Saturday, April 24, 2010

KAREOKE EVENINGS THE EXPO WP WAY

Last night was Kereoke night at EXPO WP, and once again it was packed to capacity. From my point of view and I suppose yours too, a full-house is certainly a very good sign and a good hand at that. Talking about a good hand, lets clap a hearty-one for Kader from 'Miller's Media and Marketing Productions' for his Kareoke initiative and for giving “up-&-cumming” youngsters an opportunity to showcase their talent. The talent in question took the form of an 11 member brass band called "Jazz Addiction" and wow!... could they play Jazz. They had a full compliment of musicians and a young lady with a "Golden Voice" who set the tone for the evening, and what an evening it was indeed.


One could say that EXPO WP was setting a trend for week-end entertainment with lots to eat and drink as usual, with many familiar faces attending, along with some new faces or rather faces I haven't seen before. This kinda makes me sound like an old Kareoke-hollic but that's OK, because I go for the Coffee, and Man!... was the coffee good.? I would be inclined to say lets give Shaun from Craving Coffee a hand as well, for the brilliant coffee he makes which can be perfectly paired by a slice of cake from Ming's. Yes, once again in true Ming's style, a meal voucher was offered as the lucky prize which was in my opinion better than last week's prize, this was a "lunch voucher redeemable at anytime for 4".


The Kareoke performers sang songs from various eras, including some songs in "Español" ... sí, ellos eran bueno. Y quiero decir gracious para todos las personal quen cantan, ustedes magnifico! Now, I view these singers in a renewed light of admiration. Many vendors in the main hall traded untill 20h00 and attended the Karoeke in order to witness first-hand 'this much spoken about Kareoke event'. By the smiles on their faces I could say they were impressed. Luigi once a again cracked a few old-jokes and wooed the crowd with his charismatic MC style who also held a donation/auction for a set of 1000 Watt 6x9 car speakers, generously sponsored by Preggy from Audio Zone. The proceeds of the auction was donated to the up-&-cumming brass band "Jazz Addiction" for their performance. So if you are bored at home, wondering what to do on a Friday evening you owe it to yourself to come visit. There are prizes to be won, people to meet, food to eat and songs to sing. Here, no-one is barred from singing regardless of their age and background because EXPO WP, really is the place to Be!

EXPO WP DISCOUNTS & BARGAINS GALORE

Just a few days ago a number of vendors decided to give their clients a treat during the month of May, by offering them special DISCOUNTS on products and services when they bring along a "Google Coupon", which they can printout in the comforts of their homes. This voucher / coupon can be found HERE!
Vouchers range from as little as 5% to as much as 25% and products and services ranging from Drivers License Photos from Photojani to Antique Furniture from Rotana Antiques  and many other products in between but too numerous to mention. A huge attraction currently at EXPO WP is, that Friday evenings is Kareoke evening with entrance absolutely free, but with a Discount meal voucher or two in your hand, it just becomes much more interesting to be there.

Why not just print out a stack of these vouchers an redeem them for these fabulous discounts from the relevant vendors and save yourself a bundle of cash. Triple S clothing at stall C9 is offering spot discounts on their exclusive ladies smart casual wear whilst Ra's Wellness Therapies at C73 is offering holistic treatments at a 25% discount for pensioners. Audio Zone is offering free installation af all car equipment bought from them at EXPO WP, etc ...

At Expo WP you can find discounts on Indian Head Rubs and other Holistic treatments, on Ayuvedic Medication, on Traditional African medicine, on Art, on Clothing, On Toys, on Books, on Crockery, Art Craft and Curios, on Hair Products on Food, in-fact there is very little if anything that cannot be discounted. This is so reminiscent of the Souks in Saudi were deals are concluded daily through bargaining, where a vendor will not sell, if his not making a fair profit and a client will not buy if not getting an absolute bargain. One could say a deal where both parties are ecstatic about their transaction or one could say a deal made in heaven. For coupons/vouches from meals to Antique Furniture go HERE!

