A collection of what makes us who we are. A selected combination of life,
luxury and travel. Bringing you the best Hotels, Restaurants, Bars, Clubs and things to do from around the world.
The blog of..
Catch Swedish-born, Michaelis School of Art Graduate Tom Cullberg’s 10th solo exhibition from the 1st of February to the 14th of March at the Brundyn + Gonsalves gallery at 71 Loop Street, Cape Town. Abstract art afficionado’s, don’t miss this.
Hi,we’re back(whisper).Yes, the rumours were true- We here at Playsimple did abscond en masse to a Tibetan monastery at the end of last year. Our reasons were simple and pure: to attain merit, seek truth and mainly, to avoid the Malema trial circus. Also, it’s just been too bloody hot to do much else,what’s up with that?
Do we need to say more here. Cape Town has been selected as the 2014 World Design Capital beating hopefuls Bilbao in Spain and Dublin in Ireland. The announcement was made on Wednesday morning at the International Design Alliance (IDA) Congress in Taipei. Cape Town’s Executive Mayor Patricia de Lille accepted the award on behalf of Cape Town, South Africa and the African continent.
She said 2014 will be the celebration of 20 years of democracy in the country.
“2014, then, is the moment when the past and the future will come together for Cape Town, in contemplation and in action,” said De Lille.
STEVENSON gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition by Ângela Ferreira on the 25th of October to 25th of November 2011. This will be her second exhibition at the gallery, following Werdmuller Centre and Other Works in 2010. The show brings together a body of work in various media, Carlos Cardoso – Straight to the Point, and an audio/sculptural piece, Kaapse Sonnette/Cape Sonnets.
Ferreira’s work is concerned with the ongoing impact of colonialism and post-colonialism on contemporary society, an investigation that is conducted through in-depth research and the distillation of ideas into concise and resonant forms. In the case of the first body of work, Ferreira pays tribute to the life and work of slain Mozambican journalist Carlos Cardoso (1951-2000), and in so doing asserts the importance of freedom of expression. (Read more from the the Stevenson website)
Its that time of year again or at least its around the corner when the weather warms up, the sun sets later and your general mood is lifted by that summer feeling that attracts tourists from around the world to come and experience one of the best cities in the world. (That would be our article on Cape Town here) The Kirstenbosch Summer concerts 2011 will be opening on the 20th of November. Make sure you book your tickets early as the past has shown, year on year these concerts get more and more popular and especially with this years line up.
The much anticipated Winex will be held next week 26 -28 october at The Pavillion at the Sandton Convention Centre. RMB WineX is a great way to relax with friends and enjoy an evening tasting some of the more than 1500 wines available from the 250 Cape producers who exhibit at South Africa’s premier wine event. Early bird prices for tickets booked by and including Sunday 23 October range from R90 to R120 per person. Thereafter and at the door: Wednesday night R100, Thursday nights R120; and Friday night R150. Includes tasting glass and unlimited tastings.
Ok, so although our sport results don’t seem to be going our way, maybe we should rely on our South African comedy team to keep us at the top. The Bafunny Bafunny 2011 tour has started with shows in Durban and Johannesburg already completed, but if your in the Cape Town area this Thursday and Friday, we suggest you reserve your tickets now. With a collection of South Africa’s best comedians this show is guaranteed to make all the past disappointments OK again.
FashionForward is a new event series built on education, innovation and leadership within the fashion and luxury industry. FashionForward : Digital will focus on how the world’s leading brands can evolve within the digital ecosystem while protecting the core of their brand’s heritage. Through a carefully curated attendance, the most innovative individuals, brands and platforms are invited to participate.
Established to offer key insights to a high caliber audience, the FashionForward program will center on the most integral aspects of digital brand positioning, such as social media, mobile, ecommerce, curation, and blogging.
The best destination around the world voted by Tripadvisor was announced a while ago, but we thought it was relevant to spread the news about our mother city if this is something you didn’t know. Tripadvisor is deemed the largest travel website hosting millions of travelers reviews which influence countless holidays and travel experiences. Tripadvisor has exemplified the power of reviews in the ability to influence other travelers from experienced hotel products.
