Mike is an accomplished pianist with a longstanding career in the music industry that stretches from the early 70’s. He has toured the globe playing at numerous corporate events as well as being the dedicated hotel pianist for a few fine establishments and even won a SAMA Award in the jazz category.

Mike now graces the lobby of Taj Cape Town every Friday. Be sure to stop by to enjoy a number or two by Mike in our comfortable lounge. Snacks and beverages may be ordered and enjoyed during the performance.

Madame Zingara combines circus skills with burlesque and vaudeville to create an unforgettably decadent night out.

One of the shows  (image courtesy of Madame Zingara)

A gourmet delight
And while the show alone might be worth the price of admission, the food is not an afterthought. Actually, with dishes like Zingara’s legendary chilli chocolate fillet on the menu, the meal is almost as dramatic as the performers on stage.  Madame Zingara also boasts extravagant cocktails and a meticulously chosen wine list.

It’s not common to find food this imaginative combined with thoroughly skilful and well-considered performances. The effect is almost overwhelming – to enter Madame Zingara’s ornate velvet tent is to travel to another world through a whirlwind of bohemian magic. And everyone is in character – even the waiters turn out to be performers. In fact, some people find interacting with their waiters the most entertaining part of their evening.

Dazzling detail
The attention to detail is striking, from the décor to the costumes, from the stage make-up to the set design. And if all that leaves you feeling too plain, you can even buy fancy dress from the Bijoux Boutique – and really be part of the action.

The menu tries to cater for everyone, with vegetarian options and consideration for special dietary requirements.

And the fun doesn’t end with dinner. The shebeen drinks area outside means that you can get up from the dinner table and party the night away.

Madame Zingara’s Love Magic Tours is in Cape Town until August. Prices vary depending on where you choose to sit, with tickets starting at R300. This includes the show and a five course meal.

Call the Madam Zingara box office to make a reservation on 021 001 3366.

The Taj Cape Town is located close to Cape Town’s varied and interesting nightlife. The well-informed staff at the Taj Cape Town are happy to keep guests up-to-date on the latest events.

Celebrate in true French style in Franschhoek, South Africa’s own idyllic little corner of France.  Franschhoek is a particularly appropriate place to honour the quest for liberty, as it is where many Huguenots settled in the 17^th century after fleeing religious persecution in France.

There are plenty of activities for the whole family and you can taste fine wines, sample gourmet cheeses and even play a leisurely game of boules.

The 2010 Franschhoek Bastille Day Festival takes place over the weekend of 17 and 18 July.

In honour of Franschhoek’s Huguenot heritage, the whole town will partying: On Saturday morning there’s a parade, and the Festival will feature a craft market, musicians and plenty of activities for kids.

This year’s fun run from Drakenstein Prison (formerly Victor Verster) is especially poignant, as Victor Verster is where Nelson Mandela served his final term of imprisonment, and the event takes place on the weekend of Mandela’s birthday.

Want to completely immerse yourself in French culture? Catch a French movie at Le Quartier Français’s private screening room. Then have a go at the traditional French sport of boules.

The Food and Wine Marquee forms the heart of the festival. Here you can sample wine from Franschhoek’s superb vineyards and taste gourmet food from top local chefs.  Franschhoek is always a foodie paradise, but the town’s chefs will pull out all the stops for the Bastille Day festival, with specially created menus to mark the occasion. It is advisable to buy tickets for the Food and Wine Marquee beforehand, to avoid disappointment. Entrance is R100, and includes a tasting glass and coupons.

The Taj Cape Town is an ideal base if you want to experience the excitement of Cape Town, and the tranquillity of the Cape Winelands. Franschhoek is situated within easy driving distance of the Cape Town city centre and is ideally located for day-trippers.

18 July, Nelson Mandela’s birthday, has been chosen as Mandela Day worldwide.

It is not a holiday; it’s an opportunity to make a difference. Mandela devoted 67 years to helping the community and, on Mandela Day, each of us is asked to contribute 67 minutes to helping others.

Nelson Mandela Day – Campaign logo 2010

New York City was the global host of last year’s very successful inaugural Mandela Day. Mandela Day 2010 is to be hosted by Madrid, and the Spanish capital will present concerts, workshops and exhibitions. South Africans can be proud that Mandela Day is helping to spread the message of tolerance, non-discrimination and ubuntu throughout the world.

