Cape Realty

Blowing Up

Jules Kingaby — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:00:24 +0000

I remember as a teenager visiting Venice (no silver spoon, rather a single mum who scrimped and saved to realize this dream for the both of us) and the studio of an Italian glass blower. Walking onto the observation deck I remember being blasted by intense heat and then seeing this ‘magician’ puffing on the end of a steel pipe, transforming a red hot blob of molten glass into the most beautiful bowl I have ever seen.

To avoid planes, trains and water taxis in search of glass blowers extraordinaire, you’ll be pleased to know that a mere 40 minutes drive from Cape Town will have you rolling up at the Red Hot Glass Blowing Studio, Paarl.

Situated on the Seidelberg Wine Estate (yes we are always thinking of our luxury cape town palettes; we knew wine would work well with this outing) the studio is designed to be visual. While walking through their gallery you can view the glass blowing process and really marvel at the skill and precision that is required with this particular craft.

Elizabeth Jackson, the artist and owner of the studio, was Johannesburg based but was looking for a lifestyle change and a beautiful place to display her work to the public. Hmmm, Johannesburg vs wine farm in Cape Town, tough choice! “We felt there was a marriage between wine and our art” Elizabeth explains. Like wine, their art begins with local raw materials and is taken through a process to produce a final creation.

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Elizabeth was travelling the world when she was introduced to the art of glass blowing in the USA. Returning to South Africa she took a four-year apprenticeship in Worcester. Some exciting commissions include 19 chandeliers for international hotels in Chile and a piece titled Sea World wall, 22 metres long and installed at the Carnival City casino. Another was a commission for a luxurious five star spa in Ghana. The client was looking to put the “wow factor” into his spa so a ceiling art piece of 60 square metres displaying an underwater scene was created.

Red Hot Glass Blowing Studio

021 863 0330

Tiny Bubbles

Jules Kingaby — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 06:00:33 +0000

I’ve always wanted to be interviewed for some glam magazine and be asked what the contents of my fridge is (it’s desperately sad I know!). At which point I would reveal that aside from the grass fed beef and the organic truffles I’m never without a selection of the finest champagne. Sounds poncy and delicious and I would be very comfortable with my luxury cape town statement.

Many moons ago, all it took was the stylishly dramatic detaching of a cork from a bottle as a million tiny bubbles in a dramatic fashion, rushed to escape and I was mesmerised. The memory has always lingered as my first official association with champers. So I searched and browsed (never frantically as us champagne connoisseurs never break a sweat) until by chance I stumbled across Cuvée Classiques Cellar in Woodstock (go figure – not Franchoek or Stellies, good old Woodies).

The Cellars goal is to source high quality, well-priced French champagnes for the discerning consumer, who appreciate the essential characteristics of champagne rather than the hype surrounding a name.

Bubble lovers will be chuffed to know that these champagne specialists now offer regular champagne tasting evenings. These focused, personalised tastings are educational and informative, aiming to highlight both the varietal and regional characteristics of their specially selected portfolio of champagnes.

So what is “Champagne”? It’s pretty strictly governed by stiff legislation. To be entitled to be called “Champagne”, the wine must be made from grapes grown in the Champagne region 31 000 hectares of vineyards in the north-east of France. The area of Champagne is subject to a particular range of temperatures, sunshine, rainfall and prevailing winds. Only three cultivars are permitted to be used in the making of champagne, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.

Out of interest, how is champagne different to South Africa’s Méthode Cap Classique (MCC)? An MCC is a South African sparkling wine made in precisely the same way that champagne is made in France. The production quality of these wines is equal to their French counterparts, but due to geographic and climatic conditions, the French champagnes retain unique and distinctive flavours.

Cuvée Classiques Cellar

021 461 6625

info@ccq.co.za

Tip to Top

Jules Kingaby — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:00:05 +0000

My sister is ‘super chick’. She races up and down mountains. Walks dogs at 8pm (huh?). Canoes, gyms, cycles, swims. She’s an award winning B&B queen. Mum extraordinaire. Exceptional wife.

So when she said she was looking for some special R&R and suggested her downtime would be walking the Hoerikwaggo (meaning ‘mountain in the sea’) Trail across Table Mountain I had to gulp. Surely not. Feet up and an island escape while being fanned by some island god is more my style.

Well, what an opportunity missed from my point of view! I so regret not joining her for this unique trek. But hang on. Surely, hiking and luxury cape town don’t go hand in hand. Think again. It’s tough walking, make no mistake and you need to be fit but every detail has been so considered and planned that you can’t but be impressed.

