Cape Town’s new jazz hotspot, The CRYPT Jazz Restaurant, is opening on Friday 19 April 2013, to mark a brand new era for the historic St George’s Cathedral Crypt. The Crypt has been a community meeting place for more than 115 years, ever since the building was completed back in 1898.
In this unique, atmospheric venue, International and African jazz, cultures and cuisine will fuse to bring ‘Live Jazz’ to the heart of Cape Town – in a landmark setting that retains a sense of history and charm.
The brainchild of entrepreneurs Derk Blaisse and Mario Thompson who together have extensive experience in the food and music industries, The CRYPT will be a jazz destination venue where talented local musicians will collaborate, whilst also providing a platform for international music exchange with visiting artists. With its central location and intimate, welcoming setting it is designed to attract locals and tourists alike, and is set to become the ‘home’ of all jazz enthusiasts in the Mother City.
The CRYPT will be open five days a week – from Tuesday till Saturday – serving lunch, light meals and dinner. ‘Live Jazz’ music is on offer in a relaxed, listening atmosphere every night from 18:00 to 21:00, with a cover charge of R45 per person (R25 on presentation of Student Card). Parking is available in Queen Victoria Street, and from 17:30 onwards in the Cathedral parking area. The venue is located on bus and taxi routes, and within walking distance of several city hotels and guest lodges.
Celebrating April as Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM), the line-up will include some of Cape Town’s top jazz artists, including the Mike Rossi Quartet on the Media Preview night (17 April), with Andrew Ford, Wesley Rustin and Heinrich Goosen, and featuring vocalist Melanie Scholtz; followed by the Lee Gold Collective (19/20 April); the Errol Dyers Quartet (23/24 April); the Emily Bruce Quartet (25 April); the Amanda Tiffin Trio (26/27 April); and the Sathima Bea Benjamin Quartet, who will perform on International Jazz Day, Tuesday 30 April 2013. The jazz programme changes weekly, and is available online, at www.thecryptjazz.com
The fascinating venue is unlike any other in the city, with a vaulted ceiling, solid stone pillars, gothic windows and memorial plaques exuding history and quality, as well as the intimacy and warmth a jazz club really should have. Interior designer Charlotte Daneel of La Grange fame worked with colour only, protecting the authenticity of the building’s architectural style, and improving acoustics with heavy drapery and plush carpeting. Dominated by midnight blue with red accents, mirrors, a contemporary bar and very subtle lighting, The CRYPT easily morphed into a sophisticated jazz venue.
The CRYPT menu features fusion food that is well priced, offering something for everyone. Apart from lunch and dinner, in the late afternoon guests are invited to relax and enjoy a choice of tastes and tapas to set the mood for an evening of jazz. ‘A Medley of Tastes’ will include small plates of delicious bites such as Baba Ganoush; Hummus; Guacamole; or Roasted Red Pepper & Olive Dip for those wanting to enjoy a light snack – priced at R28 each and served with Baby Tortilla, Bruschetta or Pita Bread.
‘Overtures’ are perfect as starters or light meals, offering more substantial fare, such as Caprese on a Skewer (R36); Grilled Spicy Prawn Skewer (R44); Grilled Black Mushroom with Crème Fraiche (R35); and Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings (R40); to name but a few.
Self-taught Chef Andre Daniels honed his skill in corporate catering and later at Gourmet Burger where he was part of Mario Thompson’s founding team who were famous for creating ‘the best burgers in Cape Town’. The CRYPT’s ‘Signature Notes’ will therefore not be complete without a Gourmet Beef Burger (R70); in addition to a range of other favourites as main course such as Spicy Prawns in a Shrimp Broth (R80); Linguini al Pomodoro with fresh Basil and Matured Gruyere (R75); and Traditional Beer Battered Fish & Chips and Aioli (R85). Daily specials will be fresh and seasonal, and will include the Chef’s Lamb Dish of the Day (R98); and Grilled Steak Special with Fries or Baby Potato (R110). Going into winter, diners may look forward to some heartwarming comfort food that will feature authentic Cape Malay flavours too.
Ending on a decadent note with ‘Sweet Melodies’, the Cup of Chocolate Mousse with grand Marnier and whipped cream (R40) will take chocoholics to heaven; while the Ramekin of Lemon Mousse and whipped cream (R30) is lighter and very refreshing; and the Pears poached in Red Wine with Blue Cheese Gratin (R40) is a flavour combination that is totally addictive.
The CRYPT’s wine list caters for all tastes, ranging from an easy drinking white and red house wine, and popular South African wines and Cap Classique, to three French champagnes. Plans are in place to develop a private wine tasting area adjacent to the restaurant, where cheese and wine tastings may be enjoyed.
THE CRYPT Jazz Restaurant
St George’s Cathedral, 1 Wale Street, Cape Town
Open Tuesday to Saturday, for lunch, light snacks and dinner
Live Jazz from 18:00 to 21:00 (cover charge R45 per person; R25 on presentation of Student Card)