In an attempt to boost Japans tourism which has been decreasing by an astonishing 50% year on year, they will be offering 10,000 foreigners free airfares to visit the country next year. The devastating tsunami paired with the nuclear disaster which crippled Japans tourism economy is being rejuvenated by the Japan Tourism Agency to ask would-be travelers to submit online applications for free flights, detailing which areas of the country they would like to visit.
You may ask how they are going to go about selecting who can take advantage of this opportunity and how will it work? The agency will select the successful entrants and ask them to write a report about their trip which will be published on the internet. The idea is to create positive reports by the 10 000 successful applicants on their experiences in Japan which would hopefully help ease the international worries about visiting the country
The program, which will require travellers to cover other costs such as accommodation, is expected to start from next April, subject to government budgetary approval.
Catch the last week of the Standard Bank National Arts Festival at Grahamstown this week until Sunday( 10th July). The largest art festival in South Africa, the Grahamstown Festival has been a highlight on the SA festivals calender for many a year, and 2011 is no different.
Brush off that beret, sharpen those taste buds and dress up in red, blue and white. No, it’ s not a call-to-arms for spiteful Stormers fans to support the Reds this weekend in the Super15 final. Rather, it’s almost time for the annual Bastille Festival in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley.
Who’s harbouring the best coffee in Cape Town? Simplified Playground went on a stakeout around town to find out for ourselves. We’ve arraigned and interviewed this motley brew crew for your drinking benefit, and are ready to spill the beans…
Where is Cape Town's best coffee hiding? We go bean counting
Following on from Thursday’s post on some of Cape Towns favourite coffee spots, we thought we need to bring you the source and inspiration of these favoured brew’s. This was meant to go out on Friday, but given the fact the weekend was edging closer and closer and we all know you may be in need of a coffee after the weekend, we thought we could inspire you with the following.
If you have a love for film be sure to get involved in this short film festival hosted by Short&Sweet in association with Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whiskey. It will be happening over a 5 week period held in Cape Town at the Dream Factory in Town. You might ask where this is? It is between Bree and Loop on 10 Orphan Road.
It happens every Tuesday in July and has been running since the 28th of June. Doors open at 18h00 and the films start at 19h30. Entry is R20. For more information you can have a look at the Short & Sweet website or follow them on their Facebook page. For a little more on Short & Sweet have a look at more about them.
So in keeping with our film theme after yesterdays posting on the Short & Sweet short film festival, we thought we would encourage you to make it to the Bang Bang Club Cape Town Premier happening on the 19th of July. Held at the ultra retro Labia theater on Orange, tickets are R50 with snacks and drinks before at 20hoo.
So we’ve been looking around for something a bit different. We at Simplified Playground, enjoy finding new spots, so we’ve been chatting to a few people in the know as well as roaming the streets of Cape Town’s hood. Here are a few little gems we recommend you try, something casual, something different and of course something hidden.
If you haven’t had the chance to get to the Museum Photographic Art Gallery, we strongly suggest you make your way down there for their Winter Show MMXI. Showcasing some amazing photography, featuring emerging South African artists, including Niklas Zimmer, Les Goodman, Dylan Culhane, Dale Yudelman and Roger Horrocks.
Regular viewing hours: Mon-Fri 10am – 6pm / Sat 10am – 2pm or by appointment
Tel | 021 801 5064.
Where | Situated at Upper East Side, 31 Brickfield Road in Woodstock
Congratulations to Singita and The Royal Portfolio’s Royal Malewane with their strong results in the 2011 World’s Best Hotels Reader Awards from prominent site Travel & Leisure, as voted by their readers.
We at Simplified Playground would love to say a “Happy Birthday” to one Mr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, also known of course as Madiba to millions around the world. He turned a youthful 93 today. We were lucky enough to visit beautiful Ellerman House in Bantry Bay, Cape Town recently, and had the pleasure of their contemporary gallery all to ourselves one evening, where we came across a very interesting art piece. Watch the video to find out what this has to do with Madiba… The painting is by Raimondo Galeano and titled “Portrait of Nelson Mandela”
The 10th annual Stellenbosch Wine Festival is almost upon us, and this year it’s even more special as it is their 40th anniversary celebration. The festivities kick off on the 22nd of July with the Wine Week with a range of activities at various farms( see below). The official festival takes place from 28- 31 July in the Paul Roos Centre in Stellenbosch, and will showcase the wines and produce of the 150 wine farms that make up the Stellenbosch Wine Route.
