This week on our My Joburg: The City Through The Eyes of a Local series, we'll be chatting to Thulane Hadebe AKA Yes Its Me Toolz. Keep reading to find out about Yes It's Me Toolz, his adventures and travels, his favourite spots and experiences in Joburg, and where to get the best food and coffee in the city.
About Thulane Hadebe
Thulane Hadebe, a marketing whiz and managing director of the public relations company Brand Ambassadors, knows how to work the room! Vibrant, fun, and in the know of the best places to be and be seen in Joburg, Thulane shares his adventures, must-visits and travels on his YouTube channel, as well as Instagram and Facebook accounts at @YesItsMeToolz.
Describe your ultimate night out?
A guy I once dated told me to meet him at Circa Gallery – we admired some art followed by champagne at the Moët Bar at Alto234. It was lovely to see the city from the tallest building in Africa. Dinner was spent at The Marabi Club, with live music and excellent food!
Where can we find the best cup of coffee?
Dough & Co. is excellent when it comes to coffee! And their locations are dotted around Johannesburg in the most convenient places. They just launched the Cookie Sundae which is incredible. Warm chocolate chip cookie with a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top! A MUST MUST MUST try!
What is your favourite local store?
I think the perfect district for local designs, fashion art and gifts would be 44 Stanley. With amazing stores filled with proudly South African brands, it's a one-stop shop for all things local.
Favourite spot for a date night?
If its a first date – a light bite and a drink at Obscura. Tucked away in Oxford Parks, the spot is the perfect transition to go from drinks to dinner. But if it the date is not going well - it's still sufficient to end it there.
Second date, Dos Manos at Pablo House because you can enjoy a staycation there. Third date – up the ante by choosing either Zioux, Tang or The Pot Luck Club.
Your favourite adrenaline packed activity is?
A number of friends and I have done go-kart racing in the past, which was fun and brings out the inner Lewis Hamilton in us. Another fun activity that had my heart racing was the Tower Of Terror at Gold Reef City. Fun, even though I thought I was going to have a heart attack.
Where is a must visit place for a first-timer?
If there is anywhere that I highly recommend, it is Nirox Sculpture Park. To really have a great time, you need to arrive there at 12pm to be seated at "And Then There Was Fire" restaurant onsite. Order small plates to share as you will love everything off the menu – especially the Korean Fired Chicken, Bone Marrow and Fish Ceviche. Then after lunch, you can take a stroll through the park, admiring the art.
Do you have any weekend traditions?
A weekend in Joburg starts on Friday at dusk as the sun is setting – sipping on a crisp glass of Chenin at Marble. Perfect for golden hour before sitting down for your meal. Saturday morning starts with picking up fresh flowers at Dunkeld Fruit & Flowers and just around the corner, a delicious brunch at Glenda's is always a winner. Then, lunch with a view at the Four Seasons The Westcliff, but if you are too late for lunch consider their wonderful High Tea. And after a day in the sunshine, swing by The Pantry for the best pizza on the way home.
Your lazy Sunday starts at midday with a long lazy lunch at Fishmonger Illovo (the only location to book) or Kolonaki on 4th and enjoy the ambiance, food and drink.
