And all that jazz...

There's a number of places you can go to here in Cape Town when you feel like listening to some nice live jazz music, but none like this one: The Crypt.

For a jazz restaurant that opened their doors only a 10 days ago, I have one word, impressive. From the very first time when I made our reservations over the telephone, till the last glass of red wine that we had, the evening was pure joy, and still lingers in my memory along with that final soft jazz note played from the beautiful white grand piano.

Situated underneath the St. George's Cathedral at number 1 Wale Street, Cape Town, the venue itself makes for something truly special. It's the combination of being right there at the entrance to The Cape Gardens, along with the majestic presence of the cathedral that already sets the tone for this unique little restaurant. I say little, because the venue itself is not all that big, but that's why it's so perfect. It's intimate, and sometimes that's exactly what you want.

Friday saw the Amanda Tiffin Trio performing at The CRYPT. They consist of Amanda Tiffin – piano/vocals, Romy Brauteseth – bass, and Heinrich Goosen – Drums. Although they haven't played much together, these guys know how to have fun on a stage and the musical intuition they all possess made for some great live jazz moments.

In between cheeky jazz-piano notes and low-key bass ones, myself and my girlfriend had our starters. I had the 'Grilled Spicy Prawn Skewer' and she had 'Grilled Black Mushrooms with Creme Fraise'. Both were prepared to perfection. As drink, we opted for a blended bottle of Cabernet-Savignon,Cabernet Franc Merlot, and Petit Verdot .

To add to the already intimate feel of the restaurant, we were introduced to the chef – Andre Daniels. Andre is a local, self taught chef and were so kind to take time away from the kitchen to come and explain to us some of his techniques when preparing food. I thought that this was a nice, personal touch.

We both ordered their Grilled Steak Special , medium-rare of course, with Baby Potatoes as side, and while waiting for our main meal, Amanda and her fellow band members made the evening flow along effortlessly with some classic jazz improvisations. I've never seen a live Jazz-act before, so getting this opportunity to finally experience it for myself was a real treat.

Later we met co-owners Derk Blaisse, and Mike and Dianne Rossi. To end an already perfect evening of great company, food and wine, these two highly talented individuals, who clearly want to share their love for jazz with people, took to the stage and performed some classic numbers. Mike on saxophone and Derk behind the piano.

Visiting The CRYPT, was a night out in town to remember. You should definitely go have one there too.

For more information on The CRYPT Jazz-restaurant visit their website:

http://www.thecryptjazz.com

Book reservations on contact number:

082-515-7051

or email:

thecryptjazz@gmail.com

A Friday To Show Your Faith

 

Visiting Zeenatul Islam Masjid this past Friday was an unique experience. I've never been inside a mosque before, and wasn't sure what to expect.

To muslims all over the world Friday is a special day. It is considered to be the start of their week and therefore each and every muslim anywhere in the world is required to do what is appropriate and start their week in the right manner by giving thanks and credit where it is due, namely: God. Obviously with commitments at work etc, not everyone will be in the area as his or her local mosque, but to facilitate muslims in this regard, mosques are open to any muslim who wishes to pray, and at any of the five times a day that prayers are being made. Praying five times a day is the ultimate sign of devotion a Muslim can show towards his faith, and if one can do this, you should. Not everybody has this type of discipline or simply the means, so the general feeling is that as a follower, you should attend at least one of the five prayer ceremonies. The five prayers made on a daily basis are the following:

1. Fajr – 'dawn prayer', the first of the day.
2. Dhuhr – midday prayer.
3. Asr – afternoon prayer.
4. Maghrib – sunset prayer.
5. Isha' – night prayer.

Upon entering the mosque, each attendant is expected to show the necessary marks of respect and perform a cleansing ritual called 'wudu' or 'partial ablution'. During this ceremony people were quiet sitting at their individual cleaning stations while washing their hands and feet, and drying it afterwards. It was clear to me that this cleansing ritual is considered as part of you rendering yourself over in submission to the actual sermon and going inside the masjid, almost like a preparation act if you will, something that I could see was done meticulously and with care. Although the general feeling was quite serious in the ablution area, everyone that saw me greeted me every time with very friendly smiles and 'salaams'.

After 'ablution', members proceeded into the main area where the congregation was seated. Everyone inside managed to line up next to each other in a straight line, something I thought that was quite interesting, but what really struck me was how quiet it was inside, especially if you took into account that it was a crowd of at least 300 people. Everybody seemed to listen attentively. All you heard was the voice of the Imam in the front. Nothing or no one else.

Soon after all general announcements where made and present members welcomed, the Muezzin proceeded conducting the Adhan. Adhan is the 'call to prayer' we so often hear broadcasted over load-speakers. I've always wondered about it's intended message and exactly what it means, finally I got my answer and was told that it is a call to Muslims to come to mosque, to come to the house of Allah, and to come make prayers.

During the broadcasting of Adhan, an usher goes around, silently collecting the donations of the all the members present. While the collections were being, made my collegue Jedaar Wasfi, whom accompanied me as guide, explained that how much you give is not what is important, it is the actual act of giving itself that is considered more worthy.

This makes sense to me. Someone who has little, can give a little, but because they are giving what they can, they might actually be giving more than someone who has plenty.

Before the first Rakat (or raka 'ah) was performed, I happened to notice that no late comers were strolling in casually anymore. This kind of attitude towards punctuality, especially where one's faith is involved, communicates a sound message of respect.

The afternoon prayer meeting or Dhuhr, such as the one I attended, have 4 rakats. These are the movements done while offering prayers. During a single rakat, you will first bow at the waist alone. There after, down onto your knees. The third movement will have you touch the ground with your forehead, hands and knees, while the tips of the toes are also touching the floor.

I feel privileged to have been part of this prayer ceremony, especially the fact that as an outsider people were still receptive of my presence.

The Zeenatul Islam Masjid was established in 1922 in Cape Town's District Six area. For further information visit their website: www.zeenatul-islam-masjid.org.za