PlanetEye

While spending time touring through the Overberg Region in the Western Cape we came across a restaurant called Bientangs Cave. Set in a natural cave along Walker Bay which is situated in the seaside town of Hermanus one of the most popular places in the world for shore side Whale Watching.

The Cave was names after Bientange a Khoisan women who lived there in the late 1800's. She was a loner who was totally self-sufficient living in the cave where water, heat and food was abundant. She was believed to have supernatural powers and be able to communicate with animals but then one day she vanished never to be seen again... It is believed that it is the spirit of Bientang that keeps the gracious Southern Right Whales coming back year after year .

Since then the Cave has been kitted out with a splendid kitchen and bar but otherwise it remains just as she left it with the waves crashing along the rocks and the whales providing close hand entertainment between the months of July and November.

Bientangs Cave multi award winning restaurant also caters for special functions such as weddings and party's and is known for its seafood dishes although they do cater for vegetarians. They stock local wines that complement the scrumptious dishes and the breathtaking view. Where else can you dine while being entertained by Whales less than 20 meters away.

The owner told us of an experience that would fit into any Popeye cartoon sketch, where on one magical day he sat on the rocks looking straight into the eyes of a Southern Right whale 5 metres away. Just before many minutes of intently watching each other she decided to be on her way but before leaving him she sprayed a large spout of water directly at him as if to say thank you !

Open all year round weather permitting from 11:30 to 4pm on weekdays 7 to 9:30pm in season and 7pm to 9pm on Friday and Saturday. I n whale season I would strongly recommend that you make a reservation!!!

Running through the Cape Town City Centre is Long Street with its irresistible vibrancy, character and where many tourist and Capetonians flock to.

During the day its a great street to stroll along and admire architecture while popping into the large variety of shops. The Cape Dutch style buildings have stunning decorative and ornate iron work balconies many of which become hip and social hangouts for clubs and restaurants during the evenings . At night Long Street comes alive with the aroma of many restaurants and there differing cuisine styles. From the abundance of these restaurants here's some we can recommend:

Veranda Restaurant serves the classiest food with the most friendly and attentive staff we have found in Long Street. Best suited for romantic meals with a relaxed atmosphere its set in the refurbished and stylish Metropole Hotel at 38 Long Street.

Masala Dosa at 167 Long Street is a small very innovative restaurant that simply serves the most interesting meals and definitely unlike 'normal' Indian restaurants.

Traditional African food is best catered for at Mama Africa where you can enjoy everything from Crocodile to Ostrich with traditional Pap (which is made of maize). It's a buzzing place with live African bands but make sure your hungry when you go as they serve big portions!!!

If you are in the mood for something else totally different pop into Mesopotamia, on the corner of Church and Long Streets. Cape Towns first Kurdish restaurant has something different with its belly dancers and on the floor seating. The only downside with Mesopotamia is the staff could do with many lessons in customer service.

Long Street has many clubs ranging from Reggae to African fusion but that will have to come later on as this is making me hungry so were off to Long Street!!!!

A Restaurant that is ideal for anytime of the day and any time of the year is the Veranda Restaurant. Its situated in the modernized Metropolitan Hotel on Long Street in Cape Town City Centre.

The newly appointed head chef, Marcus Ree-Taylor loves to add a twist of glamor to all his dishes. Marcus has designed an eclectic range of dishes ranging from their ever popular Smoked Kudu to Vanilla Pana Cotta served with poached pears in white wine with a chocolate sauce just to name a few on an innovative and exciting dishes.

They cater for vegetarians and with advance notice will accommodate vegans or any other specific dietary needs. The staff are very friendly and informed about the menu - so don’t be shy to ask!

We experienced the Veranda on one of Cape Town’s wet wintery nights and from the moment we arrived were made to feel welcome. The atmosphere was relaxed but romantic with background music and dimmed lights.

There are several restaurants in Long Street but personally we would rate the Veranda as the best and the classiest. Make sure to take a look at their fish tank (at the men’s restroom) to add some humour to the evening.

The restaurant seats 90 people but booking is essential! You will find them at 38 Long Street, Cape Town. Check out their website at www.metropolehotel.co.za or call them on +27 (0)21 424 7247.