For me the luxury is, as you ‘feet up’ at the end of the day you’re doing so in the knowledge that you haven’t carried your pack, you are walking on a world treasure, the views are breath-taking and that the accommodation for a hiking trail is pretty damn fantastic.

The trail itself takes you from Cape Point all the way to Table Mountain cableway (or visa versa). Each tented camp can accommodate 12 hikers (it’s a good idea to book as a group of friends in my opinion). Each lodge has its own theme and is equipped with a fireplace (key in winter as it does get jolly cold), braai facilities and a big kitchen not to mention stunning views wherever you turn.

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The walk has been designed in such a way that it protects and conserves the surrounding areas. So you can rest easy that you’re not trunching over protected species. This thoughtful project embraces the philosophy of “touching the earth lightly”. Even the accommodation was built using sustainable eco-friendly materials and each camp is a solar powered zone.

Hoerikwaggo Trails

Tel: +27 (0)21 683 7826
Fax: +27 (0)866 346 697
Skype Username: jenmanafricansafaris
Email: Enquiries(at)jenmansafaris.com

Big Apple Hits Cape Town

Jules Kingaby — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 06:00:33 +0000

It can be such a schlep getting to New York these days darling. Long haul flight and water retention is admittedly forgotten once you hit Manhattan and the gorgeous shops, but it is so time consuming. Aaah the life of luxury cape town jetsetters! So you’ll be pleased to learn that a slice of the Apple awaits taste hungry theatre goers in April as the longest-running New York play arrives on our doorstep.

Line, a one-act comedy by Israel Horovitz, brought to our shores by Sugar Daddy Theatre Co is set to have audiences flocking to this absurdist style play from 18-28 April 2012. The Little Theatre in Orange Street will play host to this legendary production that has been running for 38 years at the 13^th Street Repertory Theatre in New York.

So what’s the scoop? The play centres on five people waiting in a queue, none of them seemingly know what they are waiting for, but all are desperate to get first place in line. The drama unravels as they squabble, trick, fight, and betray each other to get ahead. It is a character-driven play making a profound statement about society and human behaviour.

Written by the acclaimed Jewish-American playwright of over 70 plays, many of which have been translated and performed worldwide, Horovitz’s Line has been staged in over 25 countries and translated into over 35 languages.

Need a heads up as to the venue? The Little Theatre Complex is home to the University of Cape Town’s drama and fine arts departments. It’s actually three theatres with the Little Theatre ironically being the largest, providing seating for 240 people. The Intimate and Arena offer space for about 70-80 folk. The bar area is plastered (ironic that) with posters from various live performances and is the perfect spot to meet before the show to get you in the mood for this slick off-beat New York commentary.

Little Theatre

021 480 7129

Tickets available through Computicket

“Big Girls Need Big Diamonds” Elizabeth Taylor

Jules Kingaby — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 06:00:07 +0000

Dripping in big screen sophistication, legendary Zsa Zsa Gabor tinkled “I never hated a man enough to give him diamonds back”. Taylor and Gabor – ladies I love your work!

What is it about the cold, crisp, sparkle and the bling of the thing that has us all engaged? Men too these days it seems with those ‘little’ ear studs as worn by dub-stepping rappas or those Kardashian girls step pappa? Is this immediate attrition for all things that sparkle a taught behaviour? Methinks not. It’s just the “ooooooooh” factor for these shiny stones that pretty much cannot be ignored.

If you love luxury cape town the way I do and top of your list is a diamond ring, bracelet or necklace then the Cape Town Diamond Museum situated at the V & A Waterfront will blow your socks off (and maybe the budget in the long run – sorry). Luxury of luxuries.

Diamonds are a part of our African history, so a visit to the museum will allow you a glimpse into the past of the world’s most famous diamonds with life size replicas on display (you can appreciate the insurance premium if it was the real deal). South Africa’s contribution changed the world diamond industry forever.

Unforgettable pieces such the Cullinan, Hope and Taylor Burton. Diamonds are the world’s most desirable treasure – and the oldest, with origins over three billion years ago.

Ever wondered where the term ‘carat’ originated from; or if they grade diamonds of color differently? Or even for that matter how the shape and cut of the diamond determines its retail value. A visit is clearly a must but for the time being, the only tantalising tit-bit I can dazzle you with is some background information on the Shimanksy My Girl diamond.

One of my favourites, this eight-sided square cut diamond was developed after more than three years of research and carries an international patent for its cut and design. The essence of the My Girl diamond is its ability to reflect light from any angle unlike most diamond cuts that only reflect light from the top. As a luxury cape town gal the purchase of this precious stone has become a healthy obsession I intend to fulfil.

