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Cape Town’s restaurants are serving up festive feasts worth celebrating this Christmas – giving you with more time to sit back and relax!

We’ve done the homework for you and found some of the best Christmas lunch and dinner specials the city has to offer.

Here’s where you can secure a seat at the festive table this Christmas:

The Brasserie

Take a step back in time this Christmas at The Brasserie in Tokai with a five-course festive feast. The courses include gazpacho, avocado Ritz, wood-fired slow-roasted lamb, turkey with stuffing and gammon, traditional Christmas pudding, and a cheese board. A cash bar will be available. To book, email Ella or Lauren at info@brasseriect.co.za.

Location: Shop 1, Forest Glade House, Tokai Rd, Tokai
Price: Adults: R900, kids under 12: R300
Contact: Visit brasseriect.co.za/christmas-menu/

Radisson Red

It’s going to be a vegan Christmas at OUIBAR + Ktchn, located at Radisson RED Cape Town. Aptly titled: “Yes, Ve-gan”, this year’s menu includes steamed corn bread with wild garlic oil and teriyaki aubergine, roast baby marrow with skordalia and bhaji onions, organic baby carrots with summer pea puree, and Pumpkin tart with ginger crumble. Expect jolly juice, live music, and Santa hats and crackers. And the views are not too shabby either.

Location: No. 6, Silo, Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Price: Adults: R780 per person, children aged 5 – 10 years: R440 per person, and children under 5 eat free when accompanied by an adult. Contact: Visit bit.ly/4omnJJe

Quentin On Oakhurst

Located on one of the original Hout Bay farms, the Quentin at Oakhurst restaurant and cellar follows in the footsteps of generations of family food farming and cooking traditions. The gorgeous backdrop is perfect for a Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas lunch, with an assortment of fun and equally delicious dishes on the menu. The dishes include cured gravlax on buckwheat blinis, chilled vichyssoise delicately garnished with shaved Kalahari truffle, a goose liver and walnut terrine, a Cape seafood salade composée, roast duck with apricot and pecan stuffing, as well as traditional Cape Christmas pudding and fruit mince pies.

Location: 3 Dorman Way, Hout Bay
Christmas Eve dinner: Adults: R1350 and children under 12 years: R395
Christmas lunch: Adults: R1789 and children under 12 years: R395
Contact: Visit oakhurstbarn.com/

Pullman Cape Town

Located in the heart of the City Centre, Pullman Cape Town is pulling out all the stops to present an extravagant Christmas buffet lunch at their Stratus Room Restaurant on 25 December 2025. Begin with mulled wine and sparkling punch, then dive into a spread with artisanal breads, prawn cocktail, an oyster bar, honey-glazed gammon, roast turkey, slow-roasted sirloin, vegetarian nut roast, and all the traditional trimmings. Desserts include Christmas pudding, sticky toffee, pavlovas, and festive petit fours.

Location: 22 Riebeek St, Cape Town City Centre
Price: R995pp for the first 50 bookings, thereafter R1200pp, kids between 9 – 15 years pay half price, and kids under 9 eat for free
Contact: Email janice.yorke@accor.com

Palm House Boutique Hotel & Spa

Enjoy a long, luxurious lunch with your loved ones at Palm House Boutique Hotel & Spa. Savour the festive menu at the Palm Terrace, layered with seasonal flavours, including a Christmas spice-inspired Amarula eggnog cocktail. Tuck into shared family plates, which include smoked trout pâté and Cape Malay lamb koftas, a soup selection, mains from roast turkey to cauliflower steaks, seasonal sides, and indulgent desserts such as chocolate cherry trifle and mini Amarula panna cotta. Booking is essential. Book here: https://www.palmhouse.co.za/christmas-lunch-at-palm-terrace/

Location: 10 Oxford St, Wynberg
Price: R950pp
Contact: www.palmhouse.co.za/

Sabrias Restaurant

Buffet lovers, to the front! Sabria’s Restaurant is making Christmas fuss-free with their buffet spread. Feast on grilled garlic butter prawns, butter chicken curry, beef lasagna, char-grilled beef ribs, tandoori chicken wings, and many more delicious options. The price includes your choice of two soft drinks. Sabria’s is a halal restaurant. To book, email natasha@sabrias.co.za.

