Celebrate Father's Day this year in Cape Town

Spoil dad on his special day 

Father’s Day gifts are always great (and we’re rounding up a comprehensive listing of fresh present ideas for you), but nothing quite says you care like spending some special quality time with dad on the day. Fortunately, being the bustling, dynamic city it is, Cape Town is full to the brim with different options for entertaining things to do on Father’s Day, 16 June 2013. From motor shows to mouth-watering, meaty brunches and lunches, there’s enough out there to guarantee that the old man has a merry, meaningful time. For a little inspiration, stay tuned for our wide selection of ideas for 2013 (subscribe to our newsletter to do so).

---

In the meantime, here's a round-up of Father's Day ideas for 2012.

Massage at the Mount Nelson
The luxurious Librisa Spa at this five-star hotel is offering a special deal aimed at helping dad unwind: over the Father’s Day period he can enjoy a soothing 60-minute full body massage and an equally satisfying meal for R750. So, while dad has his stresses kneaded out by first-class professionals, treat yourself to a spot of the hotel’s celebrated high tea on the terrace and then join him in the chic, galaxy-themed Planet Bar to beef up on a man-sized burger and beer. To make a reservation call +27 (0)21 483 1550 or email librisa@mountnelson.co.za.
76 Orange Street | Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 483 1000

Laborie Lazy Days Market
If dad is a motor enthusiast (and, let’s be real, which man isn’t) then the popular Laborie Lazy Days market in the Paarl Winelands on Saturday 16 June will be a real treat for him. In honour of Father’s Day, organisers of the event have arranged a vintage car exhibition so dad can pore over classic models while guzzling the range of local and international beers on offer. And, as if impressive mechanics and tasty pints aren’t enough, there will be a big-screen television on-site so that he doesn’t miss that all-important rugby game. Take the whole family - this charming food and lifestyle market has a little something for everyone.
Taillefer Street | Main Road |Paarl | +27 (0)21 807 3390

Whiskey Tasting at Bascule Bar
A spot of sophisticated drinking can’t possibly go down poorly on dad’s day, especially when it involves whiskey. And the Cape Grace hotel’s Bascule Bar - which is perched on a private yachting port at the V&A Waterfront - is just the perfect place to sample some single malts. With an extensive range of over 460 varieties, they’ll treat dad to tutored tastings of a number of different distilled whiskeys, bourbons and blends. For Father’s Day only, the tasting comes complimentary with a R195 buffet. Splendid lunch and superior liquor – it doesn’t get better than that. To book contact Rene on +27 (0)21 410 7097.
West Quay Road |V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 410 7082

Jazz Brunch at Winchester Mansions
As Sunday’s are supremely suited to long leisurely lunches – and surely dad’s partial to a little live music – this one’s a fail-safe choice. Sunday brunch at Harveys at the Sea Point promenade’s renowned Winchester Mansions offers guests the chance to indulge in a decadent buffet of sweets and savouries while scanning the morning newspaper and listening to acclaimed jazz artists perform. In honour of this particular day, they’ve also arranged a small something special for the old man. Booking is essential: call +27 (0)21 434 2351. The brunch costs R250 per person and includes a welcome glass of bubbly.
221 Beach road | Sea Point Promenade | Sea Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 434 2351

Indulge in Baked Delights
Dads are notorious for suffering from an incurable sweet tooth. And while they may be encouraged to curb their cravings most days of the year, this is one occasion that allows for – even demands – a little indulgence. So, say thank you by pandering to his penchant for pastries at one of Cape Town’s top bakeries. Whether you sit down for a few mouth-watering macaroons at Limnos, dig into a double chocolate cheesecake at the much-loved Charly’s or pick up a tantalising tart to go from  Queen of Tarts, it’s bound to make for a morning well spent.

Fire up the Braai
Here in SA, there’s nothing that quite says ‘dad’ like a good ol’ beefy braai. So, fire up the coals, throw on a string of boerewors or an oversized steak, crack open a beer and let the banter begin. It’s a low-key, light-on-the-pocket way to celebrate, but it’s sure to be right down dad’s alley. If you’re stumped for a good site to set up those camping chairs have a look at our overview of Cape Town’s best braai spots. Or if you’re sorted for a setting but still puzzled about what to serve, master of the trade Jan Braai’s recipe for a snoek braai is always a winning choice – it’s flavourful, healthy, and quintessentially Capetonian.

