Ginja, which has been on the Top 10 list forever, has not made the new top 20 list this year. Grande Provence in Franschhoek, currently on the Top 10 list, has also not made it onto the new top 20 list.   Haiku, and Bosmans at Grande Roche, are surprising omissions from the top 20 list.

The Prudential Eat Out Top 10 restaurants will be announced on 30 November.

Directed by its creator Ian von Memerty, Roelof Colyn and Jonathan Roxmouth at two grand pianos, give a dazzling display of pianistic virtuosity and hilarious impersonation.

A performance of constant surprise, intelligence and wit, with music that ranges from the great classic masters Bach and Beethoven; through the kings of soul Ray Charles and Fat Waller and via the queens of showbiz and pop, Elton John, Freddy Mercury and Liberace. A HANDFUL OF KEYS is a completely South African product of international standard.

Dates: 3 Sep 2008 to 20 Sep 2008
To book visit: A Handful of Keys

Chess is used as a metaphor for romantic rivalries and the US-Soviet conflict during the Cold War. The main characters form a love triangle: the temperamental and arrogant American Grandmaster, Freddie Trumper; Anatoly Serievsky, the determined but gentle Russian champion who plans on defecting got the West, and Florence Vassy, the Hungarian-American chess second, to arrives at the international championships with Freddie, but falls in love with Anatoly.

From Bangkok to Budapest, the players, lovers, politicians and spies all struggle to gain the upper hand.

Although the protagonists were not intended to represent any specific individuals and Sir Tim Rice’s original concept was to write a musical about now the Cold War affected the lives of all it touched, the two central characters’ personalities are loosely based on those of Victor Korchnoi and Bobby Fisher.

Visit the Website to book: Theatre On The Bay

Guests are desperate, and many did not think of booking for this period in advance, which traditionally is booked out nine months ahead of time in areas such as Camps Bay and Plettenberg Bay.  Von Ulmenstein, owner of the Whale Cottage Portfolio of guest houses in Camps Bay, Hermanus, Franschhoek and Plettenberg Bay, says that the increase in visitor numbers is very welcome for the Hospitality industry, given that South Africans have been burdened by several interest rate and petrol price increases, and have to tighten their belts - clearly something they have decided to delay until 2008!

Late minute bookings challenge the Industry to meet sudden demands, but many residents on the Atlantic Seaboard and in popular holiday destinations rent out private accommodation, so there always is “room at the inn”! New accommodation establishments open all the time, and many locals visit their family and friends, and are less likely to use the formal accommodation industry. Many visitors to Cape Town have had to accept that they cannot stay in Camps Bay and have had to look for accommodation in other suburbs of Cape Town. Guest house owners are excellent at passing on their overflow to other colleagues in the area, which means that guests wanting to book are almost always accommodated.

“Heavily populated roads to Hermanus and the Garden Route just after Christmas, and throngs of shoppers in popular shopping centers are proof of the vast numbers of out-of-town visitors in the Western Cape,” says Von Ulmenstein.

Their presence is certainly felt in shopping centres and restaurants.  Chairman of the Restaurant segment of FEDHASA Cape, Rey Franco, says that eating establishments in the Blouberg area are definitely experiencing an increase in visitor numbers, with double dinner bookings every night, and Cape seafood dishes an all-round favourite.

One of the challenges facing the Accommodation sector during this time of year, is that many suppliers to the Hospitality Industry close over the Festive Season, a practice that cannot be understood, given that the Hospitality Industry is at its busiest right now.

Also, staff arriving for work over the festive days is always a concern for accommodation management, given that most of their friends and family have annual leave at this time. Availability of basic service providers such as plumbers and electricians also is a concern, as their services are much needed in such a time.

FEDHASA is the lobbying body and watchdog for the South African hospitality industry nationally, and in all tiers of government on tourism, legislation, trading conditions, taxation, education and related industry issues.  The association services four segments: the Hotel segment, the Small Accommodation segment, Restaurant and Catering segment, and the Suppliers segment.

