.
The horn above was quite poignant for me. It is Ivory of course and you can appreciate it has been carved. However the carvings have then been rubbed with coal to bring them out. Although the picture is not detailed enough to show it, it is a representation of the Anglo-Zulu wars. The details are amaznig, the exact uniforms and guns alongside the zulu shields. I could have stared at it for a long time but this exhibitions: Hidden treasures has so much to be seen an appreciated. Something soon dragged my attention away.
Now… this might seem like your average 18th or 19th century painting of horses and the aristocracy. The reason however I wanted to share this with you is that these paintings are the same, with only 1 difference. The painting on the wall all the subjects eyes are open and opened wide. In the painting they are all closed. There is not caption or booklet to the rooms and so I can not begin to appreciate or understand the reasoning to this, however thought it was quite thought-provoking to have such items on display in such close proximity.
Only a glimpse into the National Gallery in Cape Town in Company’s Garden. I do not want to ruin it for you. A worth visit if you are visiting the city and have an appreciation for the finer things in life.
Helpful Haz 