Experiencing CT201

In an attempt to experience everything CT has to offer I resorted to basic googling to end up with 101 things to do in CT. I am pleasantly proudly pleased to report that I have already done some of the things recommended by the website; whether I get to do everything else is only a matter of time and availability.

Anyways, recommendation #11 was to visit Stardust restaurant in Rondebosch. Its closeish enough to student life for it to be visited often but far enough for you to go there with the explicit intention of dining out there.

Stardust’s specialty is that it’s a cheaper version of Madame Zingara. Instead of R400 a head you are looking at an average of around R100. But you can still expect good food and a performance by the theatrical waiters in a chic restaurant.

Now here are the differences. Madame Z’s was sold out when I went there. Stardust had only 3 tables taken. Madame Z’s gave us an entertaining performance in between our meals. Stardust decided that 3 tables were not worth giving a performance for. Madame Z’s speciality was steak in chocolate chilli sauce. Stardust has a range of recommendations but no specialities.

So maybe I was expecting a lot, comparing Stardust to Madame Z’s. But besides the great Mediterranean food, the disappointing non-performance is not an incentive for me to go back. But there is one exception – their service (but only if u push for the service).

Here is the story. My waiter didn’t bring me my doggy bag and I was told towards the end of the evening that they had thrown the food away. Now I am not pointing fingers; that is not why I am writing this. Instead, its because after several exchanges and my insistence in speaking to the manager, they said they would give me a half portion of what I ordered. This half portion comes after I was first told there was nothing they could do as the food was already thrown away, then I was offered a side dish (only veg options available.. Hmm.. veg vs my seafood that was thrown away? No brainer!). After declining both options as well as the dessert they were willing to offer, we finally settled.

And it is only because of the final agreement that I am willing to consider going back to Stardust – if they can guarantee a performance!

Some random events..

I experienced the dreaded Cape Town weather everyone warned me about. All rain, no sign of sun except to tell us its daytime and time to go for work.. 1 week of rains made the skies grey, cleaned my car, chased away the rugby players and brought the seagulls and ducks to my window.




I found these twinling sisters in Hout bay near Marriners Warf. They dress alike, they have the same inflections in their voice, they think and speak the same, they probably practice a lot in front of the mirror, but they are incredibly entertaining, multi-lingual, sharp and humble.

The Soapgirls sing, entertain and sell soaps to raise money for charity. When I was there, they were raising money for a teaching hospital. If you are not a charitable person its worth taking the drive out to meet these girls, even if its just to hear them sing kajarare. And the most incredible thing about their project? They are 14 and 16 years old.

PS. Leave ego in the car – otherwise you wont see the brilliance in their tongue-in-cheek humour.

I went on a mini excursion to two famous places. One was Deshans – one of those typical Indian shops that has everything crammed into every corner. So if you are looking for plastic champagne bottles or Hrithik and Kajol dolls, Deshans is the place for you.

The other half of the tour took me to Wembley’s Roadhouse. This is the place where people come with long lunch lists and where every food item is recommended.

Chocolate covered..

One of the perks of this job is that I get to be involved in a lot of projects and events that happen in the office. The Manager’s Awards at Madame Zingara is an example. I get to wear a smart hat and handle the carefully crafted glass certificates. So easy i could do it in my sleep..




Madame Z’s is an experience. There are your usual waiters, tables, wine list and arty food from a mixed menu. That night’s specialty was the chocolate chilli fillet with fried noodles. Imagine chocolate with as spicy aftertaste. Imagine crunchy noodles, not cooked in oil, but somehow still crunchy, but dipped in chocolate. Imagine steak with a touch of chocolate. Imagine a hottie covered in chocolate ;)

Ok, there was no chocolate covered perve, but it was still a good night. Combining the idea of trapeze artists, the Three Fat Ladies, a juggler, theatrics and an entertaining MC with a four course meal is such a crowd puller. It’s a walking talking moving circus restaurant, and worth every penny the company spent on me. :)

Then there were the sights of Cape Town from UCT. Now that was a special experience – being able to sit and watch the traffic go by in the middle of the night, just sitting there, half separated from the rest of the world, yet still completely aware of everything around you. The best feeling was knowing that you are safe sitting on the side of the highway – something that can never happen in Jbrg

I still have to visit the beach. Someday..