We bravely ventured into the uncharted territory of hot flushes,memory loss and weight gain with the hilarious smash hit Menopause The Musical and now we forge our way into unfamiliar turf with this season’s comic masterstroke, It’s a Dad Thing.

A roller coast ride of laughter, tears and songs (mainly laughter), which is chaotic, fun and truthful – pretty much like parenthood itself, except that it runs for two hours and has an interval! You’ll laugh out loud as the myth of the perfect parent is put soundly to rest when a group of battle-weary fathers come together and compare notes on child rearing from Dad’s point of view.

Pre-natal classes - when even the men are on their backs practicing pelvic exercises - give way to births (six hours of Enya can be quite terrifying); attempts to cross squeaky floorboards with the fear of producing siren screams stalking every step, and introducing The Child to sharp knives, beer and pizza (come on – you know someone has to!). You’re about to meet that most dreamed-of hero – the Superdad! … and that’s just the first half.

In the second half you get to meet Zombie Dad, who manages to loose his kid in Toys ‘R Us; Sneaky Dad who uses the same nappy twice (what!?) and Sad Dad, saying farewell to the last symbol of his youth – his powder blue V8 Chevy!

So ladies, come and be amazed and astounded, and guys – it’s ok – after this, you’ll know you’re not alone. And to all the Learner and Licensed SuperParents out there – drive, stagger or even crawl to Theatre on the Bay to see IT’S A DAD THING – it’ll get you laughing, cheering, back up on your feet and even giving yourself a well deserved pat on the back!

Location: Rhodes Drive, Newlands
Tel: 021 799-8783 or 799-8620 or 799-8773
Venue is open from 15:00 - 20:00pm
Concerts Time 17:30 -18:30

Programme:
26 November - Goldfish:
This Electro-jazz duo features accomplished jazz musicians and multi-instrumentalists David Poole and Dominic Peters who combine samplers, a groove box, Vocoder, keyboards, saxophone, flute and upright Bass into a cutting-edge live remix performance.

3 December - McCully Workshop:
One of South Africa’s finest pop rock bands, whose hits ‘Buccaneer’ and ‘Chinese Junkman’ dominated the airwaves in the 70’s and 80’s, are back together after a 25 year absence from playing on stage.

10 December - Watershed (higher price):
Having sold over 100 000 albums in Europe, Watershed is one of South Africa ’s most successful international pop bands. They have also enjoyed more than a dozen South African radio hits, with their last two albums both winning the SAMA award for Best Pop Album in 2004 and 2006.

14/15/16/17 December - Carols by Candlelight:
Traditional Christmas Carols accompanied by the Cape Town Concert Brass Band and the Cape Town Male Voice Choir, organised by the Rotary Club of Kirstenbosch.
* Please note the Carols start at 20:00, gates open at 17:00. The entrance fee on 14 December is R35 for adults and R10 for children and R40 for adults and R15 for children on 15/16/17 December. (Regret no discount for Botanical Society members or students). Entrance fee includes a candle and song-sheet .

24 December - Glenn Miller Orchestra SA (higher price):
The world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, directed here in South Africa by Jonny Cooper, will be performing a special Christmas Swing concert on Christmas Eve. Vocalist Cliff Benton and the
Moonlight Serenaders will join this renowned 19-piece Big Band for an evening of your favourite Miller tunes, Sinatra classics and festive favourites.

Kfm 94.5 NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT
Sunday, 31 December - Freshlyground & James Stewart:
Get into the New Year groove with Cape Town singer/songwriter James Stewart and Afro-popsters Freshlyground. (More info to come.)

1 January - Tucan Tucan:
This 8-piece African-Latin band, led by renowned percussionist and drummer Frank Paco, combines Latino rhythms such as Salsa, Samba and Bossa Nova with African elements such as Juju and Mozambican Marrabenta into a vibrant kaleidoscope of sound.

7 January - Arno Carstens (higher price):
Combining a unique voice and exceptional songwriting skills, and with nine Number #1 hit singles and five SAMA music awards for Best Album to his credit, Arno Carstens is ‘ The Godfather of SA Rock’.

