Whether you’re a proud local or excited visitor to Cape Town, the Mother City constantly has something new and wonderful to offer you. Here are five new experiences guaranteed to satisfy your senses! Some were new to me, and I’m sure some will be new for you!
1. Touch – Lindt Chocolate Class
More than once I’ve received a gift and on recognising the unique Lindor-shaped box, immediately responded with a grin on my face. Lindt chocolates hold a warm place in the hearts – and stomachs – of most South Africans. I learned recently that there are only two places in the world where you can be an active participant in a Lindt workshops or class – and both are in South Africa. As a result, I quickly enrolled in one of the workshops. Before I knew it I was sitting in Lindt’s gorgeous new chocolate studio at the Silo District, being taught by master chocolatiers on how to make the Lindt chocolate cupcakes. After transforming into a Lindt chocolatier thanks to the uniform, we began to get our hands dirty and make our cupcakes. Whilst they were baking, we learnt the history of chocolate, as well as Lindt’s proud heritage as premier chocolate producer. Finally, we decorated our cupcakes with ganache icing, adding even more chocolate. To answer the question that is on everyone’s mind – YES, there was a lot of tasting involved – and indeed we took home our 8 scrumptious cupcakes. If you’re in Cape Town or Joburg, check out the various classes at chocolatestudio.co.za/classes.
2. Taste – Whisky Wednesdays at Ginja
While food and wine parings have become common place in eateries around Cape Town, my intrigue was recently piqued when I heard about Ginja’s Whisksy Wednesdays. This Waterfront restaurant offers a monthly whiskey and food pairing at its prime spot in The Victoria & Alfred Hotel. A whisky aficionado guides you through the evening, teaching you to, in their own words, “learn how to nose, taste and appreciate, unlocking all the mysteries of one stunning single malts and incredible blends.” This of course, is paired with a decadent four-course meal. Each month features a different distillery, and Glen Grant was the spirit of choice on this particular evening. The 70 of us who were participants of the evening were lucky enough to get a tasting of the very rare Glen Grant 18-Year-old single malt. Make sure to organise an Uber home, and as R295 per person, it’s a steal. Find more information online here.
3. See – Spier Segway Tours
As Capetonians, we embody a sense of pride for our wine farms, and as a result are quick to include our privileged proximity to some of the world’s finest wine farms as one of the reasons to live in, or indeed visit Cape Town. Having visited many, yet spent the majority of my time in their tasting rooms, I decided to try something completely new. For a few years, Segway Spier has offered a unique way of exploring their world renowned and almost 350-year-old wine farm. A recent change of location has resulted in the tours having a new sense of popularity, and I wanted in on the action. After a short lesson on one of the Segways, you’re given an informative and fun-filled tour of the farm through backroads and secrets of these vineyards. I can’t remember when last I’d had so much fun, and in addition, the devices are easy to use and rather intuitive. I’d recommend the Sunset Tour as the lighting is sublime. Don’t forget your reward after of a bottle of wine on completion. See the various tours on offer at segwaytours.co.za.
4. Hear – The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra
For 103 years the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra has been enthralling music-lovers and novices alike. Growing up in a home where music had a central place, I’m always on the lookout for new musical experiences. Upon my arrival in Cape Town I was delighted to discover the city indeed has her own orchestra. The CPO has four concert seasons per year, usually with four concerts in each. The performances take place in the grand City Hall, adding an element of visual extravagance to the evening. If you relish the opportunity to dress up, get out that dress or sports jacket, and enjoy an evening on the town. Don’t forget some moola to enjoy a glass of bubbly during the interval. There are cheaper seats available behind the orchestra if you’re a little cash-strapped. In addition, there is always a free pre-concert talk on the evening’s programme at 19h15 pm in the Sunken Lounge. Visit their website at www.cpo.org.za for the schedule of upcoming concerts.
5. Smell – Kayaking at Moullie Point
Often I’ve jealously spotted paddlers making their way around the various scenic bays of the Mother City. Somehow, after 5 years of living in the city I’ve never joined their ranks, so when I recently received an invite to join the team from Kaskazi Kayaks & Adventures on a paddle, I knew I was about to experience that seductive ocean scent closer than ever below. After kitting up in the appropriate gear, a short paddle from the beach at Three Anchor Bay takes you out to the ocean. Within minutes the views alone are enough to take your breath away, as you begin to discover Cape Town from a new perspective. The adventure takes around two hours, and on our trip it gave us enough time to paddle just short of the harbour and back. We were encouraged along by the penguins and dolphins that passed us along the way – I can only imagine what it’s like when a whale joins their ranks! I’m already itching for my next adventure out on the ocean – perhaps not yet a paddle to Robben Island – but for that smell of the ocean and Cape Town views, I’m game. Visit www.kayak.co.za for more information.