I wrote an article over a year ago about my experience at Mombasa Cafe , Cavendish Square, Claremont, Cape Town. I was moaning about the convenient joys of them being constantly empty, as well as the fact tat they did not serve Tabasco sauce (a big “no-no” as we know).

Mombasa Cafe – Cavendish Square

An excerpt from the article which I wrote LIVE, on location:

Not that I was going to judge them for being empty. The only waiter in the establishment welcomed me as I chose a seat, suggesting he brings me a lime and soda with the menu.

I opened up my divine little Sony Vaio laptop as the drink arrived.

My SHOCKING toasted chicken mayonnaise experience at the Kelvin Grove pool on Friday (where I chilled before getting ready to watch Rupert Mellor and the Thunderbirds in the Kelvin Grove ballroom) had left me yearning for a decent variation, so I gave my order to the waiter.

“Toasted chicken mayo on wholewheat please with chips. Please also bring some cheap white vinegar, Tabasco sauce and a Hansa.” (They didn’t have Jack Black).

“We don’t have Tabasco sauce,” came the reply.

“Chrrrrrist, are you fucking serious?”

“Yes Sir”

“Must I go and buy some for you?” I asked.

“Heh heh,” he laughed nervously. “Can we make you some fresh chilli?”

“Yes,” I said. “I won’t use it but I want you to make it as punishment.”

Off he went to put in the order, as I decided to write this article. The beer never arrived as our boy fucked off out of the restaurant for over 10 minutes. I kept an eye on the bar to see when the beer would appear so that I could fetch it myself.

Freak Show came back and I asked him how the beer was looking. “Oh shit” came the reply as he sprinted to the till, realising he had forgotten to put the beer order in. Bearing in mind that I was and STILL AM the only person in the restaurant. WHAT a fucking knob-end!

He brought the beer and the food which was fine, I suppose.

Whilst I was eating I heard a discussion between him and the barman where he mentioned, somewhat surprised, that La Scala and MOST of the other restaurants in Cavendish Square were full.

Yes, my love, they are full.

And I am still the only person in your restaurant.

I wonder why.

I’m not saying the reason is because you don’t have Tabasco sauce – but I’m quite sure it’s helping your quest for zero turnover.

Good bye.

And now, more than a year later, the owners of the establishment GOOGLED their restaurant and found the aforementioned article.

So, firstly, a big welcome for the owners to 2009 and the internet in general. Welcome aboard!

This was their belated email response which came in this weekend (CAPS LOCK ATTACK warning):

From: Pat Pryce-Fitchen
Date: 01 November 2009 12:31:16 PM SAST
To: editor@2oceansvibe.com
Subject: Mombasa Cafe Cavendish

Your write up on Mombasa is way old …..10 march 2008

Please GO & EAT before you speak as its a NIGHT SUPPER VENU FORCED TO BE OPEN BY THE SHOPPING CENTERE TRADING HOURS.

THE BEST AFRICAN RESTAURANT In THE CAPE TOBASCO IS NOT AFRICAN BUT BECEAUSE SOME A>>>>OF A WAITER DID NOT KNOW THAT WE DO HAVE IT,!!!!!! YOU DONT PHONE ME OR ASK FOR THE MANAGER YOU JUST GIVE A BAD WTITE UP< I DONT EVEN WANT TO SELL TOASTED SARMIES BUT WHO EATS GRILLED EAST COAST SOLE AS 10 AM ?????

Fillet out of this world LAMB SHANK In THE MOROCCAN STYLE TO DIE FOR.

Mauritian prawn curry just BRILLIANT

Mombasa is so passionate about food that it makes 3 types of prawn curries all BRILLIANT The SWAHILI one sells by the ton!!!!! No tobasco BUT REAL EASTERN SPICES MAKING MOMBASAS FOOD WORLD CLASS

Potjies served at the table are also to die for

best spare ribs you ever had

Vegetarian foods fantastic
AND IT HAS ALWAYS HAD JIM Beam BLACK

I owned La Scala AS well at the time of your write up & ironicly MOMBASA CAFE has always had the HIGHER TURNOVER BY FAR…………..

You see if you can find better BURGERS ANY WHERE

Try an omelette

TRY A MARGARITA OR A COSMOPOLITAN BEST YOU EVER HAD

The owner cant always know what iddiottic things waters can do or SAY & its unfair to beline a brilliant restaurant beceause of some FOOL>
ALSO SADELY MANY MANAGERS ARE REALLY DAMERGERS!!!

