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Hey Brew,

Cape Town’s serving drama this week like a barista with a vendetta. Between diplomatic shade-throwing, airborne tantrums, and a floral kingdom flexing on the global stage, it’s been a week. Oh, and let’s not forget the animal rescue crew knee-deep in floodwater. Buckle up, buttercup.

Here’s the tea (and a splash of drama):

  • 🏛 “Very Good Meeting” or Diplomatic Disaster?

  • 🐶 TEARS Flooded: Cape Storms Hit Hard

  • ✈️ FlySafair’s R100k “No-Fly” Passenger

  • 🏆 Cape Flora Wins Gold (Again): Chelsea’s Obsessed

Let’s first thank this week’s sponsor:

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Now let’s dive in:

🗞️ The Headlines

🏛 Trump & Ramaphosa: Diplomatic Tango or Tinder Ghosting?

Ramaphosa called their chat “frank and forward-looking” (read: Trump didn’t fall asleep). Meanwhile, the EFF’s flipping tables, calling it a “disgrace” and planning a protest at the US Consulate.

✔️ Why We’re Side-Eyeing:

  • Ramaphosa: “Trump was respectful.”

  • EFF: “He’s selling us out for a handshake and a Big Mac.”

  • Analysts: “Is this diplomacy or a Real Housewives reunion?”

→ Best Quote:

“Shaking hands with Trump is like hugging a cactus—someone’s gonna bleed.” — @PoliticalRoast

✈️ FlySafair’s R100k “No-Fly” Zone

A passenger went full Snakes on a Plane (sans snakes) on FA600, forcing an emergency landing in Bloemfontein. Now he’s banned and footing a R100k bill.

✔️ Why We’re Cackling:

  • Video evidence: Dude shouted “POLICE!” after getting cable-tied by a fellow passenger.

  • FlySafair: “Thanks for the free in-flight entertainment, sir.”

  • Us: “Imagine explaining this to your mom.”

→ Best Reaction:

“R100k? That’s 666 croissants from Norfolk Deli. Priorities, people.” — @CapeChaos

🐶 TEARS in the Rain: Floods Hit Animal Rescue

Cape storms turned TEARS Animal Rescue into a waterpark nobody asked for. They’re begging for sandbags, blankets, and R300k for drainage.

✔️ Why We’re Heartbroken:

  • NSRI heroes: Pumping water like it’s Day 1 of Noah’s Ark.

  • TEARS: “Our dogs are paddling, not prancing.”

  • You: Adds “donate” to tomorrow’s to-do list (right after “buy oat milk”).

🏆 Cape Flora to Chelsea: “Hold My Fynbos”

SA’s Cape Floral Kingdom just bagged gold at the Chelsea Flower Show—again. Leon Kluge’s display used 25,000 fynbos stems. Eat your heart out, Kew Gardens.

✔️ Why We’re Smug:

  • Judges: “It’s like the Karoo met the Amazon. But chicer.”

  • Kluge: “We’re basically plant influencers now.”

  • You: Googling “fynbos bouquet” for wedding inspo.

💎 Hidden Gems & Local Legends

🌴 Aruba on Kloof: Vacation Mode Activated

New kid on the block Aruba is serving Mediterranean-Caribbean tapas with a side of “why aren’t you on holiday?” Try the coconut gnocchi or the spicy pineapple dessert (warning: it’s a spicy plot twist).

✔️ Why We’re Obsessed:

  • Sangria Sundays: Oysters + steel drum bands = instant island vibes.

  • Owner quote: “We built the spot we’d daydrink at.” Same, king.

📍 Beach, please: 108 Kloof Street | Tue-Sun 12pm–midnight

🔥 Vuur: Where Steak Meets Pyromania

Stellenbosch’s Vuur just ranked 87th best steakhouse globally. Chef Shaun Scrooby cooks with six types of wood because gas is for amateurs.

✔️ Why We’re Drooling:

  • 7-course menu: “It’s like MasterChef, but you don’t have to cry on TV.”

  • Quote: “Our flames have more personality than your Tinder matches.”

🥐 C’est La Vie: Fish Hoek’s French Fix

Two locations: one for sourdough stans, one for post-beach milkshakes. Their croissants are so flaky, they’ll make you forget your ex’s texts.

✔️ Why We’re Carb-Loading:

  • Pro tip: Grab a toasted sarmie before Jager’s Walk. Trust us.

  • Vibe: “French Riviera meets Tannie Maria’s kitchen.”

🥧 Rosemead Bakery: Yzer’s Worst-Kept Secret

Anli and Brett’s pasteis de nata sell faster than Loadshedding schedules. Get there early or cry into your supermarket croissant.