Location: 119 Ottery Rd, Wynberg
Price: Adults: R550pp, Children under 12 years: R350pp
Contact: Visit www.sabrias.co.za/

Taj Cape Town

Go grand at Taj Cape Town with Christmas Eve and Christmas lunch buffets. The festivities begin on Christmas Eve with an exotic curry buffet, featuring favourites like tandoori chicken tikka and Durban lamb curry. On Christmas Day, choose from an assortment of food buffets, including seafood, Italian, Carvery, Asian, Biryani, and Tandoori. Save some space for dessert such as Yule logs, macaroon tower, red velvet pudding shots, and Christmas mince pies.

Location: 1 Wale Street, Corner St Georges Mall
Prices: Christmas Eve dinner: R950pp. Christmas Day buffet: R1950pp. Children aged 12 and under pay half price
Contact: Call +27 21 819 2000 or email restaurants.capetown@tajhotels.com

12 Apostles Hotel and Spa

The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa’s famous Christmas Eve dinner on 24 December promises a festive feast to remember. The seven-course tasting menu at Azure Restaurant, crafted by Executive Chef Christo Pretorius, features Cape Malay crayfish, Eastern Cape venison, and a rich coffee and chocolate finale. The Christmas Eve buffet at Atlantic Terrace Marquee will serve traditional favourites alongside South African-inspired dishes, including roasts, seasonal sides, and desserts.

On Christmas Day, tuck into a gourmet Christmas lunch with all the trimmings at The Azure Restaurant and The Atlantic Marquee. With a special visit from Santa for the little ones, it’s a joyful celebration for the whole family. Indulge in traditional roasts, fresh seafood, Cape-inspired favourites, and a decadent dessert station. There will also be a visit from Santa.

Location: Victoria Rd, Camps Bay
Prices: Christmas Eve: The Azure Restaurant and The Marquee: R1950pp
Christmas Day: The Azure Restaurant at R1950pp, and The Marquee: R2250pp
Contact: Email restaurants@12apostles.co.za

The President Hotel

Celebrate the magic of the season under the Cape Town sky this Christmas Eve, with bubbles, canapés, a gourmet buffet, and the enchanting sounds of live carols. On Christmas Day, indulge in an elegant buffet dining experience, perfect for adults and couples who enjoy sophistication and festive flair. Alternatively, opt for a Family Festive Lunch featuring a seasonal menu designed for sharing.

Location: 4 Alexander Rd, Bantry Bay

Price: Christmas Eve Carols: Adult: R1295 per adult, Children between 4-11 years: R595
Christmas buffet option: R2095pp and Family Festive Lunch: Adults: R1795 per adult and children between 4-11 years: R595
Contact: Visit www.presidenthotel.co.za/

 

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In her wide-ranging interview on the “New Heights” podcast back in August, Taylor Swift offered glimpses into life at home with fiancé Travis Kelce. She revealed that the NFL star, who cohosts the show with his older brother, Jason, was in a room playing video games when she found out she’d gotten her masters back — hardly making him the world’s first boyfriend to get major news with a controller in hand. Swift also shared that Kelce loves showing her clips of otters on his Instagram algorithm — “I want a wild otter so bad,” he chimed in — and that he indulges her interests by having sourdough bread bake-offs. “We’ve set it up where he has a station and I have a station,” Swift said, adding that Kelce triumphed. “His rose higher than mine. His is actually more delicious than mine.”

At 35, Swift is one of the best-selling artists of all time and a 14-time Grammy winner who’s worth an estimated $2.1 billion. Kelce, 36, has won three Super Bowl rings as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs and is widely considered a future Hall of Famer. Yet the newly engaged couple’s day-to-day lives are surprisingly down-to-earth: they binge-watch shows, have friends over and spend quality time with family, proving they have plenty in common with Us after all.

