DJ Rene the Frenchman

While us over at 17onLoader (De Waterkant’s premium bed and breakfast) often review back alleys and bustling venues, we don’t usually take a look at the lingerers in the limelight. But recently we found ourselves beers-ing with the Frenchman that keeps HQ frantic on Fridays…

DJ Rene (the Frenchman – as he is referred to) is the towering, infectiously jovial energy of a man pleased with the way his life’s turned out. His bombastically beautiful grey hair bounces as he animatedly gesticulates with a wide, trusty smile. Despite having lived in South Africa for seventeen years, Rene still has the two unmistakable traits of a Frenchman – the accent, and the kind of effortless charm that could hypnotize a girl right into a dark corner without even trying.

DJ-Rene-at-HQ

DJ Rene is the regular at HQ on Fridays, but has an unofficial appreciation society that has him booked all over the country, at least six months in advance, to play, what he calls, “world music“. The genre is as alternating as the atmosphere’s dynamic – DJ Rene shakes up cuban salsa, trance, electro, some hip hop and Brazilian jazz and serves it dirty dirty to the. already-coupling-up, cocktail bar crowd.

From about 9PM on in, in the low-lit golden glow of HQ, the live DJ act comes to include a variety of live performers – sometimes saxophonists, big band brass, or percussion – who never rehearse together, but rock up, read the room, and follow the French pied piper.

Describing the evening ahead of us, DJ Rene got this glint in his eye (not completely unlike that recognized in dictators of small countries) “and we build, we build, we build… and it’s like a wave you know… and zen we are holding zem in our ‘andz like zat!“.

And with a harmlessly power-dizzied gaze he concludes, “at ze peak we are like, Ba!BA!” And overcome by the scene he’s imagining, begins to beat out percussion on the table, mimicking the musical climax of an HQ Friday – when, he claims, he could play anything from Irish ditties to the can-can, and can-can still have the crowd throw down like the circle’s getting bigger.

The Waterfront Wine Affair

Cape Town’s been very quiet this week – we’ve been nursing our once-flourishing social calendars and wishing for sunburn. But what we have fast forgotten is that winter brings wine, fireplaces and excuses for shared body-heat… 

Until Friday, The V&A spends the week swaying with the inebriated influence of dozens of boutique and reserve wines. With curling leaves and early evenings comes the annual V&A Wine Affair. The backdrop of a Table Mountain-marked cityscape makes The Waterfront’s look out a perfect rooftop for some indulgent-out-of-doorsness. 

This well-loved tasting/sipping soiree is a palate party.  Think sushi, oysters, imported cheeses and charcuterie… the menu boasts the best elements of The V & A’s award-winning restaurants. And for the refined gourmand masticating on the fantastic, a selection of wildly well-reputed wine farms wets the appetite and injects some jollity to the “affair”.

The Waterfront Wine Affair runs from 17h00 – 21h00 everyday until Friday 7th May. Tickets are between R90 and R110 thereafter, inclusive of wine / deli tastings and a brochure guide. 

All in all, merriment in low harbour lighting is a wonderfully warm, cosy way to snuggle into the week’s wintry weather.

Stadium Stories: Durban

For all those cheeky Capetonians arguing that “we have the best stadium” don’t be fooled - us Durban-born girls disagree. Besides the fact that as a host city, Durban will be the SAM-HELL warmer than Cape Town, a recent visit has convinced me that eThekwini has the best stadium to boot. An unimposing testament to symmetry, this pillared structure is perfectly placed in the heart of the Durban skyline – with cable car providing a literal bird’s eye view.

 
The 70, 000 seater stadium is named after KwaZulu Natal-born Moses Mabhida – a unionist called upon by Oliver Tambo to develop the ANC’s armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK). Mabhida is remembered for his contributions as chief political instructor of new military recruits,and for later becoming the commander of Umkhonto we Sizwe. Rich in African heritage even in its physicality, the stadium takes its design inspiration from the South African flag – with a distinct high arch representing the unity of a sport-loving nation, in the two branches which converge from the ground up. While I am a touch nauseated with unnecessary immersion in South African history, it is undeniable that the Moses Mabhida has all the sass of Greenpoint stadium, with all the elegance and greandeur of the parthenon.

