Hudsons on Somerset

If you like Burgers there really is only two places where one can go in Cape Town and truly enough a wholesome, and relatively healthy burger; those are Royale Eatery and Hudsons Burger joint.

Yesterday the new Hudsons- on the corner of Somerset and Portswood Road in Green Point- was calling our name to be tried out.
After having taken my friend to Royale Eatery several month back he was aching to try out the much raved Hudsons, and the new one was the perfect opportunity.

Situated across the road and next to the Cape Royale Hudsons on Somerset has taken over the corner spot which was previously occupied by Melissa's and Bravado. Some consider that corner cursed but if Hudsons keep up to their great standards business should not be a problem.

With an improvement to the menu; seeing new burgers being offered, starters, sliders, salads and even pizza's there is much more to choose from. I opted for 'The Game'. As the name suggest it is an ostrich patty topped with cranberry sauce, goats cheese and rocket. It was scrumptiously delicious and a great pleasure to see ostrich patties being served on the menu.

Royale Eatery only offer one type of burger with the ostrich patty whereas Hudsons can add it to any burger you desire. Very happy customer!!

While my friend decided to go for 'The Player'; a beef patty that had bacon, avocado and feta on it. Sounding more like a pizza topping he said the burger was really tasty and he enjoyed it very much. The food overall was full of flavour, well presented and a definite winner.

The service however was a bit of a let down as the waitresses seemed unsure of themselves and once we had eaten they never bothered to ask us if we wanted dessert or coffee. After failing to grab their attention to ask to see the dessert menu the bill arrived in fornt of us without even having asked for it. This was a bit of a let down but it is still early days and I am sure it will improve with time.

Nevertheless Hudsons comes as recommended restaurant for the Burger lovers and for anyone keen to have a chilled night eating good wholesome food.

Sizzling Summer Vibes

To all the fabulous Cape Townians it certainly looks like summer has decided to finally bless the beautiful "Mother City" with scorchers of hot days, followed directly by a fogged in day which is bound to be taken away the pumping South Easter. Yes, summer is definitely here and what a fabulous summer it will be.

There is so much to do this summer as Cape Town is hosting event after event, latest fashion trends are being worn in style and of course Christmas is just days away. Cape Town just keeps on getting better with each passing season making it no surprise that it is one of the top tourist destinations.

From now up until the New Year comes upon us in full force there are several events that CANNOT be missed. Whether you prefer to have a relaxing day in the gardens having a picnic, or trancing it up at one of the wine farms, or simply lounging in the sun and enjoying a few sundowners and a good meal Cape Town certainly has it all.

This weekend sees Trance Heads stomping it out at Awesomeville on Saturday 11 December through to Sunday afternoon. This psychedelic trance party sees hot international and local acts bust the decks with the likes of D_Maniac, Commercial Hippies, Snitch and Headroom playing. It is the second last trance party of the year before Rezonance sends all the hippies into the New Year on the December 31 through to January 2nd.

If you prefer a more relaxing day and being one with God's greatest gifts; Nature and Music, the Kirstenbosch summer concerts are the way to go. Pack up a picnic basket, grab a bottle of bubbly and some blankets and head down to Kirstenbosch gardens where every weekend there is a different band or artist. From Carols to Candle Light, to individual musical geniuses or rock bands there is something for everyone. For the Concert Line-up click here

While the Fairest Wheel at the V&A Waterfront is still up and running and is something that must be tried along with the ice-rink that has been put up outside for the duration of the school holidays. Table Mountain are also offering half price tickets at Sunset which is perfect to take your loved one for some sundowners before going out for a divine dinner. Finally the Wine lands are always an option with Stellenbosch and Franschoek producing some of the World's best wines and cuisine; a day out in mountainous suburbs cannot be missed!

There is so much on offer in Cape Town and it would be a pity if one never took the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and not do something they haven't experienced yet. Life is now, go live it. My motto has always been; Take risks: have no regrets.

