THE Manor at Nederburg in Paarl is pulling out all the stops to make this year’s Valentine’s Day one to cherish and remember. Couples can choose between two superb lunch (12pm to 4pm) and dinner (5pm to 9pm) options: a romantic picnic in the beautiful garden at R650 per couple, or, delicious platters of food served to your table on the terrace of the manor house, offered at R600 per couple.…
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All the drama on Showmax in February, and a bit of sex too

WHEN American Gigolo, the 1980 neo-noir crime drama film written and directed by Paul Schrader, and starring Richard Gere and Lauren Hutton, was released in South Africa, it was scandalous, including as it did, a nude Gere. Who knows what else the censors of the day cut out. It was also notable for the theme song, Call Meby Blondie. Now Julian Kaye, the sex worker (as we call them now) of the…

Tapfuma Makina is the new Ultimate Braai Master host for season 8

AFTER almost two decades on radio and television, as well as hosting and presenting premieres and awards across sports, enterprise and entertainment, broadcasting is in Tapfuma Makina’s professional DNA. Best known for his love of sport, his distinctive voice, familiar to many from HeartFM, Top Billing, eNCA and beyond, Tapfuma has captured many SA broadcasting highlights in recent years. He is…
INTERNATIONAL guest artists Vadim Muntagirov, Principal of The Royal Ballet, and Tatiana Melnik, Principal of the Hungarian National Ballet, will perform in Cape Town City Ballet’s spectacular production of Veronica Paeper’s Cinderellafor three performances only, accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO). The CPO will accompany the dancers of Cape Town City Ballet at a number of other…
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The ultimate luxurious camping experience in Hemel-en-Aarde

IT was during breakfast on the first morning at Canvas Collection Africa when I asked what was for lunch that it occurred to me the level of luxury of an experience can be gauged by the significance and frequency of the feeding. I’ve not been on a cruise - something about not being able to get off and go home if things aren’t working out - but I am led to believe there is around the clock food.…

The Bistro and Tasting Room at Brookdale opens 1 February 

BROOKDALE ESTATE outside Paarl has announced the launch date of its new restaurant, The Bistro at Brookdale, which will open its doors on Wednesday, 1 February. It will be open for lunch from Tuesdays to Sundays, with dinner served on Friday and Saturday evenings. The Bistro at Brookdale promises a relaxed, contemporary Paarl winelands dining experience. Seasoned executive chef Gary Coetzee is…
ROKU Japanese Gin is a handcrafted gin made with six distinct Japanese botanicals. These high-quality botanicals, harvested from Japan's best growing areas each season, include sencha and gyokuro teas for summer, as well as the sakura (cherry blossom) flower and leaf for spring. Sansho pepper, which represents the winter botanical, adds a unique taste to the harmonious flavours of Roku, as does…
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Delheim Wild Ferment Chenin Blanc still hitting 1986’s high notes

THE year 1986 was…wild. And not just because Delheim’s Ou Jong (Old Youngster) vineyard – the one that realised its famed Wild Ferment Chenin Blanc - was planted then. Indeed, the Stellenbosch winery has just released its latest vintage, the first since achieving official Heritage Vineyard status. The special seal and serial number the bottle now carries the guarantee of its pedigree, but also…

Inhale, exhale…enjoy a multi-sensory summer pairing at Creation

RENOWNED for its cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Creation Wine celebrates its 21st anniversary in February. The first grapes were harvested in 2006, and the tasting room was completed in 2008. Glorious wines and exceptional food pairings have consistently earned Creation a place among the best vineyards in the world.Ceaseless innovation is a way of life at Creation, as illustrated by…
MUSHROOMS are trending on the health and wellness charts for 2023, and powering this is the continued global shift towards eating more sustainably. The South African Mushroom Farmers' Association is delighted the growing demand for vegan and plant-based meat alternatives is showcasing mushrooms as being among the most desirable meat substitutes. Not only does their umami richness ensure that…
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Treat your sweetheart to an unforgettable evening of movie magic

GET ready to swoon over The Galileo Open Air Cinema, in proud association with Santam, as they bring a world-class outdoor movie experience to both the mother city and the magnificent winelands for Valentine's week. The exquisite Nooitgedacht Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, with its rolling vineyards, mountain vistas and expansive lawns, shaded by century-old oak trees, provides the perfect…

Paserene – a tranquil sense of place in the Franschhoek valley

A SENSE of place is the best description as you step into Paserene’s migratory swallow nest-inspired tasting lounge in the beautiful Franschhoek Wine Valley. Derived from the Latin word passeriformeswhich refers to the largest order of birds classified by their perching habits, not only is Paserene home to an impressive portfolio of elegant and crafted wines, but it affords its visitor a…
AS if we need it to be hotter. It's no secret I am not a fan of summer, ugh, and therefore I have no shame in staying indoors, out of the sun, watching series. It's a beautiful day? Sure it is. Close the damn curtains and pretend it isn't there. Here are some of my January picks on Showmax plus a couple I've added to my watchlist based on a recommendation (This England) and the strong possibility…
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LAMTA’s Come Together back by popular demand in February

AFTER a sold out run at the Theatre on the Bay in Cape Town in June 2022 and a phenomenal season in Johannesburg in November, Come Together is back. Come Together – The Beatles Covered/Uncovered, is an exuberant, energetic, and entertaining dance production presented by the Cape Town based performing arts academy LAMTA (The Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy). The production features…

Convenient wellness solutions to help you flourish this year

THE new year is not a restart, it’s a refresh: you have the opportunity to reinvent your goals and reintroduce healthy habits, and tried-and-tested wellbeing solutions, to meet your glow up goals. Who says plant-based goodness has to be boring? Woolies has you and your guests covered from main course to desserts and more with an array of delicious vegan and vegetarian options. Whether you are…