The first time I had heard about Five Flies Restaurant was in Cape Town entertainment publication: The next 48 hours. Five Flies who specialises in fine dining is situated in Keerom Street and even though I’ve driven pass the road a million times, I never realised I had to drive into Long Street and turn off in to Dorp Street. All the construction just confused me even more, but alas, when I saw the Five Flies white flags blowing in the wind opposite the Monument buildings I realised my search being over.

Initially we had made a reservation (they welcome walk ins as well) and although we were a bit late nobody was there to welcome us. After a few minutes the owner Jo-Ann During had welcomed us and guided us to a sunny courtyard in the centre of the restaurant. I fell in love with glass roof which allowed us to enjoy the weather, however they do have full air conditioning available as well for those hot summer days. This is a perfect venue for any occasion, be it a wedding or birthday celebration, the venue could house 120 people downstairs and 100 upstairs. You can even host a conference or business function here. Five Flies have a beautiful boardroom and conference centre with amazing rates and they cater according to your requirements as well.

I loved the unpretentious décor, where they have maintained the classic rustic feel throughout. It makes you wish the walls could talk because you know they would have a great stories to tell! Although Five Flies restaurant has been in the City for approximately 12 years, the current owner Jo-Ann During has only been running the restaurant for about two years and has added a much needed women’s touch to the venue. Not just a pretty face (along with humour and charm), she poured her heart, sweat and tears along with endless working hours into her business and has achieved great acclaim.

With many corporate members popping in for a quick lunch or meeting, Jo-Ann has created a refreshing affordable lunch menu from beer battered fish and chips to lamb burgers with goat cheese and harrissa mayonnaise which cost between R60,00-R90,00. Her motto is to keep it quick and simple and not too complicated without skimping on quality. Dinner is a more prolonged relaxed affair with impeccable timing. We were lucky enough to try the new 4 course menu that is launching in December 2012. Jo-Ann strives to stick to up to date gourmet trends.

The amuse was potato and leek soup, tomato jelly, ox tongue and pecorino foam served in a cute little espresso cup.  The starter consisted of smoked mussels beignets, caramelised onion blini celeriac veloute, and white wine vinaigrette. The crusty deep fried Beignets dipped in the vinaigrette was divine bit tangy, but not too over-powering. The main course included seared honey and soy marinated salmon, truffle egg in panko, corn puree, steamed chicken and almond roulade, miso coconut cream and pickled vegetables. The Salmon was outstanding sliding off in layers, it could possibly be the best seared Salmon in all of Cape Town! For dessert we indulged in poached prude and rum custard tart, pistachio sponge, coconut mousse and pineapple syrup. This dish was very fresh, very summer, very citrus. All of the courses were paired with exquisite wines (which they have a wide variety of) and dessert was celebrated with champagne!

All of the plates were beautifully crafted and complimented each other in perfect harmony. What I loved most about this restaurant was the flowing of communication between Jo-Ann and her staff. If I had to describe the experience it would be compared to an orchestra.

Post by Widaad Jacobs*

Old Mutual Client Service Consultant Tasneem Tagodien enlightens us about the hottest new nightclub that hosts the wildest parties every weekend…

Cape Town has harvested yet another great gem – it’s called Casa Blanca. Situated at 12A Portswood Road, Green Point (that’s within walking distance from the V&A Waterfront and the iconic Cape Town Stadium), Casa Blanca is bringing the nightlife to the Waterfront.  With their chic and classy style, they are setting the tone on an international level.

Casa Blanca brings something fresh and new to nightlife. “The Club” as the Casa fans like to call it, has a diverse mixture of music pumping all night.  From titillating sounds of house to the up tempo sounds of hip-hop and RnB, they will have you moving your feet all night. Be prepared to dance the night away with sexy people on the dance floor.

Casa Blanca strikes a perfect balance between a lounging and partying spot and it’s elegant, sophisticated interior design attracts classy mature crowds. It’s simply the best of both worlds.

Photo by Casa Blanca

The nightclub consists of two floors. Three bars, a VIP Lounge and outdoor seating can be found on the ground floor. The second floor offers a balcony, bar, seating and stunning bathrooms.

Dress to impress for a wild night out at Casa Blanca

If you want to paint the town red then Casa Blanca is perfect place to start (I’m absolutely sure if you start there, you’ll end your night there too). It’s ideal for private functions as well. No patrons under the age of 23 are allowed at Casa Blanca.

So if you’re up for a night of crazy partying, Casa Blanca is definitely the place to be.

By: Japie Swanepoel

Japie runs an initiative BeingSam, encouraging South Africa Men to live better: www.BeingSam.co.za

I am really a reluctant road cyclist. I completed my first Argus Cycle Tour in 2000 and then did so again in 2001 and 2002.

From then on it was only mountain biking. Then, last year I decided to give it another go and really enjoyed the vibe. When the PPA email arrived, encouraging me to take on the challenge again in 2012, I entered without really thinking about it.

Now that my training is more running, trail running and mountain biking, I only got onto my road bicycle twice since Argus 2011. With that in mind I decided that it would be a “tour” as the name states and not a race in 2012.

It was good to have a 7.21 am start slot in what turned out to be a super hot day.

Knowing I was going to take it easy though, made a big difference. My first stop was at the top of Edinburg drive where my wife and kids waited to support me. At the refreshment station on top of Boyes Drive I decided to wait for a friend that started 30 minutes after me. Riding with someone always makes it even more enjoyable, especially when both are riding the same pace.

When we hit Simon’s Town we decided it was time for a coffee stop. It is great to be able to take off your helmet, order a cappuccino and enjoy it while others are speeding by. From there we started feeling the heat and actually saw a girl pass out on the Smitswinkel section of the route. The “gees” along that section was great. When there is an uphill every-one slows down and this means you’re riding very closely to others and no real passing takes place.

On a hot day it is always nice to know that you can expect some coolness when passing through Misty Cliffs. That “village” really deserves its name and once again did not disappoint.

The dreaded Suikerbossie was so packed with supporters shouting, drumming, spraying water and even offering to give you a push that it really took my mind off that long uphill.

From there it was just downhill, turquoise green seas, white sands and shouts of “almost home” that got us to the finish line. The weather, route, crowd support, logistics and 2 coffee stops (did I not mention stopping again in Noordhoek?) made Argus 2012 the highlight of my sporting year.

and up Boyes drive we go...