How you help is up to you. The Mandela Day organiser’s specifically chose not to dictate what you should do. They only ask that your contribution helps others.

For example, the Ubuntu Festival, taking place on the Mandela Day weekend, has arranged for celebrity chefs and participants to cook quality food for Cape Town’s homeless shelters.

You don’t have to attend an official event to help out. Individuals and organisations across South Africa have committed to do something meaningful to fulfil their 67 minutes.

Cape Town is a great place to live or visit, but the sad reality is that there are many less fortunate people in this beautiful city. That is no reason to give up in despair: Nelson Mandela has taught us that individual actions make a real difference. Truly honour Mandela by following in his footsteps.

This year’s Ubuntu Festival offers a jam-packed weekend of events, starting with on Friday, 16 July, with workshops on achieving the spirit of ubuntu.

 Ubuntu Festival 2009

On Saturday, 17 July, join celebrity Chef Jenny Morris in the atrium of Mandela Rhodes Place on St Georges Mall as she hosts an event to cook meals for Cape Town’s homeless shelters.

Then on Saturday night the Rainbow Room at Mandela Rhodes Place hosts a gala dinner featuring hot jazz from some of South Africa’s top musicians. Tickets are available from Webtickets.

On Sunday, 18 July, St George’s Mall becomes a giant party. Good Hope FM DJs host a festival of music from 10 am to 6 pm. Top artists will be playing many styles of music in this celebration of local talent. The festival is free, so everyone can join in, making this a rare opportunity for all Capetonians to mix. You can also experience cuisines from Cape Town’s many different cultures: multiculturalism has never been so delicious.

18 July is also Nelson Mandela’s birthday – and what better way to celebrate the life of a global icon of ubuntu?

On Monday, 19 July, the Taj hosts an innovative workshop designed to illuminate the concept of ubuntu and discover how we can apply ubuntu in our home and work lives and among our families and communities. In accordance with the principles of ubuntu, this is an interactive event where you set the agenda. Instead of just being talked to, delegates participate and bring ideas.

The excellent panel will ensure this workshop focuses on engaging meaningfully with the concept of ubuntu. Participants can then enjoy refreshments at the Taj and music at the Rainbow Room. The workshop is from 3pm to 6pm and costs R200 (with a concession for Cape Town Tourism members). Places are limited so you are advised to book early.

The Cape Town Book Fair will be attended by some of literatures best-known names, most notably Nigerian writer, Wole Soyinka. Another prominent figure set to attend is Archbishop Desmond Tutu who will be opening proceedings.

Cape Town Book Fair 2009 (image courtesy of Cape Town Book Fair)

Now in its fifth year, the Cape Town Book Fair is introducing a Professional Day open only to exhibitors and trade visitors. To be held on 30 July, organisers will present on the spot seminars about various critical topics, including digital publishing and rights trading.

Highlights for trade visitors will be the Rights and Business Lounge where participants will be able to conduct meetings in a business-like environment, and the International Collective where exhibitors from all over the world can register single titles, shelves or panels in order to test the market.

A great event for book lovers of all ages, the Cape Town Book Fair is open to the public from the 31st July to the 2nd of August 2010, and the fair will present an exciting programme of events for readers, including a special Children’s Zone.

The cost of admission is R60 for adults, R25 for students and pensioners, while children 13 years and younger may enter free of charge.

Playing at the Baxter Theatre for five weeks from 7 June to 11 July 2010, the acclaimed production features the very best of local and international comedic talent.

While Cape Town welcomes the world for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup™, the Vodacom Funny Festival brings a world of comedy to our shores. International performers include the brilliant UK ventriloquist, Paul Zerdin, the zany “Spanish Testosterone King” Paul Morocco from the US and the effervescent Craig Hilton from Scotland.

Freddie Mercury’s alter ego, Mario: Queen of the Circus comes to Cape Town directly from a sell-out run with La Clique in Paris, and the sought-after Paul Zerdin is one of the top artists in his field, recently earning critical acclaim from the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance in London in December.

The local line-up includes leading South African comedians Riaad Moosa, Ndumiso Lindi, Al Prodgers and master of ceremonies, the hilarious Alan Committie.

Now in its sixth year, the popular annual event is renowned for showcasing kings of comedy and has rightfully become known as the “Cape’s Winter Tonic.”

Tickets for the Vodacom Funny Festival 2010 cost R130 each, and generous discounts are offered on block bookings for ten or more tickets to the same performance.

