5 Cape Town Questions for Our Team

As CT insiders, we decided to share our favourite summer activities, plans and hot spots with you!

As we’re lucky enough to work at an online publication that’s all about this lovely city, I thought I’d take some time to ask the team just why they’re so in love with Cape Town. It seemed appropriate as ‘tis the season to celebrate amour, summer and sunshine, so what better time to rejoice in everything our Mother City has to offer.  I asked everyone five questions – here’s what they had to say:

QUESTION 1: ONE THING I’LL BE DOING THIS SUMMER IS…

Samantha (Events Manager): Going on a hike to Silvermine Nature Reserve. I’ve been eyeing that gorgeous dam for a while, so I’m planning to take the BF and go for a little picnic and a swim.

Alyx (Social Media Manager): Hitting up the pool and getting my fitness on.

Dudu Luthuli (Editorial Writer): Learning a super cool Angolan dance style called Kizomba.

Gillian (Marketing Intern): Soaking up the sun.

Inge (Dutch Editor): Spending most of the time outdoors.

Josh (Events Writer & Designer): Getting out and about as much as I can – there are endless places to explore in this city.

Krysia (Editorial Writer): Hiking up Lion's Head – how can you not with our beautiful sunrises and sunsets?

Hanni (German Editor): Surfing, beach walks and beach picnics.

Marcus (Founder & MD): Snorkelling with seals. Done it over 14 times and it is still amazing to see seals hang upside down and shake their heads like you do and playfully fly past you.

Zani (Head of Content & Digital Strategist): More dancing!

QUESTION 2: MY FAVOURITE HIDDEN GEM IN CAPE TOWN IS…

Samantha: My hood. I adore Tamboerskloof and everything it has to offer, including the seriously delicious coffee at The Blue Café.

Alyx: A midweek day trip to Bakoven for some peace and quiet.

Dudu Luthuli: Anthony’s Golden Cup, an unpretentious coffee shop owned by the friendliest coffee connoisseur. He’s been in the game for about 50 years.

Gillian: New restaurants and places.

Inge: The Lindt Chocolate shop in the Cape Quarter, Llandudno beach and the Company’s Garden (very hidden indeed).

Josh: Any quiet beach I can find. Clifton Third is the quietest and most beautiful of the major beaches, but there are a couple of secret spots further south that are perfect for escaping the city madness.

Krysia: The Milnerton Flea Market. It is not quite a "hidden gem", but I always find tons of gems when I am there. I go almost every second weekend to just 'check what they have' and every time I end up coming home with a mountain of new (old) goodies! 

Hanni: I am not telling because then it is not a hidden gem anymore.

Marcus: Anthony's Golden Cup; Anthony's been making coffee for over 50 years. 

Zani: The Blue Café, 13 Brownlow Road, Tamboerskloof.

QUESTIONS 3: I ALWAYS EAT AT…

Samantha: Da Vincis. We love it because the food is consistently good, and there are crayons to scribble with. Alternatively, Massimo’s, Spiros and Ragafellows in Hout Bay are all amazing! Oooh and San Julian for Mexican! It’s the best.

Alyx: Clarke’s.

Dudu Luthuli: Sticky Fingers in Rondebosch. Best.Food.Ever.

Gillian: The Cattle Baron.

Inge: Societi Bistro, Chefs Warehouse and Lindt Chocolate.

Josh: Bardelli's in Kenilworth - it's a tiny space but so full of that Italian charm and warmth. It's the perfect place for a cosy date night.

Krysia: Cafe Orca in Melkbosstrand. If you love seafood, you have to check this place out!

Hanni: Plant.

Marcus: Quaglino's. Their chocolate soufflé with caramel sauce and crumbled cookies is absolutely the no.1 dessert and the interior is something different for a change.

Zani: Woodcutters Arms, and the Foodbarn Restaurant in Noordhoek.

QUESTION 4: I LOVE THIS CITY BECAUSE…

Samantha: It’s a beautiful, chaotic, crazy, creative hub, full of interesting people making, innovating and inventing. I love the abundance of art, design and photography, and the inspiring souls behind it.

Alyx: Beautiful views, and there's always something to do and see and explore while you're here.

Dudu Luthuli: It always surprises you. Once you think you know the city and its vibe, something pops up that shifts how you view the city – and that’s really exciting.

Gillian: It is simply beautiful and has friendly people.

Inge: It simply has it all. Sea, nature, mountains, people, warm weather.

Josh: It's a melting pot of cultures and beliefs with a beautiful backdrop to boot.

Krysia: I never get bored.

Hanni: It radiates positivity.

Marcus: It enables me to be me. Discover continuously, do good, grow great experiences and always see more good that does happen.

Zani: Gosh, so many things! Nature... nightlife... the fact that I can drive an hour and be in the prettiest place I've ever seen... in most directions. And I can walk to work. Can't do that in many places in South Africa unforch... 

QUESTION 5: ONE NEW PLACE I WANT TO CHECK OUT IN CAPE TOWN IS:

Samantha: Luke Dale Roberts’ Naturalis when it opens! Had a peek at the menu and am already salivating.

Alyx: Smak Deli.

Dudu Luthuli: Yumcious Restaurant at the Cape Quarter.

Gillian: Outrage of Modesty Cocktail Bar.

Inge: Hallelujah.

Josh: The Platform Cafe at Franschhoek Cellar – it looks really cool and has a great view of the vineyards.

Krysia: Not sure if it is still considered "new", but I haven't been to Rush Trampoline Park yet and I really want to go!!!

Hanni: Nooka,  the new vegetarian restaurant.

Marcus: The Ceres Steam Train.

Zani: Nooka, Lefty’s (they might have been around for longer than a year), and ERA (I know ... so swanky but I have to go and see).

As you can see, despite living, working and dreaming in this special spot, we still have plenty of exciting discoveries to make and places to explore! If you can think of anything we’ve missed out, please tweet us @CapeTownMag, and follow #capetownmagnew for updates on our favourite new places. Happy adventuring everyone!