Most importantly – the people-pleasing feature in the cable car. Along the archway runs a cable car combining the technologies of an elevator and a railroad. This cable car affords visitors a peeksy at stadium and city from a staggering 106 meters above the pitch.

Photographs by Kirsten Pirie

Afrika Burns

22nd-27th of April, Afrika Burns is up next on the South African social calendar. And for those of you thinking trance, dance and liquored prance, you should know what sets Afrika Burns apart:

Founded on the principles of the United States Burning Man Festival, Afrika Burns is all about the gift economy and the freely expressed community. To quote their mission statement:

“This “gift economy” means that there is no commercial exchange at the event – no vending, no cash bars and no branded promotion of services or products – the aim being real social interaction. It is an exercise in total self-reliance: participants camp for four days and provide entirely for themselves, including all their water, shelter and food needs”.

In addition, every camper is asked to gift something to the community – be it a drum solo to the full moon, freshly squeezed juice to those braving the scorching sun or a sculptural artwork to be sacrificed in flames. In a nutshell, Afrika Burns is community-orientated cultural communism. What you need you bring, or source from the community. Money is no good on the long stretch of road marked by an absence of anything.

All in all, Afrika Burns is not for those that snigger at tambourines or recoil at the idea of dirt up their skirts, but it is said to be a life-changing experience and one worth the wash-less nights

Great new Menu and Specials at ‘Chenin’ in de Waterkant

Great news for us “de Waterkanters” (no double entendre intended!)

Chenin has introduced a number of great winter food and wine specials (for only 60 South African Rand nogal), as well as a new ‘tapas’ menu.

The specials start Monday 12th and are available through April and May and include:

• Any of the following main courses with a glass of wine or Boston Draught Beer thrown in for only R60

• 200g beef sirloin steak with potato bake and chimichurri
• Bangers with mustard mash and caramelised onion ratatouille
• Fish pie with peas and mash
• Butternut ravioli with wilted greens and sage butter

• 20% off premium and blended wines

Their head chef, Kevin, has also created small plate ‘tapas’ dishes such as garlic & chilli prawns, Pernod chicken livers, chorizo & calamari pot, duck & honeyed pear and the classic Tortilla Espanol amongst others!!

New lunch menu dishes include Goats cheese, mushroom & spinach tart, bacon & poached egg salad, club sandwich, chicken & avocado wrap, steak roll sandwich and prawn, chicken or bacon Caesar salad with most of these priced below R50.

New dinner menu dishes include pea & prawn risotto, herb stuffed sardines, duck salad and roasted marinated chicken, and salmon & asparagus Tagliatelle to name but a few.

A serious reason for visiting de Waterkant!

Email: info@cheninrestaurant.co.za

Website – click here

Jack Parow

Referred to as “Bob Dylan of the northern suburbs”, “pirate of the caravan park” and “an Afrikaans Eminem“, Zander Tyler is more popularly known for his on-stage persona as Jack Parow – one of South Africa’s most prominent popular culture icons.

As “Cooler as Ekke” has monopolized African airwaves, Afrikaans, Mothercity-made Jack Parow, has become one of South Africa’s local loves.

At the early end of the decade, musical movements that tore Afrikaans music apart from religious zeal, resulted in the Belville Rock city phenomena – and so spawned bands the likes of Fokofpolisiekar, aKing, and Van Coke Kartel. So while Afrikaans music was once ripe with religious evangelism, the noughties saw it slowly became synonymous with grunge garage-sale outfits and angsty rock ‘n roll. 

Lucky for us though, the the latest revolution is Afrikaans music seems to be an all-fun Afrikaans rap movement. Die Antwoord and Jack Parow are core examples of Afrikaans music moving away from rock tracks, toward electro back beats and theatrical rap personas.