Mint, an all-day dining restaurant located at the exclusive Taj Cape Town hotel, offers innovative local and international fare. The Father’s Day special includes a delightful three course menu, complemented by Taj’s characteristically warm Indian hospitality.

Dine in style

The restaurant’s elegant show kitchen allows diners to catch a glimpse of the chefs at work preparing the day’s fare. Mint is situated in the old Reserve Bank building in the Cape Town city centre. This restored historical landmark offers old-world charm combined with cool contemporary flair. Weather permitting, sweeping double-volume glass doors can be opened to create a charming inside-outside dining experience, lending a cosmopolitan ambience to the occasion.

The men will be greeted with a complimentary Jack Black beer upon arrival, and the table d’hôte will cater for even the most discerning palate, showcasing some of Mint’s finest offerings. The menu consists of gourmet dishes with unusual culinary twists. Choose from three options per course, and sit back and enjoy the relaxed yet sophisticated ambience of Mint.

Booking details

Impress your dad by booking a Father’s Day celebration at Mint!

• R240.00 per person
• Half price for children under the age of 10
• To book, please email Kerry at mint.restaurant@tajhotels.com

Visitors can park their cars at allocated park-and-ride stations. From there, a network of shuttles will provide transportation to and from the wine farms. Over 140 wine cellars are participating in the festival and visitors will be spoiled for choice with over 500 wines on offer for tasting.

A day at the market (image courtesy of Stellenbosch Wine Routes)

Festival highlights
Experience wine tasting at a host of estates, where you can engage with well-known winemakers. Purchase wines that you have tasted at the festival at the Vineyard Connection Wine Shop. Meet celebrity chefs and watch their wine-infused cooking demonstrations.

Enjoy food and wine pairing sessions and visit the Gourmet Lane feature zone. This feature showcases tasting menus from top restaurants, pairing signature dishes with top Stellenbosch wines.

Local artists provide entertainment and live music throughout the festival. Supervised play areas and kiddies cooking sessions will keep the little ones entertained while you enjoy tastings and wine shopping.

The festival promotes responsible drinking. Wine Festival shuttle services are available from the V&A Waterfront, Century City and Durbanville. Booking is essential – call 021 405 4550.

Tickets
Regular tickets cost R150 per person, per day

Golden Pass tickets, at R500 per person, allow you access for the entire duration of the festival

Free entrance for children under 18

Book your tickets online by visiting www.wineroute.co.za

Highlights
Food and wine lovers can enjoy the Stellenbosch Wine Festival, taking place from 1 to 5 July. For a good dose of South African humour, be sure to catch the Vodacom Funny Festival from 7 June to 11 July. Theatre fans will be dazzled by the acrobatic Las Vegas show, Le Grand Cirque-Fantazie, on stage at the Artscape from 26 June to 10 July.

Music lovers can look forward to international artists performing in Cape Town during June and July, including Fat Boy Slim, Dizzy Rascal and Groove Armada.

World Cup 2010
The Cape Town Stadium is set to host 8 World Cup soccer matches. Don’t miss out on this momentous sporting event – make sure that you can say ‘I was there!’

Match schedule
11 June – Uruguay vs France

14 June – Italy vs Paraguay

18 June – England vs Algeria

21 June – Portugal vs Korea

24 June – Cameroon vs The Netherlands

29 June – Round of 16

3 July – Quarter-final

6 July – Semi-final

Fan parks
Cape Town fan park locations include the Grand Parade in the city centre, the all-weather friendly Bellville Velodrome and the Athlone Stadium. Head down to one of the fan parks to watch live match broadcasts in the company of fellow soccer enthusiasts. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, live entertainment and World Cup celebrations.

This is the first year the Taj Cape Town will be appearing at Indaba because this time last year we were still a building site.

The Old Reserve Bank Hall during the Taj Restoration (less than a year ago)

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It is truly amazing what can be accomplished in one short year when enough hard work and love are invested.

If you’re attending Indaba 2010 you’ll find the Taj Cape Town at the Leading Hotels of the World stand in Hall 5 & 6 at stand ICCA026.

We look forward to seeing you.

Mint Mother’s Day menu

Treat Mom to a dining experience with a difference. The menu consists of gourmet dishes with unusual culinary twists. Choose from three to four options per course, and sit back and enjoy the relaxed yet sophisticated ambience of Mint. The menu also includes tasty vegetarian selections. The starters, mains and desserts have been carefully selected to please any palate.