PLEASE LET THE OWNERS KNOW

REGARDS

Pat Pryce-Fitchen
Owner OF the FANTASTIC & OFTEN PACKED AT NIGHT MOMBASA CAFE

Good for you, Pat – look at you go!!!

Passion!!! That’s what we like – beautiful shit!

I’ll be back…in the evening.

I just need to confirm that you definitely have Tabasco sauce? As well as the 2oceansvibe beverages of choice: including De Grendel wine, Jack Black beer, Boschendal Grande Cuvee Brut and Pussy Natural Energy Drink?

Please respond via the comments facility below this article.

It’s with great ease that they do, because Boschendal Grande Cuvee Brut (lest we forget the Le Grand Pavillon Brut Rosé) has very recently become the sparkling wine of choice for 2oceansvibe. Hardened 2oceansvibers out there will know what it takes to get the nod as a 2oceansvibe brand and, make no mistake, this premium Franschhoek outfit has paid their dues.

It’s won’t be long until you’ll find it at all your favourite 2oceansvibe hangouts, including Caprice, Miss K, 1800 Restaurant, Cape Royale Hotel, HQ Restaurant and Caveau.

Boschendal Grande Cuvee Brut
Now being served at The Safe House

Boschendal Grande Cuvee Brut – the 2oceansvibe Sparkling Wine of choice.

The Methode Cap Classique of choice, I might add!

I’ll be honest, The Muse and I klapped a bottle each on Sunday and I must say it goes VERY well with the Atlantic Seaboard. In fact, it goes very well with the entire weekend. It went well with the post-Clifton-tanning-session Sunday Times hour , as well as the vinyl player interlude, featuring Barry and Barbs.. Yes, it seems to adapt very well.

But you would have known that anyway, if you were following the 2oceansvibe Twitter feed, as well as the 2oceansvibe Flickr feed..

For the more serious bubbly drinkers out there, you can CLICK HERE to download the Boschendal Grande Cuvee Brut cheat sheet (PDF) which will answer all those questions you might be asking. Questions that I cannot answer. All I know is it tastes great and everyone I drink it with thinks the same!

Then, when you’re done there, take a stroll down to their website and see what it takes to become the official 2oceansvibe bubbly – www.boschendalwines.com

Well I tell you what, the prize couldn’t have gone to a better guy!

Arthur Jones, the winner of the Seth Rotherham Experience, moved into my Cape Royale Suite on Friday night for a weekend of top brands and luxury. I popped in to visit him and the gorgeous Jess (turns out Arthur is playing out of his socks!) shortly after they checked in

Arthur Jones’s residence for the weekend.
Shame.

The 3-bedroom Seth Rotherham schweet at the Cape Royale
Jess toasts her good fortune at meeting a guy like Arthur

We addressed a few Jack Blacks and De Grendel sav and discussed the various aspects of his MONSTER PRIZE!

Perhaps I should remind you of the finer details?

• Two nights in Seth Rotherham’s suite at the Cape Royale hotel from a Friday to the Sunday (incl. underground parking and free internet).
• A spa treatment for you and your partner at the Cape Royale Equinox spa .
• Free car wash (just next door) at Plush Boutique car wash.
• Free meals at Cape Royale’s 1800 restaurant during your stay
• De Grendel wine and Jack Black beer on the house during your stay (at 1800 bar, as well as stocked in your own fridge).
• Free Vida e coffee (just next door) on Seth’s account.
• A case of Pussy Natural Energy Drink in your fridge.
• Free breakfast or lunch at Miss K (just next door).
• Free Butlers pizza on Seth’s account.
• 2 pairs of Ray Ban Wayfarers from their new Colorize range.
• 2 X R1,000 shopping vouchers for the PUMA store at the Waterfront.
• Being so close to the Green Point stadium, we had to throw in a pack of Kika-Sack balls!
• A test drive in an Audi R8.
• A R1,000 sports betting voucher for www.greatodds.com – SA’s largest online sportsbook!
• Sunday lunch to the value of R500 at Cafe Roux, Noordhoek.
• And, just to top it all off, you’ll be able to skip the queue and enjoy R1,000 on Seth’s tab at Caprice , Sunday night.

I gave him my camera and asked him to take as many pics as possible.

Check it out (click thumbnails for bigger pics):

  
Chilling at the Sky Bar / Taking a 2 hour test drive in the Audi R8

Killing the Waterfront Puma store / indulging in the Equinox spa
at the Cape Royale. It should be mentioned that Arthur is now in
Puma “Cabana” range gang.

Vida e was naturally on the house, as well as the best
breakfast place in town – Miss K in Green Point

Very cool!

But it gets BETTER!