14 January - The Parlotones:
Not only did indie rock band The Parlotones win the 2006 SAMA award for Best Rock Album but they also signed a world-wide deal with Universal Music, the first multi-territory deal to be signed by any band in SA rock history.

21 January - The Three Tenors:
Cape Town ’s well-loved Three Tenors: Matthew Overmeyer of ‘Phantom’ fame, Italian tenor Nikki Cencherle and Ronnie Theys will be performing a programme of great opera arias and duets as well as other popular songs. They will be joined by special guest artist Beverley Chiat and accompanied by the well-known Michaelis Players.

28 January - Shawn Phillips:
In a musical career spanning 40 years, this American folk legend and rock pioneer has recorded 18 albums and sold over 3 million records. Playing on electric and acoustic 6- and 12-string guitars, he crosses freely between folk-rock, jazz, progressive, pop and classical genres.

4 February - Max Vidima:
Zimbabwean Afro-jazz guitarist and composer Max Vidima has performed locally and abroad with guitar greats Simba Morri, Jimmy Dludlu and Selaelo Selota. His debut album, Sagiya, mixes the maskandi and mbaqanga music of his mother’s Zulu heritage with the electric mbira tradition of his father’s Zimbabwe.

11 February - The Cape Town Highlanders:
Following live appearances at the prestigious Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Isle of Mann, the Drums and Pipes of the Cape Town Highlanders present a dynamic show which fuses African rhythm and Celtic tradition.

18 February - Fokofpolisiekar:
Afrikaans punk rock band Fokofpolisiekar have just returned from a tour of the UK, Netherlands and Belgium and are currently on a national tour to promote their latest album Die Swanesang.

25 February - Jimmy Dludlu:
Afro-jazz guitar great Jimmy Dludlu is a past winner of SAMA awards for Best Male Artist and Best Contemporary Jazz Album. He is particularly drawn to the sounds of west and central Africa, as well as Latin America, but says jazz remains his first love.

4 March - Ike Moriz :
International indie pop star and actor Ike Moriz’s songs are played in 17 countries worldwide and he has also recently appeared in the popular local TV series ‘Backstage’ performing his brand of edgy, yet melodic pop/rock.

11 March - Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (higher price):
Join guest conductor Richard Cock and the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra as they celebrate the lives and works of the composers Glinka, Grieg, Sibelius and Coates in a commemorative concert entitled ‘A Garland of Memories’.

18 March - The Rudimentals:
Voted the country’s Best Reggae/Ska Act of the year in 2004, The Rudimentals combine the elements of Ska with both rural and urban African music to produce their unique blend of African ska.

25 March - Flat Stanley:
Acoustic rockers Flat Stanley will be performing songs off their new album, due for release in early 2007, as well as old favourites from their chart-topping debut album Of Secrets and Wine. The band’s lead singer, Andrew Mac, was recently voted the country’s best vocalist.

The twenty-one highly sought after five-star wines include five ports, of which two are the Boplaas 2005 Vintage Reserve and NV Cape Tawny. Cape Point Vineyards (Woolworths) Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc 2007 as well as two further Cape Point Vineyards wines, Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2005, and De Trafford Shiraz 2005 are also on the five-star list.

For the first time, Platter will pick a Winery of the Year, reports Bolander.
 
The Diner’s Club International Wine awards have been announced, and the Western Cape won by far the most awards in the annual competition. Judging criteria included pricing, food and wine matching, the range of varietals, corkage policy, wine-by-the-glass availability, description of the wines, and legibility of the winelist. Award Convenor Michael Olivier observed that restaurants are sourcing a greater number of unusual wines, including organic and garagiste wines, reports the Cape Times. He also found that waiters are becoming better trained and that the quality of wine glassware has improved. The ‘Award of Excellence’ winners are 96 Winery Road, Au Jardin, Aubergine, Azure, Belthazar, Bosman’s, Bushman’s Kloof, Cape Colony, Catharina’s, De Oude Welgemoed, De Volkskombuis, Diaz Strand Hotel, Cellars Hohenhort Hotel, Harvey’s at the Mansions, JJ’s, La Colombe, Marc’s Mediterranean Cuisine and Garden, onewaterfront, Plettenberg Hotel, Poplars, Riboville, Rodwell House, Smokey Swallows, Vault Wine Cellar and Restaurant, Villa Belmonte and Zachary’s.