Enjoy your meal under the trees of St George’s Mall or catch a glimpse of chefs in action beside the impressive open plan show kitchen. A glass façade offers city views and the restaurant boasts a floor to ceiling wine wall. Mint is family friendly and you will feel right at home in this intimate three-level eatery.

Mint is situated in the old Reserve Bank building in the city centre. This restored historical landmark offers old-world charm combined with cool contemporary flair.

Booking details

Impress your mom by booking a Mother’s Day celebration at Mint!

• R230.00 per person
• Half price for children under the age of 10
• To book, please email Kerry at mint.restaurant@tajhotels.com

Enjoy a special family celebration in the heart of Cape Town. A sumptuous meal, warm atmosphere and good company, what better way to spend Mother’s Day?

The annual Franschhoek Literary Festival offers a selection of talks by authors (or panels of authors) ranging from discussions about writing techniques to more controversial politically inspired debates. It’s a full weekend programme and, if you’re anything like us, you’ll have trouble deciding what to attend because it all sounds so interesting!

The whole Franschhoek Village will be getting in on the act. Not only will literary greats be sharing their thoughts, ideas, inspiration and more but a lot of local restaurants and hotels will also be sharing through special Franschhoek Literary Festival offers.

Tickets can be purchased online or on the day (but, to avoid disappointment, we suggest purchasing before the event).

The annual Cape Times V&A Waterfront Wine Affair is taking place from 4 to 7 May 2010. A state-of-the-art marquee on the roof of the Breakwater parking garage serves as the venue for this well loved food and wine festival. The Cape’s top wine estates, producers and boutique wineries will showcase their wines, alongside carefully matched gourmet exhibitors and award-winning Waterfront restaurants, offering delicious accompaniments.

Wine bottles (image from Stock.Xchng – http://www.sxc.hu)

Visitors can choose from a selection of 300 wines from 75 of the Cape’s finest wineries, as well as an appetising assortment of deli and restaurant fare. Weave through the stands to sample wine-pairing favourites including olives, cheeses, charcuterie, pestos, oysters and sushi. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy a variety of chocolates, nougat and preserves on offer.

Ticket details

• Purchase tickets at Computicket from 1 April 2010
• Early bird tickets are on sale until 25 April 2010 and cost R75.00
• Tickets to attend the event on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are priced at R90.00 per person.
• Friday attendance is charged at R110.00 per person
• The event runs from 10am to 9pm daily

Your ticket will include wine and deli tastings and a brochure. Wine can be purchased at the event for post-festival delivery and specialised food items will be on sale. Taste the Cape’s finest wines and a tailored gourmet menu at the water’s edge, amid views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town Stadium.

As in previous years, a portion of the proceeds will go to The Pebbles Project, a charity offering educational support to children with special needs in the Cape Winelands.

View and purchase art at the exhibition
A nationwide selection process narrowed down the field from 2,700 hopeful entrants to the final 100 artists, whose work will be exhibited at the show. 130 works of art will be showcased at the exhibition, hailed as South Africa’s largest contemporary showing.

Spier Contemporary (image from Spier Contemporary group on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20934657656)

The exhibition is considered the leading contemporary art project with the least barriers: The competition and resulting exhibition places no limitations on artists and showcases all art forms. A cross-section of mediums can be viewed, including photography, video, installation, sculpture, new media, painting, film and performance art.

Contemporary art is defined as art that is created now, so you can expect to see visual depictions of what it is like to live in South Africa in 2010. Exhibited art is for sale and can be purchased from The Fringe Art Shop. All proceeds go to the original artists.

Many exciting events will take place in support of the exhibition. Some of the highlights of this year’s exhibition include art-related discussions, debates and open mic sessions. You’re also invited to enjoy poetry readings and wine tastings and be entertained by contemporary and classical live music. Take a look at the Spier Contemporary website for details of these events.

Exhibition details
Admission to the exhibition is free, and it runs seven days a week and on public holidays. Viewing takes place from 10am to 6pm daily. A fully-licensed pop-up café is on site, serving snacks and light meals.

Visit South Africa’s largest visual and performing arts exhibition for an aesthetic and thought-provoking experience.

The guide offers accurate dates, pricing and venue details of events, along with informative descriptions of each event. Join Taj Cape Town’s Facebook fan page and gain access to all the latest events and attractions that the Mother City has to offer. If you’re already a fan, why not share the page with friends or relatives who may be visiting Cape Town in the future?