See the rest of the pics of Arthur Jones’s
Seth Rotherham Experience (AWESOME pics) HERE

I would also like to say a hearty congratulations to the beautiful couple, who became engaged the weekend before the Seth Rotherham experience! Well done!

To the rest of you out there who didn’t win, keep an eye out – we’ll be doing another one soon.

Work is a sideline, Live the holiday…

Hello, Dugsie

One Good Pig Deserves Another – We published a headline on Friday, about these “Mircro Pigs.” The above photo was considered as the main photograph for that morning’s headlines, but a pic for the World Cup stadiums headline was used instead. I was worried you might have missed it, so here it is again! Click link for more info on these tiny porkers. [dailymail]

Boyzone Singer Dies – Spanish police investigating the death of Boyzone singer Stephen Gately in Majorca. The 33-year-old Irish pop star and actor was on holiday with his long-term partner Andrew Cowles in Majorca when he “tragically died” in his sleep on Saturday. Just like that? [ skynews]

Readers Dismay At Newly Opened Cape Town Restaurant, “Portofino” - Following the widespread circulation of an email exchange between the owner of “Portofino” restaurant, Cormac Keane and a potential customer; the feedback from Cape Town society has been overwhelming. [2oceansvibe]

Why SA’s “Mr. Apple” prefers fine wine to bloggers – The executive director of Core Group, who is known by most people simply as “RJ”, emigrated to SA almost by chance in the late 1990s. He says he’s since fallen in love with the country and, though he still travels extensively to Europe and West Africa on business, he says he has no intention of living anywhere else. [techcentral]

Gavin Rajah’s Clothing Range Gets Mocked by Mavericks Strippers – as Mavericks owner and Rajah go head to head. It was an unlikely business venture to start with – an acclaimed fashion designer and the owner of a raunchy gentlemen’s club. Gavin Rajah and Mavericks strip club owner Shane Harrison have a long way to go to iron out their differences. [sundaytimes]

Cristiano Ronaldo will be the new official worldwide spokesmodel for Emporio Armani Men’s Underwear and Armani Jeans starting from Spring/Summer 2010. He will be replacing David Beckham who has been the spokesmodel for Emporio Armani Men’s Underwear since January 2008. [luxuo]

Puff Adder Relocation in Cape Town – It’s summer time in Cape Town and Stu Hoy from LifeStruckTV was enjoying a cup of coffee catch up with Wild Child Braam Malherbe. The catch-up session took an unexpected turn as Braam was called in to remove a Puff Adder snake from a home in Tamboerskloof. Luckily Stu had his video camera handy [cracker]

Madonna Drops Celebrity Trainer – Madonna’s drama with ubertrainer Tracy Anderson has come to a head. Anderson, who also trains Gwyneth Paltrow and opened a $900/month gym in Tribeca earlier this year, will no longer help the material girl sculpt her famous arms. [huffingtonpost]

The World’s Best Companies – A commitment to innovation, diversified portfolios, aggressive expansion, strong leadership, and a clear vision for the future—these are just some of the strategies employed by the best companies to get to the top of the World’s Best Companies/Global Top 40 list compiled for BusinessWeek by management consulting firm A.T. Kearney [businessweek]

Adrien Brody to take lead role in Predator remake – Adrien Brody is doubtless still best known for evading Nazi capture in Roman Polanski’s The Pianist – a part for which he won an Oscar in 2002. But he’s had such a strikingly eclectic career since (soulful savant, Gulf war veteran, private eye, King Kong-battling writer) it oughtn’t to have come as a big shock that he’s now been cast as the (human) lead in Robert Rodriguez’s Predators reboot. [guardian]

Hungary pageant for surgically enhanced beauties – It was a night for unnatural beauties. Contestants showed off breast implants, nose jobs and face lifts as Miss Plastic Hungary 2009 strove to promote the benefits of plastic surgery in a country where artificial enhancements are viewed mostly with a wary eye. [asspress/pics]

Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize – The announcement drew gasps of surprise and cries of too much, too soon. Yet President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday because the judges found his promise of disarmament and diplomacy too good to ignore. [huff]

Petra Nemcova comes dangerously close to a nipslip. No spice. [egotastic]

[thanks gaynor, john, michael, brett, julez]

Portofino Restaurant opened one month ago in Cape Town. It’s where The Showroom used to be – next to Bloomsbury Luxury Cars and Harbour Edge. Maybe that is why they used the same font as Porsche cars in their logo.

