Your summer cocktails are looking blue – but in a good way! The team from Fitch & Leedes know that a Gin & Tonic or cocktail is not only all about its taste, but should also be pleasing to all the senses… and their new blue tonic is set to do just that! Featuring whiffs of juicy blueberry and hints of cardamom entice you, this delicately carbonated and finely balanced tonic will go down perfectly with vodka, especially the wide selection of fruit infused vodkas and of course when paired with juniper forward, citrus infused or floral gins. The vibrant Fitch & Leedes Blue Tonic is the perfect companion for any upbeat sundowner session. It also hits the spot on its own over ice as a trendy alcohol-free alternative. Fitch & Leedes can be found at leading purveyors of fine beverages, boutique wine shops, selected deli’s, fine dining establishments and…
It’s almost that time of year when the family arrives in full force, and if you are going to be hosting over the festive season, then this delicious mussel pot recipe is just for you. We don’t usually share recipes, but this one is a winner in our books, thanks to Chef Mynhardt Joubert. A mussel pot smacks of happy times and rekindling old friendships and is the perfect way to celebrate a sharing meal, with those dear to you – all with a bottle of Roodeberg in hand, of course. Chef Mynhardt’s heart beats to the rhythm of heritage food and his deliciously creamy mussel pot recipe spiced up with Roodeberg red wine and the rich flavours of chorizo is to die for! Get everyone involved for a cooking experience and can even be done in a pot over the fire too. “The robust flavours of the red wine…
We just love the beautiful rooftop deck at the iconic Sandton Sun, and are delighted that the San Deck has re-launched just in time for summer cocktail sippers to enjoy the vibes and views of Sandton’s beautiful skyline as the sun sets. San Deck is vibrant, stylish, and comfy and offers a number of pretty unique spaces, from the pool area, to the restaurant, to the comfy couches and lounge areas, and a new rooftop garden area which was created through the intricate use of metal lattice screens, foliage and trees, different levels, atmospheric lighting, eye-catching design elements and comfortable, relaxed seating. Ravi Nadasen, COO of Tsogo Sun hotels, says, “The full refurbishment of the Sandton Sun’s San Deck, coupled with the introduction of menus designed for sharing and enjoying throughout the day and into the night, along with San Deck’s exceptional local artisanal beverage options will ensure memorable experiences…
There literally is nothing that Mi Casa’s front man – J’Something cannot do it seems, and 2018 has been a good year for him. From juggling his acclaimed musical career and being a judge on My Kitchen Rules South Africa to hosting a few cooking shows such as What’s for Dinner and Something’s Cooking (he’s just brought out a book of the same name). To top it off, he has opened his own restaurant, Something’s Cooking by J and has now – wait for it – launched a range of gins too. Jin Gin (because it’s so good you should say it twice and also it has be a J’Something – geddit – in the name, this range offers 3 tasty variants – include Rooibos, Orange and Honey, Tomato and Sweet Piquant Peppers and Honey and Olives. For Jin Gin, J’Something teamed up with local craft gin experts, Craft Link…
What better time to crack open a few bottles of perfectly chilled rosé, spend some time with friends and family and let the worries from the year disappear, as the holiday season kicks off with perfect summer evenings here in Jozi. Rosé is proving to be a popular choice with consumers as the temperature’s soar – and it’s the perfect accompaniment to just about everything – beach, park, braai, lunch, sundowners… you get the idea! Flagstone’s Poetry Cinsault Rosé is much more than a light, refreshing summer wine with zip, rosé is about a lifestyle, and like poetry it truly embraces the joy, and highlights the natural sadness of our human condition, it eulogises the cycle of nature and blushes a romantic cherry-blossom pink. Beneath the top is a bouquet of crushed summer berries, black and red cherries, supported by subtle spicy tones to introduce expressive juicy berry flavours that…
We recently caught up with well-known local chef James Diack, who is the owner of The Brightside Group of restaurants, to find out what to expect from out dining experiences in the new year – what’s new, and what’s old news! James shared with us that source and cost will be the two largest driving forces for purchasing in 2019. This will shape what you see on your plate and also what you pay too. Chef James is all about sustainable food and farming and was recently awarded the SASSI Trailblazer Award for 2018. So, how we can be smarter about our food – knowing where it comes from and how it was farmed, and smarter with our money? Trend 1: Katsu Pork Katsu, which means “cutlet” in Japanese, refers to various cuts (often the cheaper cuts) of meat that’s been pounded to be really thin before cooking. The meat,…
UCOOK has just released their new Christmas Feast Box and we had the pleasure of trying it out for ourselves. ‘Tis the season to be jolly! Thanks to UCOOK, you now have another reason to look forward to Christmas celebrations this year as SA’s largest meal-kit provider has launched their Christmas Feast Box and it includes delicious dishes that are perfect for entertaining this festive season. The UCOOK Feast Box encompasses everything you love about a warm summer Christmas – their chefs have designed the menu to be as simple and easy to follow as possible and have sourced the highest quality produce that is sustainable, free-range and locally produced. Starter options include roasted figs enrobed in prosciutto as well as spinach and ricotta ravioli. We chose the spinach and ricotta, which was quick and easy to make and packed with buttery goodness from the butter and sage sauce. Some…
Roald Dahl’s classic hit the stage last month at the Teatro theatre, Montecasino and we had the pleasure of experiencing the magic first hand and dining at one of Monte’s fabulous restaurants, Lima Tapas Bar. Our evening got off to a good start at Lima Tapas Bar. Lima is like no other restaurant in Joburg. Focusing their attention on Latin, American cuisine, their dishes are inspired by food served during the great Andean civilisations of South America. At Lima you can choose between a variety of different tapas and still leave feeling satisfied. Some of the dishes we ordered to share were the deliciously filled fig and cheese empanadas, the calamari tubes stuffed with chorizo and goat’s cheese and pork ribs that were covered in a sweet, tangy basting. While our main included the rump espetada. Our time at Lima was further enhanced by the excellent service the restaurant has…
Big ups to the team at Southern Sun Hyde Park for creating the ultimate weekend breakfast solution. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to start of their Saturday (or Sunday for that matter) with a delicious breakfast and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot on the roof top of the Southern Sun Hyde Park Hotel. You can take in some of the best views in Jozi – and enjoy a weekend breakfast in style with an a la carte breakfast at only R250 per person including a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label per four people. Choose from a full English Breakfast with all the trimmings, Chef Grant’s signature omelettes or even a tasty, and filling Eggs Benedict to nibble on, as you sip on your champers and enjoy the amazing view out over the city. With the Jacaranda trees in bloom at the moment, it is nothing short of…
We share some of our top ideas and suggestions on how to get more from your garden this spring and summer – thanks to Veruska De Vita. A garden in spring time can connect us to the natural world in many ways. As the chill of winter gives way to balmy weather, evenings bundled up indoors turn into nights lounging on the patio. With a sense of renewal in the air, it is the perfect time to relook at your garden space. By tackling one or two new projects over a few weekends, you’ll soon be sipping your favourite drink surrounded by a beautiful garden filled with the sights, scents and sounds that emanate from lush greenery. The latest garden trends Like fashion, gardens and exterior spaces experience different styles and trends and one of the biggest trends of the moment is adding ambient lighting to the garden. Glenice Ebedes…