Taj’s Facebook events diary caters to all tastes
The new events diary caters to every interest and entertainment preference, and features an extensive variety of events, ranging from theatre productions, music concerts and comedy shows to food and wine festivals and sporting events. The calendar is updated regularly to ensure that fans are always up to speed with the latest events in Cape Town. Plan your social schedule months in advance by diarising forthcoming attractions listed in the guide.

The event portal includes click-through links to the Facebook pages of featured events, adding to the convenience and functionality of the online diary. You’ll also be able to read overviews of each event, to find that ones that most pique your interest.

Join Taj Cape Town’s Facebook fan page and access the event calendar feature, your one-stop resource for all local event information.

British-born Gordon Ramsay, of Hell’s Kitchen fame, is a seasoned chef, television personality and a successful international restaurateur. He is best known for his unwavering pursuit of perfection, a passion for food, fiery temper and sharp tongue. Witness his dynamism first-hand at the forthcoming Good Food and Wine Show, where he is set to inspire and entertain one and all.

Tickets to watch Gordon Ramsay in the Chefs in Action Theatre can be pre-booked through the Good Food and Wine Show website. Tickets are priced at R300.00 and include your show entry for the exhibition. The Gordon Ramsay VIP Experience includes a VIP Chefs in Action seat, an autographed Gordon Ramsay cook book, a free wine glass and show entry. These tickets are priced at R750.00, and it’s recommended that you book online to avoid disappointment.

Gordon Ramsay, along with local and international chefs, will impart handy cooking tips and global trends in a host of entertaining speciality shows and kitchen theatres. Head to the Good Food and Wine Show to discover the latest food trends, as well as the finest in local and international fare.

South African Cheese Festival 2009 (image by South African Cheese Festival – http://www.cheesefestival.co.za/galleries/view/2009)

Highlights at the SA Cheese Festival
The Checkers Cheese Emporium showcases almost every type of cheese imaginable. Explore the fine selection of cheese, wines, sparkling wines and sweet treats in a 2,400m² air-conditioned marquee. Be inspired by the culinary creativity of Nataniël in the new Checkers Theatre.

Visit The Mall to discover an array of complementary cheese pairings. Stock up on award winning wines, pesto, breads, mustards, nuts and homemade preserves. The new SA Olive Experience offers a taste celebration of olive varieties, tapenades, jams and olive oils.

Famous food icons and celebrities whip up cheese-infused culinary delights in The Cooking Pot feature zone.

The Cheese Market stocks a smorgasbord of innovative handmade cheeses. From familiar favourites to new flavours, this market offers the finest in cheese-makers’ produce.

Stroll along the Gourmet Lane and enjoy fresh oysters and marinated herring as you enjoy music from the Ladismith Cheese Music Gazebo.

Bring your kids along to this family festival, where they will be entertained by magicians and face painters and enjoy a full programme of activities and competitions.

Limited festival tickets
You can purchase tickets for the SA Cheese Festival at Computicket, and prices range from R90.00 to R110.00. Remember that there are limited numbers of tickets on sale and no tickets will be sold at the gate. Your entrance fee will include a shopping bag, festival programme, unlimited tastings and great entertainment.

We wish you safe a journey (if you’re traveling), a long weekend packed full of wonderful surprises and many chocolate eggs.

Easter Eggs (image courtesy of Care_SMC: http://www.flickr.com/photos/75491103@N00/2352800605/)

Cape Town Jazz Festival 2009 (image by Terry February – http://www.capetownjazzfest.com/Gallery.aspx?year=2009&galid=70)This year, the festival takes place from 3-4 April 2010 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), and is set to be a star-studded event featuring top performers and spectacular sound and lighting on 5 different stages. Satellite events take place from March 29 in the build-up to the event, including the ever-popular free concert at Greenmarket Square on 1 April 2010, which features some of the Jazz festival’s top headlining acts.

2 nights; 40 international and local jazz stars
2010 is definitely the year of pulling out all the stops in SA. That means that this year’s Jazz Festival is expected to be one of its best yet. More than 40 international and local jazz performers will be taking to the stage, including Jonathan Butler with special guests Rick Braun and Richard Elliott, Vusi Mahlasela, Rachelle Ferrell, BLK JKS, TKZee, Selaelo Selota, Judith Sephuma, Lira, The Gauteng Jazz Orchestra, Melanie Scholtz, Amanda Tiffin and the Delft Youth Big Band.

