This Friday, in addition to their regular Friday evening market,  The Woodmill in Stellenbosch will be hosting a boutique beer festival, showcasing a selection of micro-breweries.

The Woodmill Boutique Beer festival is an organised indoor event during which a variety of micro breweries including Paulaner Brauhaus, Trigger Fish, Valley Brewery, Boston Breweries and Darling Brew will showcase their beers.
 
Beers will be available for tasting and purchase alongside a host of edible delicacies housed at the regular Woodmill market, which is open every Friday night.
 
Ample parking and a designated kiddie’s play area will be available.

In traditional beer fest style, there will be Oempa Band to keep things festive.

I haven’t yet been to the Woodmill Market, but if I didn’t already have plans for this Friday, I think an artisan beer tasting would have gone down very nicely indeed and been the perfect excuse to wander out thattaway.

Date & Time: Friday 3 February 2012, 5.30pm – 10pm.

Place:  The Woodmill, Vredenburg Road (off Adam Tas), Stellenbosch

Cost: The tickets are R30 which includes a Woodmill Beer Glass and 5 tastings.

limited tickets available:

Phone 0786257388 to purchase or visit the woodmill friday night market.

www.thewoodmill.co.za

I love summer sunset concerts, and I especially like the ones out in the rambling winelands, where the place is a little slower than it is in the big city.

One particular series of concerts I am very much looking forward to is the Solms-Delta Summer Concert Series, which kicked off last weekend at the Franschhoek-based estate.

Here’s what’s on the cards, according to organisers:

Enjoy a feast of rural Cape food, music and dance each Saturday evening from 14 January to 10 March 2012. Enjoy our wine, a hearty Fyndraai Kaapse Braai Buffet and the best live music you could hope to hear in this magical setting.
 
Listen to the Solms-Delta Music van de Caab’s homegrown bands and the Delta Soetstemme and Delta Valley Entertainers perform alongside some of South Africa’s favourites, such as much loved Hannes Coetzee, Les Javan, Hot Water, Tribal Echo, House of Davids, Kaapse Affodille and Pieter van der Westhuizen.
 
Summer Concerts 2012 – Line-up

Don’t know about you, but I’m thinking… day out in the winelands, checking out a bunch of food markets in the area, followed by a picnic and concert at Solms-Delta sounds like a pretty good way to spend some downtime.

Yep, definitely sold on that one.

Solms-Delta Summer Concerts 2012: Event Details

Dates & Times: 14, 21, 28 January; 4, 11, 18, 25 February, 3, 10 March.
From 7.00pm to 9.30pm.
Cost: R195pp (food and music). Kids U 12yrs R95.
More info/bookings:
To book call Henry 021 874 3937 or email: restaurant@solms-delta.co.za and follow them on Twitter @solms_delta and Facebook.com/solmsdelta, for updates.

A very promising looking market will be held at Gabrielskloof Estate this weekend, starting this evening at 5pm. The wine (and olives and lavender!) estate is located off the N2 not far from the Houw Hoek Pass (after the Hermanus turnoff, but before the Greyton/Genadendal exit) – just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town central.

Gabrielskloof is hosting the ‘Our Favourite Things’ market today and tomorrow, and here’s what is apparently in store for visitors:

On Friday 16 December, the “opening” night of the market will be celebrated with a super talented live gypsy jazz band from Stellenbosch – Manouche. The evening kicks of at 5pm and stallholders will be ready to welcome friends and guests with their crafts, delicacies, and fresh produce.
 
We’ve selected the very best in (as much as possible) local talent and passion – handmade chocolate by von Geuseau chocs from Greyton, amazing charcuterie from Luddite in Botriver, Genevieve MCC, oysters, ‘Food from the Karoo’, french crepes, goat’s milk cheeses from neighbouring farm “Anysbos” (and much more, and of course a fantastic selection of stylish crafts from as far as trendy design capital Cape Town.
 
We repeat all the magic on Saturday 17 December, when the market starts at 12pm and finishes around 5pm. We will have a play area for the kids with a jumping castle (and supervision, of course), so bring the whole family – including dogs

Sounds awesome – and if you’re in Hermanus, as so many Capetonians seem to be at this time of year, it’s only half an hour away!

Our Favourite Things Market – Event Details

Location: Gabrielskloof, Bot River (directions and map here)
Dates & Times: 16 December 2011, 5pm onwards; 17 December 2011, 12pm to 5pm
More info: www.gabrielskloof.co.za

One of my favourite markets in Cape Town is the Earth Fair Market in Tokai.  I love all the traders, and go almost every Wednesday, meeting my mom for a glass of organic champers and a nibble of whatever takes my fancy.  I also do quite a bit of my grocery shopping there – snapping up some of Rudi’s amazing sausages, bacon or what-have-you from Cure Deli, smoked angelfish, nuts from By Nature, berries from Sugarberry Trading (during the short but ever so sweet berry season) and more besides.

