Vol. 10, No. 13 | Cape Town, Again
It might take a lifetime to get through this city.
Hey Ya’ll!
I’m back from Cape Town and I’ve fallen in love with this city even more. I’m amazed that I even came back, especially as I stare at the dreariness that is outside. I used to think that settling down in Jamaica was my end goal. However, I may or may not have perused real estate listings before I left. There’s something about the city that puts me into my zone. I realized this on my first visit, even as I limped around with a second-degree burn on my toosh.
Here’s what I’ve been thinking about:
Brandy and Coke is the national drink of South Africa. I signed off my last newsletter saying I was going to find some cognac, but then I found out about this brandy and coke thing. They also had cognac (lots of D’ussé!), but I found this so random. (I’m avoiding rabbit holes today, but at some point I’ll look into this.)
In general, I realized how much people love Coke in Cape Town. The drink, to be clear. I was sitting at a restaurant and essentially in the center of five tables, all of which had Coke on the table. Each person in the party had a bottle. I’ve never seen anything like it and I live in Atlanta! And I don’t think it’s because we don’t give the actual bottles at restaurants in the US. Or is it? Are more people enjoying Coca-Cola with their meals in restaurants than I realize?
I also found out that South Africa essentially went through prohibition during the pandemic. It was illegal to sell or make alcohol for about 6 months. Can you imagine how much Coke they sold during this time?! Meanwhile in Atlanta? There was a pool party in a nightclub.
We got suckered into going to this vibe dining restaurant by this very likeable chap. I love vibes, but I tend to stay away from vibe dining places (a few rare exceptions) because the food isn’t that great. I also don’t think the vibes are that great for that matter. If you’re not familiar with the term, they’re generally restaurants that teeter along the lines of a nightclub. They might even turn into a nightclub as the night progresses. My boyfriend remarked that it felt like being at Medieval Times and I just thought this was hilarious. It’s definitely dinner theatre. Anyway, the food was actually pretty good, but we still slipped out before the shenanigans.
I found so many amazing restaurants and bars on this trip. I’m working on a city guide so they can all live in the same place. One of my favorites was Sin Cero, a new wine bar on Kloof Street. We were with some new friends, who quickly became dear friends. We started the evening with a bottle of Coot Club Rosé. On the back it said, “Pairs well with good company and scandalous behavior.”
I just looked at their website and it says:
For sun-chasers, storytellers, and certified coots. At Coot Club, we believe life’s best moments aren’t planned, they just happen. That’s why our rosé was made for the rituals that don’t need a reason: impromptu picnics, laughter that echoes across the lagoon, and that one last glass that turns into two.
I’ve also discovered that they have a hotel and see, now I have to go back to South Africa.
Hope you’re all doing well and chasing sunsets no matter where you are.
Shannon