The 150 farms that form the Stellenbosch American Express ® Wine Routes are pulling out all the stops for a double barrel celebration to mark their 40th anniversary and the 10th Stellenbosch Wine Festival during the last week of July this year.
The festival, to be held at the Paul Roos Centre (Piet Retief Street) from 28 to 31 July, is one of the biggest country food and wine festivals under one roof in the Cape and extends its Winelands hospitality again this year with the ever popular Stellenbosch Wine Week.
Amazing little harbour town located a short drive from Marbella, Costa del Sol, Spain. Bars, restaurants and abundance of wealth. Ferrari’s, Bentley’s and Porsche are all very common cars and a playground for the rich and carefree. Whilst the beaches are certainly not the most beautiful in the world they have managed to cultivate an elegant beach club scene.
The pool area
The Ocean Club is one of these fabulous clubs where nothing is inexpensive but service and luxury are the key features of the day at the club. Large beds, sparkling pool, excellent food and service. The drinks list is extensive and expensive. It’s a day of absolute fun.
Santorini Greece is certainly one of the most dramatic and beautiful Islands in the world. The view from the north side of the island over the volcanic crater is phenomenal. Santorini is one of the southern most islands of the Cyclades in the Aegean Ocean
Do we need to say more here? We mentioned this a while ago in our post about the Best Coffee Hideaways. As you can see the guys from I Love Coffee are bringing you the I love Coffee Festival this Saturday from 9am to 2pm at the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. If alternative brewing interests you, the love for coffee excites you or you’re looking for that pick me up after the Friday night before, we suggest you make your way down there. We’ll see you there.
What was once the off beat Kink Bar in Kloof Street, has now been transformed into a fabulous new sushi bar in the vibrant Park Road, Gardens, known as Takumi.
A great new addition to the Cape Town food scene, the vibe is cool, minimalist Japaesque interiors with lighting that is a little too bright. A lengthy menu of interesting and diverse sushi, sashimi, tofu and noodle dishes, a small but reasonable selection of wines and knowledgeable efficient staff.
If you’re not sure who Guy Tillim is, we suggest you make your way down to the Michael Stevenson Art Gallery. His new exhibition titled Second Nature, is on display as of yesterday from 27 July – 3 September 2011. The exhibition is a showcase of landscape photography from the past year he has spent in French Polynesia.
Under the auspices ofArtscape, together with Spiral Productions and An Creative,Two As One, will be performed on Sunday, August 14 at 19:00 at Artscape Theatre. One performance only in Cape Town!
Two choreographers, Kenshi Nohmi and Jacki Job, and two musicians, Hidano Shuichi and Garth Erasmus, of two different countries and cultures create one unifying event.
The Greek economy might be riddled with debt but Mykonos remains an economy entirely on its own. What was once a gay party island, Mykonos has evolved into a playground for the rich and famous. New hotels have been built from the west coast to the south coast offering a plethora of choice. Its all about what you want to get out of the Island. Crazy nights or just a chilled time out on the beach.
TO STAY:
The Belvedere Hotel
Chora-the old town (this is the centre of it all)
The Belvedere Hotel, stylish, elegant and sophisticated, with a lovely pool and views over the town and the famous Mykonian landmarks. It is home to the Matsuihisa Restaurant by famed restauranteer Nobu Matsuihisa. It is certainly the hotel for the jetsetter crowd but has not the charm nor sense of hospitality that one would expect from a designer boutique hotel.
Ok so for a limited time only, Simplified Playground are opening their doors to everyone who wants to search for hotels, villas, restaurants, bars, clubs and things to do around certain destinations. They have been working on the platform for a while, so there are a couple of things that need to be sorted out as they are in Beta. They are busy updating and improving their system and have some really cool things lined up for the next couple of months. Our suggestion to you would be, sign up now and claim your spot on the Simplified Playground membership while its open and free. Time is ticking and they are only going to get better.
