Innholdsfortegnelse for Winter 2023 i Cape Etc

WINTER HAS ARRIVED WITH EXTRA OOMPH AND IT'S FAIR TO SAY THAT MOST OF US ARE DIGGING DEEP INTO OUR WINTER WARDROBES. Wrapped in scarves and at least three layers, I no longer walk between places, I waddle. I'm one of those folks that feels the cold in my bones – I dread, no, fear the Cape's rainy season. But, putting this issue together has altered my brain chemistry. It has stirred the adventurer in me. I'm ready to ‘embrace the thrill of the chill’. Are you? Despite the expanding hours of darkness, Capetonians certainly aren't sleeping (or hibernating), much to my surprise. There's a brave bunch that face this season head on and – hold up – enjoy it. Put your blindfolds on if need be and (in the…

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT… AGAIN? Mad Dogs Clothing, the fashion brand that made waves in the ‘90s, has resurfaced with a bang under the new direction of Raoul Owens. Its designs epitomised the era with baggy sweatshirts, sweatpants and loosefitting tees. In a nostalgic reverie, you might conjure memories of jeans hanging offbums, eliciting incredulous gazes from grandmas everywhere. That's fashion, baby, and along with scrunchies and jelly shoes, Mad Dogs is not only back, but back in fashion. The origin of the brand has been traced back to the late ‘80s, when it operated out of Greenmarket Square. It was then officially established in 1993 and later became a national franchise. ‘Its success came down to the distinct brand identity, complemented with great quality, and presented in a…

WALK ON THE WINE SIDE Publik Wine remains a gem, but it's no longer a hidden one. Situated in the heart of Tamboerskloof and recently (somewhat) bought by Dominic Bodenstein, this unassuming street-side bar sits cozily on Kloofnek Road, opposite the Cloud 9 Hotel. Walk inside (because you can't make a reservation, even if you wanted to) and you're greeted by modest racks of wine bottles featuring ‘come in for a closer look’ labels. The actual wines are equally fascinating, sourced from artisan makers across South Africa. Many of the offerings celebrate sustainable winemaking practices and producers that are, for the most part, under the radar. You won't find any mass-produced or commercial names here. But that's exactly the goal, so order something unfamiliar or sample away. Vino in hand,…

As the seasons unfold, there's an enchanting allure to the Cape's ever-changing landscape. The last time we drove the West Coast Road, it was a breezy summer day. The land lay parched, and windswept grass danced in the blustering gale. We even found ourselves skilfully evading a few wayward tumbleweeds. Our return this winter presented a completely different version of what we had seen before. We set off on a crisp morning. The soft sunlight cast a golden glow on the landscape, revealing bright green carpets of recently hydrated fynbos, visibly grateful for the winter rains. Of course, with Table Mountain still in our rear-view mirror, the kids start with the familiar chorus of‘Are we there yet?’. So, we decided to make our first pit stop at the Ou Meul…

ONI-WHAT? This gourmet onigiri shop introduces Cape Town to the simplicity of a sandwich – Japanese style In Japan, onigiri is as common as a sandwich. In fact, children often get them in their lunchboxes; convenience stores sell them as snacks; and they frequently feature in popular anime shows. But here, they are a novelty. Another cool culinary trend that may well give ramen a run for its money. Leading the way is How's Your Oni?, Cape Town's first specialised onigiri eatery just off Buitenkant Street in Gardens. The restaurant is a funky, hole-in-the-wall hub of vintage Japanese pop culture personalised with pot plants, cool wall art and souvenirs. As is quite common these days, the restaurant is the result of a young couple's business venture, which began with an…

COUNTRY ESCAPE / Babylonstoren Part working farm, part wholesome hideaway, Babylonstoren is visited by people from around the world longing to see the enchanting grounds, with even Capetonians making the trip to the Winelands – testament to its magnificence. Upon arrival, you'll likely be met with the irresistible inclination to wander and hastily capture as much of the farm as possible. An impossible task, the best of this revered spot is saved for those who stay a while. With time on your side, you can dive deeper and uncover the elements that reveal themselves slowly as your soul settles and your mind quietens. It is in this stillness that you might feel the farm's vivid energy and deep spiritual aura, which are constandy bubbling beneath the surface. This is the…

THE HOOD / East City Stare up as you stroll towards the mountain on Harrington Street, and high up on one building you'll spot a humungous Jack Russell aviator by Belgian street artist Bart Smeets. It was originally painted to advertise Baz-Art's 2019 International Public Art Festival. Now the day-dreaming pup watches over a fast-regenerating pocket of Cape Town's so-called East City. The bustling, compact precinct of burgeoning cool is centred on Harrington and, running parallel, Buitenkant Street – the latter is where, on another wall, you'll spot Mila Jovovich holding her multi-pass in a scene from The Fifth Element. Such murals suggest something of the gritty texture of this area where there's a rambunctious juggling of styles and tastes, an amalgam of grungy old shops and ambitious new ventures,…

PINCH ME A tiny town along the Namibia road, an old wheat mill, a vision and a fresh take on old classics – could it be a dream? Lorraine Kearny finds out Philadelphia – the one outside Cape Town, that is – is not the first thing that pops into mind when you think culinary destination. But bear with us, because Droom @ Die Meul is making a name for itself far and wide, as much for its Sunday lunches as for its dreamy venue, a century-old old wheat mill. Many of the old features and machinery are still part of the corrugated iron-clad building, with its immense wooden beams and uneven walls. Big-picture thinker Carien Loubser is the powerhouse behind the JAN television series that followed South African Michelinstar…

KING OF THE'HOOD It would be easy to miss Siaree if you didn't know it was there. But that would be your bad luck, because this is the real deal There is no pretence around Poonam Saraf. She comes from India and has been in Cape Town for just a few years. In fact, she arrived just before lockdown. Once we were allowed out, she set off on a quest to find a restaurant that served food like she got at home, but was disappointed. And thus she decided to do it herself, poaching an Indian chef from Mauritius, teaching her staff about the intricacies and flavours of the sub-continent's cuisine, and setting up shop. But first the chef had to impress her with his cooking skills – he had…