Apart from the soulful sounds of these leading world performers, the event will also offer a food court, beer tent, arts and crafts markets and plenty of entertainment for kids. A turn-out of 40,000 is expected at the event, which is sponsored by the Department of Arts and Culture, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, City of Cape Town, Cape Town Tourism, Jack Daniels and The Pepper Club.

Behind the music: Jazz workshops and training
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is about more than the stage show: The festival will also offer musical workshops and training supported by some of the event’s leading performers, as well as top industry professionals. These programmes highlight the Jazz Festival’s commitment to uplifting and developing both the local music industry and communities at large, and have been highly successful in previous years. The workshops offer practical skills, free industry-related info and interesting discussions by industry pros.

Tickets for the 2010 Cape Town International Jazz Festival can be purchased from Computicket and Shoprite-Checkers outlets. Tickets cost R330 for a single day pass, and R485 for a full weekend (2-day) pass. For an extra R25 per show, spectators can watch shows from the Rosies stage, reserved for more acoustic jazz sounds.

Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon 2009 (image by Shawn Benjamin Photography incorporating Ark Images – http://www.capetown.travel/media/images-video/entry/1457/)

Professional athletes, recreational runners and children have the opportunity to participate in various races, taking place over the Easter weekend. These include the arduous 56km ultra marathon, a 21.1 km half marathon, 5km and 2km fun runs, and the Toddlers Trot and Nappy Dash for the little ones.

In conjunction with the race, a running-related expo will be taking place at the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town from 31 March to 2 April. This lifestyle expo offers visitors extensive road running information, products and services. Exhibitors provide practical advice and useful information to runners in the lead up to the Two Oceans Marathon, which has become one of South Africa’s most prestigious sporting events.

The main event is of course the ultra marathon, which begins in Newlands and continues along a somewhat circular route: The coastal component takes athletes through Muizenberg, Simonstown and Chapman’s Peak. The route then veers inland and takes runners along Constantia Nek and Rhodes Drive, concluding at the University of Cape Town campus. Athletes can expect to see thousands of cheering spectators along the route. Medical facilities are readily available and refreshment stations are dotted along the course.

Make your way to the Mother City in April 2010 for an eventful weekend of thrilling sporting events, breathtaking scenery and an electric atmosphere. Cape Town offers an array of outdoor activities, entertainment and a synthesis of cultures and heritage. And, should you be seeking accommodation in the city centre, the Taj Cape Town offers a unique and luxurious hotel experience.

Zebra & Giraffe at Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts (image by coda on flickr – http://www.flickr.com/photos/coda/3057556678/)

Final performances this season include some of SA’s top performers and acts, including The Black Hotels, Gang of Instrumentals, Watershed, Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and the hugely popular Parlotones.

Just as in previous years, the summer concerts have enjoyed a highly popular run at Kirstenbosch, with thousands of people turning up to support their favourite bands and acts. Music and nature lovers alike have flocked to the venue to enjoy the sounds of jazz, classical, rock and pop music set against a breathtaking backdrop of Table Mountain and the vivid Cape Town sunset.

Useful concert information
Due to the popularity of the Summer Sunset Concert series, it’s advisable to purchase your tickets in advance. Tickets range in price from R65 – R95 for adults and R40 – R70 for scholars. It’s a good idea to arrive at the venue early to get a good spot on the grass – gates open at 15.30. Take some friends, pack a picnic, and make an afternoon of it on the lush slopes of the gardens. Guests are allowed to bring food, drinks and alcohol onto the premises.

The sunset concert series is a highlight of the Cape Town summer, and well worth attending. Book your tickets now for the last of these fantastic music events for this summer.

Decorex Cape Town 2009 (image courtesy of Decorex SA – http://www.decorex.co.za/gallery_cape_town.cfm?start=1&catid_d14=3)Design icons and emerging stars will showcase their designs to an expected audience of over 100,000 visitors. One can expect to see a fine assortment of innovative furniture, luxurious bed linen, imaginative lighting, decorative pieces, striking fabrics, bespoke products and services and every interior embellishment imaginable.

Those seeking advice and tips are encouraged to engage with the many décor and DIY professionals on site. Design-minded consumers will be introduced to the latest products and services at the forefront of the interior design industry. This award-winning exhibition inspires home décor ideas, provides DIY solutions and unveils forthcoming trends.

