4 TOP SPOTS TO SPEND NYE 2016

The Mother City has brought us many thrills, pleasures and surprises over the past year. And she shows no sign of disappointing us this NYE. These spots are where you’ll find the most mouth-watering culinary delights, gripping acts and music that will tempt you to move your feet.

1 Benguela Collection

Each of Benguela Collection’s three eateries is serving a delectable feast consisting of multi-course meals so no matter where in the Cape you’ll be, you’re sure to find a good meal coupled with prestigious Benguela Cove wines.

At Benguela Brasserie & Restaurant, based at Lakeside Lodge & Spa on the Garden Route, you can bask in the view of the Swartvlei Lagoon as you indulge in a four-course repast. This includes delicacies such as onion Tarte Tatin roasted peppers and goat’s cheese, and cassoulet white beans, braised pork, duck and vegetables.

Further down south, Benguela on Main in Somerset West will be offering a luxe six-course meal. To add to the grandeur of the experience, Kallie will take to the stage to entertain you with his renditions of musician Michael Bublé’s most popular tracks. Finally, the luxurious Manor House at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate in Walker Bay, Hermanus, will be the venue for a scrumptious four-course offering that includes potato gnocchi with rosemary roasted figs and blueberry mouse with litchi sorbet.

OF NOTE
Benguela Brasserie & Restaurant
Where Lakeside Lodge & Spa, 3 Lakeside Drive, Swartvlei, Sedgefield
Cost R850 pp
Contact +27 44 343 1844, [email protected], wlakesidelodge.co.za

Benguela on Main
Where Corner of Main Road and Coronation Avenue, Somerset West
Cost  R1 200 pp
Contact 087 357 0637, [email protected], bengueladining.com/somersetwest

Benguela Cove Pop-up Restaurant
Where Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, R43, Bot River Lagoon, Hermanus
Cost R1 000 p
Contact +27 21 944 1041, [email protected], wbenguelacove.co.za

2 V&A Waterfront

The natural elements of earth, air, fire and water will be brought to life at the Cape’s favourite spot, the V&A Waterfront. With four areas, each dedicated to a different element, you’re sure to find a form of entertainment to suit your mood – from gifted buskers and circus performers to roaming musicians, singers, live bands and dancers.

At the V&A Amphitheatre, you can expect a medley of fairy lights celebrating air while the Alfred Mall will be blazing with the heat of fire, decked out in warm hues. Over at Nobel Square, deep greens and organic shades will show off the wonders of the earth, including performers dressed as African roots and tree nymphs. At the Clock Tower, enigmatic blues merged with vivid bursts of colour reminiscent of the coral reefs will portray the splendour of the ocean’s waters. Here, the Waterfront’s resident pirate ship will be illuminated in blue for a show that will continue into the new year.

OF NOTE
Where V&A Waterfront, Dock Road, CBD
Cost Free
Contact +27 21 408 7600, www.waterfront.co.za

3 Kove Collection

The buzzing Atlantic coastline is home to an array of sidewalk cafés and restaurants, including the Kove Collection’s Paranga, Umi, Zenzero, Pepenero and Blanko.

Relish a seven-course meal of scallops, venison, risotto and strawberry shortcake at Paranga or head to its neighbour, Umi, who specialise in Japanese cuisine. Expect generous portions of beef sashimi, teriyaki lamb cutlets and tonka bean pannacotta. Another Kove Collection favourite, Zenzero, will be doing what they know best: cooking up excellent Italian fare such as gazpacho oyster shooters, smoked beef carpaccio and pink champagne pannacotta.

Further afield, in Mouille Point, Pepenero’s four-course New Year’s Eve meal – consisting of beetroot cured salmon, grilled beef fillet and lemon polenta cake – will satisfy any palate while on the other side of the city, in the lush region of Constantia, you can explore an alternative take on Italian flair at Blanko. Think mushroom gnocchi, sea bass and chocolate salami– yum!

OF NOTE
Paranga
Where Shop 1, The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Cost R1 500 pp
Contact +27 21 438 0404, [email protected], paranga.co.za

Umi
Where 201 The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Cost R1 350 pp
Contact +27 21 437 1802, [email protected], umirestaurant.co.za

Zenzero
Where Shop 2A, The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Cost R1 350 pp
Contact +27 21 438 0007 , [email protected], zenzerorestaurant.co.za

Pepenero
Where 1 Two Oceans Beach, Bay Road, Mouille Point
Cost R900 pp
Contact +27 21 439 9027, [email protected], pepenero.co.za

Blanko
Where Alphen Boutique Hotel, Alphen Drive, Constantia
Cost R1 250 pp
Contact +27 21 795 6313, [email protected], blanko.co.za

4 Station on Bree

The only one of its kind in the Mother City, themed bar Station on Bree has an inner-city vibe marked by train seating, a courtyard bus shelter and an underground dancefloor.

The bar is announcing the initial boarding call for all local and international jet setters to board the train for departure at platform 2016 and arrive at their final destination of 2017 with a cosy and bespoke soirée. With just 300 VVIP party tickets to the private carriages, you best get on it! Three of the country’s top DJs – Hauswork, Pat La Funk and DJ FOSTA – will be on the decks as you ring in the new year..

OF NOTE
Where 207 Bree Street, CBD
Cost Early Bird R100, pre-sale R250, at the door R350
Contact Find them on Facebook

Photography Courtesy images