BY now you're accustomed to my stories about the posh establishments I tend to frequent, and luxury accommodations. Today I am here to tell you that this is not always the case and that you shouldn't rule out a backpackers when looking for a cool and definitely affordable place to stay in Cape Town. When you think of backpackers, especially if you are of a certain age, you probably associate…
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Spoil Dad this weekend with these flavourful mushroom dishes

MUSHROOMS are a versatile ingredient to have on hand at all times, and these recipes from the South African Mushroom Farmers' Association match them with meaty options. They'll make your money go further, plus you can treat that special man in your life to a hearty winter meal (plus a salad if you're somewhere warmer). STICKY BEEF & MUSHROOM STIR FRYServes 4 Ingredients Rice:…

BritBox now added to DStv’s app offerings 

THE best of British TV is now available to DStv subscribers to add to their viewing experience. The subscription video streaming service BritBox, a joint venture between UK broadcasting powerhouses the BBC and ITV, will be available as an app on the Explora Ultra and Streama devices and as an add-to-bill option for all DStv subscribers, ushering in an expanded world of entertainment for customers,…
THE PLETTENBERG, part of the Liz McGrath Collection, has introduced a Royal Breakaway & Wellness package offering guests the opportunity for quality downtime in an idyllic setting during the cooler months. Situated along the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay boasts a year-round temperate climate, pristine beaches and dense green forests culminating in the ultimate destination for focussing on…
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Eclectic programme for Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival

THE 2023 Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) will run from 30 June to 9 July in the Endler Hall at the Stellenbosch University Conservatorium. With more than 250 participants already enrolled, the 2023 SICMF promises 10 days of magical music-making for participants and faculty alike. The format of the festival is jam-packed with orchestral rehearsals, chamber music…

Discover a taste of France with the Café Fleur winter special

EMBARK on a culinary journey through the authentic flavours of France, with the new winter menu at Vergelegen wine estate’s Café Fleur. Even better, guests can enjoy a special offer of a complimentary dessert of their choice with every order of a starter plus main course. This winter special is available until Sunday 16 July. Chef Michelle Barry, former principal of the Christina Martin School…
TOTAL relaxation was always the plan. Weekends away sometimes run the risk of becoming over-thought, with every minute and every hour accounted for with an itinerary of eating, drinking, activities in the area, and whatnot.  Sure, you can do all that at Penhill Farm but you don't haveto. "It’s rare to find a country retreat as unique and authentic as Penhill Farm Estate. A scenic 75-minute…
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Family-friendly restaurant in the Nuy Valley

FOUNDED in 1963, Nuy Winery’s first wine were released in 1978 – 12 bottle case cost R9. Across three ranges, the wines today are still reasonably priced, and its Barbieri Idro Rooi Muskadel 2015, a fortified Muscat de Frontignan matured for five years in oak barrels, recently (in May 2023) won a platinum award at the Muskadel SA Awards. About 14km from Worcester on the way to…

Mini brandy and cocktail festival by Cause | Effect

CAUSE|EFFECT Vineyard Stellenbosch at Morgenhof Wine Estate, in collaboration with the South African Brandy Foundation, is hosting a mini brandy and cocktail festival over the weekend of 24 and 25 June, from 3pm to 8pm and 12pm to 6pm respectively. Experience world class brandies from a barrelful of distilleries including Boschendal and Sydney Back (DGB), Van Ryn’s, KWV, Klipdrift, Boplaas,…
THE exhibition at The Palms in Woodstock until July 15, Kevin Atkinson: Art and Life takes its title from the magnificent book of the same name, edited by Marilyn Martin and published in 2022. And, like the book, it situates Atkinson in relation to the important figures in his life - namely his family and his students - and celebrates his legacy. Atkinson (1939-2007) was a powerful and…
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Decorex Cape Town dishes up inspiration

CAPE TOWN-based food design specialists Studio H will launch its millet report (2023 is the International Year of Millets) at Decorex Cape Town through a striking interactive installation called Don’t Feed the Birds. The title was drawn from the discovery that it’s almost impossible to find millet that is fit for human consumption in South Africa – most of our millet is processed as animal feed…

Unveiling a symphony of Steenberg winter flavours

A WINTER menu is an excellent way to provide guests with an authentic experience of a region's local cuisine. It evokes visions of heart-warming and comforting dishes that nourish both the body and soul, such as savoury soups, stews, braised meats, and roasted root vegetables. This winter, Kerry Kilpin, executive chef of Steenberg's Tryn restaurant and Bistro Sixteen82, presents a sensory…
THIS Saturday, June 10, is World Gin Day, although nobody is going to argue with drinking their favourite tipple on any day of the year. The South African Mushroom Farmers' Association has these scrumptious recipes and gin pairings for you to try. MINI MUSHROOM TACOS Ingredients 8 mini soft shell tortillas  Pickled red onion ½  pineapple, cut into small cubes Fresh coriander…
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Winter special at Pasta Scala

IT is but two weeks until the winter solstice, by which I rule my life, and the days will slowly begin to grow longer and perhaps I can still find the full sun the freesia bulbs are demanding so as to flower in spring. In the meantime, however, temperatures have been plummeting and we've had decent rain - with more coming. As of this week, the Western Cape dams are collectively just more than 70%…

Reitumetse Kholumo: brewing a revolution

REITUMETSE KHOLUMO, an entrepreneur passionate about preserving ancient traditions and creating employment, has founded Kwela Brews, a for-profit social enterprise. Kwela Brews collaborates with homebrewers of traditional African beer, known as umqombothi, providing support to produce nutritious beverages safely, efficiently, and profitably. By acting as a distribution channel, it facilitates…