I recall a launch of sorts (less than a month ago), with much fanfare and excitement. A new brave venture, during torrid times. A time, perhaps, that one should be trying that little bit harder to impress? In fact, one might even suggest “bending over backwards” as the order of the day. You know, something to help one stand out, as Cape Town restaurants are seen closing down left, right and centre.

Not for Portofino restaurant, it seems. As we recount a recent email exchange between a potential customer and the owner.

These emails are published chronologically, from start to finish. So, basically, you can read each one in order from TOP to BOTTOM.

*Customer’s name has been altered since original publication.

From: AF
To: info@portofinoct.co.za    

Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 16:22

Subject: Website    Contact

Good Day,

We’re looking to make a booking for four people, tomorrow at 17:00 for an early business dinner— would this be possible?

Thank you,

AF

__________________________________

From: info@portofinoct.co.za>
Organization: Portofino Bar & Restaurant
Date: Monday, 5 Oct 2009 18:00
To: AF
Subject: Re: Website Contact

Hi AF,

That’s fine. See you tomorrow.

Regards

Cormac

__________________________________

From:  AF
To: info@portofinoct.co.za   
Sent: Tuesday, October 06, 2009 08:49
Subject: Re: Website   Contact

Hi Cormac,

Apologies, the dinner is only for Wednesday evening— is this a problem? If not, please put us down for 17:00 on Wednesday.

Also, will the full menu be available at 5 PM?

Kind Regards,

AF

__________________________________

From: info@portofinoct.co.za>
Organization: Portofino Bar & Restaurant
Date: Wednesday, 7 Oct 2009 19:54
To: AF
Subject: Re: Website Contact

Hi AF,

On   behalf of all of our staff who came in early to make and serve your food (we normally open at 6.30 I would like to thank you for messing their day up and more seriously disrupting my afternoon nap.

Please do us all a favour and don’t ever book a table at my restaurant again.

Regards

Cormac

__________________________________

From: AF
To: info@portofinoct.co.za
Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2009 08:38
Subject: Re: Website Contact

Hi Cormac,

Before I respond to this email   properly, I wanted to make sure that you had been informed of my cancellation, that I had phoned in at 4 PM yesterday? We had a last-minute schedule change on behalf of the business associates travelling down from Johannesburg that I called in as soon as I knew about. The tone of your email, and it’s commentary, indicates that perhaps you had not been informed of this telephonic cancellation.

AF

__________________________________

From: info@portofinoct.co.za>
Organization: Portofino Bar & Restaurant
Date: Thursday, 8 Oct 2009 10:16
To: AF
Subject: Re: Website Contact

Hi AF,

I had indeed been informed that you had canceled the table an hour before your booking time.

Tone remains the same.

Regards

Cormac

__________________________________

From: AF
To: info@portofinoct.co.za
Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2009 10:57
Subject: Re: Website Contact

Cormac,

In response to your email, I’d like to first state that in no way was I aware that any special measures had been taken by the restaurant on behalf of our party of four— this was never indicated to me in the reservation emails, nor are your opening hours indicated on your website. Had I known that the chef and staff were going to come in specifically for our party, and that the restaurant only opened at 6:30 PM, I would have confirmed the booking, as our plans were open to change (as they did), and changing plans would have disrupted the restaurant. It was never my intention to inconvenience anybody at the restaurant. We were, in fact, working with government representatives and looking to show them a great new restaurant, but unfortunately due to schedule changes from their side, had to cancel our booking.   Unfortunately, this happens when working with out-of-town guests.

Your efforts to open the restaurant early on our behalf are certainly noted, and appreciated. However, your response to our unfortunate cancellation is very upsetting. Had we known the lengths the restaurant had gone to in order to accommodate us, your frustrations would have been more understandable. Instead, we were operating under the understanding that the restaurant was open for normal business for the time in which we made our booking, which is why I cancelled the reservation.   When I saw your email come through, I had thought that it was no doubt an email to say, “Sorry you couldn’t make it, but we hope to see you soon,” or something along those lines. Instead, what I found was a personal attack on myself, and my integrity. This is out-of-line. I had looked forward to trying out your restaurant, as I enjoy supporting new establishments in Cape Town, and your menu looked particularly intriguing.   In light of your email, however, I will not be going to your restaurant, and will be actively discouraging others from visiting your restaurant as well.

Moreover as one of the dinner guests for last night’s booking, the CEO of XYZ (altered) Fund Managers, Mr. JS (altered), has seen the correspondence between us, and will be following up in due course with his own thoughts on the matter.

Frustrations with restaurant patrons who are unreasonably demanding and inflexible are understandable; anger and hostility towards potential clientele over a reservation cancellation is simply unacceptable, as is your tone and sarcasm that have been used freely in your correspondence. Personal integrity is something that should always be maintained, both professionally and socially. Your correspondence to me lacks integrity altogether.