If you are looking for an evening filled with drama, music, laughter and loads of excitement then Stardust Restaurant is the place to be!

Situated along Main Road in a suburb called Rondebosch (meaning round bush) right opposite Groote Schuur Estate (meaning Big Barn) – the Presidential home in Cape Town. It is very easy to find from anywhere in Cape Town.

This Family run restaurant severs a variety of Mediterranean dishes. All the waiters are professional performers – actors, musicians, comedians, dancers etc. During your dinning experience they will not only serve you your meal but also entertain you.

The restaurant caters for a variety of functions such as parties, weddings etc. Some of their most popular dishes is their Moroccan stew served in a traditional tagine pot and their seafood platter with crumbed calamari, tiger prawns etc is just sensational. They also cater for vegetarians and with advance notice any other dietary requirements.

The staff are all very friendly and will be sure to have you dance on the tables or singing along during the evening.

They are open Monday to Thursday from 4pm to late and then Friday & Saturday from 1pm to late and are closed on Sundays.

For any further information visit their website on www.stardustcapetown.co.za or call them on +27 (0)21 686 6280.

For an unforgettable experience i would recommend you book yourself a table at this unconventional restaurant.

There are loads of places in Cape Town that claim to serve African meals but from what we have experienced Marco African Place goes that extra mile.

Driving down Buitengragt Street in the top part of Cape Town City Center you cannot miss the Big Bold african mural completly covering the walls of Marco’s Place. This area of Cape Town is very popular and is know as the BoKaap (meaning Upper Cape Town), a historic Muslim area where row ulon row of small family dwellings are very brightly decorated in differnt shades of colour.

On arrival all guests are welcomed by a traditional African women in full traditional dress. Marco’s is set in an old warehouse that was innovatively converted into a two story restaurant with traditional African decor. There is a complete bar and smoking area separate to the rest of the restaurant according to the South African smoking laws.

Self taught chef and owner Marco Radebe prides himself on his well thought out menu. They present traditional African meals such as Kudu, Crocodile, Ostrich, Samp, Beans, Maize, Breads etc. some of their most popular dishes served "Zwelethu’s Favourite Chicken, Oxtail Curry, Ostrich fillet, etc" On their wine list you will find a variety of South African wines and locally brewed beers.

Marco’s provides a platform for local musicians who provide live African music. Even though the restaurant seats 220 patrons it is advised to book at least 2 days in advance. They are open Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm to late and then Sunday and Public Holidays from 3pm till late and on Monday they are closed for a well deserved rest.

Some advice GO Very Hungry!!!!! as there portions are very big!!.

For more info:

www.marcosafricanplace.co.za

15 Rose Lane, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

+27 (0)21 423 5412

At the beginning of the False Bay in Muizenberg in the southern suburbs of Cape Town, Fogey’s Railway House can be found, wonderfully situated in a building that takes you back to the hay days of Muizenberg`s high society. Above the railway station, in the original red bricked station building with a teak clock tower that was built in 1913. The restaurant is now in what use to be the station master’s apartment. The building has now been listed as a national heritage site and is part of what is known as the historical mile with the oldest colonial building in South Africa,including Rhodes Cottage,the earliest post office in the Cape region and several other important buildings.

Fogey’s Railway House opened their doors in mid 2005, creating an atmosphere that is very relaxed with a warm and welcoming reception to all its patrons. They cater for a wide variety of different events and functions such as weddings where the balcony can be converted into a chapel .

They have a wonderful view of the False Bay with the ever populous and world famous surfers beach and also of the many whales that visit the bay area especially the huge and playful Southern Right Whale.

The menu is filled with original dishes from South African as well as a mix of Mediterranean dishes with a well planned selection of Vegetarian and Sea foods.

The owner, Keith and all his staff were very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and the surrounding area including the conservation of the many wonderful old buildings that are taking place . They are open Tuesday to Sundays from 12pm to 3:30pm for lunch and then from 5pm to Late for Dinner with the kitchen closing at 10:30pm. Every Friday and Saturday live music is provided by local musicians singing both covers and original works.

You can find them on Main Road, Muizenberg or contact them at Tel: +27 (0)21-788 3252 / info@fogeys.co.za   or visit www.fogeys.co.za

This is a must do if you are anywhere near the Muizenberg area!!!