ON December 25th, immerse yourself in a culinary symphony as chef and Cathedral Cellar ambassador Mynhardt Joubert orchestrates a spectacular feast complemented by the finest Cathedral Cellar wines. Set against the backdrop of the eponymous cellar in picturesque Paarl, this annual festive celebration promises an unforgettable day, encapsulating the true essence of the holiday season in a grand and…
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Family-style dining at Rykaart’s at Longridge Wine Estate

IT is an indisputable fact the French know their way around a kitchen. To wit: "A gougère, in French cuisine, is a baked savoury choux pastry made of choux dough mixed with cheese. There are many variants. The cheese is commonly grated Gruyère, Comté, or Emmentaler, but there are many variants using other cheeses or other ingredients." I first tasted these cheesy delights at Rykaart's when it…

Abalobi and Steenberg – a beautiful circle to support fishers

ONCE upon a time at Bistro1682 at Steenberg, when Mom and I went for lunch, I saw a carved wooden fish on the table, attached to a card. "What's this all about?" I asked. It was about Abalobi, a then-new initiative whereby you could trace the provenance of your fish of the day, online. More than that, you could connect with the actual human being who had caught it, and learn their story. Chef…
IN Shining Vale, a dysfunctional family moves from the city to a small town after Patricia "Pat" Phelps, a former "wild child" who became famous through writing a raunchy female empowerment novel, is caught cheating on her husband. In an attempt to rebuild their family, they move into a house where terrible atrocities have taken place. Nobody seems to suspect anything odd except for Pat, who is
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All the deliciousness, fewer kilojoules in these mushroom dishes

THE festive season is the time to eat, drink and be merry, with all sorts of delicious holiday food to tempt us. Sadly,  this can lead to adding a few kilograms to the scale but the South African Mushroom Farmers' Association has shared three scrumptious recipes that won't have you loosening your belt. ROASTED HAKE ON TOMATO & MUSHROOM LENTILS Serves 4 Ingredients 400g P

Wrap up the magic of Christmas with a pretty bow

ARE you one of those who approaches the annual holiday gift-wrapping ritual with a hint of dread? Perhaps you've occasionally taken some creative shortcuts, both in the literal and figurative sense. You're not alone; if there’s something we’ve all never been able to wrap - it’s a bottle of wine, so we asked the wine-wrapping (and wine making) gurus for some creative assistance. Mpho Maroga from…
LOUISE CARVER and Ard Matthews are iconic artists in the South African music landscape and getting them together on the same stage as the sun sets over one of South Africa's most picturesque venues, is going to be a special occasion and unforgettable experience at Stanford Hills on 28th December. Carver says she is looking forward to be performing with Ard again. “He is the real deal, unique…
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First look at House Of The Dragon season two

HBO released the official teaser for the second season of House Of The Dragon during its CCXP23 panel in São Paulo, Brazil. The eight-episode second season debuts summer 2024 on HBO and will be coming express from the US to M-Net and Showmax. Based on George RR Martin’s Fire & Blood, the HBO Original series is set 200 years before the events of Game Of Thrones and tells the story of House…

Pamper yourself at the luxurious Verde Vita Spa & Wellness Centre

THE opening of Verde Vita Spa and Wellness Centre marks a new era in the world of eco-luxury travel. Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport has always been at the forefront of sustainability, and the launch of its spa is a testament to its unwavering commitment to creating a greener and more holistic environment. This fully-fledged spa facility boasts a luxurious space for guests to relax and enjoy the…
THE Franschhoek Wine Tram will host a  Festival of Lights this December. Celebrating the magical essence of the holiday season, this festival promises evenings brimming with enchantment, festive-themed music and captivating light displays set against the backdrop of the valley's breathtaking vineyards. Visitors are invited to embark on a mesmerising evening tram ride, taking in the twinkling…
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Creative cocktails, fabulous food at Tjing Tjing House

TJING TJING House and everything inside the 200-year-old heritage building in Longmarket Street is beautiful - from the delicious casual Japanese food at Tjing Tjing Torii at street level, to the cocktails at the Rooftop Bar, and everything in between; that being Tjing Tjing Momiji and Momji Lounge on the middle floor. We were invited to sample the new cocktail menu on the rooftop (people,…

Graham Beck celebrates four decades

GRAHAM BECK is celebrating its 40th anniversary as a sparkling wine producer. Founded in 1983, the House has been firmly established as a leading producer of Cap Classique, South Africa's premium Champagne method sparkling wine. It has led the burgeoning industry in quality and sustainability since its inception. Over the past four decades, Graham Beck has continued to establish a key position…
NONGCEBO LANGA, winemaker at Delheim Estate in Stellenbosch, reached a milestone in her relatively short career by winning the 2023 Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year Award. Diners Club Winemaker of the Year is the oldest competition in South Africa that has since 1981 recognised exceptional South African winemakers and is regarded as the ultimate accolade for any individual practising his or…
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Here’s to making #MemoriesYouRemember this summer

AS we welcome summer, a season synonymous with outdoor living, there's no better way to embrace the moment than by savouring the exquisite offerings of Absolute Zero and Almost Zero. Embark on a journey of taste and discovery with its de-alcoholised and alcohol-free ranges, celebrating the choice to savour life's moments with clarity and vitality. Going alcohol-free has many perks. First,…

Alan Committie Is back and he is FAST AND (reasonably) FURIOUS

SOUTH AFRICAN stand-up comedy Hall-of-Famer, Alan Committie, returns for the festive season with his latest new stand up show: FAST AND REASONABLY FURIOUS!, on stage at Theatre On The Bay from 20 December, 2023 until 3 February, 2024. Displaying his lightning fast wit, coupled with his madcap physicality, and renowned crowd engagement, this is Committie screeching his way across the stage with…