Select a vendor or product that peaks your interest and click on the blue underlined heading. Wait for the vouchers to appear and if you would like Directions to EXPO WP, click on the word Directions (in Blue) at the top of the page, fill in your home or business address and generate a detailed map along with street directions to Expo WP. Now! .... you have absolutely no excuse not to come to EXPO WP.

JUMU'AH @ EXPO WP


Friday past marked the fourth "Jumu'ah" held at EXPO WP. The Management of EXPO WP in conjunction with Anglo Cape Carpets have provisioned “Salaah” facilities inside of Anglo Cape Carpets for “Jumu'ah”. Thus, is goes without saying that there's a plush carpet in the house. The resident Masjied is primarily used by vendors and staff both male and female but it is not exclusively for them and certainly available to all Muslims especially those working in the surrounding areas of Epping Cape Town South Africa and all  EXPO WP shoppers. Thus far, I have not been fortunate enough to attend Jumu'ah at the EXPO but those who were there report that the “Zaghma” was full, that the lectures were potent and the convenience of having a "Masjied" inside EXPO WP is rivalry.


I did have the opportunity to be there for a least one Waqt with "Jamaat" and my first impression was that is was very spacious. Not as large as your average Mosque but spacious. In fact, it is far more spacious than that of the famous Mall off the N1 Cape Town,  built next to the Canal where 1000's of Muslims flocked to every weekend. These “Muslims” owe it to themselves to come shop at EXPO WP if only to perform Namaaz in the latest and newest Mosque on the block. EXPO WP Masjied has Wudu facilities for both men and women is cordoned off for the privacy of women. Quite recently steps were taken towards installing a sound system since some equipment was donated by Preggy from Audio Zone. This Mosque is like any other where all equipment is “Waqf”, so for those who wish to donate someQurans”, please feel free to do so, some "Arkaam"of "Ayaat Al Quran" to adorn the walls would be appreciated. Currently there is a make shift “Mimbar” that will be upholstered in the near future and currently the visiting “Imams” who ledJumu'ah" thus far will do so on a continual and rotational bases, Insha-Allah.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

THE NEW ROADHOUSE AT EXPO WP


Friday night past, was the first of many Kareoke parties to be hosted by Miller's Corn (Corn in a Cup), held in the food court at EXPO WP. I overheard the planning of this Kareoke just two days prior over lunch, inside the food court by a few food stall holders who speculating on its viability. The results were more than viable and the Kareoke was very well attended, in fact they had a full-house, with men and women representing all age groups within our society. Within the first half hour there was no more seating available and people were standing everywhere, even outside in the enclosed secure parking area.

On arrival, Miller's Corn presented each lady with a 'Gift Goodies Bags' or at least to the first 50 dudettes were lucky enough to each get a 'High Fashion Hessian & Bamboo' shopping bag and a 'Universal Cell Phone charger'. But this was not the only Freebies on offer, Ming's had a Lucky Draw and the winning dude won a 'Meal Voucher for 2' redeemable on any day. Besides that, Quanita's Hair Studio sponsored two 'Wash and Blow Vouchers' to two lucky dudettes and a third lady won a 'Manicure & Pedicure voucher'. The MC Luigi was hilarious and the quiz questions he posed was really funny with full participation from everyone. I'm almost certain that the laughter outstripped the volume of the music.



There was certainly more than enough to eat, from Ming's delicious mint-chocolate and cheese cakes for the sweet tooth, to 'Corn in a Cup'  for the more health conscious. There was real Coffee supplied by Craving Coffee and Waffles & Ice-cream from Waffle Mania and for those who wanted to eat, full meals were available from Moparks. Just the smell of their flame grilled Chicken made many mouths water and I doubt it very much if anyone could resist any of those treats available at EXPO WP. Kareoke is really not my scene, I especially went for the hot 'White Chocolate by Shaun of Craving coffee' but on arrival I was blown away by the talent of the singers and I must say, that I more than enjoyed it. The ladies were awesome with really magnificent voices but the dudes weren't going to be outdone, one of whom even gave me goose-bumps whilst I was listening to his powerful and melodious voice. However, little did I know that this wasn't just your average Kareoke but a talent search run my Miller's Media and Entertainment. Something like Pop Idols but with no age restrictions.


