Blah Blah Bar and Ferdinando's pizza

I promise I didn't try and keep this a secret, you know I love to share...we just needed a few more visits to make sure I had the best pictures of  Blah Blah Bar 

Now a quick glance at the pictures and you'll see just what kind of wonderful this place is-

But if you need words- it's trendy, but casual in a cool artsy kind of way -

Erdmann Contemporary is upstairs.

 Regular live music downstairs, just keep an eye on their facebook page. 

It's a perfect party venue, not too big, a bit edgy, sort of like a home party in an alternative rich person's Victorian house.

and in the back.......Pizza!

I know- can this place get any better?

It's also not just any pizza, it's that pizza that I've been promising to tell you about, it's Ferdinando's pizza,

I really can't describe this little pizza kitchen to you- take a look and you'll see- but I can tell you how it makes you feel- warm and happy.

That's Ferdinando there on the floor looking for a treat.

What kind of rock star proprietor thought of all this you ask? 

 

Ja, ja- say no more, he was born to it.

I'll finish with some stunning 'drive-by's' taken by the art teacher on our way there

Diaz, Kimberley hotel, Dave and Them tornados

Bright city lights- not our Cape Town, not this part of town,

Like someone who has seen it all, subtle and forgiving, dark corners accepted and secrets a given.

Dinner at the Diaz with the renaissance couple- (remember the cool Barrydale hotel)- great start to the evening, this time overflowing, see it quieter here, exuberant party table in the centre, a Stormers win on the telly and Trinchado to die for.

Not forgetting an unlikely trio in the corner that belted out a kick-ass 'Walk the line' - then we were off to hear Dave Ferguson's familiar version at the Kimberley Hotel.

The end of Dave's whirlwind visit and as always a roof-raising send off.

We arrived to the great sound of Long time Citizen, then the balcony cleared to hear Dave, sadly only a glimpse of his head- but we've seen him plenty.

Somehow missed Wind up Wanda- too much balcony hanging...next time. Them Tornados arrived with a flourish, the art teacher standing on the couch for a pic by this stage.

A gorgeous wee bit of a lass joined them for a few songs-  no mistaking the chemistry with the front man, but perhaps a trio is best for a while longer.

A very satisfied drive by- drive home

Piet's in town

 

Our old poker buddy and legendary musician Piet Botha graced central Cape Town with a rare performance at Mercury Live.

What a treat! The Lyzard Kings- Piet Botha, Rudolph Dennis, Arthur Dennis and Adrian John Graham played house band for the evening and were joined for some serious blues by John Frick from Holland, Doc John, Li-Anne Cummins and more.

With a CD about to launch Piet has promised a return visit to Mercury Live in April- will keep you posted, don't miss seeing these talented guys in action.

Li-Anne Cummins from Anne Jangle opened the evening- great voice!

great venue for live music

on the wall on the way up the stairs

drive by- drive home

AVA gallery

What a way to start the week- great art, a gorgeous fire-girl and a bit of Dave Ferguson.........thank you AVA gallery.

Monday nights exhibition was the opening of  A natural selection- 1991- 2011, a stunning amount of people turned out for the art and the celebration, the Church street traders set up their stalls and shops in the vicinity stayed open.

Fairy lights sparkled in the trees, there was dancing and drinking, a wonderful festive evening........roll on summer in Cape Town- we're ready!

loved Brett Murray's snake charmer- just wanted to stroke it!

Zwelethu Mthethwa- at a price

Barend de Wet collaboration

Drive by- drive home

A funk party in Paternoster

The tourist brochure describes Paternoster as a quiet little seaside village discouraging noise after 10 pm........well, that's all out the window- the boat builders have arrived in style with a birthday and house warming bash that continued till dawn.

You can believe me when I say it is the best house in Paternoster- it sits by itself nestled between the rocks with the tranquil sea below, desirably private, the only houses are ones behind them, the view to the right....

and the view to the left...........

Did I hear you sigh?  You're not alone, there were deep sighs of envy from the guests for at least the first hour as we watched the sun set and the full moon rise.

Then the band began to play, see that unassuming drummer- turns out when he opens his mouth he resurrects James Brown - Hallelujah!

A touching speech by one of the fabulous daughters- she quoted from The little prince, remember the story about the Boa constrictor and the animal, he draws the boa constrictor first from the outside, then from the inside.....and the adults couldn't see it.

We ate succulent spit- braaied lamb with fluffy pitas, the table was a tempting array of toppings, danish feta, baby tomatoes with olives, aubergine puree, tatziki, leafy greens and much more.... 

We danced the night away, I had to eventually take off those Louboutins, I was wearing them thin.... a brave soul dived into the pool- no names, but she does a perfect hand stand and has some moves that would have made Esther Williams proud.

As we drove out very slowly on Sunday morning, the Harley Davidson crews were roaring into town.........see, news travels fast.

Saturday night in Plumstead

Lower those eyebrows and stop laughing! What made us cross the main road?

Dave Ferguson - back home for a whirlwind of gigs including one at The Jolly Roger . 

Always game for something different, I decided that if we were going to do Plumstead, then we should do it properly and booked dinner across the road at Pirates steakhouse.

Guess what, the place was packed, seating 110 pax, they are doing something right.
Turned out to be the best steak that the art teacher has had in a long time, tender, juicy, tasty and served the old fashioned way with spinach and butternut, at old fashioned prices.
Love that they support local musicians with live music every night.

Over the road and up the stairs to The Jolly Roger..... you're wondering about this strange nautical theme happening in Plumstead Main road- me too.

The pub was also hosting an impressive exhibition by The body architects tattoo studio.
There was an eclectic crowd waiting, Plumstead locals, rockabilly's, the beautiful tattooed and Dave Ferguson followers.
By 10 pm, it was packed and the wooden floors were jumping.
Drinks at great prices, check out their facebook page, they have a rocking line up of live music.

lovely lady at whose table we sat- her tattoo says- Freedom, tolerance, respect

The verdict.........is Plumstead the new Woodstock? I think we might be onto something here.


Heads up-  Dave Ferguson is playing at our favourite Hotel  The Barrydale Karoo Hotel first weekend in December and they are following that with a New Years celebration of note, Them Tornados- you know where you need to be this December!