Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Kirstenbosch concerts just absolutely rock
If you’ve never been to one, you’re seriously dipping out Best Asian restaurant in country is right here
ONE THING you absolutely positively totally and unquestionably have to do in Cape Town during summer is attend at least one concert at Kirstenbosch. If not, as a local you will be stripped of Capetonian status, and if you’re a visitor, your holiday will be a fail.
The line-up of performers features some of the biggest and best names in the local music industry, and crosses genres from rock to classical, folk to electronic and everything in between. So there’s bound to be something that appeals to every taste. Still to come this year are The Parlotones tomorrow (although it’s likely to be sold out by now), Matthew Mole and Tailor, Jimmy Nevis, the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, Freshlyground, Mike Rosenberg aka Passenger (from the UK), Goldfish, Mi Casa, Al Bairre and Shortstraw, Beatenberg and Gangs of Ballet, Johnny Clegg, and Jeremy Loops.
The seventh Cape Town Folk and Acoustic Music Festival will be at Kirstenbosch this year. The event is always a treat of musical storytelling; the line-up for this one THIS year I shall marry a millionaire. Or at least hook up with someone who can afford to take me to all my favourite restaurants, like Kyoto Garden Sushi. I am not a cheap date.
This tiny place in the City Bowl is an oasis of Zen tranquillity, with gentle water features and simple, soothing Japanese design. The food is a glorious symphony of exotic seafoods and, of course, sushi. It was voted best Asian restaurant in the country by Eat Out last year. Owner Scott Wood is usually around, graciously attending to his guests, and sometimes he takes control of what we eat. On other nights he lets us roam the menu, which is what happened on our most recent visit.
Having been fortunate enough to eat at Kyoto regularly, even without having a rich boyfriend, I’m familiar with the menu and the dishes to which I return time and again. These include the giant Alaskan tempura scallops, the seaweed salad with seared salmon and shiitake mushrooms, and the bowl of exotic Japanese grilled mushrooms. When it comes to the sushi I’m a fan of the Kyoto Garden rolls – tuna and salmon wrapped in avo or cucumber. If you’re finding it difficult to choose, try chef Koshi Koyama’s selected platter of sushi, sashimi and rolls which will incorporate the best fish of the day.
Once upon a time Kyoto used to have fresh wasabi root, but the wasabi paste it uses now is not like the kind you’ll get at most other places, which is usually dark muddy green and dense. Kyoto’s is pale and soft, and intensely strong. It certainly clears the sinuses and gives you an endorphin rush in a surprisingly pleasant way.
Although it’s easy to stick with what I know, I tried rice paper rolls with prawns and scallops this time, and my partner chose “The Saute”, which is basically a plate of everything – tofu, oysters, scallops, mushrooms, prawns, octopus, langoustine and some mixed greens for good measure. includes Ross Learmonth (Prime Circle, who played last weekend), Ard Matthews (Just Jinjer), Andre de Villiers, Jesse Clegg, Guy Buttery, Hassan’adas, Gavin Minter, Paige Mac, Nick Tuner, Hatchetman and Jennifer Eaves.
Although we’ve done our obligatory seasonal concert, looking at what’s still coming up I’m already pondering which of these I’d like to attend. No reason to stop at just one.
There’s something very special about music enjoyed outdoors. The sloping lawns provide a natural
There are dishes other than seafood on the menu, like wagyu beef, sautéed noodles with duck, and plenty of vegetarian options, but the fruits of the ocean are the stars. The menu reads like poetry, which will seduce your mind before the food does the same to your palate.
To drink, there are wines, as one would expect, as well as a huge range of Japanese whiskeys, beautifully bottled sakes, and lovely delicate cocktails. I can never resist a Dirty Ninja Saketini, just because I love saying the name, and also because it uses gin, vodka and sake.
I seldom get as far as desserts, but they too are light and in keeping with the overall experience, which is one that involves gorging but still feeling good at the end. Finish with toasted tofu with ginger ice cream, green tea crepe with green tea ice cream, or cherry blossom ice cream and chocolate.
Sure, you’re going to find some of the items at Kyoto pricey, but main courses are in line with other fine dining establishments. Guess I won’t be needing that millionaire after all.
● Kyoto Garden Sushi is at 11 Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof. Open Mondays to Saturdays from 5.30-11pm. Call 021 422 2001 to book. amphitheatre so the sound and acoustics are great from wherever you manage to throw down your blanket. With the mountain on one side and a view over Cape Town on the other, a little bit of sun and a little bit of shade, it’s a spectacular setting.
Unless you are easily annoyed by people traipsing back and forth through your “camp site”, the vibe is happy and relaxed, and it’s great for children. There are marshals to help keep the peace. If you think you have been clever by spreading out a big blanket, they will ask you if you are waiting for anyone else to join you in your nice spacious area.
Standing behind them will be a couple of latecomers who thought they didn’t have to arrive early and stand in the queue like everyone else, and are now hoping to squeeze into the 30cm space between you and your neighbours. Tell them your friends have just gone to get drinks, or to the bathroom.
Most people will pack a picnic of sorts to enjoy during the time between the gates opening and the stampede to find a good spot, and when the concert begins. This can be a very subjective combination of food and drink.
The Summer Sunset Concerts take place at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Rhodes Drive, Newlands on Sundays until April 5. Gates (top and bottom) open at 4pm, the concert begins at 5.30pm and end at 7pm. Ticket prices range between R100 and R160 for adults, and youth tickets are R75 to R140 (6-21 years old) unless otherwise stated. Book tickets on www.webtickets.co.za. Box office and telephone ticket sales (021 761 2866) start from the Tuesday preceding each concert if there are still tickets available. For more information and ticket prices, call 021 799 8783 or see www.sanbi.org.za.