Culture vultures in Kalk Bay

On Wednesday I not only managed to sneak into an art exhibition opening and mingle with the art aficionados of Cape Town, but I also managed to snatch a moment of poetry at Kalk Bay Books straight afterwards.

I didn’t know the Kalk Bay Modern existed, until a colleague of mine insisted on stopping off in Kalk Bay en route home from Fish Hoek one morning, not only for the more than choice hot crossed buns at Olympia Cafe, but also to whiz through a collection of George Hallet’s photographs on display at the gallery, but that’s another story! Continued

Olympia Cafe Photographs

Photographs of the unpretentious but popular Olympia Cafe in Kalk Bay, Cape Town. (see our previous article / review here – Olympia Cafe). The third photograph is of Kalk Bay taken from the harbour pier. (for more information about this charming seaside hamlet see our previous articles “Catch your breath in Kalk Bay” and “The definitive guide to Kalk Bay“). Continued

Olympia Café in Kalk Bay

Olympia Cafe

Aside from the fact that whenever vaguely in the vicinity, I find reason to pop into the Olympia Café’s bakery, which now offers its breads, pastries, danishes and other delectable tasties around the corner from the eatery on the corner of Main Road and Boyes Drive, I have also had occasion to breakfast there at least once and found reason to dine there more than twice - and I don’t even live in Kalk Bay!

This rather obviously expresses my enthusiasm for the popular place. The food is, well, it’s really good. And for what you receive on your plate, excellent value. The bread is heavenly (I defy anyone to find tastier ciabata on the peninsular) and the menu takes its cue from the accessibility and availability of fresh, local, organic where possible ingredients … Continued

The Definitive Guide to Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay

Clutching sun faded towels and cloaked in floaty kaftans, the more adventurous residents of Kalk Bay make their daily pilgrimage down to the tidal pools that generously grace the False Bay coastline. Splashing in refreshingly cold sea water every morning could be the secret to the youth and vitality of the people in Kalk Bay, although perhaps it has something more to do with the mysterious atmosphere of abundance and relaxation that infuses its visitors.

Morning dips in the ocean are best followed by one of Cape Town’s best coffees at C’est la Vie, an unpretentious French peasant style café with their own tiny bakery on site or at Olympia Café for a hearty deli breakfast with kippers and fluffy eggs. Grabbing a few supplies for the pantry from the charming Olympia Bakery is a ritual, before returning home. Continued

Catch your Breath in Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay is one of those places where you can finally catch your breath …

Kalk Bay

This wonderful historic harbour village, en route to Cape Point, has everything you could possibly want from a day out by the sea. Well, everything except warm water. Which is just as well, because you might be less inclined to explore all those amazing antique, art and bric-a-brac shops, outstanding restaurants, ice cream parlours and funky bars that line its main thoroughfare. By far the best way to arrive is by train, a most exquisite journey from Muizenberg (park at the Olive Station), taking in breathtaking views of the winding coastline, while all the while keeping an eye out for passing whales.

Turn right outside the station and immediately right again through a short underpass, and you will soon arrive at The Brass Bell, a famous pub and restaurant beautifully located out to sea, an absolute must for any visitor to Kalk Bay. Few traditional pub-like atmospheres can boast an excellent view of frolicking seals, or indeed, give the impression that your fish ‘n’ chips might get dragged out of the sea at any moment. The kids will love it. Outside, there is a little craft stall, selling a fine selection of marvellously inventive candlestick holders, jewellery and sculptures made from shells and driftwood; I bought a chunky bracelet made from twisted strands of copper and a ring made from an old silver t-spoon. Continued