Bosman’s restaurant at the Grand Roche hotel in Paarl has won the American Express Platinum Fine Dining Restaurant Award.

Hamilton Russell wines from the Hemel and Aarde valley in Hermanus were served in Monaco when Prince Albert hosted Nelson Mandela at the fundraiser ‘United for a Better World’ earlier this month. The Hamilton Russell Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are sold at El Bulli and The Fat Duck, the two best restaurants in the world. The Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir won the Wine Spectator Critics’ Choice award last month, reports The Times.

Jancis Robinson, well-known UK wine personality, wrote a very complimentary article about her visit to Franschhoek in May, when she was a speaker at the first Franschhoek Literary Festival. In her Financial Times article, reprinted in the Franschhoek Tatler, Robinson described Franschhoek as “so damned beautiful that only the most blinkered, tiresomely obsessive wine lover could go there and ignore the scenery”. In the article she praises South African white wines in general, describing them as “some of the world’s great wine bargains”, and also states that “more and more exciting reds are made every year.” Robinson writes in sparkling terms about the leading Franschhoek wine estates Boekenhoutskloof, Chamonix, L’Omarins and Solms Delta.

Earlier this month, Franschhoek held its first Franschhoek Uncorked wine festival, encouraging winelovers to visit the 25 participating wine estates. The weather gods were unkind to the weekend event, and too little marketing impacted on attendance. However, the Festival is set to become a popular event in future. Each estate served food at very reasonable prices, e.g. prawns at Glenwood, a Reubens braai at Boekenhoutskloof, curry at Rickety Bridge, crepes at Plaisir de Merle, sushi at Chamonix, tapas at Lynx and cheeses at Dieu Donne. The second Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival takes place on 1 and 2 December.

A Whitehouse & Associates wine consultant has advised South Africa to focus on the lucrative African market. Chile already is successfully targeting Africa as one if its markets. South African wines are generally well received in Africa. Wines of South Africa research has shown that Angola and Nigeria are two important African markets. South African payment terms and promotional support hamper the success of South Africa’s performance on the continent, the research concluded, reports Business Report.

Thirty double gold awards were presented at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards this month, trophies being awarded to Rijk’s Private Cellar Pinotage 2003, La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (Organic Trophy), Leon Engelke’s Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Garagiste Trophy) and Southern Cape Barry Nephews Potstill Brandy 2003. Hartenberg The Stork Shiraz 2003 won the Grand Prix Trophy.

Wamakersvallei Winery in Wellington has won the 2007 SA Young Wine Awards for its Pinotage.

Photograph: Green Point Stadium construction site

The preliminary 2010 draw will be hosted in Durban on 23 November, and 3 000 FIFA, soccer and 2010 Local Organising Committee delegates are expected to attend.

2010 match tickets can be obtained from as little as R 150 to a maximum of R 3 000 per ticket. An allocation of 15 % of the total number of tickets will be lower priced tickets, for which eligibility will be determined by a lottery.

TELKOM has signed with FIFA as a National Supporter for the World Cup.

Airlines flying in to South Africa for the World Cup will be allocated specific airports at which they must land, depending on where they are coming from. All flights from South American countries and the USA will land at Cape Town International; flights from Europe, the Middle East and the rest of Africa will land at OR Thambo airport in Johannesburg; and flights from Asia and Australia are to land at the new King Shaka International Airport in Durban, says TravelHub. The allocation is to help reduce congestion at OR Thambo airport. Private planes may have to use Lanseria, Grand Central and Rand airport in Johannesburg.

