What to Do?

Cool Runnings

Have you ever had the urge to find the "Speed Freak" inside of you?

Cool Runnings, located in the hills of Tygervalley in Cape Town, is where we found our inner speed freaks.

The mandatory Rules & Regulations

Four young(ish) lads decided to wake their creaky bones by speeding down a hill on a piece of plastic with four wheels and the mightiest excuse of a handbrake. Your lower sitting self is surrounded by a half tube of shiny stainless steel, woven together by meticulous craftsmanship... and OMG, is it just such a rush.

4 young(ish) lads

Climbing onto the toboggan, I felt giddy, like a teenager getting behind the wheel of a car for the first time, I knew it was going to be fun, but I had no idea what to expect. Once seated and relatively comfortable (comfort is not really the name of this game), the toboggan began its steady climb to the top of the hill via a simple pulley system. The ride up is pleasant, until the last fifty metres where the lazy hill suddenly says hi to muscles you forgot you had in your lower back. As the incline becomes rather steep, giving you a small sense of what is to come, you round the bend at the top and come to rest in the fast-moving queue.

The lazy ride up

You control your speed, and according to the marshals around the track, you can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h. My first run was probably at about 20 km/h, as I was feeling my way down, learning when to apply said handbrake and when and how to lean into each corner. From then on, I was on a mission to push the limits of my speed, challenging myself to take corners faster all the while trying to stay on the toboggan - this was a minor challenge in itself.

In between runs, they offer a fully licensed bar. Unfortunately for me, due to my Sobriety (three and a half years now) I got stuck with the blue slush puppy. It was a bit sweet for my liking, but at least I didn't have to apply any more make-up for the rest of the day, as my blue lips were just enough.

Cool Runnings is Family orientated and kids much younger (oh to be younger again....) were zooming down the tube faster than the old boys.

I would highly suggest taking the trip to the other side of the *Boerewors curtain and go find your inner Speed Freak! It's something I will definitely be doing again (and again and.......).

This is me...... and this is my story. :)


*Boerewors curtain (a slang term of how people living in the Southern suburbs describe the Northern suburbs of Cape Town), Boerewors is a traditional South African sausage.

The Peacock

Imagine a room full of colour, contrasting and complementing. Every colour you can think of. Now imagine one of the most colourful birds in the world showing off, spreading their feathers, "peacocking" around.

Peacock Nail Art

The Peacock Indian Tapas Restaurant and Bar exudes colour in both visual and taste.

"We believe that food is best enjoyed when it is shared" - Andrew Williams (Founder)

Andrew Williams, a Welshman, but Cape Town bred, has created an Indian-inspired tapas restaurant that is not something you will come across very often. They are all about passion and the unexpected.

Taking the idea of snacks or 'tapas' of Spain, the dishes have been created to be shared and enjoyed across different palettes. The theme is to take local South African and Indian dishes and create innovative twists on them, taking inspiration from cuisines the world over.

The decor is eye-catching, with contrasting colours on the walls, eye-popping abstract art and all in all, simple in nature.

I sat down salivating with anticipation. The aromas emanating from the kitchen are the perfect Aperitif, already teasing my taste buds.

Carlo, large in welcoming personality and character leads the floor staff from the front. I was welcomed as if I was visiting the home of a long-time friend and I felt right at home.

I was tempted to start at the top of the menu and work my way through and although Carlo welcomed this, he deftly introduced me to the dishes I should try. The Breyani Chicken Rissoles caught my attention... Oh My Word!!! The flavours are subtle, yet intense at the same time, but not overpowering at all. The Mint Raita that accompanies the dish, cools and enhances the flavours.

Chicken Breyani Rissole

"Breyani - A spicy South Asian mixed rice with its origins among the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent"

I needed an extra napkin, my taste buds were becoming over-enthuastic.....

Masala Fish Tacos

The Masala Fish Tacos take inspiration from Mexico, the simple Poppadoms with dips is classic Indian and the Tandoori Lamb Cutlets... well, I was the proverbial dog with the Lamb bone - if only bones were edible.

Poppadoms

Tandoori Lamb Cutlets

And there is still Dessert....

My problem is that I have a rather sweet tooth, although "Gary and the Chocolate Factory" just does not have the same ring to it.

Kulfi

The Kulfi and Chilli Chocolate Mousse pot are my favourites. Two completely different flavour profiles and not overly sweet. They are the perfect way to close out a meal that took me on a journey around the world via India.

This is a perfect venue for small functions and birthdays.

This is me...... and this is my story :)