Two Lemons and a Cactus

Tuesday 10 June 2014

Top Spots to Watch the FIFA World Cup Games

In the spirit of soccer and all things World Cup, we bring you a range of places to go watch the games. Starting in the Valley and moving towards Town, we suggest these places for all locals.

The Red Herring in Noordhoek
There will be renovations end of June - but the downstairs bar will still be open!
Website | Facebook | 021 789 1783 | Open until 11:00pm

Dixie's in Glen Cairn
Website | Facebook | 021 786 2105 | Open until 10:00pm, Sundays until 10:00pm

Brass Bell in Kalk Bay
Website | Facebook | 021 788 5455 | Open until late (kitchen around 10:00pm)

The Toad in Lakeside (Also Noordhoek and Newlands)
Website | Facebook | 021 788 1135 | Open until late (around 11:30pm)

Pirates in Plumstead (and Hout Bay)
Watch the early games here - this place is open 24 hours. Hout Bay is open until 2:00am.
Website | Facebook | 021 797 5659 | Doesn't close

Hobnob's in Kenilworth
Facebook | 021 761 8235 | Open until late

Oblivion Wine Bar in Harfield Village
A bar that welcomes an older crowd with over 22's only.
Website | Facebook | 021 671 8522 | Open until 12:30am weekdays, 2:00am weekends

Quay Four in the V&A Waterfront
Website | Facebook | 021 419 2008 | Open until 12:00am

Mitchells Ale House in the V&A Waterfront
Website | Facebook | 021 419 5074 | Open until 2:00am

Sunday 8 June 2014

Anura Vineyards

The great thing about Sundays in Cape Town is the chance to drink wine. We have such a great variety of farms available to us, and Anura is one of the understated great ones.

At the beginning of Klapmuts Road, in Paarl, you will find this lovely farm. We recommend ordering the cheese and preserves platter when tasting the wine. There are some pretty amazing variations of cheeses, such as chilli and paprika infusions as well as Froggit Foods products like Whiskey Marmalade and a Morrocan Zing which you may just buy after trying.

And the wines: a tasty choice of wines, which we couldn't fault. Starting off with a different rosè which can easily be consumed in copious amounts when with friends, to a very rich red Cab Sav and the wine maker's Verdelho, which has a unique flavour. The range of wines available on this farm is wide; ensuring whoever you go with will enjoy something (or all of them).

Whether it's raining out and you sit inside by the fireplace, or outside on the patio soaking up the sun, this is definitely a farm to check out.

Last minute details:
Watch out for: Tourists and frogs
Address: Klapmuts Road
Telephone: +27 21 875 5360
Website: http://www.anura.co.za/index.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anura-Vineyards/118684118173835

Tuesday 3 June 2014

Keeping Warm indoors on a budget

Burn baby burn… Nothing says warm and inviting like lighting a fire and adding pine cones for an amazing aroma or simply use a gas heater if you don’t have a fire place.

Yummy in my tummy… Why not cook dinner or bake a dessert to fill the house with warmth and yummy smell’s. For dinner try warm things like pies, soups and stews. For dessert bake toffee pudding and apple pie or better yet cosy up to the fire place and make some s’mores…

Bring on the sandman… When all is over and done and your day is finally over then turn the Electric blankets on or try hot water bottles and bean bags for a fun alternative instead of heaters in your bedroom plus they are much safer options.

Quenching your thirst… Want to drink something warming? Try hot cocoa and marshmallows, a glass of red wine or why not try a sherry? It is daring but it’s known to warm from the inside out…

Blankies galore… Try the lovely blankies from Mr Price that range between R80 to R130. Or a cosy Throw from Woolworths for only R110. Blankets are investments if you ask me and the more the merrier for winter time!

Act like a kid again… Remember building those blanket forts when you were a kid? How it felt like nothing could ever get to you and you were the king (or queen) of the world. Well why not turn a corner of your room into a cosy fort this winter or set up a fort over your bed. Add some fairy lights to create a warming atmosphere and watch your favourite series.

Sunday 1 June 2014

Chic Mama's

This charity clothing store is focused around fashion and style with the main drive being children's education. The kicker for this shop is that fashion brands are sold (and the clothing is only taken if in excellent condition). This allows anyone a chance to buy label fashion - at a significantly reduced price (but still at a price where you're making a difference).

Once a month there is a Swap4Charity event if you would like to donate your clothing, and it counts towards future purchases in the value of tokens. So you're getting a feel-good experience - hey! you're doing something great - but you also get to shop further. Can't think of a better exchange.

Also monthly is the half price sales, which are well worth it. The only downfall is that items are often singular - which means if it isn't your size, or you put it down for further confederation, someone else may take it from you (I've experienced this).

Last minute details:

Watch out for: Crazy shoppers

Address: HQ in Bergvliet in Sherwood Centre, Hout Bay is at 20B Earl Street
Telephone: 083 716 9308
Trading hours: Bergvliet - Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm, Sat: 9am - 1pm, Closed Sundays and Public Holidays, Hout Bay - Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm, Sat: 10am - 12pm, Closed Sundays

Website: http://www.chicmamasdocare.org/chicmamas/Home.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.chicmamasdocare.org

Gift vouchers also available.

The Grill and Butcher

This restaurant out in Table View is worth the trip. One of the better steaks we have experienced in a while. Prices are reasonable, and the steaks were cooked to perfection. We experienced a meal of two sirloins, with the veg being butternut or creamed spinach, and stir-fry. I had a creamed spinach and feta topping on the steak, while Kyle had a mushroom sauce (his was ok - mine was fantastic). The dessert list is quite difficult to choose from, although we settled on caramel cheesecake. All in all an evening well spent.

Just a hint: maybe don't take your vegetarian friends here especially since as you walk in there is a small deli where you can buy meat products.