The construction of the new King Shaka airport was approved last month, subject to 80 environmental conditions, reports Business Report. The airport is expected to handle 7,5 million passengers annually on its completion, in time for the World Cup. One of the environmental conditions is that “flight schedules must be planned around the flight times of the swallows.” More than 1,3 million birds are in the area in summer. Chameleons are also to be taken out of bushes before they are cleared for construction.

Project 2010 reports that a recent survey shows that three-quarters of South Africans believe that the World Cup will be good for South Africa in terms of job creation, tourism and the impact on the economy.

Conrad Mayer, Chairman of the Bavarian Hotel and Restaurant Association, addressed the ‘Access the Destination’ Workshop on the lessons Munich had learnt as a Host City for the 2006 World Cup. “Even if the high turnover speculations were not fulfilled in some regions of Germany, the World Cup was, above all, a priceless Public Relations success.” he told the tourism industry delegates. More than 2,5 million bednights were sold in Germany at that time, with a 3,4 % average increase in rates. Germany’s GDP rose by 2,4 % over the previous year. The accommodation sector recorded a growth of 8% and the catering industry a 4 % growth. Prices for the World Cup period were set moderately, yet peaked on, during and after matches played in Munich. The ‘right’ accommodation pricing level was a large talking point for Munich hoteliers. In preparation for the World Cup hosting in Munich, four tourism conferences, involving the entire tourism industry, were held to create networking between all service providers. The Munich industry commissioned a survey to define what Bavarian “Gastlichkeit” meant, and then implemented ‘Friendliness Seminars’, to which taxi drivers, policemen and retailers were also invited, briefing participants on dealing with international guests and the media. Mayer’s association compiled an intercultural communications guideline, to assist the industry in understanding, respecting and reflecting specific international guests’ cultures. The association educated its restaurant and bar members about licenses that were needed for public viewing of the matches on their big screens if an entrance fee was charged at such establishments.

During the World Cup 2006, Munich hoteliers found that many of their regular guests stayed away from the city, changing their business and conference visits to before and after the event. In June 2006 the overnight stays decreased by 4 % due to this, despite the World Cup. Direct accommodation bookings for the event were only received six months in advance of the World Cup, for those establishments that had not offered the bulk of their accommodation to FIFA via MATCH. MATCH cancelled 60 % of the rooms it was holding five weeks before the start of the World Cup for the days that were not match days. Variations were experienced in hotel occupancies during the month-long World Cup, falling to as low as 19 %, depending on the scheduling of matches in Munich. Given an excellent June 2005, some Munich hotels experienced a decline in turnover in June 2006 relative to the year before. However, many hotels made this up with improved turnovers in May and July, with displaced business.

Munich welcomed more visitors from the USA than from any other country during World Cup 2006, followed by Italy and the UK. Visitor numbers from South American countries, Central America and the USA increased considerably in Munich, and this is seen to have long-term tourism benefits.

A German branding expert and author of “Brand Ovation”, visiting the country this month, was Nikolaus Ebert, who said that Germany won the World Cup 2006 in terms of the improvement of its brand value, now ranking second on the Nation Brand Index. The event turned around Germany’s sagging economy, changed the mood of Germans and made Germany an attractive tourism destination. He advised South Africa to have an objective of how it wanted the world to perceive the county, particularly given that South Africa has slipped from 22nd to 33rd position on the same Index, reports the Cape Argus. He attributed the slide in the country’s standing to perceptions about crime and HIV/AIDS.

Dr Laurine Platzky, Deputy Director-General in the Western Cape provincial government, warned the industry at the ‘Access the Destination’ workshop that Cape Town would lose some special FIFA privileges if it did not get enough rooms signed up by MATCH. A Fan Park is planned for the Grand Parade in the Cape Town city centre, and a Fan Mile will stretch from the Grand Parade to the stadium in Green Point. Third Party Public Viewing is planned for Philippi, Athlone and the V & A Waterfront. Platzky estimated that up to 40 000 British supporters, and about 30 000 Italian and 30 000 German supporters can be expected. She encouraged businesses to get involved in the World Cup, and opportunities for such involvement are listed on the website www.greenpointstadium2010.co.za.

