Bloo

In Monument Square, Knysna, you will find the "Bloo" sign above a blue door. Why yes, it is rather unobtrusive. In fact you would not be remiss for not noticing it at first-- but you would be wrong. Behind that door lies a winding pathway, leading from nook to another, up stairs and under draped archways, each with its own charm. The complexity of colour on enhances magic of unfolding spaces. If you want privacy, or a space to interact, there you will find both.

This is a restro-bar with great atmosphere. Sadly they were closed for restoration when I when popped in last, but I was told from more than one source that the food there is fantastic. Many people who have gone there had a great time. It is the type of place you can go out, have a great time, enjoy wonderful food, even let you hair down to the ground, without having to elbow through teenagers to get to the bar. The décor makes you feel like you have walked into a wonderland, or a favourable acid trip. Even if you just want an interesting place to sit down with a book, this is the kind of venue where you can find a comfortable space to do just that.

The place is owned by a well-travelled and interesting couple. They have many tales to tell, and will tell them with a smile. What I found most intriguing was the theatre that they have opened at the venue. They tell me that they will provide it free of charge to any one who wished to use it. Having spent some time among the dramatically inclined, I found this very exiting. Art needs but a space. So if you want to have exhibition, there is a space. If you are a comedian, a musician, an actor, or playwright, at least now you need not worry about finding a space in which to share your discipline. Were I any of the aforementioned I would jump at the opportunity. So for any of you who may be passing through and have something to show the world, now you don't have an excuse to not share it.

I think that what they are is not only admirable but needed. Too much does not get shared because of a lack of space, or opportunity or the choking tape of politics. To open your doors and say, "Here, show us all what you do", is an important step to nurturing the arts. From this, and the aesthetic of the place, I say we should all do our part to support these guys. Let us not sit ideally by and let this endeavour flicker and die. My heart would sink to the gutter if I were to drive past in the near future and find the space vacant. So I hope to see you guys there, hopefully on stage.

So if want to put on a show, use the space or even book the venue for a function, here is their number
Tel: 082 923 1185

I just had to show you bathroom. It is fantastically novel. I had taken a lot more photos, but unfortunately they were lost in a freak formatting accident

Flames Restaurant

There are many fine restaurants in Mossel Bay. They clad with enough stars to give Gordan Ramsay an erection, at which he would promptly start swearing. I am certain that their food is as good as their decor suggests; alas I cannot tell you for certain, mainly because I could not afford to eat that any of them. I am glad I couldn't, other wise I would not have found Flames.

There is a lot to be said about a bar that turns off the music so that every one can watch 7nde Laan. This bar cares about its clientele, and it show in their prices. R15 for a Double Brandy and Coke, R15 for a Quart, R49 for 500g ribs, R90 for 1kg of ribs. What is most surprising of all is how amazing the food is. The bones need only be gently pulled from the meat, and anything that may stick to it can be sucked off with ease. Do not get me started on the chips. They a a beautiful marriage between wedges and chips ... chipedge.

Although good food and good prices help, they are not the hallmarks of a great pub -- what of the people? Well let me just say that I met a man with a mullet so powerful I almost went blind. I also met an American who has been living in South Africa on and off since 2002. Although his name is Bernard, every one calls him Hazzard (yes, with two 'Z's). This is not because of anything he has done; mind you. He inherited it from his father, as his father had done before him; all the way back to the days of slaves. So go and ask your dad if you are inheriting anything as cool as a name like Hazzard. I suppose if you have a big enough trust fund you can get people to call you whatever you want. He is busy building a guest house for  his wife to run when she retires and moves to South Africa permanently. The place is owned by a great white with a massive smile.

So if you are on the road, and money is tight (when is it not) and you still wish to eat like kings and drink like art students, then this is the place for you. You can find it on the road parallel to the main road, closer to the harbour side. If you struggle, ask a local. Stop here for lunch. It will add colour to your trip.

Cocomo Restaurant

In the heart of wilderness there is a restaurant that brims with colour. The twin fireplaces did a lot to impress my taste. Normally the amount of different colours and textures this place uses comes off as tacky; yet Cocomo pulls it all together. It is actually rather striking, and implements a unique and comfortable style. In the evening; with the lights and colours of the garden area, it's a sight to behold.

They have live music every Friday and Saturday, and sometimes on a Thursday and Sunday. They also serve wood-fired pizza, which for me always adds points to a place. They even have a Black Label special, R75 for 6. So if you find yourself spending a weekend in Sedgefield or Wilderness, at least now you know were to spend your evenings.

E-mail: info@cocomo-resturant.co.za