Things to do, places to be and things to see this month
ACT OF FAITH
A delightful ceramics exhibition is currently being held at Spier and will run until October, so make sure to pay it a visit on your next trip to the Winelands. Titled An Act of Faith because ceramics artists can never guarantee that their pieces will emerge from the kiln intact, the exhibition features more than 40 ceramic artworks by artists from across the country. Each artwork is unique – and interestingly, some of the artists have used recycled clay and others ‘wild clay’, sourced from rivers, dams and farms! Visit until 23 October at the Old Wine Cellar from 9am – 5pm daily.
GET YOUR SKATES ON
Don’t put away your winter coats just yet! Enjoy an ice-skating session at the Olympic-sized skating rink at Grand West and practise your moves. It’s an absolute treat for kids – and if you have a little one under 5 years old, they can enjoy the supervised mini rink. Ice skating sessions last 1 – 1 ½ hours depending on the day and times, and if you’re interested in improving your skills you can join skating lessons on Tuesdays.
STARS IN YOUR EYES
Run out of options for a bad weather day? Why not take your kids to the Planetarium! Check out the website to see which shows are playing and make sure to plan your timings around loadshedding as the Planetarium can’t operate during these times. You’ll get a completely immersive experience at the most advanced digital planetarium on the African continent, and once you’re finished you can wander through the Iziko South Africa Museum next door.
GLOBE TROTTING FEAST
Chef Luke Dale Roberts has opened a fabulous new spot in Cape Town’s Old Biscuit Mill – Salon Potluck. With a menu that takes diners on a journey through the many countries that have influenced his kitchen career, you’ll journey from the UK (with the mind-blowingly delicious pork scratchings and Guinness foam) to France, Singapore, Korea and back to South Africa. Choose between the nine-course Journey menu or the five-course Explorer menu.
GOURMET LUNCH BREAK
The beautiful Upper Union restaurant off Kloof Street in town is well worth a visit – not only is it gorgeously decorated, with a roaring fireplace and sumptuous interiors, but the food is exceptional. The restaurant now offers a Neighbourhood Lunch, where diners can enjoy two generous dishes for R225 per person.
ISLAND BY NIGHT
Take advantage of the full moon and go on a guided hike of the beautiful Intaka Island at Century City! Bring your friends and family and escape the busy city life to watch the nature of the island come to life as the moon rises up high in the sky. Entry is R80 per person and tickets are limited, so make sure that you book early and get ready to make some unforgettable memories!
PURCHASE A PROTEA
The next time you’re at Vergelegen Wine in Somerset West, make sure to ask them about their beautiful proteas – the proceeds of each sale go to a nonprofit organisation named Village Collaboration. They’re involved in changing lives in nearby Sir Lowry’s Pass village through well-run initiatives such as child nutrition projects, soup kitchens, playschools, and training and internships. Vergelegen sells the Empress proteas at its Stables family restaurant at a cost of R120-R180 per bunch of three to five proteas – all the proceeds go to Village Collaboration.