The tourism sector is professional and well-prepared, and leading 2010 preparations, Moeketsi Mosola, CEO of South African Tourism, told the ‘Access the Destination’ workshop. He said that the event is opening the skies to airlines increasing their flights to South Africa. Emirates is starting a direct flight to Cape Town from January 2008. SA Tourism has a detailed Tourism Plan for 2010, the objective of which is a world-class 2010 African event, which will lead to job creation, GDP growth and is to transform the nation, Mosola said.. While ‘Brand South Africa” is set to benefit from the event, Mosola said that other African countries will be incorporated into the event. Programmes that S A Tourism is working on for 2010 include marketing the country via packages linked to MATCH, increasing the number of graded establishments, addressing service levels, creating an event and attractions database, clean Host Cities, hygiene standards of restaurants, public transport, and a national safety plan. Close to 450 000 international visitors are expected for World Cup 2010, while the tourism industry income is estimated at R 11 billion.

The MATCH contract for Smaller non-Hotel Accommodation for World Cup 2010 has been amended, in order to attract more Guest Houses, Bed & Breakfasts and Self-Catering establishments to provide accommodation for 2010. It is the first time in FIFA’s history that a separate contract has been drawn up for smaller accommodation establishments. The biggest change is that MATCH will add its booking fee on top of the establishment’s net 2010 rate, the latter rate calculated by a prescribed 16% of the 2007 rate. The original 30 % commission MATCH wished to take out of the establishments’ net rate was a major deterrent to the smaller accommodation segment signing with MATCH. The cancellation terms have also become a little more palatable. However, the amended MATCH contract still has problems, in that it specifies that the basis for the calculation of the 2010 rate must be the June/July 2007 rate. This rate base has now been altered, to allow establishments to use the summer 2007 rate, but the contract has not been altered to reflect this change. Whilst stating that it is adding 30 % to the establishment’s 2010 rate to calculate the rate it will charge soccer guests, MATCH in fact is adding a 43 % booking fee to the rate of each establishment, which could create perceptions that the South African accommodation industry is opportunistically priced, when it is in fact the hefty MATCH fee that will create this perception. The contract also states that MATCH will not have to refund the “taxes” when it pays cancellation fees, meaning that establishments lose a further 14 % to VAT. This is felt to be illegal, and MATCH will have to communicate to the industry what exactly it means by “taxes” it plans to withhold. Overall the MATCH contract places all rights and benefits with MATCH, and very little other than rates with the accommodation establishments.

In a MATCH “Frequently Asked Questions” booklet, it states that MATCH is looking for 55 000 rooms for World Cup 2010. These will be used to accommodate FIFA delegates, VIP’s, Local Organising Committee delegates, referees, sponsors, the media, and soccer fans buying match ticket and accommodation packages via MATCH. The booklet also prescribes the accommodation requirements of each of these MATCH client categories, and the fact that most of them require 24 hour service means that the bulk of the MATCH accommodation will go to 5-star establishments. Only the individual soccer fans do not have the service specification, and therefore can be accommodated by smaller establishments. Interestingly, the service requirements are not written into the MATCH contract.

The South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA) has called for “proper public transport” for 2010. Its Western Cape chairman Vernon Kirsten is looking for “effective transport between the airport and the central business district.” “We must think innovatively and find a solution,” he said. He was also critical of ACSA, in that it does not consult with the tourism industry when it plans extensions and improvements to the airport, “as it is in everyone’s interest that these are the best possible” he added. The long lead times of issuing transport operators with permits, in some instances up to two years, should also be addressed, he said.

At least eight new hotels are being built in Cape Town to capitalise on 2010, and include the Taj hotel on St George’s Mall; 15 on Orange; Express by Holiday Inn, also on St George’s Mall;  One & Only in the V & A Waterfront; two further hotels in the Waterfront; and another alongside the Convention Centre. Cape Town is estimated to have 1 500 accommodation establishments already, with about 50 000 rooms in total, reports the Weekend Argus. The number of rooms in Cape Town is expected to more than double to 120 000 by 2010.