Play Putt-Putt
Here’s one for fathers with young kids – or fathers who are simply still young at heart. Being a city well suited to open-air activity, Cape Town is dotted with a number of outdoor mini golf courses, all designed to entertain; the African-themed Mega Putt in Belville, promenade-based green in Mouille Point and 18-hole course at the Muizenberg beachfront pavilion are but a few examples. So, get dad in golf gear and challenge him to a ‘mini’ game of chip and putt - it’ll make for a fantastic day of family fun.

Wine Tasting at Haute Cabrière
Treat dad a day early – especially if he’s all tied up on Sunday– with a unique Saturday cellarmaster tasting at Haute Cabriere Wine Estate in the scenic Franschhoek Valley. Held in the maturation cellar and led by the farm’s well-informed owners, these theatrical tastings feature a selection of six Pierre Jourdan sparkling wines and Haute Cabrière varietals. But swirling and sipping is only part of the appeal – included in the package is a cellar tour, a lesson in the estate’s rich history, and teachings about the process of wine production. Most thrilling of all is the chance to witness a dramatic show of sabrage, the slicing open of a champagne bottle with a French cavalry sword. Should dad wish to fill the belly too, the celebrated Haute Cabrière restaurant is open for both breakfast and lunch. The cellarmaster tasting starts at 11am and costs R50; with a continental breakfast included, the total price is R150.
Pass Road | Franschhoek | +27 (0)21 876 8500

Take a Hike
If dad’s an active, outdoors type (and if the weather permits), why not take him out exploring on one of the multitude of pretty hiking routes in Cape Town and surrounds. Options range from scenic seaside strolls and fresh forest walks to challenging climbs and strenuous scrambles up steep mountainsides - all boast beautiful vistas and offer an ideal opportunity for a healthy bout of bonding. For fathers that are bona fide flora and fauna fundis, there is also the option of a guided geographical fynbos tour through Noordhoek’s Chapman’s Peak, a breathtaking hike that is as educational as it is enjoyable.

A Steak Dinner
You can’t possibly go wrong with a sizeable sirloin or well-marbled rump, so, spoil dad on Father’s Day by stopping in for a bite at one of these leading steakhouses and grillrooms:

• Nelsons Eye Restaurant: This self-professed ‘real deal, old school steakhouse’ in Gardens has been serving up succulent, super grade steaks for decades now - a legacy that has solidified them in the public’s mind as true masters of the trade. In addition to superior meats, the restaurant boasts a warm, woody, pub-like ambience. And with a policy of openness, they’ll gladly invite dad back to the grill to select his own cut.
  9 Hof Street | Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 423 2601

• Knife Restaurant: Based at the Crystal Towers Hotel in Century City, this cosy, New York-style eatery is a carnivore’s heaven. On the menu is an extensive array of signature smoked meats, including barbeque ribs, grilled steaks, slow-roasted pork belly and big beefy burgers. If dad’s after something a little lighter, there’s a choice of flame grilled lemon and herb chicken too. Stop in for lunch or dinner – they’re open from 11am to 11pm.
  The Crystal Towers | Corner of Century Boulevard and Rialto Road | Century City | +27 (0)21 551 5000

• The Hussar Grill: Established in 1964 and decked in mahogany panels, the award-winning Hussar Grill has become widely known and richly appreciated for its quality, carefully prepared cuts of beef, wild game and venison – think ostrich fillet and Karoo lamb cutlets. Although they are now found in four locations across Cape Town, their Southern Suburbs site in Rondebosch was the original Grill and still the ultimate go-to spot for reliably tasty red meat. Due to their major popularity, make sure you make a booking for a Father’s Day dinner beforehand.
  10 Main Road | Rondebosch | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 689 9516

---

Already planned what to do with dad but still in need of something special to give him? Have a gander at our extensive listing of original Father's Day gift ideas.

---

For regular updates on what’s happening in and around Cape Town, be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.