The vibe at EXPO-WP was really great and it was so reminiscent of a "ROADHOUSE" with people sitting in their cars enjoying meals or standing around in groups sipping coffee and smoking, all laughing and listening to the Kareoke artists with many of them even participating, patiently waiting for their turn at the Mic. Initially it was hard to say whether the "ROADHOUSE" was more popular than the Kareoke or if the Kareoke was more popular than the "ROADHOUSE"but judging by the amount of cars in the parking lot, I would have to say you need to come see for yourself, because at 1'o clock in the morning when I left, the cars were still streaming in steadily. With this response the Kareoke received on launch night, can you just imagine what will happen when the word gets out.. EXPOWP will soon have Night Market of Friday Evenings where Art, Craft Curios, Batiks and Ornaments may be bought at bargain prices, Photographs can be taken and you can get "that all important massage" to rid you of the past weeks tension.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

LUNCH AT EXPO WP


EXPO WP is the newest business hub in the Western Cape, destined to become a "One Stop Shop" for tourists. Tourists looking to buy some curios, will find no bigger or better venue anywhere else but curios isn't the only product on offer at EXPO. We have food!

The first thing that comes to mind when the word Foreign Tourist is mentioned is FOOD.  Considering that virtually every nationality prides itself on its food.  As in "Green Thai Curry" or Chinese "Chow Mein" or  "Stirfry " or "German Swine und Kartoffeln und Sour Kraut"  or kettle fried "English Fish and Chips"  or "Scottish Haggis" or "Spanish Seafood Paella" even "Japanese Sushi" only  time will tell whether or not all these Foods will become available on the EXPO WP menu, but what we have on offer, is probably as delectable if not more so. Who can resist a plate of Crayfish Curry, Cape Malay style.  Here is just a sampling of what is available for under R50-00 at EXPO WP. It is not "a la carte" but you could always buy a take-away and do the "a la carte" in the privacy of your own home. Enjoy! Should you prefer to make your own tasty foods  Cape Malay Foods  recipes can be viewed  here at Foods of the Cape.

Crayfish tails in a thick curry sauce served with fragrant basmati rice.
Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios Ph 084 7458258

Fish an Chips many sound so ordinary but "Masala Snoek" available at EXPO WP is extraordinary, with a  taste that you will certainly come back for. The spices are a family secret much like that of the Colonel of KFC but better. The Chips are ... just wow, once again the sprinkle is a trade secret. So, I am more than certain Tourists coming to Cape Town for the Soccer World Cup will flock to EXPO WP in order to sample Cape Town cusine on the go. Snoek is a fish not commonly found else where in the World and has become a token of the Cape. Hassan's Fisheries and Take Aways makes the tastiest "Masala Snoek" this side of the Limpopo.

Fried snoek in a hot Masala sauce and potato chips with a spicy sprinle. 
 Photographs courtesy of Photo Jani Photographic Studios at the EXPO stall C49

But wait Fish and Chips are not the only foods available, there is a full menu from Burger World with Tikka Chicken Indian Style. Burger World supplies humongous portions for those fast food lovers, and for those who like "to size it up." There is no need to say much about their food because the menu and the taste says it all.


Other vendors like Fancy Nancy Restaurant have Traditional African Meals and so much more on offer. Here is just a sampling of what is available. She has a full time "French Chef" who takes pride in his presentation and speed of preparation.

Photographs courtesy of Photo Jani Photographic Studios at the EXPO stall C49


Ming's supplies the finest breakfast with coffee for under R50-00. Their current setting looks much like a "Japanese Garden" with a wooden foot bridge spanning a pond filled with Koi and Gold fish with plush greenery growing all-over casting shade on the tables whilst you eat. The setting is  tranquil but the best part of Ming's is the Cake. Ming's has coffee and Cake to die for. Here a sample of their breakfast... go on have a a taste!


EXPO WP has so much more on offer, but if you really curious enough, you are invited to come experience it for yourselves. Art & Craft, good food, playpen and face painting and water slide for the kids flanked by coin operated kiddies rides. Music and stage performances and indoor soccer.

