A Touch of Madness
Roka Lounge
Blues
The Cape Town Ritz Hotel
The Ritz is the place for a new perspective. It's situated on
the 21st floor of a highrise in grungy, fashionable Seapoint,
and on a clear day you really can see forever. And there's
an extra treat in store: this place is one of the country's last
revolving restaurants, so you can enjoy a three-sixty degrees
view of sea and mountain as you enjoy a Heineken®. The
majestic splendour of the sunlight carpeting the waves and
the Afropolitan atmosphere make this place a must for any
knowledgeable visitor - and quite a few locals too.
Sophiatown
Medium Rare
12 Nuttall Road, Observatory Cape Town, Western
Cape Tel: 021 448 2266 www.cafeatom.co.za
This restaurant, located in a traditional colonial house,
describes itself as a "Victorian Quaffery". it boasts two
dining rooms, separate bar and lounge zones, as well as
a tranquil courtyard, where you can enjoy a cold Amstel
at your leisure. The menu offers a range of classics,
such as slow-roast lamb, and African fusion food, such
as Kudu loin fillet. The ambience is a truly Capetonian
crossover of colonial and African style, and they really
like to treat their guests well here. On Thursday and
Sunday evenings, they have live music of the folk,
bluegrass, or Irish persuasion, which makes the place
just right for a night out with friends.
44 Stanley avenue milpark Tel: +27 (0)114822038
Fax: (0)11 482 6313 www.rokalounge.com
Somewhere between fantasy and desire lies the perfect
pub, where you can be yourself in good company:
Roka. A platform for new talent - from singers to djs,
musicians to poets, this club-pub rewards the visitor
with a variety of experiences. Roka is where young
media professionals from the nearby South African
Broadcasting Corporation like to relax, so here you
can mix with the stars, under the stars. People are
too sophisticated to ask for autographs though, and
ordinary folk can simply blend in with the celebs. That's
the way we do it in Afrika. Cool. Cool as Heineken®.
The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
Tel: +27 (0)21 438 2040 www.blues.co.za/blues/index.html
Some places are beyond ordinary appreciation, their consummate
beauty as timeless as the ocean. One of these places is
undoubtedly Camps Bay Beach, as seen from the patio of Blues.
One of the trendiest establishments along this stretch of some
of Africa's most expensive real estate. Blues has recently been
remodelled and now also features Baraza, an exclusive sundowner
haven and a meeting place set in tranquil surroundings. A drink
or a meal at this place will very likely be unforgettable, so make
sure you share it with some of your favourite people. If this is what
having the blues is about, bring it on! J
Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town Tel: 27 (0)21 439 6010
www.africanskyhotels.com
I
1 Central place Newtown, Johannesburg
Telephone +27 (0) 11 836 5999
Opened a year and a half ago by two twenty-something Soweto
workaholics, Sophiatown is named after the famous cosmopolitan
neighbourhood that generated some of the country's classic music
and literature. Appropriately, this bar-restaurant has become one of
Jozi's main platforms for live bands, as well being home base for many
an inner-city party animal. The décor is African chic, and the brazier-
warmed boulevard, where you'll be rubbing shoulders with the slick
professionals of Africa's New York, is always full to overflowing.
Thursdays are hosted by well-known Kaya fm DJ and world music
fundi, Nicky B, Saturday nights are devoted to live music. The menus
offer a range of light meals and hearty African dinners, including
venison. This is the rainbow soul of Newtown, and a good place for a
chilled Heineken®. Open seven days a week.
Shop 22 Bedford Village, van Buuren Rd, Bedfordview
Tel: +27 (0)11 455 6495
This place prides itself on being the "Cheers" of Bedfordview,
says manager Graig Paolini. An independent bar and steakhouse,
his establishment attracts a loyal crowd of yuppies from the
neighbourhood, and many word of mouth patrons from America
and Europe. The secret? Great food - and great service.
"We make great steaks," Paolini explains. "And we know our
customers by name." In South Africa, great meat and Amstel
belong together, and you'll certainly get both here. Being
independent, Medium Rare is free to source its meat from special
suppliers; steaks are prepared the way the customer likes best.
Open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am till midnight and 10.30
to 5pm on Sundays.