The Cape Town Diamond Museum

021 421 2488
info@capetowndiamondmuseum.org

Talking Tibetan Tea House

Jules Kingaby — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 06:00:52 +0000

They say: best brewed on the stovetop using hot water. Allow the tea to brew on a low heat for several minutes. Add a pinch of salt and a dollop of butter near the end of the brewing process. Transfer to teapot and raise your wooden cup to Lapsang Souchong tea.

Don’t lose me here. I know what you’re thinking; I’ve clearly gone off my luxury cape town marbles. Talking tea…what on earth? All I ask is that you pause for moment in a calm, peaceful kinda way and consider a Tibetan gem waiting to be discovered.

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Tashi delek (‘hallo’) and welcome to the Tibetan Tea House situated near world famous Simonstown and spectacular penguin-friendly Boulders Beach. From the moment you step over the threshold and are swallowed up by the most stunning view of False Bay you’ll be sold. The vegan menu is delicious. As a braai chick I can vouch for the originality of their recipes. It’s not ‘shoe-wow’ lets’ be different. It’s just simply divine.

Tibetan belief is that some people have an invisible power which enables them to prepare delicious food. This power is call ‘lagchus’ (nourishing hand). Clearly evident of this the famous Sherpa Stew which is best enjoyed in winter as the wind howls outside and the sea looks like it is going to self destruct.

Furthermore, folklore also states that drinking tea from a wooden cup makes you handsome, popular and wise. Aaah, welcome back boys! I thought I had lost you after the vegan comment.

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On the same premises you can browse through Sophea Gallery that specializes in spiritual art that runs exhibitions according to a specific theme that changes every three months. They also have an extensive collection of Tibetan art and artefacts.

This unique venue has a pukka link to Tibet. In 2010 six monks from the Rizong Monastery in Ladakh were invited to South Africa. In commemoration of the Dali Lama’s 75^th birthday the monks build a ‘compassion’ sand mandala and offered an insight into their peaceful culture with various chant performances.

Tibetan Tea House

021 786 1544

All ‘a Twitter

Jules Kingaby — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 05:00:24 +0000

All ‘a Twitter

What I found so bizarre when staying in Brisbane Australia recently was the no twitter brown jobey factor. Or for that matter any small jobey. The birds were solid and vocally brave with loud ‘caaaws’ as if they were about to swallow you. So to get back to my garden and have my weavers cheerfully chirping and ‘twirrrring’ was such a relief!

Being no great bundu birding buddy I can still appreciate a flash of color or a beautiful evening song as the sun sets. It was therefore with a slightly raised eyebrow that I heard birders were on the trot to the Silvermine Wetlands in Clovelly (near Fish Hoek and Noordhoek respectively) to spot an anomaly, the Little Crake.

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Porzana Parva (gesundheit!) as the Little Crake is known in official circles, is way off its’ migratory route. This brave fella took a serious diversion of some 180 degrees and should be sunning itself well North of the Equator before heading home to summery Eastern Europe and Western Asia. What makes this a unique luxury cape town moment is that the Crakes arrival records a new species for the bird list which is actually pretty awesome for this neck of the woods.

I was now on board. For this little chappie to have ducked and dived through an incredibly treacherous journey through Africa and to be so seemingly settled in our backyard is tremendous. With his distinct red eye and lipstick smeared beak and a pair of runway model long toes for walking on reeds fashion week seemed to have arrived early in the Mother City this year.

Will LC (I feel we bonded enough to be on abbreviated terms) find his way home? The birding fraternity seem to think it will head North when it feels ready to trek again. Visitors are permitted with much ‘shushing and hushing’ to view this bird in its (un)natural habitat if you like; a true luxury for birders as the chance of this happening again is pretty rare.

The Silvermine Wetland

021 782 0233

“Grab your boards from the back of your van, and paddle out ‘til you can’t see the sand”

Jules Kingaby — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 05:30:46 +0000

Sunrise. Slip slop paddle into the waves at “‘Muizes’” as the chill of luxury cape town Indian ocean sneaks into your wetsuit giving you that ‘whoooooooa’ feeling.

Looking like fully professional bru I pretended to blend, in a chilled kinda way. Not as easy as I had anticipated as both my kids were trailing behind me, one with the cord thingy tied around her middle, and getting tighter, causing a rather breathless experience while the other was complaining loudly that the wetsuit was crushing his manhood.