After a busy summer traveling between NYC (where Swift owns a $50 million penthouse) and Florida (where Kelce trained for the current NFL season), they’re now settled in in Kansas City, living the simple life and enjoying each other’s company. (Kelce proposed to Swift in the backyard of the home in August.) “With both of their high-profile careers, it feels good to have simplicity and normalcy together,” a source close to the pair exclusively shares in Us Weekly’s latest cover story. Adds a second source: “Taylor and Travis are really chill. On a typical night in, they’re usually having dinner and figuring out what to stream. It’s very domestic and calm.”

Keeping It Low-Key

Swift is embracing her inner homebody. “It’s been so fun to see what Taylor actually gets into around the house,” Kelce said on “New Heights,” before Swift opened up about her obsession with baking and knitting. “I’d say all my hobbies could be categorized as, like, hobbies you could have had in the 1700s, you know? Like, I get on my granny s***,” she said, adding, “we’re very deep in a sourdough obsession that has taken over my life.”

Days at home are decidedly low-key. “They love cooking challenges and random deep dives on documentaries,” says the second source. “Taylor is always organizing something, and Travis likes video games and is always studying football games. They complement each other in that way.”

They’ve developed a few daily routines. “They always have coffee together in the morning,” adds the second source, noting that the duo also attends regular Sunday get-togethers with friends after Chiefs games. They celebrated the team’s win on October 19 at Kelce’s new 1587 Prime steakhouse restaurant, which he co-owns with teammate and close pal Patrick Mahomes. (While Swift has attended at least three of Kelce’s home games this season, she’s kept a noticeably lower profile because the attention on her was “getting too excessive,” says the first source.)

They try to unplug when they can. “They love to turn their phones off [and have] no distractions [when they’re together],” says the second source. Swift raved about spending time with Kelce during her October 6 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. “He’s just my favorite person I’ve ever met, no offense to everyone else,” she said, noting she’s thrilled “that this is the person that I get to hang out with every day forever.”

The pair have no airs about them. “Whenever I’m with her, it feels like we’re just regular people,” Kelce told GQ in his August cover story. “When there is not a camera on us, we’re just two people that are in love.” Says the second source: “Taylor and Travis are super simple. People expect glam when they visit them, but it’s the complete opposite. Sometimes they’re in sweats, eating takeout. It’s not what you’d expect.”

When they do go out in the Kansas City area, they can generally fly under the radar. “They don’t have to worry as much about being incognito day-to-day,” says a Kansas City source. Locals are friendly but respectful of their privacy. “Travis is pretty beloved in Kansas City, so when he and Taylor go out to dinner at a restaurant, people will say hello [but] they don’t go out of their way to bother them,” continues the source. “Travis is really personable and will give fans a smile and a pat on the back, and Taylor seems pretty comfortable, likely because Travis is so at home here.”

Tight Crew

The duo enjoys hosting at their house. “Taylor puts a lot of thought into creating a welcoming atmosphere, from curating the playlist to setting a beautiful table and cooking herself,” says the first source, noting that their gatherings tend to be pretty informal. “They’re about connection, laughter and slowing down.”

Their circle is small and includes Patrick and Brittany Mahomes (Swift traveled to Nashville for Brittany’s 30th birthday party in August), the singer’s longtime besties, like Selena Gomez and Ashley Avignone, and their respective families. The first source says Swift has “gotten closer” with sister-in-law Kylie Kelce. During Swift’s “New Heights” appearance, she told Jason she had been workshopping a funfetti loaf recipe for his and Kylie’s daughters “because they love everything rainbow,” pointing out they put “sprinkles in everything when we hang out.” The singer also has a strong bond with Kelce’s mom, Donna. “Travis’ family adores Taylor and treats her like she is one of their own,” says the first source, adding, “Taylor and Travis have merged their friend groups and families. Everyone is deeply connected now.”

