Storytelling dinners at Sibling
“What makes democracy work is a complicated question in South Africa. We have a unique history, a racial history. The bedrock of democracy coming out of imperial thinking: free speech, free elections, independent judiciary, freedom of association, were refined over centuries and came out of liberal, imperial thought. That was the same history that oppressed, colonized people.”
Josh Hawks
We first heard of Gerald and his fantastic Local Places experiences through a friend. We were happy to get the opportunity to go along to one of his storytelling dinners, a new dining experience which recently started in Cape Town.
The dinners are hosted at Sibling, a Bo-Kaap kitchen studio of brother and sister duo, Louw and Lou. Sibling provided the delicious food and the storytelling was courtesy of Gerald Garner (LocalPlaces).
On arrival we were greeted and presented with welcome drinks, Hibiscus-infused iced-tea. Our dinner was served in bowls in the centre of the table, a shareable feast.
After a formal welcome our meal began with delicious Dultjies and Vegetable Samoosas, which had been sourced from the Bo-Kaap. These were served alongside hot Roasted Tomato & Red Pepper Soup with Coconut Cream.
After the starters we were treated to our first storytelling session.
The main course was a dish of Namaqualand Lamb, “Vaalvleis” (slow-cooked with onions, red wine vinegar and coriander seeds, until soft and falling off the bone). For vegetarians there was a cauliflower, white bean & chickpea curry. These were accompanied by fragrant white rice, green beans finished with sesame oil, a tomato smoor and some honey glazed roasted pumpkin.
After a second storytelling session we moved on to dessert; Traditional Malva Pudding with a homemade custard, plus some raw, dark chocolate cake.
A final storytelling session concluded the night’s entertainment and then there was time for guests to linger and new friends to socialise. Conversations flowed. And by this point in the evening, the after-dinner liquer was flowing as well. Amar-ul-la-la!
Over many years we have seen restaurants come and go in the Mother City. But this collaboration between Local Places and Sibling offers a unique dining experience in Cape Town. We hope it is the start of many special events.
Throughout the evening Gerald drew on his vast experience as a public speaker, city guide, landscape architect and journalist, to share fascinating and engaging stories. And his laughter is contagious!
The evening presented stories of the Bo-Kaap, of Cape Town, South Africa and this vast, luminous continent. We left with a new perspective of South Africa’s extraordinary diversity, heritage and people as well as a few new friends.
It was very special to be part of such a unique and intimate setting, celebrating exceptional South African cuisine, complemented by entertaining storytelling, unpacking the history and contemporary culture of Cape Town.
©Maggie M / Mother City Time
Find out more
Sibling –
Siblings from a farm in the Kalahari, via elite international kitchens, doing bespoke catering & also offering a superb reception area in the Bo-Kaap
Address: 21 Rose St, Cape Town, 8001
Local Places –
Gerald started JoburgPlaces in 2011. Since then, this tourism and storytelling business has evolved into LocalPlaces with branches in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Charlie Moyo (based in Johannesburg)
Gerald (based in Cape Town)
Find out more here