And check out this trailer for Bad Teacher – looks wicked
70Juta has landed!
First there was Arts on Main. Then there was 44 Stanley. And now with yesterday’s launch of 70 Juta St, there is another addition to the ‘art precinct’ scene. The official opening of the venue kicked off with some music and complementary snacks and drinks, and it provided an opportunity for a very arty-come-trendy-come-alternative crowd to explore the new hotspot. Even though the space is still quite sparse, I see a lot of potential for it and I eagerly await coming back in a few months to see what this fledgling Braamfontein spot has to offer.
70 Juta St
Address: umm… 70 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Phone Number: +27 11 884 9555
Website: http://70jutastreet.wordpress.com
E-Mail: info@70juta.co.za
Packed crowd at the 70Juta launch
Expo Time: Winex in Johannesburg
Over the past couple of years, South African wines have really begun building up a great reputation. In fact when I was living in America and told people that I was from South Africa, the first response I often got (after the classic, “Did you ride an elephant to school?”) was to tell me how surprisingly good they’ve found South Africa wines are..
And so, I had high expectations before visiting the recent Wine Expo, called Winex, which took place at the Sandton Convention Centre, and I was not disappointed! What really surprised me though was the vast amount of wineries that were at the expo. Its mind-blowing to see the length and breadth of the South African wine industry, and you really get an appreciation of the scope of it when you see many of the wineries all next to each other in one giant hall.
The Exhibition Hall
Once you arrive at the expo, you are given a book with all the exhibitors’ information as well as a tasting glass. And boy, did we put that tasting glass to good use! We strategised beforehand and decided that it would be prudent to start off with the good wines, and then begin venturing to some of the lesser known wines as our buzz increased. We invariably left the expo feeling slightly worse for the wear, but got to taste some top class SA wines and had a jol while we were at it.
For those of you who didn’t make it out to Winex this year, I would definitely put it on your calendars for next year – its a fun and somewhat educational event that shows off the best wines that this country has to offer which is something all South Africans should be proud of!
This tasting glass got put to good use
Sunday Sundowers – MiLounge Edition
In my experience, there are a number of ways to combat those dreaded Sunday blues.. (1) Make sure you don’t have work on Monday (but we all know calling in sick on a Monday always gets tricky), (2) Go for a massage (nothing like a deep-tissue induced coma to distract you), or (3) Prolong the weekend partying as long as possible.
Yesterday, a bunch of friends and I decided to opt for option (3) and go for some Sunday afternoon sundowers at MiLounge in the Blubird Centre. The bar boasts a bunch of outdoor couches which provide a perfect opportunity to enjoy this great Spring weather (we got there just as the rain subsided), and unwind with a couple of cocktails. And talking of cocktails, not only is there an adventurous selection of various martinis and other Sunday-blues-fighting liquid remedies but the best part is- they’re all half price until 5pm (author’s note to self- when the cute waitress tells you happy hour ends at 5:30 and the menu says 5, forget her pretty little smile and trust the menu…). To top it all off, there’s live music (brought to you by a talented musician, with some lekker dreads, who has recently been promoted from parking-ticket-machine-busker to MiLounge’s greatest Sunday act) which adds to the ambiance and creates a mellow Sunday arvy atmosphere guaranteed to help you milk every bit of enjoyment out of your weekend.
Some Caipertini's, Mojitos and some other cocktails
The Unplugged Sunday Session
MiLounge
Address: Blue Bird Shopping Centre Corner Athol Oaklands and Fort Street, Melrose, Johannesburg
Phone Number: +27 11 440 5500
Website: http://mi-world.co.za/
Best African Restaurant in Johannesburg
In the corner of the shopping Mecca that is Sandton City, lies Lekgotla, an African restaurant, which exudes character and that native African spirit that you came to South Africa in search of. With a wide range of African cuisines – from Moroccan to Mozambiquen and everything in between – you’ll be sure to leave Lekgotla with a smile on your face and a full stomach. The décor is highly attentive to detail, and after a glass or two of some of those award-winning South African wines, you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the African bush (rather than in the retail and business capital of the country).
Local Tip: On your way out, stop past their “Mopo”, their very own traditional gift shop.
Lekgotla
Address: Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton, Johannesburg
Phone Number: +27 11 884 9555
Website: http://www.lekgotla.com/
Alternative option: Moyo didn’t quite get my first pick, but not because it isn’t an amazing place and fantastic experience, but rather because it’s a slight tourist trap. Even still, the African food is always a treat, and the face-painters and performers will keep you highly entertained throughout the whole experience.
Local Tip: Don’t forget to get to participate in the African hand-washing ceremony before sitting down to eat.