✔️ Why We’re Queueing:

  • Olive sticks: “Like a breadstick, but fancier.”

  • Vibe: “Strangers Things but for carbs.”

📣 Wanna Put Your Biz in Front of Thousands?

Sponsor Cape Brew At a MASSIVE Discount(48 hours left):

  • 📬 Get your local business at the top of next week's newsletter (we’ll hype you up properly)

  • 🎯 Added to our Daily Magic Button listings (the hot list people actually click)

  • 📍 Get featured in the Hidden Gems section for 30 days — Cape Town locals actually click this.

🎧 Live Music & Entertainment

Friday, May 23

🍻 BeerEx Africa 2025 @ Makers Landing, V&A Waterfront

The continent’s biggest beer expo brings brewers, food pairings, exclusive launches, and the African Beer Cup under one roof. Come thirsty.

🎤 Kujenga Early Show @ The Athletic Club & Social

Neo-soul meets Afro-jazz in an intimate, stylish setting. Smooth vibes guaranteed.

🎶 Annual Orchestras Concert @ Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre

A night of symphonic elegance with rising stars. Classical fans, take note.

Saturday, May 24

Cape Town City vs Stellenbosch FC @ DHL Stadium

It’s Cape derby day! The final game of the season brings coastal fire vs winelands grit. Bring the gees.

🍷 Die Burger Wynfees @ Meerendal Wine Estate

Award-winning wines, lush lawns, snacks, brews, and a lucky draw. Your perfect Cape Winelands day out.

🧑‍🍳 Kleftiko Cooking Class & Luncheon @ Mountain Rd

Learn to slow-cook Greek lamb like a yiayia. Includes lunch + vibes.

Sunday, May 25

🎸 RockSteady Rocks Out @ Woodstock Brewery

Craft beer and timeless rock anthems—your Sunday just got louder.

🖼️ Paint & Sip: Karaoke Edition @ Selective Live

Wine + canvas + karaoke mic = chaos. Good chaos.

🌍 AFROHICAN – Africa Day Celebration @ Mama Africa

Hosted by Odidiva. Expect fashion, music, and all the GEES.

Monday, May 26

🎼 University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra @ Hugo Lambrechts

Orchestral magic from across the Atlantic. Youthful energy, world-class talent.

✍️ Creative Writing Classes @ Studio 26, Muizenberg

For artists and entrepreneurs—get those ideas onto the page in a chill coastal setting.

Tuesday, May 27

🎭 Open Mic Poetry @ Selective Live

Raw talent and real emotion in one of Cape Town’s best poetry spaces.

🎶 Fire Pilots @ Cape Point Vineyards

Unplugged sunset performance with vineyard views = bliss.

🏴‍☠️ Treasure Island @ The Masque Theatre

Ahoy, matey! A swashbuckling stage adventure for the whole family.

Wednesday, May 28

🎷 Bheki Khoza @ The Athletic Club & Social

Jazz, soul, and funk meet in one of Cape Town’s classiest clubs.

🎭 Layla @ Kalk Bay Theatre

A new theatre gem—powerful story, captivating acting, seaside vibes.

📚 Ronit Ghose’s Future Money Book Launch @ Innovation City

Crypto, AI, and money decoded by Citi’s global finance lead.

Thursday, May 29

🎸 Billy Raffoul & Boushle G — Day 2 @ Selective Live

The first night sold out—so they’re doing it again. Raw vocals, universal stories, and melodies that stick in your chest like a breakup text.

😁 Phil de Lange: The Phil Monty Preview @ Ground Culture

Before he hits Edinburgh Fringe, catch Phil’s ukulele-fueled midlife spiral in Observatory. It’s comedy, it’s therapy, it’s WhatsApp politics.

🎤 Bok van Blerk Live @ HEROES Brackenfell

The legend himself hits Brackenfell with all the bangers—from “De La Rey” to your favourite braai-side anthems. Bring the gees, leave the politics at home.

😂 Meme of the Week

When you're just trying to vibe but Cape Town’s unmarked GTIs got other plan.

Got a meme that captures Cape Town’s wild spirit?

Tag it on Instagram or Reddit with #CPTBrew for a chance to be featured in next week’s edition.

Alright Brew, that’s your weekly dose of Mother City madness. From cable-tied passengers to fynbos flexing, Cape Town’s never boring.

Shoutout to the NSRI heroes, pastry hustlers, and everyone not getting banned from flights this week. You’re the real MVPs.

Got a gem, a rant, or a spicy meme? Hit reply. We’re here for it.

~ The CPT Brew Team ☕🌍

P.S. Don’t forget to hug a soggy doggo this week. 🐾

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