Market organisers take immense care in choosing their stallholders, and maintain a really high level of quality.  Additionally, and importantly, there’s a great feeling of friendliness which I find very welcoming and fun.  No snobbishness here – it’s all very laid back and wonderful.

Being primarily a food market, there are usually only a few handmade goods stalls – but that will all change this Friday for the Earth Fair Christmas Market – and I can’t wait to see who the organisers have chosen to participate.

On the cards for this year’s market: a range of top quality handmade goods and beautiful Christmas gifting items, including textiles, frames, jewellery, body pamper products, lights, Christmas cakes and decorations, handmade bags and more.

In between shopping, you can try something from their delicious selection of crepes, sushi, paella, wraps etc, and wash them down with real beer and organic wines (and bubbly!).   The kids corner will be ready to keep the little people entertained so bring them along and do your shopping at leisure.

See you there!

Earth Fair Christmas Market 2011 – Event Details

Location:  Earth Fair Market, South Palms, Tokai (near Builders Warehouse)
Dates & Times: Friday 16 December (public holiday) 3pm-9pm.
Cost:  Free entry.
More info:  www.earthfairmarket.co.za

Having been to quite a few festive-themed markets this year, I can honestly say that quite a few were not as interesting as I’d hoped.  Some organisers manage to add the spark that makes for a market that is not only beautiful to look at, but has a wonderful variety of carefully chosen stalls, with products made with care.

Others… do not.

But, all is forgiven, because one of my very favourite Christmas markets is coming up…

The Designer Maker Market made its debut last year and it was a big hit, as far as I was concerned.  Lovely venue, beautifully presented courtyard and stalls, quality products.

This year, the market will stretch over 3 days, instead of just one, and there will again be a carefully selected group of designers and crafters.  An improvement on last year will be the “host of food offerings” available (including The Creamery, yay!) and the fact that Jacques Erasmus’ Hemelhuijs café will be open for the duration of the market (got a bit hungry last time!).

I’m very much looking forward to this market – and can’t wait to see what beautiful creations will be on display.

Location:  Freeworld Design Centre , 71 Waterkant St (on fanwalk).
Dates & Times: Wednesday 14 December 2011 – 3.30pm until 9pm, to coincide with Carols by Candelight at the church / Thursday 15 and Friday 16 December 2011 –  10.30am until 9pm (16TH is a public holiday).
Cost:  Free entry.
More info:  Free World Design Centre website.  Contact Lauren Shantall 072 615 1560

The new summer season of Paul Cluver concerts kicks off this weekend and the lineup looks very tempting indeed.

It’s not something I’ve experienced myself, yet, but is apparently an awesome way to spend a Saturday evening, relaxing under the beautiful canopy of trees surrounding the amphitheatre. Tickets are strictly limited to 600 per concert, making for an uncrowded, tranquil environment that appeals to me very much.

It is the most unique and awe inspiring setting for performances and it is only 45 minutes drive from Cape Town International. A towering Eucalyptus forest circles the intimate open-air arena which has been hewn from farm timber in its entirety. Performances are specifically chosen to match the natural acoustics of the venue.

Picnic hampers are available and the estate’s wine can be purchased at the concert (no BYO wine allowed).

Here’s that lineup:

Gates open at 5pm (seating is unreserved), and concerts start at 7pm.  For more info, visit Paul Cluver’s website.

Every year, Slow Food groups around the world celebrate Terra Madre Day, a day dedicated to promoting good, clean and fair food.  Every group does things differently, some hold canning parties, others focus on the importance of water, still others engage the public in tasting workshops of local specialty foods.  In Tanzania, a gathering was held to discuss the importance of traditional food for human health (read more Terra Madre stories here).

Here in Cape Town, a farmers market will be held as a contribution to the Terra Madre celebrations:

Piccolo Mondo (Small World) Farmer’s Market is a Mother Earth Market with a distinct difference! Be part of the greater whole and come and visit us at Oude Molen Eco-Village, Alexandra Road, Pinelands on Sat 10 Dec 2011 from 10am to 5pm.
 
A range of organic produce which includes vegetables, fruit, berries, raw honey from Napier, cheese, artisan breads from the Millstone Resturant at the Eco Village. Organic deli meats which has been slow cured without preservaqtives, organic oak smoked chicken, organic chocolates from Cocoafair that have been gift wrapped and many more……..
 