It’s a shame that you have taken a good restaurant concept and menu, and clouded it behind a wall of arrogant customer service where the restaurant patron is viewed as a nuisance, as an unwanted visitor.

Regards,

AF

__________________________________

From: >info@portofinoct.co.za>
Organization: Portofino Bar & Restaurant
Date: Thursday, 8 Oct 2009 11:22
To: AF
Subject: Re: Website Contact   

Dear AF,

I am a little bit puzzled by your remarks “I will not be going to your restaurant, and will be actively discouraging others from visiting your restaurant as well” I would have thought that my email was quite clear when I asked you not to book a table at my restaurant, obviously not so I will try again, Please do not book a table at my restaurant again.

I will try and contain my excitement and await the contribution from “the CEO of XYZ Fund Managers, Mr. JS” upon receipt I will pin it up in the bathrooms for customers purusal while they relieve themselves.

Regards

Cormac

You can close your mouth now.

Whilst I agree that there are two sides to every story, this is a straightforward black and white email exchange and the facts are there for all to see.

Why do people behave in this way? Why would you not take it on the chin and put on a brave face? Why the urge to create negative energy and conflict?

Were you never told one story about how word spreads in Cape Town and how fickle its people can be? The way everyone knows everyone else, and if they don’t, they will know someone who does. Why would you risk behaving in this manner? Have you not heard the stories of restaurants opening and closing overnight after the community decides, en masse, to give it the “thumbs down?”

Clearly not. This is simply not how we behave.

God…the arrogance!

I did a little google for the restaurant name, and found this similar account on the Eat Out website.

Hmm..It seems we have a trend forming.

I simply don’t understand why you would go to the effort of spending money getting the restaurant out there with launch parties and marketing etc., if you’re not prepared to back it up?

Very interesting business technique.

So it’s over to you, 2oceansvibers – what are your thoughts on this little email exchange?

It seems the prawns are moving further and further away from District 9, as my Saturday morning was punctuated with prawn activity. I was leaving Pick ‘n Pay in Camps Bay and had to slam on the brakes as a large group of them on bicycles came speeding through a red traffic light. I noticed a man walking out of the Pick ‘n Pay with his son – the little boy pointing at the prawns. The prawns didn’t care as they exercised their usual COMPLETE disregard for the laws we, as humans, have created in order to maintain a functioning society.

Prawns – blatant disregard for human law
As they force co-existence upon us

I have one question : Will this lawlessness only be addressed when children start being knocked over, as they attempt to re-enact what they’ve seen the prawns doing on the roads?

This “fuck you” attitude displayed by some of the prawns (and I stress “some” of them, who ruin it for the rest) continued at Caprice where prawns were spotted climbing all over the furniture with their damaging “clip-shoe” footwear.

The “fuck you” attitude displayed by prawns
in human society continues.

I’m not sure how things work in District 9, but here in the human areas and among our own, we have a very clear understanding about manners and general etiquette. At a very basic level, we obey traffic signals, and we don’t stand on furniture. You need to adhere to these basics – if you wish to coexist. Especially when it comes to bicycles.

A bicycle is the first mode of transport for most human children. They cannot wait to get their first bicycle and probably can’t wait to have the ability to go through red traffic lights, like they see the “adults” (prawns) doing on the road.

Why do you let them do it? Why do you just sit in your car and shake your head? Why don’t you hoot at them? Why don’t you wind down your window and ask them to please stop?

I guess we’ll just have to wait for a child to get hurt before this is addressed.

What are your thoughts?

“Kings of Neon?!” – come on, man – that’s quality!

I’m speechless. Just look at this flyer – it says it all.

(You guys look hysterical!)

God help us all!

I must say that looks like it’s going to be crazy fun. I strongly suggest that everybody goes. Maybe HQ beforehand for Friday drinks – then Cappers for the Kings of Neon?

Hating that!

See you there!

A handful of people send me links to this website called No Bucks, which is an “online portal of happy hours, specials and budget nights out in Cape Town.” I enjoyed the concept but didn’t know if it fitted “the vibe” correctly. But then I remembered that getting deals and paying less would take anyone that little bit closer to living the holiday. I mean, if you earn hardly anything and spend your days on the beach, you can probably maintain that by getting good deals – and I’m FINE with that!

www.nobucks.co.za

Now it’s one thing living cheaply on food stamps, but the cool thing about these kids behind nobucks.co.za is they’re including 2oceansvibe approved bars and restaurants. So you’re getting discounts at the likes of Caprice, Hudsons, Cafe Sofia, Andiamo, Beluga etc. So you’re skimping it, but you’re doing it in style.