Looking Ahead

Wedding plans are “coming along,” says the first source. “They are both [very] involved, and Taylor thinks it’s cute that Travis wants to help.” They’re hoping to tie the knot next summer, possibly in Rhode Island, where she has a summer house. “They don’t want a long engagement,” reveals the source, noting that Swift and Kelce “very much want to start a family in the next year or so. Family means everything to them.”

The happy couple is also in the market for their forever home. In early August, it was reported they’d looked at an $18 million mansion in the suburbs of Northeast Ohio, near Kelce’s hometown.

While Swift is heavily focused on her personal life these days, the singer, who released her 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl, on October 3, cleared up rumors she plans to retire after marrying Kelce. “I love the person that I am with because he loves what I do and he loves how much I am fulfilled by making art and making music,” she said during an October 6 appearance on BBC Radio 2. For now, she’s deservedly recharging after her demanding 149-date Eras Tour. “Taylor’s not ruling out another tour, but it’s not something on the immediate horizon,” says the first source. Adds the second: “She’s prioritizing her life balance with Travis” — and if that means scrolling sourdough blogs while he plays Madden, so be it!

For more on Taylor and Travis, watch the exclusive video above and pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly — on newsstands now.

With reporting by Paola Leva, Andrea Simpson & Amanda Williams

The post Inside Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Routines at Home in Kansas City appeared first on The Maravi Post.

Kyren Lacy’s parents have different recollections of how former LSU football head coach Brian Kelly reacted to their son’s death.

After the university confirmed on Sunday, October 26, that Kelly, 64, had been fired after nearly four seasons as head coach, Kyren’s father Kenny Lacy seemingly celebrated the school’s decision on social media.

“This dude actually came [to] sit down with our family and showed us some real genuine love when my son died along with a couple other coaches,” Kenny wrote via Facebook on Monday, October 27, sharing a photo of interim head coach Frank Wilson. “I didn’t even get a call or text from that dude in the back [Brian Kelly]. Must be nice to get paid millions to get your walking papers.. Let’s get it coach Frank.”

Us Weekly has reached out to Kelly’s team for comment.

LSU Wide Receiver Kyren Lacy’s Apparent Cause of Death Revealed: Authorities

Kyren’s mother Kandace Washington, however, shared a separate statement that praised Coach Kelly for his kindness on and off the football field.

“I can only speak for myself, my sons, and my family — but Coach Brian Kelly absolutely called me after Kyren passed, and we spoke more than once,” Washington wrote via Instagram on Monday. “Coach Sloan met with me as well, along with much of the LSU staff. Coach Kelly even spoke beautifully at Kyren’s funeral, honoring his life and the impact he made on and off the field. The LSU coaches, staff, players and community have shown our family nothing but love and support.”

More than six months after Kyren died by suicide while inside his vehicle on April 12 at the age of 24 after a police chase, Washington says she is “forever grateful for the opportunity, the memories and the kindness shown to us. Wishing Coach Kelly, Coach Sloan and the entire LSU family continued blessings and success 💜💛.”

Kyren was a standout on LSU’s football team before he was declared for the NFL Draft in December 2024

Kyren was facing felony charges stemming from a December 2024 car accident that killed former Marine Herman Hall, 78, prior to the police chase and his untimely death. At the time of the accident, authorities believed Kyren had caused the fatal crash before fleeing the scene.

Earlier this month, Kyren’s attorney, Matt Ory, told HTV 10 that new evidence seems to contradict the alleged circumstances of the December crash.

Inside the Strange Divorce Filing of Ex LSU Coach Brian Kelly and Wife Paqui

With the holidays approaching, Kyren’s mom is hoping to pay it forward after her son’s death. In her latest social media post, Washington highlighted the Kyren K2 Foundation’s upcoming event.

The non profit founded in memory of Kyren is committed to promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

“P.S. The @kyrenk2foundation will be hosting its 2nd annual Turkey drive in Thibodaux Louisiana on Saturday November 22, 2025 from 11am-1pm if you would like to donate to this amazing event, click the link in our bio to donate!” Washington’s statement read. “We are excited to be able to feed the community we love and honor!! 💜💛 #LLK2 #KyrenLacy #KyrenK2Foundation #Gratitude #LSUFamily #ForeverThankful.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org

The post Kyren Lacy’s Dad Says Ex LSU Coach Didn’t Call After Son’s Death appeared first on The Maravi Post.