Cape Town's Secret Gem: Cafe Max

When it comes to food there is nothing I enjoy more than stumbling across tiny and relatively unknown cafes and restaurants that serve good, wholesome, fresh food. Today I decided to head back to a good old favourite that I hadn't been to for some time, and boy am I glad I went.

Previously known as Cafe Maxime, which opened in 2007, it has now been re-changed to Cafe Max. Located in Waterkant Street, Cafe Max is off the beaten track of all the other well-known places in the De Waterkant area, but the food is just as good, if not better.

I first tried Cafe Max when it first opened and instantly fell in love with it's quaint, girly feel to it with silver and pink stripped walls. The lamb burger with roasted balsamic cherry tomatoes was an instant winner for me then but the menu has changed since then.

Breakfast is now served all day for those wanting to get in their egg and croissant fix for the day or you could create a Meze platter for two or three people, as well as choosing from a list of Max favourites or the menu of the day.

It was so difficult deciding what to opt for as the relatively small menu was bursting with so many different temptations. I decided to go for the Chicken salad dressed in freshly made Honey and Mustard dressing.

As far as Chicken salads go this was the most amazing one I have ever had. The chicken breasts were cut into slithers and freshly cooked in the kitchen so upon arrival the actually chicken was so warm and tender. The salad was sprinkled with cashew nuts caramelised in the honey and mustard dressing with avocado cut on top. The actual dressing was a proper concoction of honey and whole grain mustard that was made fresh as it was also still warm when drizzled across the chicken and the salad. The tastes of the fresh honey and msutard dressing with the warm chicken, soft avocado and crunchy cashews just blended so well together as all the different textures left me feeling highly satisfied and glad that I returned.

My mother ordered the crepe of the day. This was a generous helping of a large crepe filled with sweetcorn, cherry tomatoes, artichokes and some melted Parmesan shavings. The dish was as appetising as it sounds as once it was cut into the Parmesan and sauce came oozing out with the colourful vegetables.

The service was good and friendly as we were greeted by the Chef and the waiter upon arrival. The gentle smells of the kitchen slowly drifted through the restaurant making us more hungry. t certainly was a delight returning back to Cafe Max and I will be sure to return again.

Synergy, You Beast!!

I could never understand the hype surrounding the whole outdoor, weekend party experience. Mud and grass in all places, the hard floor to sleep on, dirty toilets and showers, and a 72 hour long booze fest definitely did not sound like my cup of tea. Though I admit there was a tinkle of temptation to find out why it was so highly rated.

With University exams finally over I decided to hit one of the biggest festivals for an awesome post-exam party, Synergy was the way to go with an impressive line-up of local rock bands and some electro and drum and bass artists that were guaranteed to knock everyone’s socks off the temptation was at an all time high. I just had to look beyond the whole camping thing for two nights.

When we arrived on Friday afternoon in Franschoek the heat was at its peak. It is still surprising how we managed to take carry all our bags from the car through to the camp site and still set up camp. The sweat was dripping from each beautiful specimen there; disgusting I know, but this was Synergy, and everything goes in Synergy!

Disappointingly the entrance into the main area was delayed as Feeder still has to do their sound check. With little shade available and the pelting heat exhausting everyone, tempers started to become on edge as all they wanted was to get to the river to cool down. However; once the gates were finally opened all was forgotten and everyone was ready to have a great party.

After a quick look-about at the stages and the stores we hit the river for a quick cool down before deciding to go to the rock stage. By this stage the drinking had already began so spirits were high all round. At the main stage we stayed to watch the Dirty Skirts, Black Hotels, and Foto Na Dans who got everyone up on their feet ready to stomp the whole weekend. There was no denying that the music played was amazing. From the singing, to the guitar solos all the bands rocked and they rocked it hard. But by 10pm the time had come for me to go to the Electro stage to see PHFAT and Hyphen.

Finally after much persuasion on my end to convince the friends to join me, they finally did as they we awed by the sound and the bass that was pumping out of the Electro tent. Psychedelic-Bass rappers PHFAT once again pulled in the crowds as they owned the stage: their song “Big Five” once again a winner amongst the audience.