Don’t forget to follow Simplified Playground on Twitter or like their Facebook Page. A sneaky insider knowledge suggests this may be the first place you might get something in return. Watch this space.
If you don’t know by now The Fez in collaboration with the well known lifestyle brand Hed Kandi are presenting their renowned Dj’s like Krsytal Roxx, Glen Horsborough and Craig De Sousa every Saturday this August. This Saturday the 6 of August they present Glen Horsborough. What more could you ask for than the perfect party venue matched with the ultimate in house music. It may be cold in Cape Town tonight, but we suggest you get out and get warmed up at The Fez.
Ok, so there are very few sunglasses shops in Cape Town even in South Africa that have that something different when it comes to eye wear. I tend to find myself finding the exact same shape, frame and brand in every store. It just takes one festival, event or gathering to notice that most untraveled locals are sporting the exact same sunglasses. This is where we would like to introduce you to The Oculus, a quintessential Cape Town designer eye wear and optometry with a twist.
The all time favourite breakfast and lunch spot on the Camps Bay strip has relocated to The Grand, Camps Bay. For local Capetonians this is a huge relief as their favourite meeting spot closed in May2011. The new Sandbar at the Grand is now open and is very cool and sexy.
So you wouldn’t think there is space for a new market in Cape Town. Lets be honest, its not the biggest city and we already have a few very popular markets. I wasn’t expecting much when I arrived, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a unpretentious smaller sized market with a very good balance between the hustle and bustle of the expected Saturday morning rush and space to actually sit down and enjoy the market.
Nicola Vinci, The Bed (detail), colour photograph, 30×40cm, 2011
Erdmann Contemporary & The Photographers Gallery za are celebrating their 10th anniversary. To commemorate this, join them for the opening of Present History II on Wednesday 17 August (6 - 8pm). We would seriously suggest you you make time to attend this event with some of South Africa’s most highly acclaimed artists on display, such as Guy Tillim, Pieter Badenhorst, Willie Bester and Nicola Grobler, as well as some international flair from Italy, Nicola Vinci, Laurina Paperina and Erik Chevalier.
The UCT Opera School, in collaboration with Cape Town Opera presents The Rake’s Progress (Stravinsky). One of the most performed operas written since World War II, Stravinsky’s wacky neoclassical masterpiece The Rake’s Progress, which tracks a young rake’s entertaining fall from grace with Mozartian wit and brilliance, will receive its belated African premiere in this co-production by Cape Town Opera and the UCT Opera School, in a staging which reunites key members of the creative team behind 2010’s colourful Il Viaggio a Reims. Under the spirited baton of Kamal Khan, this imaginative new production will feature a witty mash-up of 18th-century and contemporary imagery, wtih choreography by Sean Bovim.
Ok, so party shops are kind of an expected offering. Well, we can confidently say that This is not a post office by the guys from Madame Zingara is by no means the expected party shop – well of course not. Think Alice in Wonderland meets dreamlike fantasy burlesque. This magical and ethereal space that has been transformed from the existing Kloof Street Post office will become a firm favourite when looking for that something quirky and different gift or party idea.
Even the sparrows, 250cm X 150cm, mixed media on canvas, 2011
Worldart is hosting an exhibition of street art-inspired paintings by Ricky Lee Gordon (aka Freddy Sam) and Paul Senyol from Saturday, 20 August to 3 September 2011 at its Cape Town gallery in Church Street. The exhibition will consist of four large paintings – one work by each artist and two collaborations. Although Ricky Lee Gordon’s work can be seen on walls in Woodstock here in Cape Town and places as diverse as New York City and a village in Gambia, the opportunity to experience his work on canvas is a rare occasion and one to look forward to.
Choose from an array of special packages for R890 for a 150 minute spoil
Enjoy a couple of hours of pampering in Graaf Estate’s serene Spa and rejuvenate and revive this Spring. Expert therapists provide an option of personalised treatments in elegant suites using the renowned Swiss Perfection range – the anti-ageing skincare product exclusive to Delaire in Africa – or the award-winning Aromatherapy Associates, and Mama Mio.