A broad selection of food that will have you queuing at different stalls like Panini Breads with different fillings, boerewors rolls and bacon and egg rolls, sweet and savory pancakes, hot mielies, savoury breads and pate’s and slow- cured deli meats are some of what you can expect!
 
Piccolo Mondo Farmer’s market will take place in a tented space on the grass surrounded by lots of trees in partnership with Cape Town Talent Exchange Vendors. There will be child friendly entertainment to keep your young ones amused, pony and horse rides for the more adventurous ! Bring the swimsuits as there is a swimming pool for the swimmers and lots of friends to meet
 
Come and hear Samuel Mxolisi Pono, a Jazz Saxophonist from the Ntonga School of Music in Gugulethu, blowing the sax with your favouring music!

I love the Millstone Cafe – ever since my first visit back in 2009 – and don’t visit nearly often enough (especially as I live pretty close to it), so I’m hoping to check out the Piccolo Mondo market this weekend, and see what local food goodies can be found there.

Piccolo Mondo Farmers Market – Event Details

Location: Oude Molen Eco Village, Pinelands
Dates & Times:   Saturday 10 December 2011.  10am to 5pm.
Contact : Petrina on Cell: 074 302 3254 / or 021 761 2373
Email : menngos@mweb.co.za

This Friday another fab Christmas Market beckons – this time in Woodstock. One more excellent reason not to buy your Christmas gifts from a mall, but rather from talented creatives right here in our Mother City.

Missibaba in Woodstock is hosting a Christmas Market in collaboration with an array of fabulous local fashion, jewellery and lifestyle brands including, amongst others, Moonbasket, Skinny laMinx and Fabric.

And, the kicker: there will a Bombay Sapphire cocktail bar, ice cream by The Creamery and delicious dim sum by Yang!

Yes. Please.

Missibaba Christmas Market – Event Details

Location: Missibaba Workshop, Unit 3, Selwyn Studios, The Palms, 145 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock
Dates & Times: Friday 9th December 5pm-9pm / Saturday 10th December 10am-3pm

Please bring cash along with you as most of the brands will not have card facilities.

This Saturday sees the launch of a new handmade goods market for Cape Town – The Fringe Handmade Market.

Hosted by The Fringe, Cape Town’s “Design and Innovation District“ (Harrington Square), the new monthly market will feature around 200 stands showcasing the “rich design and innovation talents of the city”.

Visitors can expect a creative vibe while shopping for locally-made festive season gifts, from unusual stocking fillers to collector’s pieces that will last a lifetime. The original, hand-made products on offer include craft, pottery, fashion, jewellery, décor, accessories and more.

The Fringe Handmade market will be a friendly affair and welcomes kids and pets. The market will feature a kids’ zone, where youngsters will be able to enjoy story-telling workshops and arts and craft sessions while parents shop.

It sounds quite promising – we do have a wealth of creative talent in our beautiful city, and as long as the market organisers choose the stallholders with care, this could make for an awesome monthly shopping experience.  I’ve never visited The Fringe District – and I’m quite keen to see what’s in store.

Definitely one to add to our 2011 Christmas Market Guide.

For up to date information, see www.facebook.com/FringeDistrict, follow @fringedistrict on Twitter.

Fringe Handmade Market – Event Details

Location: The Fringe – Cape Town’s Design and Innovation District
Harrington Square (Corner of Harrington and Caledon Streets).  (parking off Canterbury Street or Grand Parade)
Dates & Times:  Launch Saturday 3 December 2011 – 10am to 6pm  (thereafter, first Saturday of the month)
Website: www.thefringe.org.za

A new series of summer concerts is set to take place in De Waal Park, starting Sunday 27 November 2011.   The concerts, free to the public, will be on every other Sunday afternoon at 4pm.

De Waal Park is located in Oranjezicht, with gates on Molteno, Upper Orange and Camp Roads. Entrance is free and patrons are encouraged to arrive from 15:00.

Here’s hoping the mad sou’easter is kind to organisers and participants – I think it could be pretty awesome if the wind didn’t get too crazy!