Were we in the hands of a surf pro to save us from this un-cool entry? Alas no. We had borrowed a couple of boards from a surf buddy and were literally winging it. Now what we should have done is connect with the real okes with a long history of sand beneath their toes and where shark spotting is considered a hazard of the job.

The reason I am giving surfing a bash (unfortunate turn of phrase!) is that it has to be the most incredible way to get fit. Not to mention the fact that surfing must be good for you emotionally. It calms one down in an adrenaline rush kind of way and affords you the luxury of socialising with guys and gals that look like they have just stepped out of a Roxy ad.

Muizenberg beach (“Muizies’) is the ideal spot to take your first time plunge as you prepare for surf savvy success. It’s known for its gentle sloping beach and consistent waves making it the ideal spot to learn to surfing quickly and safely.

You’ll find surfing lessons are abundant in this cove of plenty, with surf schools offering you the full package. It wouldn’t be luxury cape town if you didn’t do this properly. Pay “the man” and make sure your experience is the real deal so that this incredible sport can become a natural calling on your calendar.

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Please Sir May I Have Some More?

Jules Kingaby — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 06:30:50 +0000

This is quite ridiculous! How food fabulous is April? Cheese Festivals going down; gorgeous gourmet gals offering cooking lessons; munching and tasting and sipping and dipping. Luxury Cape Town is the spot once again. I am very aware it’s stating the obvious but when the spot is just the spot you’ve got to just throw up your hands and say, ciao everyone I’m going.

What am I on about? The Pick ‘n Pay Taste of Cape town of course that brings together the city’s most acclaimed restaurants and selected exhibitors to attract you and I … the city’s most dedicated and sophisticated foodies. Yup, we’re right up there and they are lucky to have us. 19-22 April must be popped in your diary now. The address – the Green Point Cricket Club (perfect venue with loads of parking, thanks organisers).

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Celebrating its 5^th anniversary, this event is a serious-serious on the super cool Cape Town calendar and is a really fun foodie opportunity that is as un-fussed as it is elegant. We’re not just talking restaurants and food and wine suppliers, but a line-up of innovative and interactive programmes on cooking and eating designed to entertain and educate in equal measure.

You have to catch the Pick ‘n Pay Fresh Living Chef’s Theatre where you’ll be able to watch the city’s top chefs in action doing demos, culinary challenges (bit like Master Chef), tutorials and conducting Q&A sessions. Another highlight will be the wine and canapé experience, which is an interactive area where guests will learn how to create simple and stylish and completely divine canapé while being instructed by wine experts who will be pairing each canapé with a wide range of fine wines.

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For my grand finale, you cannot leave without visiting the Snowflake Pancake area where the question is posed, “Is a three-course pancake meal too decadent?” Noooooo I say, show me the way. Quite literally the team will be demonstrating how to make the perfect pancakes for starters, main and dessert.

Say “Cheese”

Jules Kingaby — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 06:57:20 +0000

It’s been said that cheese is milk’s leap toward immortality. Even Charles De Gaulle ex-President of France had an opinion saying, “How can anyone govern a nation that has two hundred and forty-six different kids of cheese?”

What makes luxury Cape Town the bees knees of cheese, is the fact that the SA Cheese Festival takes place in our back yard every year in April. Cheese lovers unite as you diarise the weekend of 27 to 30 April when the Festival takes place at Sandringham Estate in Stellenbosh (close to Paarl and Franschhoek).

What is so decadently divine is the fact that you will be able to feast on the widest selection of cheeses currently available in South Africa. Make no mistake, you don’t have to be a connoisseur or have a well trained palate, the brief is simple. If you love the stuff, be there. As cheesy as it sounds, South African cheeses are the flavour of the month.

South African consumers are currently putting pressure on local cheese makers to supply greater volumes of their favourite favourites but also of new and exciting types. The quality of SA cheese is improving and those which compete internationally in the USA and UK regularly return with Bronze, Silver and Gold medals.

It’s been said that cheese making is a scientific process carried out by romantic artisans. With many aspirant cheese makers talking about a recipe for cheese making, keen students will tell you that cheese is not made from a recipe. Regardless as to the debate, visitors to the Festival will definitly find their perfect cheese match among the delicacies galore – wine, nuts and olives to name but a few – where you will be spoiled for choice.

The entrance fee includes a shopping bag, festival programme, tastings (the best part!) and demonstrations by well known South African food personalities. Wine tasting glasses will be available at the gates and there will be discounted tickets for senior citizens for the duration of the festival. Entry for children under 13 is free.

Tickets for this mouth-watering event are available from Computicket outlets countrywide.

SA Cheese Festival

021 975-4440 / 1 / 2 / 3