Dorothy Wang lived out her dream wedding in Italy … closing out the festivities with an iced-out performance from Saweetie!!! TMZ Hip Hop obtained video of Saweetie performing her hit “Icy” from inside Dorothy and attorney Brandon Yankowitz’s…

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Following the mysterious and untimely death of TikTok star Ben Bader, we now have more info as to how he passed — and the details are disturbing. Shawn Reed, a rep for the Jupiter Police Department in Florida, tells TMZ … Bader was discovered by…

The post Late TikTok Star Ben Bader Was Found Not Breathing appeared first on The Maravi Post.

.…“A Nation Held Hostage by Crooks”: Professor Chirwa Tears Into Mutharika’s Chaotic Appointments, Says Malawi Is Being Looted Piece by Piece

PRETORIA-(MaraviPost)-A storm is brewing in Malawi’s political circles after renowned constitutional law scholar Professor Danwood Chirwa launched a scathing attack on President Peter Mutharika, accusing him of “parceling out the country to crooks” through what he calls chaotic, piecemeal appointments.

In a blistering social media post that has set tongues wagging, the University of Cape Town-based professor said Mutharika’s slow and selective approach to filling key government positions is a symptom of weak leadership, not wisdom.

Chirwa’s remarks come amid growing public frustration over Mutharika’s staggered and opaque appointment process, which has seen key ministries, departments, and parastatals filled in phases, often after long delays — and, critics say, with questionable individuals.

The professor did not mince words, accusing the president of ceding control to corrupt networks within his circle.

The outburst comes just days after Mutharika named new heads of the Malawi Revenue Authority, Attorney General’s office, and other top government posts — moves that have drawn mixed reactions, with some describing them as “rewarding loyalty over merit.”

Chirwa went further, drawing parallels with Madagascar, suggesting that Malawi may need a radical reset to break the cycle of impunity and political patronage.

He ended his post with a stinging rebuke:

Chirwa’s words reflect deepening public anxiety about the direction of Mutharika’s administration, which many view as sluggish, uncoordinated, and captured by vested interests.

Specifically questionable appointments included Minister of State (Alfred Gangata) with court battles on possession of fake MSCE certificate and forgery contract cases.

Not only that but also Minister of Agriculture (Roza Mbilizi) is still in court with Norman Chisale on abuse of Mutharika’s TPN.

While Attorney General (AG) Frank Mbeta has compromised reputation in legal circles who has been reaping from clients.

And also Finance Minister (Joseph Mwanamvekha) is also in court for various financial crimes committed before 2020.

Observers say the professor’s intervention captures a growing sentiment among Malawians that the government has become a fiefdom of political elites, disconnected from the everyday struggles of citizens facing economic decline, joblessness, and rising living costs.

Whether Mutharika will respond is yet to be seen — but one thing is clear: Malawi’s patience is wearing thin, and even the nation’s sharpest minds are no longer holding back.

Additional information: Nyasa Times

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The elections in Tanzania are nothing more than a symbolic exercise in futility, a desperate attempt by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to legitimize her stranglehold on power.

The deck has been stacked against the opposition from the beginning, with the ruling party using every trick in the book to crush dissent and deny the people their right to choose their leaders.

The arrest and prosecution of CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu on trumped-up treason charges is a stark reminder of the lengths to which Suluhu will go to maintain her grip on power.

Lissu’s popularity and potential to win the presidency posed a significant threat to Suluhu’s rule, and the charges against him are clearly designed to eliminate him from the race.

The timing of the charges, just as Tanzanians were about to go to the polls, is a brazen attempt to intimidate and silence the opposition.

It’s a move that has been widely condemned by human rights organizations and observers, who see it for what it is – a blatant attempt to rig the outcome of the election.

But Lissu’s persecution is just the tip of the iceberg.