Here’s the lineup for 2011/2012:  (* list updated 20 Jan 2012 – some changes to lineup and times)

SUNDAY 27th NOVEMBER – HOT WATER
Internationally recognised, Afro-Jive fusion band’s music incorporates traditional S.A music with folk, blues & Indie/pop rock. ”, they have performed at major festivals & toured Holland & Germany. Now opening “Summer Concerts in the Park

SUNDAY 4th DECEMBER – STERLING EQ
Probably the most successful instrumental band S.A. has produced – this SAMA “Superstar” Award winning quartet has brought virtuosity & glamour together in a breathtaking showcase of stylistic fusion,

SUNDAY 18th DECEMBER – Karin Zoid
Multi-award winning, gold selling “rock chick” has headlined at most of SA?s top festivals, played for Nelson Mandela & the World at the 46664 Concert, Constantly features on the covers of glossy magazines & TV. A WOW.

SUNDAY 15nd JANUARY – PHILHARMONIC BRASS QUINTET
The members are all professional players with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra. The quintet has performed a variety of concerts and outdoor venues. Their repertoire includes works from all genres including Baroque, Classical, Light Jazz and Pops.

*** Please note, there is NO concert on Sunday 22 January 2012 (apologies to newsletter subscribers) – the dates provided initially were incorrect, and have since been updated.***

SUNDAY 5th FEBRUARY – The Gugulethu Tenors
Filling the park with song on the 5th of February, is the Afro-operatic pop sensation which has been described as “South Africa’s Il Divo”, “Pavarotti’s Children” and “the Diamond of the Township”, The Gugulethu Tenors! Their concert is as touching as their humble beginnings; their performance as spectacular as their rise to fame. It is a vocal feast that offers something for everyone from opera favourites to ”Raise You Up”.

SUNDAY 19th FEBRUARY – The Rudimentals
This AFRICAN-SKA band is a multi social group of 6 talented & hugely entertaining fun-filled diverse musicians having appeared at Cape Town?s International Jazz Festival, Kirstenbosch, the Cape Metropolitan, Cape Town City Festival of Lights, Oppikoppi now “Summer Concerts in the Park”

SUNDAY 4th MARCH – Ike Moriz
International Jazz & Pop star- singer, producer, actor – song writer, he has 11 albums from Indie Rock – Latin/Easy Listening & Jazzy Swing – has played in 17 countries worldwide, reaching No.1 in the UK, Holland, & Germany. He has acted in films such as “Alfie” & “The Bill”

SUNDAY 18th MARCH – Saudiq Khan
A Flamenco guitar wizard whose passion & technique was nurtured in Seville Spain, the very heart of Flamenco music. He and his group captivates all with Flamenco, Latin & a dash of Jazz – truly outstanding.

SUNDAY 1st APRIL – Nomfusi   *starts at 3pm, not 4pm.
With a charismatic powerhouse dynamic stage presence, SAMA & Metro FM Award nomination, with 9 international tours (including the U.K. Portugal and Canada) this jet-setting songbird & band is setting a new bench mark for others to try to equal.

Now in its fifth successful year, the Franschhoek ‘Magic of Bubbles’ Cap Classique and Champagne Festival will be welcoming visitors from around the country over the weekend of 2 to 4 December to this annual social calendar highlight. This year’s festival will have a new fashionable twist with a black and white emphasis.

Taste some of France’s best Champagnes alongside the finest Cap Classiques to emerge from the wine cellars of South Africa. With the winemaking method virtually the same, it comes down to the terroir and skill of the winemakers, something which South African winemakers have mastered throughout the years

Visitors to the festival will be treated to multilayered gastronomic delights, as local restaurants get the chance to showcase Franschhoek’s status as one of the world’s premier culinary destinations.

This year the festival will take full advantage of the Cape’s glorious summer evenings, with the festival open from 6pm to 10pm on Friday, 2 December, and then between 12pm and 5pm on both Saturday, 3 and Sunday, 4 December.

Cost:
An R180.00 per person entrance fee allows you access to the festival. You’ll also receive a complimentary tasting glass and booklet of tasting coupons. Additional tasting coupons will be available for purchase. Children under 18 years of age will be allowed free entry to the festival. Tickets available at WebTickets.

Source: Franschhoek Wine Valley & Tourist Association.

Every year the Harfield Village Association closes off a section of 2nd Avenue and throws a big bash for locals and visitors.  It’s a full day of entertainment, with live music and over 150 stalls selling art, books, jewellery, homeware, proudly SA clothing, toys & gifts and more.

If you have kids, drop ‘em off at the créche on Lancaster Street and grab a seat at one of the many restaurants and pubs, watching the crowds roll by.

It gets pretty busy, so if you do find a spot to sit down, TAKE IT, and take turns to wander off and explore the stalls.

Harfield Village Carnival Details:

Location: 2nd Avenue, Harfield Village, Claremont/Kenilworth
Dates & Times:  Saturday, 26th November 2011.  09h00 till late