Highlights at Decorex 2010
At this year’s event, view alluring roomscapes and the ultimate in kitchen and bathroom settings. Then, amble along to discover the finest in finishes, from floors, walls and surfaces to lighting and windows.

Draw inspiration from Plascon’s 2010 colour palette and be one of the first to get your hands on the new version of the popular magazine, Plascon Spaces.

DIY enthusiasts are invited to attend how-to workshops in the DIY theatre, hosted by Top Billing’s Aidan Bennets.  You can also visit the Pick ‘n Pay Living Green Pavilion to check out the latest in green homeware and appliances.

Spot your favourite local celebs and their pooches as they pair up with leading design talent in the ‘Cool Beds for Haute Dogs’ Design Project, to raise funds for the South African Guide Dogs Association.

And, for those with a taste for the finer things, indulge in chocolate delights in the Love Chocolate Lounge, or sip on Sparkling Villiera Wines in the glamorous Cap Classique Bar.

Ticket prices and times
Decorex runs from 10:00 until 20:00 daily and tickets are available online or at the door, priced at R45.00.

The exhibition is hosted by the CTICC, which is situated in Cape Town’s Foreshore, a stone’s throw from the city centre and the V & A Waterfront. If you are planning on staying in the city for the duration of Decorex, why not book 5-star Cape Town accommodation at the Taj Cape Town, located in the heart of the city centre.

2009 Argus Cycle Tour (image courtesy of Cycle Tour – http://www.cycletour.co.za/gallery.aspx?Gallery=2009_Routes&Page=1)

Across the globe, seasoned and novice cyclists are training for the grueling 109km race. Over 35,000 entrants are expected to take part, including a large foreign contingent, as the Cycle Tour draws a significant number of international contenders. This year, cyclists will be challenged by the seven-time Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong, as he makes his debut at the Cycle Tour.

The largest timed-cycling event in the world, the Argus is a thrilling experience for contenders and spectators alike. Unparalleled beauty and breathtaking views set the backdrop to this prestigious event. The route leads cyclists through Cape Town City Centre, along the Blue Route and through Simonstown. Enthusiastic supporters line the streets, and medical points and refreshment stops are stationed along the way. The route progresses all the way through to spectacular Chapman’s Peak, Camps Bay and ultimately, the cavalcade of supporters at the finishing point – the impressive Cape Town Stadium in Greenpoint.

If you are planning on making your way to Cape Town for the race, be sure to take advantage of the region’s natural wonders while you’re here. Cape Town is rich in culture and heritage and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Explore the Cape’s majestic Table Mountain and tranquil Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Take a boat trip to the historic Robben Island Museum or discover the Mother City’s pristine beaches. For those seeking a bit of well-deserved pampering, relax and indulge in health spa treatments or enjoy luxurious hospitality at the Taj Cape Town hotel.

We believe that the Taj Cape Town is, in itself, a destination. For us to effectively share this destination concept with our open day guests we made use of a Taj Cape Town passport.

In this passport each significant element of the Taj Cape Town was displayed as a unique destination where, after visiting, the journalists and members of the public had the relevant page of their Taj Cape Town passport stamped enabling them to proceed to the next unique destination.

Unique Taj Cape Town destinations included: the Banking Hall, Mint, the Bombay Brasserie, the Twankey Bar, the Jiva Grande Spa, the Meeting and Business Wing, the Taj Club, Health and Fitness, the Heritage Rooms, the Tower Rooms and the Presidential Suite.

If you’d like to read more about what has been written about the open days you’ll find links to the relevant articles here.

That means we’ve excelled for 107 years in the notoriously competitive hospitality industry – which is a remarkable achievement, even if we do say so ourselves.

As a brand the Taj has seen some fantastic things and lived through inventions that have forever changed the way the world works. Over the course of the 107 years we, at the Taj, have had to learn to adapt to the changes, without losing the charm and magic that makes every one of our hotels so spectacular.

At the Taj Cape Town we plan on tackling the fine art of blogging in the same manner the Taj group has always handled changed, by taking it in our stride.

We believe that blogging will allow us to share what we know makes our Cape Town city centre hotel so unique and spectacular.

Over the course of the next few weeks, months and years you can expect – through this blog – to be included in our whirlwind Cape Town adventure.

Welcome to the Taj Cape Town.