FOLLOWING record-breaking runs in New York, London and Asia, the Illusionists Direct From Broadway will be in South Africa for the first time, opening at GrandWest on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 and ending on Sunday, February 11, 2018. The show then moves to Montecasino’s Teatro in Johannesburg. Brought here by Showtime Management and BBC Brit, this mind blowing spectacular showcases the jaw…
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The Grand Exhibition showcases South Africa’s top burlesque performers

TWO of the biggest nights on the burlesque calendar are coming up next month, when The Grand Exhibition - An international Burlesque Benefit takes place in Cape Town on August 5 and in Joburg on August 12. This is not only an opportunity for fans and supporters to see their favourite performers, but for newcomers to the art to discover what it’s all about while at the same time helping to raise…

Col’Cacchio opens its first concept store at V&A Waterfront

TWENTY-FIVE years after it launched its first store on the Foreshore, Italian-inspired franchise Col'Cacchio is marking the occasion with subtle rebranding and a fabulous new concept store at the V&A Waterfront. In a prime location at the entrance to the upper level (over the bridge from the parking garage), the store not only serves the famous thin-crust gourmet pizzas and amazing salads…
TINTSWALO LODGES enters an exciting new culinary chapter with the appointment of Guy Clark as executive chef at Tintswalo Atlantic in Cape Town. Clark recently returned to his hometown, having honed his skills in India and Florida (USA) for the past four years. He takes over from Jeantelle van Staden, who remains with Tintswalo in her new role as food and beverage manager. Clark will introduce…
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Spectacular new tasting menu at Tintswalo Atlantic

BASED on themes drawing from the ocean on the doorstep, and the rising from the ashes after Tintswalo was destroyed by fire, executive chef Guy Clark has created a culinary feast called Ocean & Ash. When I accepted the invitation to lunch I had no idea what I was in for - a marathon eight-course meal with wine pairings, 11 if you count the bread (which was a course in itself), the amuse…

‘STRIPPED BARE’ PAYS HOMAGE TO THE ROOTS OF BURLESQUE

THIS week Black Orchid Burlesque SA will present a show in the upstairs theatre at Alexander Bar & Café entitled Stripped Bare. As racy as it sounds, this doesn't refer to full nudity - which is not part of traditional burlesque - but to the challenge which was put to the troupe members to strip their performances of all props and gimmicks to present acts that capture the pure essence of…
SOCIETI BISTRO is famous for naming dishes after its favourite clientele, and to be among these esteemed guests is a great honour. When I tell people I am one of those guests, they are suitably impressed and always ask how it happened. It was either this, or a small island. I went with the dish and have no regrets. The Bianca Colemanfirst appeared on the winter menu in 2015, and is now…
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De Wetshof Limestone Hill Chardonnay portrays excellence of 2017 vintage

ALMOST a year ago to the day of the launch of the previous vintage of De Wetshof Limestone Hill unwooded Chardonnay, we were invited to celebrate the 2017 vintage. The venue was La Tête, over which foodies have been in a froth since it opened late last year, raving about the food. Apparently the octopus is THE thing to have. Shamefully, it was my first time there but certainly not my last. Chef…

ARTFUL DOCUMENTARY CAPTURES GRUELLING KAROO CYCLE RACE

IF you think mountain bikers are crazy, then you have to watch the 40 cyclists who tackled the Tour Of Ara in 2016, a gruelling 800km stage-race through the harsh terrain of the Karoo. My feelings about cyclists in general are conflicted due to a dear friend who takes it all very seriously which keeps me in a precarious position of support. When I accepted the media invitation to watch a…
EXCEPTIONAL brands strive to constantly evolve, and so the time has come for Striped Horse beer to launch its bespoke new "giraffe bottle". But first, let’s tell the story of how the zebra and the giraffe became friends. There used to be many zebras and giraffes roaming the African plains, but like every other plant-eating animals, they made easy targets for carnivorous beasts like lions and…
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BOUCHARD FINLAYSON RANKED AS TOP RED WINE PRODUCER IN SA IN 2017

BOUCHARD FINLAYSON has been ranked as a top red wine producer in South Africa at the 2017 South African Wine Index (SAWi) awards. Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak Pinot Noir scored a full 100 as the No 1 Pinot Noir in South Africa and was placed the 11th highest ranked wine overall in South Africa. Despite fierce competition, this lauded wine has been the winner in the Pinot Noir category for the…

‘Everyday Gourmet’ at spectacular Cavalli Estate restaurant

THIS week, Diva aka Allison Foat and I were treated to something very special: lunch at The Restaurant at Cavalli wine estate and stud farm in Somerset West. The stables have a firm no entry sign but it appears the horses enjoy just as luxurious accommodation as guests visiting the restaurant, wine tasting room, and art gallery. Without a doubt a destination brand, Cavalli is a symphony of…
THE Terra del Capo antipasto bar at Anthonij Rupert Wyne in Franschhoek has launched its 2017 winter menu, which features an assortment of delectable dishes. Included in the lineup are a handful of new dishes as well as some signature favourites. Inspired by regional produce from the winelands visitors can choose from a selection of delicious hot and cold Antipasti dishes, perfectly paired…
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Award-winning sleight-of-hand artist Stuart Lightbody presents new show at Alexander Upstairs Theatre

FOLLOWING a global magical tour, award-winning sleight-of-hand artist Stuart Lightbody returns home to Cape Town this winter to present his breath-taking new show, Unique Wonders, at the Alexander Upstairs Theatre, from Monday, July 31 till Saturday, August 19, 2017. Directed by Tara Notcutt, the 75-minute Unique Wondersshow will see two-time South African Close-Up Magic champion and multiple…

Doccie gives an intimate view into the vibrant and exhilarating world of swing

ALIVE AND KICKING, a feature-length documentary that takes an inside look into the culture of swing dancing and the characters who make it special, will be screened at The Labia on Saturday, July 8 at 6pm. “Swing dancing elevates the human spirit beyond one’s circumstances as dancers can move to the beat for the sheer joy of it and disappear into something bigger, something dazzling, a space…