After a strong performance by the PHFAT boys the god of Drum and Bass, Hyphen, was up next and he ensured that the audience size only increased. Hyphen pumped out some heavy, wicked tunes as the bass shook through the floor up through everyone’s feet; taking over their body and mind (and no alcohol was not solely to blame). His own mix of the Barbara Streisand song by Duck Sauce came on, which was soon to become the Synergy theme song, got everyone pumping even more for the acts to follow. A special appearance from MC Psyke was the perfect touch to Hyphen’s mind blowing beats raising the bar even more for Niskerone and SFR who were closing the set.

Despite the killer electric waves running through our bodies we had to force ourselves back to the main stage to witness Jax Panik’s first live performance. I am a firm believer that you start off with rock and you end with electro and not the other way round, and that opinion is still to remained unchanged.

Departing on such a high from the Electro tent we felt that Jax Panik had to put out one world-class performance to keep us on the music high. Starting with his most well known song “Get up” we thought he may just well pull it off but we slowly started to lose momentum and energy as the songs became less unknown and we struggled to hear his voice above the electronic waves of his band. Despite this I will give Jax Panik the benefit of the doubt as it was his first live gig and he will grow with experience. I will happily go and see him once more. With the live acts over our Friday was completed but the fun was only beginning as we headed out back to the tent to meet up with the rest of the mates. Friday was definitely the start of what was to be the best weekend of this year.

Saturday morning arrives; cold, misty and wet... eish ...the weather reflecting how everyone was feeling: heavy heads, aching muscles, rings around everyone’s eyes, and dirty clothes covered in mud and leaves. Yet a glimmer of a smile could still be seen on everyone’s faces as they recalled the madness, naughtiness and drunken escapades from the night before.

We started off the day slowly, whether that was due to the hangover and sore body or the endless queues I am yet to figure it out. A chilled session by the tent for the majority of the day helped us regain our strength for what was to be another epic night. The line-ups at both the electro tent and the main stage were killer so I ran between sets and jammed where ever I could. Though undoubtedly Mix and Blend got my ball rolling and my energy levels pumping. But Hog Hoggidy Hog called my name as I was dragged to the main stage by the friends to watch some punk- come-ska music. I think I got my full weeks gym work out in the amount of running and jamming I did between the two stages. I am still unsure as to how I managed to not fall once in my drunken state.... yet that does not explain why both my hamstrings still ache today??

Come 21:45 there was no question were I was to be. Following a mass attack by my two guy mates I decided to mission solo to the Electro tent to see Haezer play. I was not going to let a stupid argument ruin the most epic weekend ever. When the Electro god stepped out onto the decks the masses were all around the tent, the crowd was huge and the energy levels were pumping. I somehow managed to squeeze myself into the front centre and I jammed hard to what was the most insane Electro beats. Heazer pulled it off once again and he did it in an awesome style.

I must admit I would hate to have been El Gordo having to play straight after an undoubtedly crowd favourite. Nevertheless the youngster pulled out some sick tunes which kept the crowd pumped. Goldfish the final gig of the night did what everyone knew they would do and play their best most popular tunes. They made the perfect end to what was the most awesome experience ever.

Synergy you turned innocent people into crazy, drunken people, you and with the influence of lots and lots of alcohol took over our minds and body. You broke our bodies but we regained strength for a second round on the Saturday night. I made awesome new friends, experienced the most epic weekend ever, and jammed to the sickest beats I have ever heard. Thank you Synergy, you may have taken some of our memories- but you put a smile on everyone’s face leaving us only wanting more!!

So despite my skepticism about outdoor parties I can now say I understand the hype and I am already planning my next music festival. Rock on!

30 Seconds To Mars. Enough Said.

When you hear the name 30 Seconds to Mars you immediately think insane rock music, powerful lyrics and of course Jared Leto. The band needs little introduction to South Africans who idolise and admire the amazing chords and tunes the band strings together while of course being blown away by Jared Leto's ability to hit certain note that fails 99% of us.

