I'm hoping you enjoyed the midwinter break as much as I did, even if I turned into a total sloth. It's amazing what a break in the getting-up-early-for-school routine can do for the rest of one's day, if not life. No more invigorating early morning walks and freezing laps, just warm bed and books and big birthday celebrations to plan and orchestrate during the vac. And oh, the great pleasure of one's children's company at odd times of the day. Anyway, we're slowly creaking back into action this week, so will fill you in on an amazing day today.
www.baxter.co.za
As I signed off for the midwinter break in June with tales and tunes from Morning Melodies at the Baxter Theatre, so we commence again. How fast a month flies when you're having fun, hey. Today we went, as promised, to listen to the guitarist, James Grace for his show, I love a Guitar. Mr SQ is more of a fan of guitar music than I am, so I was quite happy to go along simply for the pleasure of his company stolen away on a crisp, wintry Wednesday morning and for the sense of a concert, once again for R30 each. However, I must mention that the Baxter theatre is growing on me, for it's convenience for citizens of the southern suburbs, and the fantastic programmes it offers. Ooops, I'd almost forgotten to mention that we'd gone to the final night of our very own national treasure, Pieter Dirk Uys's Adapt or Fly during the holiday, which was as entertaining as it was, worryingly, prophetic!
James Grace (see Suzy Q swoon ducks!) is all swarthy good looks, slicked back silver grey hair, black and white pin stripe suit and sharp, shiny black shoes, atop a stool with only a spotlight, mike and his guitar. Well, obviously, that's not all, he has a range of chords and a romantic repertoire of songs ranging from Spanish love songs to Abdullah Ebrahim and a moving Beatles medley. He also has the most charming, unassuming stage presence and a rich, deep, well modulated voice as he talks you through his choice of love inspired music. Pure bliss. He comes with an incredible pedigree, so please check him out at www.jamesgrace.co.za and catch him wherever you can.
www.jamesgrace.co.za
We were advised that lunch, as provided by Theresa, the new resident caterer at the Baxter Theatre, was R50 for a vegetarian curry spread. Very tempting as one could have a morning show and meal all for less than R100 each, and Suzy Q is a spice girl of note. However, on our previous visit, I had eagerly bought two samoosas after the wonderful Warmth in Winter show, as they'd been highly recommended by Fiona Chisholm in her column in the community newspapers. Now kids, at the risk of sounding like a cultural philistine, the lure of these crispy samoosas had almost, but not quite been my motivation for venturing back to the Baxter. (True Confessions of a Samoosaholic) These ones had sadly not lived up to their promise, being exceedingly greasy, with pastry too thick and not very tasty or sufficiently spicy filling. Ok I am something of a samoosa connoisseur, so Theresa is going to have to cast her line a little further out to catch me, but still the buffet seems to be well attended, so her fare must appeal to some folks.
So, I'll let you into my guilty little secret. When I feel down, or decadent or seriously in need of a spice fix, where do I go? No questions asked, Aneesia's in Wynberg is my one stop samoosa shop. Pop into 86 Ottery Road for your genuine take out delight. Queue with the locals on a Friday night for their famous Full House Gatsby and chips, or just snuck in and get a paper bag of delicious mince or chicken and coriander samoosas for sundowners. Try to leave a few for the folks back home during the drive home. Nothing to beat them and one of the reasons I'd hate to ever leave Cape Town.
So on that delicious, if somewhat decadent note (it's the mood I'm I'm in kids) I'll sign off and promise to be back full steam by next week. Hope you're all well and loving this winter weather? I seem to have lost access to my gmail account so my apologies if you've been emailing me and not getting a response - hope to get it sorted asap, but please feel free to leave a comment, that's sure to get to me.
Great to be back,
Love,
Suzy Q
