There is nothing quite like a fresh new look to get one ready for summer, and the team at BBC Studios Africa know that – which is why they allowed a few media to come through and take a sneak peek at their brand new summer programming schedule – as well as a fresh, new and chic, brand revamp The new branding for BBC Lifestyle Channel 174 is vibrant and playful, and the perfect fit for the number one international lifestyle channel on DStv. The design features a fresh set of palates, designs and objects around the channel’s aspirational and entertaining lifestyle content, and the official makeover will launch from 20th November with a new series Give It A Year, fronted by the UK’s ‘First Lady of Football’ Baroness Karren Brady which illustrates the channel’s ambition to always entertain, inspire and empower viewers. The event last week also showcased the…
Yes – #ChampagneDay is a real actual day! We are so excited, and what’s even better is that it’s all happening this Friday 19th October, thanks to the team at Tsogo Sun you can enjoy not only Friday – but also Saturday and Sunday with some great deals on local bubbly and imported champagnes. Three whole days of champers await guests at select Tsogo Sun properties in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Be it Southern Sun Montecasino or Southern Sun Hyde Park and the spectacular views from the Beverly Hills, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani and 14 Stories at SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl, to the stunning settings of the Palazzo at Montecasino, 54 on Bath, the Stella Bar at Southern Sun The Cullinan, and many more. You can get the whole list online on the Tsogo Sun website – link is at the bottom of the article. So here…
One of our favourite wines – De Grendel have literally cleaned up at this years Michelangelo International Wine & Spirts Awards, walking away with the African Cellar Suppliers Pinot Noir Trophy for their Op Die Berg Pinot Noir 2015 – as well as three double gold medals awarded to the De Grendel Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc 2017 and 2013 and the De Grendel Loyalty Club-exclusive Elim Shiraz 2016. Well done guys! Apparently the competition was really stiff this year, and the competition, now in it’s 22nd year received an incredible 2 225 entries, making it the largest competition of its kind on the African continent and one of the leaders in the Southern Hemisphere. Since its inception the Michelangelo Awards has differentiated itself from other competitions in using a judging panel comprising a majority of international wine and spirits experts. Says Charles Hopkins, winemaker at De Grendel “We are incredibly proud…
We love an excuse to celebrate and recently headed through to Montecasino’s Casa Bella to hellp them celebrate their first birthday, in true Italian style, of course. Nestled in the heart of Jozi’s premier entertainment destinations, Casa Bella, means “Beautiful Home” in Italian, and that it certainly is. Beautifully tiled floors and polished wood feature in the stylish interior which, combined with a warm, inviting ambience, provides an upmarket yet friendly dining experience. It is literally a home that runs on love, laughter, delicious food, outstanding wines and exceptional quality and service. The standard menu features fresh, authentic and carefully considered cuisine made from the finest quality ingredients such as imported Italian flour, 100% Durum wheat and locally sourced fresh food items. They are also ranked in the top 10 according to TripAdvisor, as well as a recent nomination from the Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA). Authentic food is…
After an incredible 30 years in the local decor industry, Lynn McAdam, and her company Block & Chisel has established a significant brand at the top end of South African retail and interior design. Her daughter Sue, and son Paul, are now sharing the reigns in this family owned and run business, Paul operationally runs it day to day and Sue heads up the look and feel of the shops. Block & Chisel have featured in many magazines, at trade shows and are a house hold name in South Africa. They have also opened up a flagship store in Illovo, and we caught up with Sue to find out more about this thriving decor business… Tell us about the idea behind Block and Chisel and how it developed in to the well known brand that it is today? My mum had been collecting antiques and hiding them under her bed…
If you are looking to create a bit of a mood or lighting difference to your home or work space – then do make sure to check out Streamlight’s brand new multi-branded collection, ironically called ‘Dark’. Dark introduces a warm and friendly glow of elegance, modernism or artistic creation into your workplace or living space. Streamlight have specialised in the art of illumination over the last 2 decades, and also provide expert guidance for you to achieve your dream aesthetic. They also specialise in lighting layout designs and supplies exclusive, quality lighting for corporate, residential and hospitality spaces. The team behind industry favourite, Streamlight, have just launched their world-class showroom in the heart of the Design District in the trendy area of Kramerville. A new, sophisticated playground where lighting brands and designers from all over the world showcase their work. In the heart of the Streamlight showroom, you can look…
If you are heading down to the Cape soon, and are going to be in the Durbanville area, then may we suggest a stop in at the beautiful Meerendal Estate. You can taste some vino of course, but there is loads more on offer and Meerendal boasts biking and running trails, paragliding (when the weather’s just right!), and its family friendly weekend vibe. There are two restaurants on the estate, The Crown Restaurant and Carlucci’s – the latter is the one that fills up fast so that come lunchtime, one would be hard pressed to find a seat in the restaurant – either in the undercover area or the garden with its sweeping views of the Boland mountains. The restaurant has been open since 2016 – initially as a small restaurant which has evolved into a full blown restaurant with rolling lawns, ample space for kids to play in a…
It was just recently announced, and not that surprising either that one of our favourite restaurants ever (and one of the most popular in SA since Chef Chantel Dartnall won best chef) Orient Boutique Hotel – home of the acclaimed Restaurant Mosaic – has won the Best Hotel Wine List in the World for 2018 beating off strong competition from around the globe. The 2018 Fine Wine World’s Best Wine List Awards, now in its fifth year, honoured Restaurant Mosaic in the following categories: • Best Hotel Wine List in the World 2018. • Best Long Wine List in Middle East and Africa 2018. • Best Champagne & Sparkling Wine List in Middle East and Africa 2018. • Best Dessert & Fortified Wine List in Middle East and Africa 2018. • Best By-the-Glass Wine List Without Coravin in Middle East and Africa 2018. • Jury Prize Mosaic’s competition in the…
We are really looking forward to attending one of Joburg’s favourite ‘super secret’ events – Diner En Blanc, which will see foodies, fun lovers, media personalities and others donning their beautiful white outfits, packing their picnic baskets all while enjoying it at a secret destination. This is set to be the signature event for Spring- Le Diner En Blanc will take place on Saturday 29th September and the exceptional gastronomic experience is to be accompanied by a host of outstanding sponsors. Michelin trained Chef Wandile Mabaso is highly regarded as one of the most innovative chefs in South Africa and will no doubt take this fine dining event to new heights. Says Wandile “Diner En Blanc gives a wide scale access to French food cooked at the highest level, rather than the elite few that can afford it.” The wine partner is award winning Stellenbosch producer, The Idiom Collection, a…
The Lou Harvey brand has become synonymous with high quality, unique design & vibrant colors and has been selling like hotcakes for over 10 years now. Now selling around the globe (most recently in the USA), this sophisticated range is the realization of Lou’s desire to balance style and functionality for every woman at any lifestyle juncture: whether you are a new mom in need of a nappy/diaper bag, taking a trip to the beach, headed to the golf course or the gym or even catching a plane, Lou’s creations are designed to support your journey in the most practical and fashionable way. A mom herself, Lou keeps innovating with cool designs and colours that she loves. We recently caught up with Lou to find out more about this Durban-based entrepreneur… A stunning wallpaper collection, Lou, well done! Tell us about the inspiration behind the collection and the patterns? Thank…









