NEIGH BOURHO D
Observatory: an update on Cape Town’s original alternative enclave
This bohemian suburb has been attracting the young and the alternative for years, and has ridden the wave of many new cultural movements. Food entrepreneurs Tawanda Mushapaidze and Bo Tungamirai give us a locals’ tour
Co-owners of Big Momma’s
‘As two bachelors with limited culinary abilities, we eat out a lot. It was easier to find Chinese or Italian than the food we grew up eating.’ So Tawanda and Bo opened Big Momma’s in June 2016, offering authentic, simple meals. The two like the laid-back vibe of Cape Town. ‘Also, it’s a paradise if you like outdoor activity. Obz encapsulates everything to love about this city and incorporates education, art, music, food, lifestyle, music. You get a nice multi-cultural mix here; it’s the place to engage with free-spirited people on the journey of life.’ 96 Lower Main Road, 021-447-1256
HIP & HAPPENING
‘Where do we even start? There is Touch Down Saturdays at A Touch of Madness with local hip-hop artists, plus wine tastings on Wednesdays, electro-swing parties, silent discos, the list goes on… The Irie Show at Trenchtown (96 Station Road) is every Sunday, with reggae bands and an open-mic for poets. That Place (76 Lower Main Road), a coffee shop-bookstore, has movie nights and talks. For some exercise, walking distance away (over the railway bridge, on Liesbeek Parkway), there’s the new Two Rivers Urban Park and The River Club’s golf course – with a great restaurant and 19th hole. Or join the Observatory Running Club on the streets every Wednesday and Friday (072-533-1644).’
FUEL UP
‘We love the stuffed burgers at Jerry’s Burger Bar, in particular the Wrath burger with habanero chillies and cheese – but we like spicy food, so be careful with this one!’ 123 Lower Main Road, 021-447-8554
QUENCH YOUR THIRST
‘At The Forex Bar you can interact, exchange ideas with and learn from people from all over the world.’ 96 Station Rd, 021-448-0083 ‘ A Touch of Madness (in a beautiful old house) is a nice place to grab a beer and try something different [see box left].’ 12 Nuttall Road, 021-447-4650
something sweet
‘Try the Vietnamese coffee – an iced espresso with condensed milk – with any of the cupcakes at BillyBoo’s Cakery. You will end up having cake for breakfast every day!’ 61 Station Road, 072-846-1908
UNIQUE FINDS
‘ Black Chillie Style has a wide range of African fabrics and ready-made garments, plus a team of tailors to make up something special for you.’ 98 Lower Main Road, 021-447-3020. ‘Also, there’s Ahem! Art Collective, a brand-new space for illustration, concept art and animation.’ 77 Lower Main Road, 071-585-3423