Die Vraagstuk: Die Heuwels Fantasties feat. Jack Parow

Zander Tyler first fell under spotlight for the song, Die Vraagstuk, which he produced for another Afrikaans-admiration, Die Heuwels Fantasties. Since then Jack Parow’s sharp tongue has earned him critical acclaim: Think Afrikaans social criticism – gratefully disguised in shock-worthy colloquialisms and boundary-pushing humour. Feeding the Afrikaans youth’s need for upbeat and bass, Jack Parow’s jerk-quirky lyrics and crazy costuming set him apart from South African acts.

Cooler as Ekke by Jack Parow

Their latest success – the Cooler as Ekke music video – conveys Jack Parow’s crazy contagious stage presence.  Be sure to catch them in Cape Town live!

Two Oceans Marathon

Tomorrow (Saturday 3rd of April) brings the 2010 chapter of The Two Oceans Marathon! The Two Oceans Marathon was first run in 1970, and has been recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful race routes ever since. The name tells all – runners start in Newlands, head out to Noordhoek and across Cape country. Taking on the incline of Chapman’s Peak, promising a view of both the Pacific and Indian oceans. This year’s race will be just as spectacular as the last, but runners should note that weather reports are partly cloudy skies, a strong southerly and a serious seventy percent humidity.

Two Oceans Marathon via Chapman's Peak.

The Two Oceans includes a 56km ultra marathon, the popular 21km half marathon and the 5km or 2.5km fun runs. All in all the Two Oceans Marathon is one of Cape Town’s local loves and encouragement is abundant from sidewalk supporters.

Be wary though, the route results in road closures – so be sure to note these before heading out for your weekend drive. And for those needing to rest tired eyes and sore bodies over this long weekend – be sure to head for the comfort of 17 on Loader.

“Arizona Sports Bar & Grill” to open in de Waterkant.

Remember where “Friendly Society” used to be? Well it has now been replace by the “Arizona” which will officially open its doors on March 12th.

Described as being the newest sports bar and grill in the De Waterkant Village, patrons are encouraged to play a game of pool; watch their favourite sports or have a reasonably priced meal.

The “Arizona” is scheduled to have an opening party on Friday March 12th from 7pm where a complimentary drink and snacks will be offered.

Address: 125a Waterkant Street (Previously Friendly Society)

P.H.Fat and Playdoe LIVE!!!

The discotheque series, presented at Assembly, has done nothing to disappoint. Tonight they bring us two of South Africa’s most deliciously high-rising, local acts - Playdoe and P.H.Fat.

Both dreamteams have exploded onto the South African music scene by pioneering their amalgam genres. Playdoe’s name says it – a malleable genre, a fluid sound and a playful live act that is almost evangelical about, “it’s that beat”. Playdoe consists of Sibot – the genius that brought you Max Normal, Constructus, Closet Snare, Knights of the Round and Real Estate Agents – while Spoek supplies the god-step and the man purse. They’ve toured Europe and played with the calibre of Anti Pop Consortium, DJ Krush, DJ Food, Afrikan Boy, Dan La Sac vs Scroobius Pip, M.Sayyid (solo), Buzzcocks, Cadence Weapon, Dizzee Rascal… in nutshell, they can hold their nuggets amongst the good-beat-gods.

P.H.Fat , and their motto, “dance so hard you blood turns to mayonnaise”, bring social satire and a darkness to their mish-mash of experimental rap/electro. Masters of localized lyrical masterstrokes, “Eskom’s coming! Turn out the lights”, is one of their most celebrated song lines. In addition their superstar-less, diva-free nature and sardonic self-deprecating humour, make them a crazy enjoyable live act.

To see is to believe. These guys are going places, and they reaffirm the faith in South Africa, that seasons of Idols have repeatedly robbed us of.

Other acts include the consortium of Richard III, Liver, Lapse and Mastercash.

DOORS OPEN AT 9PM and entrane is R30 Before 9:30 and R50 After.

Do yourself a favour. Hope to see you there.

South African Wine Course

Are you tired of having dinner with your snootier glass-twirling, wine-snorting friends – and wondering how it is that the opinion of  a person gargling wine in public, can be considered so solemnly? If like me, you are well fed-up with going out to dine with someone that assumes you can’t choose the wine (because, perhaps you can’t), then this course if for you.