Cape Town - Summer is all about spending time with family and friends, sipping on something cool and refreshing, and nibbling on bite-sized eats.
From its eateries to its beaches, Cape Town offers a variety of things to do during summer. We have rounded up places to go to and what to do over the festive season, as well as snacks and cocktails you can make at home.
Here are a few options:
Under the stars
The Galileo Open Air Cinema is back, offering an evening with friends or an opportunity for a romantic date. The cinema showcases at a number of venues across Cape Town, from Tuesday to Saturdays, with a few special events in-between. Venues include Kirstenbosch Gardens, V&A Waterfront and the Winelands.
Doors open at 6pm, so arrive early to reserve the best spot on the lawn and enjoy food and drinks on sale at the artisanal food market.
Prices are R90 for entry, R10 for a blanket and R20 for a chair. No VIP tickets are available on location.
Visit: thegalileo.co.za for more information.
Refreshing Rooibos
A Rooibos cocktail movement has taken over bars across the world’s cocktail capitals – in London, New York and Cape Town – and has been dubbed by mixologists as this season’s favourite party mixer, says Ernest du Toit of the SA Rooibos Council.
“The increasing demand for tea, and in particular Rooibos tea, is due in part to mounting evidence of its health benefits as well as a growing interest in quality artisan foods and beverages, such as Rooibos tea-infused cocktails,” he says.
Popular Rooibos-inspired cocktails on drinks menus include gin and Rooibos; bush tea and tequila and a muddle of berries; and Vermouth, Rooibos and crushed ice, which makes for the perfect summer cooler,” says Du Toit.
Iced Rooibos Tea Cocktail
60ml Rooibos Espresso Tea
30ml cherry vodka
15ml milk
½ cup of ice
Garnish: cherries
In a serving glass, add Rooibos Espresso, cherry vodka, and ice. Stir mixture, then add milk. Garnish with cherries.
Summer’s calling
Shimmy Beach Club has launched its summer menu – focusing on fresh, vibrant flavours and colours and suited for beach dining. Their “Summer Calling” campaign also features 10 weekends of parties.
Wednesdays: #LadiesBeLike – A great excuse for the ladies to dress up for a glamorous girls night out, dancing to the sounds of DJs in the club.
Thursdays: Push Play – A laid-back party on the Shimmy Pool Deck, perfect for relaxing after-work sundowners or a picturesque meeting place for friends to drink, eat and dance under the stars.
Fridays: Anthems – Beginning on December 4, starts the weekend with a cool, easy-going Ibiza-style Friday night party.
Saturdays: Pool Party – From December 5 and throughout the summer, get down with these day-time beach parties. Enjoy delicious food and cocktails overlooking the private beach and harbour. There will always be top DJ’s playing on the pool-side stage.
Visit: www.shimmybeachclub.com for more information.
Great office escapes
Escape to the beautiful Parisian-inspired Stella Café and Bar at the Southern Sun The Cullinan hotel on the Foreshore.
The bar opens onto a pool terrace for al fresco lunches and after-work drinks. With a focus on fresh and seasonal produce, they offer a changing tapas menu featuring gourmet specials such as lamb kofta with mojito smoothie, lentils with sweet potato and harissa, squid stuffed with salami in tomato casserole, and chilli pot stickers.
The drinks menu has a selection of bubbly, wines and craft beers, and the resident sommelier will guide you through a journey of tastes. Summer cocktails include the Vanilla Pinotage and Rosso Martini, Elderflower G&T and the Tropical Rum Julep.
l The Acoustic Element violin/guitar duo will perform at the establishment today and on November 27 from 4pm to 8pm.
There will be free entry and half-price on Tanqueray cocktails during these #StellaSessions.
Hours: daily, until midnight. More information @TsogoSun #StellaSessions and @AEMuzos. For bookings, call 021 415 4000.
Recommendation: Go for sundowners during the week, especially on Friday afternoons for good music.
By Stella’s chef Lindsay Venn
200g smooth cottage cheese
30g chopped red onions
20g red chillies, chopped fine
20g chive, chopped fine
16 whole pepperdews
16 wonton wrappers
2 eggs whisked for egg wash
guacamole or plain cream cheese
(optional)
Sauté onions and leave to cool. Mix with the rest of the ingredients in a bowl.
Layer wonton wrappers on a table top and cover with a damp cloth.
Carefully stuff each pepperdew with the mixture and place in the centre of a wonton wrapper. Brush surrounding areas with egg wash and hold close to seal. Cover with damp cloth to prevent from drying out.
Heat oil in a wok or, if you have a table top chip fryer, even better. Check oil with a left-over wonton wrapper to see if it crisps quickly. The chilli popper should be a golden colour once fried.
Lightly season the cooked wrappers, serve with guacamole or plain cream cheese, and enjoy.
Contemporary cuisine
In a city dotted with a number of eateries, there are hidden gems throughout, such as the Dash restaurant and bar at the Queen Victoria Hotel, Portswood Ridge at the V&A Waterfront.
The restaurant offers a lunch and dinner menu of contemporary cuisine, and the environment is relaxed, offeringbeautiful views.
Recommendation: Visit on weekends for lunch or dinner.
Twitter: @DashRestaurant
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dashrestaurant?fref=ts
Twitter: @NewmarkHotels
Nontando Mposo, Cape Argus