Local Intel: Lester Kiewit
Dalebrook Pool
I was a regular at Dalebrook before it became trendy. Growing up in the south, our childhood adventures led us to Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, and Simonstown. I'll always champion a False Bay swim over the icy plunge of the Atlantic Seaboard. But Dalebrook holds a special kind of magic. Especially in summer, when the sun sinks behind the mountain and bathes everything in gold. There's a deep, calming peace that comes with remembering those carefree, sun-drenched days of youth.
Main Road, Kalk Bay
Café Chiffon
I'm not usually one for sweets, but there's something irresistible about the soft, velvety texture of a Japanese cheesecake paired with a warm flat white on a foggy Cape Town morning. Café Chiffon is the kind of place a friend introduces you to, and before long, you're bringing others back—colleagues, old friends, new ones. I've even recommended it to listeners on air. It's that kind of place: a quiet indulgence you want to share.
The Gardener's Cottage
Tucked beneath ancient oaks in the Montebello Design Centre, The Gardener's Cottage is a Newlands gem. I only needed to miss out once on a Saturday morning to learn the golden rule: always book ahead. The stoep or garden tables are the best seats in the house. And the Eggs Benedict? Quite possibly the best in Cape Town.
Green Point Urban Park
Shared public spaces are where cities come alive. For families, for friends, for picnics or play – Green Point Urban Park is a well-loved sanctuary. It's beautifully maintained, clean, safe, and open to everyone. I'd wager it's my kids' favourite place in Cape Town. And by extension, mine too.
Surplus Bookstore
Cosy Corner, Wynberg
Many places claim to serve a good Gatsby. A few actually do. But only a handful can truly stake a claim to the best. Super Fisheries has the classic polony and atchar; Golden Dish in Gatesville does an unbeatable boerewors Gatsby. But the undisputed winner in my book? Cosy Corner's chargrilled steak Gatsby. It's compact, well-constructed, and bursting with flavour. No mess, no fuss – just pure, delicious structural integrity.
119 Ottery Road, Wynberg
Mnandi Textiles
Ilse and her team have been running Mnandi for decades, selling vibrant kente and shweshwe fabrics and crafting beautiful custom clothing. They're my go-to for dress shirts—nobody does it quite like Mnandi. Their work reflects both tradition and care, sewn into every seam.
Mariam's Kitchen
Cape Town soul food at its finest. There's a full spread of options, but my go-to order is the toasted masala steak, chip, and cheese sandwich. Throw in a samoosa and a steak half-moon, and you've got lunch and dinner sorted. Comfort food doesn't get more satisfying than this.
31 Heerengracht Street, Foreshore
Majestic Café
Some childhood memories never fade. A soft serve from Majestic Café in Muizenberg is one of them—simple, sweet, and dripping down your wrist before you've even made it out the door. It's an institution, passed down through generations. One I fully intend to pass on to mine.
44 Beach Rd, Muizenberg
Jazz in the Native Yards
On any given Sunday in Gugulethu, world-class jazz might erupt in someone's backyard. I've found a kind of spiritual experience sitting on a plastic chair in the open air, swept up in the rhythm and soul of a backyard concert. Jazz in the Native Yards is Cape Town at its most alive—unexpected, raw, and deeply moving.
No.52, Intshinga, Gugulethu
[Did you know, Zolani Mahola is also a fan! ]
Cape Town Museum of Childhood
The charming Museum of Childhood tells the story of childhood in South Africa – through toys, games, and exhibits that span generations. It's a gentle reminder that we're all just kids pretending to be grown-ups. Sharing those memories with your children is a gift. And one day, they'll pass the stories on too.
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En route we take in another archaeological park, which echoes the once-thriving city kingdom of Kourion, with spectacular sea views from the magnificent Greco-Roman theatre still used for summertime musical and theatrical performances. In the Gladiator's House a beautifully restored mosaic depicts the valor and bravery of two fighting men wearing armoured helmets and facing each other with shields, clubs and swords – probably commemorating a famous battle to the death but there are no signs of who prevailed. Coral Bay's sweeping crescent-shaped 600 yards of soft sand, enclosed each end by limestone headlands, makes it easy to walk into the sea to swim safely in crystal water. Blood-red sunsets are spectacular. Locals run the publicly owned value-for-money beach cafes serving sandwiches and salads, Cypriot coffees (I get the order right this time) brewed with pride, cold beers and ice-creams. Two sunloungers and a parasol cost €7 a day. There are showers for €1 but I am caught out when the water supply turns off. With shampoo in my hair I have to go to the bar to get change for the slot. Not a pretty sight. Cali Resort & Spa, our accommodation near Paphos, is a short walk from the beach and the lively Coral Bay strip of bars, pubs and restaurants. Cali is an adults-only place, beautifully renovated, exuding serenity to rejuvenate mind and body around the large pool and spa. There's lavish buffets in Aria all-day dining for alfresco breakfast, lunch and dinner with show cooking stations where chefs use fresh Cypriot ingredients. Different cooking themes are provided each evening. In nearby Paphos old town, Koutourou restaurant is in a splendid building. It is full of old relics with a basket bike hanging from the beamed ceiling and very battered travelling cases. There are pedal-powered Singer sewing machines, old serving trays and hefty black typewriters. Demetris Nicolau, the owner and chef, along with two ladies, creates wonderful Mediterranean dishes for diners in three rooms where every marble-topped table is crammed. While walking through the narrow streets we can hear live Greek music which draws us to the Tavern Pagkratios where Lakis is playing the bouzouki and Michalis the guitar as they sing about love and world travel. The meze looks delicious. We return another night and have a great time. The orange-soaked cake for dessert is heavenly, so the gods are still with us.