I suppose, in way, that’s what I do. I mean, besides my fabulous wealth which allows me this lifestyle anyway, it is generally accepted that I am not charged when frequenting Cape Town establishments. So, indirectly, I guess I’m doing the same thing! Weird.

Look, my good looks help as well, granted – but let’s keep our eye on the ball here.

[thanks herman]

I popped into Cafe Roux in Noordhoek the other day. I just love the place (even though they don’t yet stock De Grendel wine) because you never quite know what you’re going to get – be it the patronage and/or the surroundings.

Last Sunday, for example, featured what could only be described as “Aladdin’s Grandmother” getting carried away as the live music took her to new levels of amazingness.

You simply have to see this video, as she displays pole dancing skills you never thought possible for a fully grown mature woman.

*pause vid and let it load up fully before you play.

So there you have it. Amazing how a steamy sexual pole dance can blend so seamlessly into a family Sunday lunch at Cafe Roux. All this going on, as the kiddies play in the sand pit and pet the odd Shetland pony and pot-bellied pig on its way through.

I thoroughly enjoyed how the owner, Paul le Roux (the balding fellow with the white jumper) didn’t bat an eye, as he continued tending to the guests. Standard stuff around there.

Because professionalism is….and that’s…what I want.

Café Caprice is mixing it up on Friday nights by offering you any tapas of your choice for HALF PRICE! That’s a good special – the kind of thing you’d find at www.nobucks.co.za

I can recall the Caprice menu from memory pretty much verbatim and would like to tell you my usual tapas choices. Very basically – it’s the prawns, it’s the meat balls, it’s the hummus with pita (ask them for a couple extra slices) and the cajun calamari. But, most importantly, for the love of God, do NOT forget the spring rolls – that would be a crying shame.

The blurb : Pull in every Friday between 18:00 and 20:00 to enjoy any of the delicious tapas items: Chicken Nachos, Tzatziki & Pita, Marinated Sirloin strips, Grilled Cajun Calamari at ridiculously low prices… Let’s do a little sum for you here: If you and a mate share a huge Chicken Nachos AND Sticky Buffalo wings, you’re both in for R27 each. It’s ridiculous. And delicious.

Book now: 021 438 8315.

I’ve just realised I can go one step further. The menu is actually right here with me. (I swear I didn’t use it earlier when I was showing off for you).

You want it?

No problem – CLICK HERE for the Caprice menu.

Quietly enjoy the 2oceansvibe cocktail on the cocktail list..

Dave, Mike, MJ, could we look at tweaking it a bit before summer?

Yet another very cool Cape town initiative, featuring top bands, good food, good booze and good people. Check it out.

RUDOLF DASSLER by PUMA presents THE SIDE-PROJECTS

Cape Town, South Africa 21 July, 2009 – ‘RUDOLF DASSLER by PUMA presents “THE SIDE-PROJECTS’” a series of unplugged concerts, in partnership with uber-cool Cape Town beer salon &Union.

Performers including Luado from aKing, Lonesome Dave Ferguson, Lance Herman and Josh Ginsburg from Fly Paper Jet, Wrestlerish and Richard Brokensha and Ryk Benade from Kidofdoom will perform a once-off set of unreleased material unplugged. The concerts will take place at 7.30pm every Saturday from 15 August to 19 September at &Union on Heritage Square.

 

The Lineup..

 

The cornerstone of the St Stephen’s Church redevelopment on Cape Town’s Bree Street, the &Union space occupies a section of the cellar in one of the cities oldest existing churches.

PUMA will install the PUMA Mobile Unit at &Union – the PUMA Mobile Unit is a converted for retail 20 foot shipping container, which takes inspiration from PUMA’s concept store design. The unit will be open to the public from 9am-9pm daily, from August 13 to August 15. The PUMA Mobile Unit will stock Rudolf Dassler by PUMA apparel, accessories and selected PUMA Black Label footwear that will be sold at special rates to commemorate this occasion.

Just to explain to the uninformed, Rudolf Dassler started Puma after a fallout with his brother, Adi Dassler, who went on to form Adidas. The “Rudolf Dassler” range of Puma gear is their premium stuff. So the mention of “special rates” above should be very appealing! Let alone the venue and bands on display!

You’ll remember my Dassler Jacket (here) and my latest CRAZY-WILD! high-cuts (here from 2oceansvibe Twitter) which I wear when I’m being all “street.”