Suluhu’s regime has been marked by a series of high-profile killings, including bishops who have dared to speak out against her undemocratic tendencies.

The message is clear: anyone who opposes Suluhu will be silenced, one way or another.

The African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) must urgently step in to address the escalating crisis in Tanzania.

Their role as regional bodies dedicated to promoting democracy, human rights, and political stability in Africa compels them to act decisively against the blatant erosion of democratic norms witnessed in these elections.

Failure to intervene risks not only the further entrenchment of authoritarianism in Tanzania but also sets a dangerous precedent for other nations in the region.

The international community should demand transparency, the release of political prisoners like Tundu Lissu, and the establishment of an independent electoral commission to ensure free and fair elections.

Moreover, there should be increased monitoring and observation missions during election periods and swift consequences for any violations of democratic principles.

Civil society within Tanzania also needs support and protection to continue their vital work in holding the government accountable.

Ultimately, without robust regional and international pressure, Tanzania’s democratic institutions will continue to weaken, undermining the will of its people and the future stability of the nation.

The time for complacency has passed; urgent, coordinated action is required to safeguard democracy in Tanzania.

The post Tanzania’s sham election: A coup d’état in plain sight appeared first on The Maravi Post.

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Electoral Commission chairperson Annabell Mtalimanja has called on women in the media to maintain objectivity and professionalism in their work to help the public stay well-informed.

Speaking at the Association of Women in Media (AWOME) annual general meeting in Salima, Mtalimanja emphasized the importance of women’s leadership beyond elections to ensure long-term progress and national development.

“Women’s participation in governance is vital for national development,” Mtalimanja said, adding that , “As women in the media, it is crucial that you remain objective and professional in your work, providing accurate and unbiased information to the public.”

Mtalimanja’s remarks were echoed by AWOME board member Jane Gogodous, who urged women in the media to work towards ensuring that women’s voices are heard and represented in governance.

“As women in the media, we have a responsibility to amplify women’s voices and promote their participation in decision-making processes,” Gogodous said.

The two-day conference, themed “Beyond the Ballot: Sustaining Women’s Voices in Governance,” brought together women in the media to discuss their role in promoting women’s leadership and participation in governance.

The conference provided a platform for women in the media to share experiences, challenges, and strategies for promoting women’s voices in governance.

Mtalimanja’s call for objectivity and professionalism in the media is particularly significant in the context of Malawi’s democratic development.

As the country continues to navigate the complexities of democratic governance, the role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability is crucial.

The conference highlighted the importance of women’s participation in governance and the media’s role in promoting their voices and leadership.

As AWOME continues to advocate for women’s rights and participation in governance, the organization’s efforts will be crucial in promoting a more inclusive and representative democracy in Malawi.

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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-As Tanzania prepares to go to the polls today Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, has called on all political leaders and their supporters to respect the will of the people and act responsibly through the legal means provided by the laws of Tanzania.

In a statement issued on the eve of the polls, Mutharika expressed confidence in the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) deployed to Tanzania, led by Malawi’s former Speaker of Parliament, Richard Msowoya.

The mission aims to facilitate a peaceful, credible, and inclusive electoral process.

“Tanzania will maintain its reputation as a peaceful nation that upholds democratic principles and conducts peaceful elections,” Mutharika said, expressing SADC’s unwavering support for the country on election day and throughout the post-election period.

Mutharika also urged eligible Tanzanians to exercise their democratic right and vote in large numbers, contributing to the development and prosperity of their country.

The polls will see Tanzanians electing a President, members of Parliament, and Ward Councillors.

The SADC observer mission’s presence underscores the regional body’s commitment to promoting democracy, peace, and stability in the region.

With Mutharika’s call for peaceful elections, there is heightened expectation for a smooth and credible electoral process in Tanzania.

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Hurricane Melissa just touched down in Jamaica a few hours ago … but its effects were felt by meteorologist Matthew Cappucci, who vomited on camera while flying through the eye of the storm. Cappucci was interviewed by CNN’s Erin Burnett on…

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