An alternative to food is a "Cup of Corn". Corn on the cob has always been a delicious after-meal snack and a must have whenever you smell them being cooked.  But Miller's Corn, sells corn off the cob called "Corn in a Cup" and it is just as delicious, very healthy and totally filling. Served with melted butter and sprinkled with salt to your taste is a really healthy treat.


For the coffee lovers, Craving coffee sells a "mean coffee" but personally I simply love their hot "White Chocolate", but everyone else raves about the cafe Latte. I tried the cafe Latte and its simply divine, have a look not only did I love it, I had two cups, something like chain smoking, perhaps we can call it, "chain coffee bingeing".


Not only did I love the coffee but the Waffles from Waffle Mania was incredible, a freshly baked waffle while you wait, topped with Ice-cream with maple syrup, honey, and raspberry is to die for. Its futile describing something that you definitely have to come sample for yourself. So do your taste buds a favour and visit EXPO WP if just to sample all these delectable treats. Click here for Foods of the Cape.


TOURISM & TRADERS EXPO | Tourism & Traders Expo


Tourism and Traders Expo is situated in Bofors Circle in Epping and is the Largest Art and Craft market in the Western Province called EXPO WP.  EXPO WP is a brand name but when I set up this blog, I registered it as WP EXPO, which from my point of view was contextually as well as grammatically correct. However after chatting the WP EXPO management I was informed that it should have been EXPO WP and not WP EXPO. Funny thing is, many of the WP EXPO vendors logged-on and search for WP EXPO, expecting to see their profiles but complained that there was no such site as WP EXPO. It seemed that everybody was under the same impression that I was -that it is WP EXPO rather than EXPO WP or at least aught to be. In order to appease management it became obligatory on me to rectify this situation hence this short piece of confusion about WP EXPO, sorry I meant EXPO WP. So there!


 As far as I'm concerned whether it is said WP EXPO or EXPO WP or written as WPEXPO or EXPO WP or even EXPO WP it shouldn't really matter because ingenious software tools can rectify the situation by sending the seeker to the correct website. So, if you interested in Art and Craft and possibly even the Soccer World Cup, go-on, Google WP EXPO and see if software is as intelligent as us humans. Talking about World Cup Soccer, Blush Media at EXPO WP  is the official supplier of Soccer World Cup parapanalia - S.A. Flags, S.A.Vuveselas, Funky helmets, T shirts, Ceramic mugs and hoards of other South African momentos.

Western Provice Expo (wpexpo) or Expo Western Province (expowp) which do you prefer?
Photojani Photographic Studios opened a studio in Expo WP and may be contacted on 0847458258.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

TALENTED EXPO CRAFTER


If you live abroad, essentially outside of South Africa and have just stumbled onto my blog and intend to visit Cape Town during the Soccer World Cup, please do read further. When you reach South Africa, turn immediately left, continue for a hundred meters and you will find EXPO WP on your right hand side. EXPO WP is a tourist and traders market and has more than 300 Art and Craft stalls to tickle your fancy, with curios you have never ever seen before and neither dreamt about. This is my friend Blessing from Nematombo Stone Gallery who fashions soap stone into craft.


He can make anything from a bust to a animal and specializes in the "BIG FIVE". Why not commission him to make your bust? Here's a sample of his work.

Blessing is talented beyond compare and really deserves your admiration but even more so, your patronage, I stand in awe of him since he does all his carvings from memory which I'm almost certain you cant do. As for me I wont even try because I will certainly fail miserably. My big question is ... "Why does a man so talented have to struggle to make a living and live on the bread line?"  Certainly there are curio shops owners world wide who would give their back teeth to even meet Blessing, so if you want me to hook you up, do your thing. Right now, I dont want to get into a controversy about exploitation and black empowerment, for that you can go here.


Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios Ph 0847458258

Blessing is just one of many talented sculptors, I have another friends Micheal who does exactly what Blessing can do and Neville but in exotic woods. He has dozens of finished Giraffes just waiting to be snapped up by you for a few measly dollars, pounds or euros. So, when you go South, pop in at 131 Bofors Circle Epping for a Art & Craft experience of your life. Earmark which one you going to take home with you amongst  this selection.

Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios Ph 0847458258