Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
A fun-filled calendar of activities to help you get over the New Year’s party hangover
TONIGHT the champagne corks will pop, fireworks will explode, and well-meaning resolutions will be made.
Tomorrow is reserved for hangover recovery and quiet contemplation about what to do with yourself for the rest of the holiday season.
Fret not, we’ve found more than a few things to populate your calendar in a city already brimming with fun and fabulous activities.
Statuesque Cathy Specific is a hostess that won’t disappoint at her very own dinner/theatre venue, Gate 69 (corner of Bree and Hout streets, city centre).
Besides greeting every guest on the velvet-roped red carpet in all her glamorous glory, she is on stage with her Trolley Dollies from Wednesdays to Saturdays until February 4.
The show is hilarious, the wigs outrageous to say the least, the jokes witty and risqué, the choreography polished, and the singing magnificent. The ticket price of R550 includes a light, yet filling dinner of cheeses, preserves, sosaties, dips, and fruit served on a lazy Susan, as well as hot soup and a bread selection. You get served a delicious dessert before you join Cathy, Holly and Molly on stage for photo opps.
Arrive at 6.30pm for predrinks in the foyer, before heading upstairs to your table from 7pm. The show begins at 8pm and runs for about an hour with no interval. Dress code is “fabulous” – no shorts or sandals or Cathy will swallow you whole and spit nothing out. Her words, not mine.
Call 021 035 1627, e-mail boxoffice@ gate69.co.za or info@gate69.co.za, see gate69. co.za
The 156th running of the L’Ormarins Queens Plate with its R1 million purse takes place at the Kenilworth racecourse on January 7. The event takes place over two days, with 18 races on the card. Not to be missed is the Sceptre Stakes, the premier sprint race for fillies in the Western Cape, on Friday, January 6.
Event co-ordinator Katherine Gray said: “2017 marks an exciting new chapter in the 156-year history of L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and we are thrilled to announce that it is becoming a two-day festival to allow for local and international guests who travel to the event to enjoy two days of racing.
“Although multi-day racing festivals are popular in other parts of the world, this will be a first for South Africa and we hope to follow in the footsteps of other racing festivals such as the Qatar Goodwood Festival, Royal Ascot and the Melbourne Cup.”
Both days will offer music and entertainment across a number of hospitality marquees, including the popular Stud Club and Style Lounge.
True to the original blue- and-white aesthetic, classically dressed guests will reflect the event’s age-old elegance and style as they mingle beyond the track. The best-dressed lady and her partner will stand a chance to win an all-expensespaid trip to attend the UK’s biggest race day, Glorious Goodwood.
The Sun Met on January 28, celebrated with GH Mumm Champagne, is another event not to miss. The official theme is Decades of Glamour. Choose from options to watch and bet, picnic-style experiences and a variety of bespoke packages. Tickets start at R150 per person. See www.sunmet.co.za
Nik Rabinowitz has just turned 40 and is on the verge of a mid-life crisis. Apparently 40 is the new 30 so now he’s not sure when to have the crisis, which is a crisis in itself.
In his new show Fortyfied, there are stories, moments of discomfort and accents. And it’s funny, which is all you really have to know.
The season runs at The Baxter, Tuesdays to Saturdays, at 8.30pm with tickets from R100 at Computicket.
Marc Lottering returns to The Baxter on January 17 for another run of his brilliant sell-out show, Hashtag Lottering!, in which he covers a broad range of topics, ranging from how to successfully live in debt to the dangers of a WhatsApp family page – and we can all relate to that. Book at Computicket.
The Great SA Burlesque Express returns to the illustrious Alexander Bar for a little sexy soiree. Hosted by the notorious DD Boobs, this bawdy dame of burlesque will introduce you to the newest performers on the scene, and showcase the top current talent in black orchid burlesque.
Tickets are R150 for the Amateur Budding Burlesquers evening on January 20 or the All Stars Showcase on January 21. Shows start at 9pm and tickets are available from Alexander Bar (76 Strand Street, city centre). Call 021 300 1088 or see alexanderbar.co.za
For a quick bite to line the tummy, pop in at the Sneaky Sausage. The entrance is at the corner inside The House Of Machines (84 Shortmarket Street) where the stairs will lead you up to the modern take on the German beerhall.
The menu is simple – lots and lots of delicious sausages from Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants (and even a vegan option from Noble Ways Food) and plenty of beer by And Union.
“The Sneaky speciality is our currywurst – a traditional German ‘street food’ comprising a poached, then grilled, pork sausage cut into slices, seasoned with curry ketchup on a bed of fries,” says operations manager Monique Tonsing. “We poach our bratwurst in And Union Dark Lager before a sizzling crispy finish on the grill.
“Our deep fried ‘little bit on the side’ is a selection of vegetarian treats, topped with truffle oil and polenta, served with home-made ketchup and aïoli; sweet potato fries, tempura veg, jalapeño popper won-tons and risotto balls.”
Sneaky Sausage is open from Tuesdays to Thursdays from 4pm and Fridays and Saturdays from noon. For more information, call 021 426 1759.
For more things to do in January, see Fun Finder in today’s Good Weekend.