Yesterday a devastating fire started in Cape Town on one of the hottest days this summer, not only devastating in terms of the loss of vegetation and wildlife in the Table Mountain National Park, and buildings, but also the historical nature of these buildings, some with tourism significance too. Vagrants living in the National Park illegally are alleged to have caused the fire.
The fire continued burning on Devil’s Peak last night, and now has spread to Vredehoek, with certain parts of the suburb being evacuated this morning. Unfortunately it is being fanned by a gale force South Easter. Continue reading →


I was invited to attend the launch of journalist and restaurateur Tony Jackman’s new book ‘FoodStuff: Reflections and recipes from a celebrated foodie‘ at the Thursday Club lunch at Buitenverwachting Restaurant on Thursday. I was grateful to Club coordinator Sandy Bailey for the invitation, and for seating me next to Tony, allowing me to ask him some extra questions for this story.
On Thursday evening