YES, I can be street if I want! [folds arms and displays weird gangster hand signals] - don’t forget I did attend SACS junior school! No spice. I had a gang with Tromp and everything! You wanna test me? You want me to throw some names around? Sure – try Mrs Henderson, Brian Prehn, Mr. Campbell, Sirrell (and his “slaanstok”), Mr. Joubert (victimised me) and Mr. McEwen (both of them).

Nailed.

“BOOMALAKA BOOMALAKA WHAAH WHAAH WHAAH!!!”

See you at the concerts!

I was moonwalking down Kloof Street the other evening when I spotted Hudsons Burger Joint. I had heard about it from Dave (of Caprice fame) and was dying to try it out. Aah, so THAT’s where it was!

Hudsons Burger Joint on Kloof..
Pretty siiiick!

It’s opposite the Kloof Lifestyle Centre (loads of parking), by the way. Next to the garage. that’s the one.

As the name suggests, it’s a burger joint. They’ve got 150g burgers, as well as 250g. And they’ve got a RAD selection. I sat outside and went for the “WiseGuy” which has got some hot stuff inside it – because that’s how I roll. Baby.

Amongst the myriad of wild and wonderful concoctions, they even had an Ostrich Burger! I know, how cool is that? Now you don’t have to feel bad, because ostrich is oh-so good for you (if I remember correctly?!). The roll (carbohydrate) will be fine – I won’t tell anyone.

Trippy..

But don’t take MY word for it – have a look over their marketing blurb:

Their concept is to introduce a completely unique, simple, more direct burger bar, offering the highest quality burgers you can get in Cape Town. Their burgers comprise of freshly ground beef, made in-house, every morning. No soya proteins, limited fat (from the regular 20% down to Hudsons 5%) – just whole-grain meat. What else makes Hudsons so unique from the rest? Double crunch fries, sour dough buns, a chickpea and lentil veggie burger, vanilla lemonade, and other innovative toppings to top off the menu.

Hudons is open from 9am to 11pm Tuesday to Saturday and is located at 69A Kloof street, Cape Town. To book a table call 021 4265974 or mail info@theburgerjoint.co.za

Sick!

So ja I just wanted to tell you about this place and I hope that you give it a bash. It’s basically what Burger Royale on Long Street should be. Unfortunately when you go there you also have to deal with Long Street which comes with the obligatory drug peddlers, whores, cockroaches and parking nightmares..

It’s your call.

And what’s more, Dave tells me The TBG has been to Hudson’s more than once.

You do the math. Hudsons wins.

Oh, God, almost forgot – they’ve got a Jack Black Beer tap there – an immediate entry into “the vibe.”

And they have a CRAZY bathroom – but I want you to find out about that yourself.

Finger Clothing is two doors down. They’re the dudes that stock the exclusive Ape Town range of T-shirts.

That’s enough now.

Go get that burger.

UPDATE

To the Royale fans who are emailing me and getting worked up about the above article – take it from whence it comes. Not to be misunderstood, 2oceansvibe are (and always have been ) massive fans of Royale and are not dissing Royale for one second. We’re referring to Long Street, and what one has to deal with when there. Nothing against Royale. If anything, it annoys us that we don’t go there as often. The whores, drugs, parking hassles and cockroaches were grammatically connected to Long Street, not Royale. Give it another read..

Thanks for the support – some great passion out there. Nice vibe, guys!

Paul from 1800 restaurant downstairs at the Cape Royale (click that if you haven’t seen this place yet) made a call to my room on Sunday night – “Thanks for the Butlers Pizza” he said, “the staff are all feeling the vibe.”

Aah, good, the 10 larges had obviously arrived! Wonderful. They’ve got a lovely bunch of staff, here at the Cape Royale hotel and 1800 restaurant . Some of them, including the likes of Patrick, have been here since the beginning.

It is my first time in the suite I acquired some time ago, and I must say I am pleased as punch. Of the many views from my residence (including the likes of Dan Skinstad waving from a neighbouring building!), I do enjoy this one of the Green Point World Cup Stadium .

One of the many views from the suite

Do you know the entire phone at the Cape Royale is VOIP (same concept as Skype)? Seriously, they’re very tech-aware here – with wireless networks on every floor, as well as downstairs.

I have my meetings either in my suite, or downstairs at 1800 restaurant. We’ll chat about that another time. But read up on their mind blowing (first in South Africa, imported from New York) grilling technique here.

Did I mention the SKYBAR, at the top of the hotel? It’s pretty rad – check it out:

Nothing wrong with that

That’s where we live

But how could one go to the top of the building without having another glance at the stadium? This is probably the highest and nearest point that you can get to it:

Pretty awesome!
(here is another very cool one I took on Twitter)

I know, very cool. And to think there is a Vida e on the one side, and Miss K on the other!

