The Guardian, Observer
- 1 October 2006
By Lisa van Aswegen
Photographs by Robyn Daly (Get it Mag)
Time Out's Cape Town editor, Lisa Van Aswegen, shares her favourite
spots in the Mother City
My perfect day in Cape Town would start with a caffeine kick from
Vida e Caffe; they've got the friendliest baristas and you get
a little Lindt choccy with your order - perfect for melting into
a latte. Then it's down to Sea Point promenade for a brisk walk
along the waterside, to breathe in some sea air and watch the locals.
Having worked up an appetite, I'd have brunch at Manna Epicure
(151 Kloof Street; 00 27 21 426 2413) the epitome of City Bowl
stylishness. I'd go for coconut bread with scrambled egg or a chicken
Caesar salad served in a vast wooden bowl.
Now it's time to activate the brain cells and check out some funky
new art, so I'd head over to What if the World (11 Hope Street,
www.whatiftheworld.com) which provides a platform for talented
young artists to showcase their works. There's always plenty of
new and intriguing art here - it's a space I love watching evolve.
No day is complete without a touch of retail therapy, and Wallflower
(Portside Centre, Green Point) is a haven of things pretty and
useful for the home - the ideal place to buy presents. They have
exquisite glassware, ceramics and my favourite: inspiring 3D wooden
hearts in all sizes.
If the energy levels are flagging a bit, the cutest little tea
shop to refuel at is La Petite Tarte Shop (11A, Cape Quarter, De
Waterkant Street). Imported teas are served in gorgeous pots and
the tarts (Belgian chocolate and pear, tangy lemon or simple carrot
cake) are irresistible.
If I had time, I'd head to the Angsana Spa at The Vineyard Hotel
(00 27 21 657 4700; www.vineyard.co.za) - an oasis of indulgent
luxury. The service is flawless - from the foot bath before your
treatment to flowers under the massage table.
Time for sundowners, and a view of the sun setting over the Atlantic
from Camps Bay can't be beaten. The Sandbar in Camps Bay (31 Victoria
Road) is refreshingly unpretentious, with very quaffable daiquiris,
but if the crowds are crazy you'll find me at Relish (70 New Church
Street, Tamboerskloof) with its view of Table Mountain. It's always
hot and happening on Fridays. I adore the latest food trend to
take Cape Town by storm: tapas. Fork (84 Long Street, City
Centre; 00 27 21 424 6334) stands out: imaginative creations (the
pasta roulade with aubergine, tomato and rocket is a must) are
perfect for sharing over a languid evening. And once I've eaten
my fill, Long Street is at my feet and I'd pop into Miam
Miam (196 Long Street) to watch the gorgeous people. A courtyard
with couches and house music make you feel at home.
All in all a good day spent in Cape Town!
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