Vintage high tea a delight

So, you know how there are regular high teas and then there are all-time-high teas? No? Read on.

Skinnerbek, though not fond of high teas in general, went to the vintage high tea, hosted by the Al-Fidaa School of Baking to raise funds for their school, which provides baking courses for underprivileged women in the Bay.

The cause was gracious enough to spark my interest.

Though I never quite manage to get the vintage look right, there were many who had me feeling like I had stepped straight into the 1920s.

Even those whose look was not quite vintage, Skinnerbek could tell, had put in quite an effort. That was apart from Viva Gym fitness trainer Darushka Williams, who rocked up in jeans – but then who can blame the fitness junkie with a banging body like that?

Anywho, from the beautiful décor, the mouthwatering pastries and women dolled up in fascinator hats and opera gloves, to the beautiful antiques on display, Skinners wished all high teas were as aesthetically pleasing.

The idea to have Cape Town comedian Angel Campey lighten up the mood was my favourite part, as I usually dread how awfully dull teas can get.

Notice how hilariously awkward it gets when a comedian cracks racial jokes for a multi-racial crowd? Loved it.

Guest speakers included Instagram pastry guru Faaiza Omar and food writer Cariema Isaacs, who took on MC duties.

As fun as Campey made the event, Skinners felt expecting guests to nibble on sugary eats from 1.30pm to 7pm was asking for too much.

I mean, not only do we have figures to watch but it was a Sunday, for crying out loud.

On Tuesday evening, at the Opera House, my minion witnessed the opening of historical theatre play Changes.

Remember when Skinners let you in on playwright Xabiso Zweni and Nobesuthu Rayi jetting off to tour Germany? Well, this is the play they went to perform there. It’s a take on the effects the apartheid era in SA and the Berlin Wall had on ordinary citizens; a comparison of ruling systems in SA and Germany pre-1994.

My minion tells me actors Zweni and Rayi showed off a bit of multilingualism as they speak German, while German actors Paul Lucke and Jeffery van Laun threw in some Xhosa.

I’m told the likes of Sindi Matanda, Zimsto Eroofini, Lunga Magxaka of Lunga's General Jazz Café, Asanda Hanabe and Wezile Mgibe were there and got an opportunity for a Q and A session with the cast and director Frank Fuhrmann.

Ekupholeni Cocktail Lounge’s ladies’ night on Wednesday was another laughing matter as the programme of live entertainment and karaoke included comedy by Ngcaphephe and Zama.

And Skinnerbek’s award for best karaoke performance goes to Mxozza, who sang his heart out in a rendition of Anthony Hamilton’s Her Heart.

Until next week, ciao!

Picture: SALVELIO MEYER CUTTING EDGE: Andrew Broughton, left, Lecia de Villiers and Vuyani Nkwali, all from Foodies, met up with Dean Dickinson, right, of Imagination Food Design at the Eastern Cape Chefs Forum’s molecular gastronomy demonstration in Walmer Heights last Monday HISTORY LESSONS: Asanda Hanabe, Wezile Mgibe, centre, and Mzo Gasa were at the PE Opera House on Tuesday night for the opening of ‘Changes’, a play on the effects of the Berlin Wall and apartheid on ordinary citizens. ‘Changes’ will be presented on Friday at 7pm and on Saturday at 2pm and 7pm

Picture: WERNER HILLS VINTAGE STYLE: Guests, from left, Shanaaz Nordien, Kaashiefah Sonday, Fahldeela Salie and Faiza Khan attended the fundraiser vintage high tea hosted by Al-Fidaa School of Baking at the Tramways Building on Sunday

Picture: SALVELIO MEYER FUN TIMES: Guests, from left, Bradley Millar, Soné Ferreira, Catherine Millar and Melvin Iverson at the opening of Baakens Bistro in Upper Valley Road last Wednesday

Picture: WERNER HILLS THROWING IT BACK: Guests, from left, Rikalet Mostert, Bahleejah Moosagie and Genevieve Venter dressed the part at AlFidaa School of Baking’s vintage high tea at Tramways on Sunday

Picture: SALVELIO MEYER VALLEY VISIT: Cameron Millar, left, catches up with Buli G and Mr PE UberMANn Ofentse Boloko at the opening of Baakens Bistro on Wednesday last week. The little restaurant has new owners from Rustenburg and has taken the place of Friendly Stranger

Picture: SALVELIO MEYER TIME TO GEL: Greg Manton, left, with Allan and Simone Bezuidenhout of Muse at the Eastern Cape Chefs Forum’s first demonstration on molecular gastronomy in Walmer Heights last Monday

Picture: LONDEKA DLAMINI

Picture: EUGENE COETZEE ARTISTIC EYE: Steven McGregor and Sarah Walmsley visited Bay artist Joff’s When We Were There exhibition at Gallery Ark in Baakens Valley last week. The exhibition closes on November 21

Picture: BERNA WALTERS ITALIAN SIZZLE: Anthea Barends Metter, left, and Melani Potgieter prepare an Italian dish at The Herald Cooking Masterclass held at Capsicum Culinary Studio in Newton Park last Thursday

Picture: BERNA WALTERS READY, STEADY, COOK: Naomi Solomons, left, and student chef Nobuhlobo Mkita prepare their Italian dish at The Herald Cooking Masterclass held at Capsicum Culinary Studio in Newton Park last Thursday

Picture: EUGENE COETZEE LIFE’S FRAGILITY DEPICTED: Angel Mey and Fanjan Combrink visited When We Were There, an exhibition by Joff at Gallery Ark Baakens Valley last week. The exhibition runs until November 21

Picture: LONDEKA DLAMINI THEATRE NIGHT: Lunga Magxaka and Wanda Erasmus attended the opening of ‘Changes’, a play at the PE Opera House on Tuesday. ‘Changes’ closes on Saturday