Delaire Graff Spring Spa Escape valid from 1 Sept – 31 Nov 2011
Do we need to say more here? If you thought you’ve had a gourmet burger before, we suggest you try the Burger Thursday burger off at Loading Bay. If there’s one side order that definitely sets them apart from the rest, its their truffle salted fries – you will be talking about them.
Whatiftheworld is about to present the first solo exhibition by Artist Renée Holleman titled A Novel In Parts. This will also mark the launch of the gallery’s new premises, housed over two floors of the historical Woodstock synagogue buildings on the corner of Argyle Street and Albert Roads (just two blocks down from the previous gallery space).
If I were to describe a night filled with magic, wonder, energy, and that butterfly excitement you feel when you step into a room that makes you instantly smile, there are probably very few places in the world you could think of that would evoke such feelings. Madame Zingara’s Theatre of Dreams dinner cirque extravaganza evokes these feelings, and is well respected for delighting their audiences.
VAMP clothing present – A short film by Jade Mulvaney in collaboration with Nicci Saint Bruce.
STARRING:
Abi Parker, Jade Ashton Scully, Ian Jepson, Gareth Gray, Michelle Purple Allen, Matt Oldfield, Kale Taylor, Sanelle Vosloo.
The official Launch party of the VAMP short Film will be happening on Monday, September 5 at 8:30pm – September 6 at 2:00am at The Waiting Room on Long Street. The short film will start around 10:30/11pm but be sure to get there early as this event is surely going to be filled. Over and above a creative short film showcase they will also be showcasing their new Men’s Wear range designed by Martin Magner.
Its that time of year again this weekend of the 3rd and 4th of September for the annual Franschhoek Uncorked festival. Welcome Spring and warm up by visiting some of Franschhoek’s renowned and established wineries with something for everyone, including cellar and vineyard tours, barrel tastings, food and wine pairings, art exhibitions, a fresh food market as well as micro-brewery tasting’s.
iArt Gallery will be presenting the Stephan Erasmus’ solo show, Hartland from 06 – 26 September 2011. Hartland documents an exploration into Afrikaner identity through the sampling of selected Afrikaans text that is then reconstructed into landscapes and maps. These delineated forms double up as impenetrable love letters. Text becomes a maze of meaning, used to construct and deconstruct identity and its relationship to belonging.
I am once again surprised to find another market that has succeeded in delivering something different and unique to the plethora of iconic Cape Town experience’s on a weekend. The Hout Bay market (Bay Harbour Market) is most certainly different. Firstly the market is indoors, which makes for a nice change especially in the colder months and rainy days we have been experiencing of late. There is something that definitely stands out about the stands, food offering and atmosphere that surrounds this gem of a market. It may be the obvious point of driving that little bit out of Cape Town that makes the difference, but I think its more than that.
Conrad Botes, Origin, 2011, acrylic on canvas, 200 x 350cm
Make sure you make your way down to the Michael Stevenson Art Gallery in Cape Town for the opening of Conrad Botes’s The Temptation to Exist on the 8th of September from 6pm to 8pm. Other openings include Keren Cytter’s video The Hottest Day of the Year as part of the FOREX series and installations by Igshaan Adams .
The Fez are carrying on with their Saturday night Hed Kandi sessions this Saturday the 1oth. Be sure to join them as they have flown in, all the way from the UK one of Hed Kandi’s finest angels – the gorgeous DJ Stephanie Jay who’s technical prowess on the decks and boundless energy is guaranteed to keep you on the dancefloor wanting more.
Gauteng is about to be hit by an outdoor wine festival like they have never experienced before. Much like the very popular Robertson Wine Valley’s Wacky Wine Weekend, which saw 19000 visitors enjoying the countries biggest wine festival. Be sure to attend the Robertson Wine Valley Festival @ Kloofzicht Lodge held from September 17 to 18 at the Kloofzicht Lodge in Muldersdrift. If you in the mood for a great weekend this festival wont let you down as wine lovers from around the country meet up as they do every year. Meet the winemakers, owners and personalities of the Robertson Wine Valley as they present the best the Valley has to offer.
