CAPE TOWN DIVA: January 2014

When I get the gap, I dash to the Mill...

Seriously, when I'm feeling pressure and need light relief and distraction, one of the places to which I flee is the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. There are 3 spots in particular that pull me there - Espresso Lab not only does the finest in coffee (even Nobu said so) but there's a girl there whose face makes me smile...Miss Helene, she with the oft-changing hair colour and happy days heart. And then there's one of my fave fash stores, that being the one belonging to designer Kat van Duinen. It's my go-to place for this and that, posh and not, couturier and casual, with the lovely Natalie ever attentive and consistently sweet. And lastly, there's Exposure Gallery where I go to see that amaze guy Fernando about my Instagram photo block mounts and some or other photographic advice...

Here are a few random musings via my Canon 50mm lens... Espresso Lab first...

And Kat van Duinen...

For more about the Old Biscuit Mill, which mostly isn't old at all and doesn't sell biscuits, see http://www.theoldbiscuitmill.co.za/about-the-mill/

Labels: Beautiful Cape Town, Coffee Shops, Favourite Places

Basilico's new menu items...

I slipped over to the Suburbs from town for dinner at Basilico in Newlands (diagonally opposite Melissa's) this week...chef and owner Anthony Bounds had mentioned on my last visit that he'd introduced a few new menu items this past December and I was keen to try them out. I only got through two dishes as it was just Oscar and me - I mean I could've pushed for another but I would've come across as a greedy pig which is so un-diva. This time we sat upstairs - the view is amazing from the balcony - a great spot to sip your Peroni on a balmy summer's evening...

Spaghetti with prawns, fresh leeks, chilli and garlic, simmered in a tomato and cream sauce.

Grilled lamb rump with garlic and rosemary potatoes, spinach and mushroom in a red wine reduction...

Basilico serves simple, affordable and wholesome Italian food in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, it has become a busy family-orientated restaurant loved by the neighbourhood.

www.basilico.co.za / @Basilico_pizza / https://www.facebook.com/Basiliconewlands /
021 683 5989 - 32 Kildare Road, Newlands

Labels: Food Drink

Beach break at one of Cape Town's finest...

I don't do it often enough, this escaping from the office in the middle of a mad day stuff. Today was impossibly beautiful in Cape Town...31 degrees, windless, cloudless, that balmy air on the skin. I had to get out and for some reason Bakoven beach was on my mind. It's long been one of my faves, mostly because it's quiet, you can get in a good swim (in freezing water FYI), snatch a power nap and be back at your desk revitalized and able to cope with the latter part of the day until that Chardonnay comes your way.

The mode of transport today...headed along Camps Bay main road ...

That's Bakoven way over there, to the left of the flat beige rock...

And this is it, the cove that is Bakoven - in the distance, Lion's Head, to the right, Table mountain jutting out and under that, Camps Bay...

A bit closer up...clear, chilly water..

Even the dogs were loving their day... (NB dogs need to be on a leash- it's ideal to take them down early or late in the day and NB to scoop the poop!)

To get there, go through Camps Bay (away from the City) and Bakoven is the first beach after that, then take a right into Beta Rd and then right again. There are actually 2 beaches at Bakoven, the other being where the NSRI boat docks- my fave is this one though. Check on Cape Town Tourism's website for more accurate directions if you're unsure.

Things to note- there is no shower or loo on the beach and nowhere to get refreshments so take your own. Also NB to check the tides as when the water comes up, you'll have to set your derrière down on a scratchy rock...not going to work. And do watch your little ones when the water gets rough- there's quite a strong undercurrent.

Enjoy! If you're Instgramming or Tweeting, @lovecapetown @capetowntourism #lovecapetown

Labels: Beautiful Cape Town, Favourite Places

Blog hiatus. Not for long...

I haven't blogged in too long. So later I'll upload something scrumptious about Cape Town. Mouth watering pics of one of the world's, yes that's right, the worlds BEST beaches. And then you'll book a flight to the Mother of all Cities. #lovecapetown

This is me. Thinking. About my next post.

Labels: Beautiful Cape Town

Pizza, this time over the mountain...

I'm mostly a City girl- it's not often that I drive over the hill to the Southern Suburbs for much, let alone food, but for a great pizza destination, Basilico in Newlands calls my name. Originally known as Piazza Trevi, the restaurant was bought by Anthony Bounds in 1999 who changed the name and started serving amazing homemade Italian dishes, gourmet salads and those ever popular wood fired pizzas. There are some excellent new menu additions as of December 2013, like the spaghetti with prawns and the pork fillet. After a fire razed the building in 2009, Anthony rebuilt it, added a second floor and the restaurant continues to thrive and draw loyal patrons and new customers. I have attended many a dinner party here - the vibe is fab, it's family friendly and the waiters are on top of it. A bonus is that I can get one of my fave wines by the glass - Waterford's Pecan Stream (Pebble Hill), so happy days.

www.basilico.co.za for more re the menu, wine list and specials - some amaze deals are going down so go try for yourself...

Come inside, have a seat...