Last night saw the close of 30 Seconds To Mars' World Tour in South Africa seeing them playing one night in Johannesburg and two in Cape Town. The concert was held at the Grand Arena at Grand West Casino.

Out of the three rock concerts that I had the privilege to attend this year Jared Leto and co won me over as they put on one of the most powerful performances ever. From opening up with "Beautfil Lie" to Jared performing a solo acoustic set of "Alibi" in the crowd to their final song of "King and Queens" the rock trio had everyone on their feet the whole night.

The stage presence that Leto has and his endless energy was fantastic to see as he belted out those high notes leaving all the ladies in tears. His acoustic version of "Alibi" singing in the middle of the audience silenced everyone in the Arena as the rock star turned the song it such beauty.

It was a night to remember and for anyone who wasn't a fan before and got to see them live is surely a fan now. Thank you to 5FM and Big Concerts for organising the return of this rock trio, we now wait in anxiety for their next return.

Bread Cafe' at the Bromwell

There is something about Woodstuck that has an air of mysticism in it. It maybe the run down old buildings that are contrasted by modern new office and apartment blocks that have been built, or the variety of different cultures living in the area, or the little Cafe's and shops that have turned a once very dangerous and run down area into one of Cape Town's up-and-coming hot spots. Which ever it may be it is always an adventurous learning curve going there.

Today I had the great pleasure of treating my mom to a much needed mother-daughter lunch session. I couldn't decide where to go but I knew I wanted it to be a place we had never been to before and something rather different, what better place than finding a hidden gem in Woodstock?

I tried to avoid opting for the Old Biscuit Mill as we all know it is a wonderful place; I wanted something that one wouldn't usually go to and I found the most ideal place. It was Bread Cafe' at the Bromwell.

The Bromwell is one of the brightest and one of the many newly upgraded buildings along Albert Road. Its colours of black and red are catching to the eye while its sharp Gothic features leaves everyone wanting to know what's inside.

Upon walking in you are greeted by the reception lady who will show you to Bread Cafe's or to the gallery, art deco shop upstairs. The Cafe's is beautifully decorated with wonderful chairs and couches, while the food from the bakery is on display as soon as one walks in. Leaving one drooling before reaching their seat.

The menu is simple yet brilliant. I opted for the roast beef sandwich on rye that had a coriander tatziki spread on the bottom, while pickled onions were put on top of the beef with a side salad accompanying the dish. The sandwich was beautifully presented and the flavours of the beef were so tasty and tender.

My mom had a very generous portion of a Walnut and Gorgonzola salad that was bursting with colour and it never failed to disappoint. Two huge pieces of their homemade Baguette accompanied the salad with a little dish of Olive Oil and Balsamic vinegar.

Bread is definitely a place that I will be return to soon and it comes highly recommended. Despite the location the building is safe with a secure parking space with a security guard on watch at all times.A definite must for all!

Lets Rock Our Own Daisies!

So this coming weekend Cape Townians will be on a wave of excitement as Rocking the Daisies returns in full force at Cloof Wine Estate in Darling. For the select, unfortunate few who won't be attending- be it for funds, transport or work and university reasons- there are still some things happening in the Mother City that will help ease the pain.

Friday night Fiction Club have created a party for the 'non-Daisies' goers; seeing free entrance all night and drinks at R10 a pop. A fine deal to help take your mind off the rocking party your friends are having in Darling.

Assembly also have a massive gig on where Discotheque presents Electric City with El Gordo and Double Adapter. Entrance fee is R40 (presale) and R60 at the door. This promises to be an awesome night as the line-up is once again top-notch.

Saturday also sees some good entertainment as Newlands rugby stadium will host the Western Province versus the Sharks at 5pm. This allows for a perfect opportunity to gather the family and friends, a couple of beers and some meat and do the 'All out Rugby and Braai day'.

So don't fear should you not be going to Rocking the Daisies, there is still plenty to do in Cape Town, lets rock our own daisies this weekend.