I’ll keep you up to date on my vibe here. I still have to try the spa.. let alone find the gym (having not exercised since I left on the 1st of June for the South of France!). God, I hope I’m not turning into a fatty boom boom!

Oh, and a MASSIVE thanks to De Grendel, Jack Black, Vitamin Water, Steri Stumpie, Puma, Ray Ban, Haut Espoir, Cosmo & Marie Claire for stocking up the penthouse before I arrived! Why you so naughty?

That’s all for now, folks! Remember to follow 2oceansvibe on Twitter to get the LIVE behind the scenes action all day, every day.

ps. CLICK HERE to check out the Cape Royale’s “love winter” special. It’s something like R747 per person, including breakfast, dinner, spa and chauffer.

No, I’m not kidding. Click here.

I’m staying at my residence at the Cape Royale at the moment (if you didn’t pick that up) and it was actually by chance that I was in Camps Bay on Sunday. For lunch at Caprice (if you must know), with G-Man, The Lawyer, DVD 1&2 and The Muse.

And then suddenly my ex, Mother Nature, unleashed great anger in the form of a flash flood. We realised something was wrong when the tops of the drain covers in the road burst into the sky (one of them hit a car), releasing an alarming gush of water.

Take note the open drain over the road.
The cover shot off and hit a car.

Ja. I know. How hectique?

With a PRZ under our belt, that was more than enough fun for one day. But then we turned and looked down the strip, towards Vida e.

Yu!

It.was.massive!!

Hectique, bru!

Jeepers Hudders!

Oh my GOODNESS!

I swear!

Consider your car guarded

Pretty crazy, hey!!?

By the time we had finished the joint whilst taking these pics, the water had completely surrounded Vida and we had to climb over tables to get further up the road to dry land and Caprice.

Oh? You say you would have just waded through the water?

Hah! Good luck with the Zambezi bull sharks, my boet!

Good times.

Funny, I was just chatting to Dave from Caprice this week and he mentioned a famous picture of a guy riding on a jet-ski along the Camps Bay strip.

Anyone out there got the pic? Send it in to editor@2oceansvibe.com

Sick!

The Chief tells me that there is a cool new ’slick’ bar/club in Claremont called Club 91. He is trying to lure me to the ‘burbs for a visit and said we would enjoy it.

Interesting. I’m told it is “sophisticated.”

Have any of you been?

What’s it like?

Oh my God! Look at this! We do not have all the info at the mo, but what we do have are these pictures and the report below.

Photo from Life Is Savage
(Courtesy of Grant Hood)

Photo courtesy of @heinkoen

This, from News24:

Cape Town – A container carrying potentially harmful chemicals washed up on Camps Bay beach on Thursday afternoon, according to Disaster Risk Management.

The owner of the container, whose name has not been confirmed, has been tasked with removing it, Disaster Risk Management’s Charlotte Powell said.

A crane was on its way and Hazmat teams, the police, disaster risk management staff and the fire department were also on the scene.

Police spokesperson Inspector Bernadine Steyn said it was not a criminal matter and no case had been opened.

According to Powell and News24 users on the scene, the tank contains a form of Cresol, a chemical used to make disinfectants and household cleaners, amongst other things.

While exposure to the chemical at low levels is not harmful, it can cause irritation and pain when breathed, ingested or touched.

[more here]

Wow! It’s ALL happening!

I enjoyed this from Life Is Savage : A female onlooker describes the object as a massive metal cylinder surrounded by rusty metal beams..and she swears she saw something emerge and run into Caprice and order the 2 for 1 Dreamy burger special..

We are standing by for more info..

Until then, here’s the song “TOXIC” by Britney Spears:

If you have any more info, please add it to the comments section under this article. And, if you have any other pics – send ‘em in at editor@2oceansvibe.com with the subject “Don’t you know that you’re TOXIC!”

[thanks dave, thanks harps]

The Cafe Caprice Three-Course Friday Supper Club

Let’s take a look:

Starter : Potato and leek soup with toasted garlic and herb ciabatta.

Main: A choice of Chicken kebabs with roasted vegetables and chips OR a 250g Sirloin Steak with roasted vegetables and chips OR a Vegetable neapolitana penne . Stop it!

Dessert: Lindt chocolate brownies! Surely not?

All this for only R80.

AND a Heineken!

I know!

Book now for Friday by calling 021 4388315 or emailing info@cafecaprice.co.za