Welcome to our very first newsletter!
Summer has finally arrived in Cape Town, bringing with it lots of new, exciting offerings, which we are pleased to share with you.
Our website is getting a new look and we have added two new links which we hope you will find very useful when planning itineraries to our beautiful city. The first is the new EVENTS DIARY which offers information on what's on in Cape Town. Simply click on the month that your guests are in the city and see what's happening in the music, culture and art world that may be of interest to them. This is a real work in progress and we will constantly keep the diary updated as we gather the information from across the city for you.
The second is our RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT list for Cape Town and the Winelands. It seems as though a new restaurant opens every week here so we will endeavor to get out there and “taste test” all the best ones for you.
We look forward to welcoming your guests to Cape Town.
Best regards from the team at T & T.
* NEW TOUR *
CAPE MALAY CULTURAL HALF DAY WITH COOKING DEMONSTRATION

This half day tour is guided by a longstanding member of the community in the Bo-Kaap, intimately acquainted with the area and its people. Meet your guide at the Bo-Kaap museum for a unique insight into the origins and history of the Cape Malay people. Across the street from the museum is the bustling spice wholesaler. Learn about the origins of the spices and how they are used in Cape Malay cuisine whilst you savour the heady aromas which permeate the store. Stroll along the cobbled streets, learning the history of the various buildings en-route. Locals greet and interact with your guide, adding to the colourful nature of the day. Visit a home and experience a true warm Cape Malay welcome. Experience, first-hand, how to fold samoosas and see a demonstration of the preparation of the traditional cuisine. Finally, sit down together to enjoy the feast that you have prepared whilst enjoying the swapping of anecdotes at the table. Tour duration 10h00 - 14h00
HOERIKWAGGO TRAIL

Great news for all active guests and hikers who enjoy the outdoors and would like to spend a night on Table Mountain. The Hoerikwaggo Trail will eventually be a 5 night hike from the city to the Cape of Good Hope. At the moment 3 of the tented camps are up and running and overnight hikes can be arranged. The camps are beautifully situated and all have been built with alien wood sourced from within the park, embracing the philosophy of "touching the earth lightly". Tessa and Viwe from Tours & Trails did the trail from Silvermine to Orangekloof, which is a private part of the park, and were surprised to see really old Yellowwood tree's in a forest that most people do not even know exists right here in the city. It was absolutely spectacular and easy walking as all you carry is your day pack. We can arrange all the ground logistics as well as food and guides to make this a memorable experience. (Note: Hoerikwaggo is the San word for "Mountain in the Sea"). www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/ht/default.php
FRAZERPARFUM bespoke nature

Tammy Frazer, granddaughter of the Oil of Olay inventor, is a perfumer who works only with natural raw materials personally sourced from sustainable farming practices around the world. Tammy's success has been recognised in the U.K. with her perfumes currently being exclusively retailed at HARRODS in a private room on the fifth floor, the Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie. We can arrange a visit to Tammy's home in Llandudno, where she consults to private and commercial clients on creating bespoke perfumes. www.frazerparfum.com
"ADVENTURER" IN CAPE TOWN

The world-famous power vessel, ADVENTURER, is now based at the V&A Waterfront, where it has opened up a new dimension in adventure charters. ADVENTURER is to spend the summer season in Cape Town and run a regular schedule of day charters, but can also be chartered for longer excursions.
www.ocean-adventurer.com
2010 WORLD CUP SOCCER AND THE GREEN POINT STADIUM TOURS

As you all know SA is hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and the stadium in Cape Town, still in its construction stage, is coming along well. They have opened up a Visitors Centre and now offer guided walks around the stadium construction site and various multi-media and DVD screenings regarding the stadium and the 2010 event.
BRAND NEW ART GALLERY AT KANONKOP WINE ESTATE

Kanonkop in Stellenbosch is well known for its superb wines and most especially it's Pinotage which really put the cultivar on the map. Earlier this month the estate opened a fabulous new art gallery. All the art is South African and the gallery showcases many of the old masters, contemporary artists as well as bronze, metal and glass works.
Well worth a visit for guests visiting the winelands. www.kanonkopartgallery.co.za
TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM OPENS NEW EXHIBIT
Frogs-Beyond the Pond is now open and proving to be a great success with visitors of all ages. Frogs such as arum lily frogs, an endangered Western leopard toad and a giant bullfrog can now be seen in the Sappi River Meander Exhibit. Besides the opportunity to learn about why frogs are disappearing off the planet and why they are important to humans, Frogs-Beyond the Pond will change your perception of frogs forever. The aquarium is located in the V&A Waterfront.
SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES IN FALSE BAY
You don't always have to drive to Hermanus to see whales. Based in Simon's Town, just a 45 minute drive from the city centre, is the sole permit holder for boat based whale watching for the western half of False Bay. This area is sheltered from the open ocean, surrounded by stunning views & provides an ideal winter home for the Southern Right Whales. Sightings of Brydes whales, Humpback whales, Orcas and Dolphins are also common.
VINTAGE STEAM TRAIN EXCURSIONS
Atlantic Rail offer groups an opportunity to charter a vintage steam train for trips from Cape Town to Spier Estate in Stellenbosch, or along the False Bay coastline to Simonstown. Another option offered in a sunset trip up the Atlantic Coastline in the late afternoon.

RESTAURANTS
Sevruga
This new "sexy sister" to the well known Beluga in Green Point, opened up in the V&A Waterfront in June this year. The restaurant has superb outdoor seating right on the quayside, as well as a warm wood-paneled interior. They offer an extensive, beautifully presented seafood menu, a fantastic sushi selection as well as non seafood items, including their 45 day aged beef!
Addis in Cape
This is a new delight for those wishing to experience authentic African cuisine. Ethiopian cuisine is famous for its rich aromas and generous use of herbs and spices. Addis in Cape, situated in the city centre, offers affordable cuisine with a unique ambience.
The Roundhouse Restaurant
The historic Roundhouse Restaurant, nestled in the picturesque Glen on the slopes of Lions Head with sensational views across Camps Bay and the 12 Apostles mountain range, has re-opened. Their focus is on exceptional service, the finest rare wines and spirits, and uncomplicated, contemporary French cuisine inspired by the seasons.

Il Leone Mastrantonio
"The Lion" as its name translates, offers top class Italian cuisine in a heritage building dating back to 1711. Situated in Green Point, just outside the city centre, Il Leone offers a sophisticated atmosphere, with delicious food that will have you coming back for more.

For more information on these, and other restaurants in the Cape Town area, go to our Recommended Restaurants page.
Watch out for our next newsletter which will have further information on two new exciting additions to the winelands restaurants. The Big Easy in Stellenbosch, owned by golfing legend Ernie Els, will be opening in November and Genot on the Klein Genot estate in Franschhoek, to be run by master chef Berthus Basson, will be opening in December.
For those who enjoy personal interactions, we offer a range of home hosted meals which can also include a cookery demonstration or active involvement in the preparation of the meal. These have been hugely popular with guests and are highly recommended for the added insight gained during these visits.
SHOPPING
The Old Biscuit Mill in Salt River continues to draw great interest, both for the fantastic stores and the weekend organic market.
Imiso is a great success story of a group of ceramic artists who have made good, and today their work is exported throughout Europe.
For lovers of antique jewellery, The Jewel Tree on Green Market Square features a superb collection of lovingly restored antique, Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces. They also boast a substantial collection of silver.
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