Moyo
Website: http://www.moyo.co.za/Moyo Zoo Lake
Address: 1 Prince of Wales Drive, Parkview, Johannesburg
Phone Number: +27 11 646 0058Moyo Melrose Arch
Address: Shop 5, The High Street, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg
Phone Number: +27 11 684 1477
Best Flea Market in Cape Town
When Cape Town was only just a trading port, sailors and traders used to stop off in Cape Town and go to Greenmarket Square to trade their goods or stock up on produce before continuing along on their voyages. Now, many, many years later, you can have the opportunity to haggle and shop in the very same market in the city centre of Cape Town. However, the spices and supplies of yesteryear are now replaced with African art, music, paintings, masks, clothing, statues, jewelry and more. There are also tons of impressive buskers and street performers around, who will surely be clamoring for your attention.
Local Tip: If you’re looking to rest your legs and catch a graze (‘get something to eat’), stop by one of the many restaurants and cafes that border the market, and get a table outside.
Greenmarket Square
Address: 54 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
Phone Number: +27 21 426 1052
Alternative option: Although it’s more of a craft-market, with indoor, permanent stands, and less of a flea market, the Waterfront Craft Market in the V&A Waterfront is also a good bet. It’s a great place to pick up some African gifts if you’re in a hurry or just in the Waterfront area.
Local Tip: If you’re interested in holistic lifestyle products, stop past the new Waterfront Wellness Centre in the Craft Market where you can find many products and treatment for the holistically inclined.
Waterfront Craft Market
Address: Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa
Phone Number: +27 21 408 78 42
Website: http://www.waterfront.co.za
Best Golf Courses in South Africa – Local Tips on Caddies
- Always pay the caddy foundation fare when paying for green fees as this contributes to the caddy foundation, which assist the caddies in all aspects of their lives.
- Pay caddies R150, which includes R20 for their half-way meal. (Some clubs give caddies meals for free with the presentation of a caddy voucher, but enquire about this while paying for green fees. )
- If you are unsatisfied you can pay the caddy as little at R120, but do not go below this and bare in mind that this is their only source of income.
- For the average golfer most caddies are adequate, but I suggest to double check the line of putts and not just accept everything you here.
- Be patient with caddies, most of them are uneducated and do not have a firm grasp on English.
- For the advanced golfer, enquire with the caddy master for a more competent caddy otherwise they will give you the next caddy in line.
- Most golf courses expect a minimum of one caddy per fourball. He may be shared between all four players.
- Caddies will often request from non-caddy takers in the fourball a tip of roughly R10-R20, for assisting with removing the flags from the hole and for raking bunkers and repairing divots. This is not mandatory but can be a nice gesture.
Part of our Best Golf Courses in Johannesburg Series. Check back soon for more golf course reviews and tips!
Best Sushi Restaurant in Cape Town
Nestled in the middle of Mouille Point, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, lies the sushi-lovers’ sanctuary of Wakame. Even if it wasn’t one of the trendiest places to catch a bite in Cape Town, and wasn’t filled with the way-too-beautiful people, you’d still want to go there for the mouth-watering Asian Fusion delights. As you can imagine, it’s not cheap but if you like sushi as much as I do, it’s worth every cent!
Local Tip: Wakame has some great views of Robben Island, so get a table outside or near the window to appreciate the view, and maybe do some whale watching while you’re at it.
Wakame
Address: Cnr Beach and Surrey Road, Mouille Point, Cape Town
Phone Number: +27 21 433 2377
Website: http://www.wakame.co.za
Alternative option: If you’re from New York, Miami, London or a dozen other places around the world, you probably need no introduction to the world-class Nobu chain. And now the empire has expanded to Africa with master chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa’s signature restaurant having recently opened in the One&Only Hotel in Cape Town. The classically styled, always-fresh sushi and sashimi are complemented by fresh South African seafood, giving you a meal that you won’t soon forget.
Local Tip: Take advantage of the best that Nobu have to offer, all in one Bento Box and order the seven-course Bento Box for a very affordable R195.
Local Tip #2: Head upstairs to the bar to find the largest selection of Sakes in Africa including plum wines, Japanese beer and a selection of Sake and Shochu based cocktails.
Nobu
Address: One & Only Cape Town, Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Phone Number: +27 21 431 5111
Website: http://capetown.oneandonlyresorts.com/dining/restaurants/nobu.aspx
Best Whiskey Bar in Cape Town
For connoisseurs of whiskey and lovers of picturesque sunsets, the Bascule Bar in Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront is the port of call. Nestled in the basement of the Cape Grace Hotel, the bar overlooks the multi-million Rand schooners and yacht’s docked in the harbour. The Bascule Bar has the largest selection of whiskeys on the African continent with a wide variety of single malts and rare finds. Even if you are not a whiskey fan, the setting provides a perfect ending to a Summer’s day.
Local Tip: The barmen are friendly and if you ask them, they can give you a tour of the whiskeys available, which includes your usual R30 whiskeys up to a rare 50-year-old Glenfiddich that goes for R18 000 a shot.
Bascule Whiskey, Wine & Cocktail Bar
Address: West Quay Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Phone Number: +27 21 410 7082
Website: http://www.capegrace.com/dining/bascule
