MY DURBAN ...
Michelle Lewis is a publicist, event organiser and the founder of the Shisanyama Festival. Buhle Mbonambi asked her about her favourite things about the city
Best place for a first date in the city? A sober date would be in the little garden court at Antique Cafe in Windemere. A drunkard one would be at 14 on Chartwell in Umhlanga, sipping on champagne.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive in Durban from out of town? Wind down my window and take in the beach air.
Best meal you’ve had in Durban that’s not at home? I went to Daruma at Elangeni Hotel for my birthday last year. It was really by chance that we landed up there. A friend and I were driving along the beachfront and chose a spot randomly. I really enjoyed the experience – it was quite different to other restaurants in Durban.
What current local song can’t you stop listening to? I love Nonku Phiri’s Things We Do On The Weekend.
What’s the last South African movie you watched? Yoh. No idea. It’s been too long.
Earliest memory you have of Durban? Spinning on a merrygo-round in one of the parks in-between the Durban beachfront apartments.
If you were mayor for the day, what would you do? I’d close down Dr Pixley Kaseme Street and throw my Shisanyama Festival there for all the world to marvel at!
Your favourite hangout spot in Durban? I love working in coffee shops. Any coffee shop. I love overhearing conversations. You hear everything, from a mother calling her daughter’s painted-on eyebrows ridiculous caterpillars, to a divorced couple fighting and talking very loudly about their private lives. It always amazes me what people are willing to say in public – a bit like people picking their noses in their cars and thinking no one can see.
The best-kept secret in the city? Dineo Tshabalala’s place in Kwamashu, called One and Only. It’s a thatch-roofed villa in a township that makes amazing burgers! And Dineo is a great host. Best place to let your hair down? Eyadini Lounge. Where else.
Who do you call when you want to have fun, and where in the city do you go? I have two children under two years old, so I fantasise about these things more than anything else. My dreams consist of a friend from Cape Town, a bottle of champagne and tequila, live music and good times.
Three shops you rely on? Woolworths, how boring of me, but true! Woolworths. Woolworths.
The best-dressed person is… Noni Gasa – girl crush.
Favourite Durban shop to shop? There are always interesting things to buy at those little shops that face The Market restaurant in Morningside.
Which is your favourite market or mall in South Africa? The Litchi Orchard night market.
Which building in Durban would you like to own? Pixley House Which building you’d like to be locked in overnight? Michelle Markram’s studio in Umgeni Road – MSQ. Her indoor jungle is insane and her upcycling is inspiring.
What’s the one thing people need to stop doing in Durban? I would say many people I know don’t feel comfortable going into the townships. I would love to see that attitude disappear.
The townships are like any other neighbourhoods, with good and not so good areas. I generally find the food in the shisa nyamas delicious, the fashion is unique, and the entrepreneurial spirit is inspiring.
Where is the best view of Durban? Nordbury Court, in Gladys Mazibuko Road. You can see the golf course, the beachfront, Moses, and every morning the birds fly up the road from roosting and wake you up.
Best place for a nightcap? Marco’s Side Bar. It feels a bit like a New York City hangout.
What’s the one thing that differentiates Durban from other cities in SA? We are not scared to strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone, anywhere. We share jokes with strangers, reprimand bad behaviour and look out for our children.
Where would you suggest first-time visitors to the city go to get the best experience of the city? It’s obvious, but you can’t beat a walk along the beachfront on a sunny morning, and a coffee from Afro’s Chicken – they do fantastic cappuccinos.
What do you do on a Sunday morning? Cuddle my daughters.