The longest night on the Cape Point Route.

The winter solstice on Thursday 21 June 2009 is the longest night of the year. Although South Africa has no official rituals or festivals to celebrate mid Winter, the longest night is still valued for emotional comfort. There is the knowledge that spring is on the way and seeking out places with light, fires, music, singing, dancing and feasting is high on the recommended list to stave off the winter blues and rekindle human spirit. Here’s our take on lighting your fire this weekend of long nights and short days.

In Muizenberg, Fogey’s Restaurant has live music on a Friday and Saturday night which is worth it just for the beat, but they have Sunday jazz over lunch as well. Not bad to keep you warm day or night.

Kalk Bay is high on the list of a Capetonian choice of evening out. New kids on the block are Winesense with a fabulous offering of wine tasting, where you stay master of your selections, rate them and sample quantity and quality as you choose. Some great tapas dishes enhance the wine tasting experience.

Fish Hoek Galley is a regular favourite being right on the beach. A good doze of fresh sea breeze is an excellent aide for a seafood extravaganza, but they do offer everything from captain’s breakfast to decadent meat dishes for the carnivore crowd. It’s a winner for any meal, 7 days a week.

In Simon’s Town, Pescados on the main street is keeping the prawns rockin’ and rollin’ with all you can eat specials on a Tuesday night complete with local Cape Point Route favourite musicians Dave Gomersal and Gordon Mackay alternating the Tuesday night sessions. Saturday nights are host to Shand who has one of those soothing voices that makes any meal slide down.

On the Atlantic side of the Cape Point Route one of our current favourites is the Cape Farmhouse in Scarborough. They have massive breakfasts and regular Saturday music sessions which take place indoors or out, irrespective of the weather. The Lone Sharks are a collaboration of Cape Town musicians and will be playing on Sat afternoon the 30th June so plan ahead and schedule an afternoon at Farmhouse Rocks – a family friendly affair.

Noordhoek Farm village is a must for winter warmers. There are three fabulous restaurants, shops, wine boutique, art galleries – you name it, you are sorted. Atmospheric by day or night, you can’t go wrong here for a winter tune-up.

The Red Herring in Noordhoek is a “far south” institution in its own right, with big screen sport, happy hours, live music and a convivial atmosphere, but a new secret is the restaurant Thoryfynns at Monkey Valley Resort almost across the road. Set in the milkwood forest this is a treat of a venue and open to the public.

Hout Bay itself has 2 great options at either end of the beach. Chapman’s Peak hotel has some of the best calamari in town and Mariners Wharf at the opposite end has a take out section as well as the Wharfside Grill. We recommend booking a dining cabin themed to famous ships for a treat. Whilst there check out the Fish market and wine shop as well as the antique store.

So when the nights are long and the days are short, it is an easy choice to head to the Cape Point Route for entertainment, fine food, warm fires, good views and excellent company. For any queries on where to go and what to do contact the Cape Point Route for suggestions. www.capepointroute.co.za Tel: 021 782 9356.