In less than a month South Africa’s band and festival lovers will be taking over Darling as they ascend onto Cloof Wine Estate for the 2011 Rocking the Daisies music festival on the 7th, 8th and 9th of October in association with 5Gum. This year they have confirmed some impressive and well known international acts like Band of Skulls from the Uk which will be headlining on the Saturday. The festival is looking to be even better than last year with the inclusion of over 100 acts, 4 stages of international and local artists, comedy, chill out areas, gourmet food stands and kid zones.
We thought we would bring you a bit about what the guys from Madame Zingara are doing. In our last write up about their most recent event as well as their very funky, off the wall and magical shop, we thought it was important to inform you of their community enrichment campaign which adds to their multitude of successful ventures. The I Love my Hood campaign (not to be confused with the Name Your Hood initiative) has been created to encourage everyone to take pride in their communities. They are currently situated in the historical Church Street Antique market supplying I Love My Hood Community Soup Stocks, I Love My Hood Cape Town apparel as well as kitchen, chef and street wear. The great thing about all of this is that all profits are donated to city-based NGO’s.
So we all know how popular the Cape Town Neighbourgoods Market is, it only made sense for this to move to Johannesburg, and guess what….it finally has. “Joburgers” can be pretty excited with this new addition to their market scene, as Cape Town has been proven wrong time and time again with additions to their multitude of markets with every new addition only adding that something extra.
With Spring around the corner or supposedly here we thought we would bring you two properties that would inspire you to explore the mother city and Cape Wine lands. To add to this we thought we could throw in a little something to help you on the way.
Babylonstoren is an immaculately preserved 200-hectare working farm that wears it considerable heritage lightly but assuredly. An extensive recent refurbishment has rejuvenated the 300-year old Cape Dutch architecture to best reflect both the region’s Dutch heritage and future of sustainable organic farming. Sweeping mountain vistas, friendly local staff and the magnificent garden all add to its intoxicating rural allure.
So the Loerie’s starts today the 16th of September to the 18th, and for most creatives it is the culmination of a years blood sweat and tears in addition to hours of work and late nights. The 33rd annual Loerie’s will be held at the CTICC over the 2 day period where Africa’s creatives will be doing what they do best.
Wednesday 2 November at 19h30 will be the opening of Cara van der Westhuizen’s exhibition titled: Fata Morgana: on longing and Desire. This will be a first solo exhibition at Salon 91. Cara’s mediums include used include glass, mirror, mirror film, plaster casts, chrome, and paper employing techniques of lithography and Chine-collé.
I thought it would be worth bringing you the Artisan Baker | Charcuterie & Deli in Woodstock. They seem to be doing it a bit different. With Woodstock becoming the firm favourite for entrepreneurs, trendy Deli’s and recreated furniture, it is hard to find something that stands out without falling into the melting pot of “pop up” favourites for Cape Town locals.
The Joburg Art fair will be starting this Friday on the 23rd of September at the Sandton Convention Centre. One artists that will be exhibiting is Sanell Aggenbach. In this new body of work Aggenbach uses eroticism to explore insomnia, restlessness and illusion. These intimate paintings embody an uneasiness, where obscured lovers are captured in voyeuristic snapshots. Nocturnal actions are merged with pagan references in Harvest and in a new figurative work, Crown & Anchor,a classic nude is adorned in turbulent maritime tattoos. Nachtmusik was specifically produced for the 2011 Joburg Art Fair. For more information on Aggenbach you can view her website here.
For many Captonians the long awaited We Love Real Beer festival is at out doorstep. This Friday the 30th of September will see all beer loving folk meeting at the Old Biscuit Mill in anticipation of sampling and drinking their preferred craft beer. If you’re not the beer loving kind the event is still a must, with an atmosphere that will definitely let you be able to let your hair down after a long week. Entrance is R50 with a complimentary WLRB Beer glass. Be sure to get there early as this will most certainly “fill” up quite quickly.
We would like to congratulate the Morukuru Family on their award for best luxury bush lodge, this is suffice to say as we are proud to represent them on our portfolio as well. We mentioned Morukuru Farmhouse in a blog posting a while ago when we made our trip up into the Madikwe reserve and were eager to bring their Farmhouse into our villa portfolio. Their villas epitomize privacy, exclusivity and space where three luxurious sole-use villas are privately located within malaria-free Madikwe – prime Big 5- Top 10 territory.