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B L A C K C O F F E E Stepping into the global spotlight
R 29.90 incl VAT | December – February 2018
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WHAT TO DO EVENTS CALENDAR FOR THE SUMMER SEASON – DEC, JAN & FEB
TRAVEL
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EAT.DRINK
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2015/07/09 11:39 AM
ART | FASHION | BEAUTY | LIFESTYLE Shop 119 | Nelson Mandela Square | Sandton | +27 (0)11 883 9393 | www.collectiveafrica.co.za The Flamingo Room by Tashas, Turtle Lagoon, Al Naseem, Jumeirah, Dubai
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MAY ALL YOUR DISHES COME TRUE Flavourful feasts and great company, this is what the festive season is all about. Go on, be our guest. Booking is essential. To book or to find out more, email lacuna.bistro@suninternational.com or call 010 226 4647.
CHRISTMAS DAY BUFFET 13H00 R 575
NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER 18H30 R 795
NEW YEAR’S DAY BUFFET 13H00 R 395
FASHION | SPOTLIGHT ON
CONTENTS
38 FEATURES 28 Cover Story
Joburg Style chats to global superstar Black Coffee about dream collaborations, secrets and international acclaim
32 Big Read
Pica Award-winning feature by Elizabeth Donaldson about people returning to their homes and families far away to celebrate the festive season
38 Photo Essay
Manyatsa Monyamane’s colourful images celebrate the generation that paved the way for democracy in South Africa
44 Subculture
Sinead Martin discovers what goes on behind the scenes in the competitive bodybuilding world
www.joburgstyle.co.za | 9
CONTENTS 17 GLIMPSE 18 Beauty
56 48 hours in Bangkok
20 The Male Box
58 Staycations
A selection of summer’s best beauty, skin and body products
TV and movie star Maps Maponyane offers an insight into his grooming essentials
Travel guru David Gillson loves exploring Thailand. He shares his tips for what to do if you’re visiting Bangkok for two days
A stunning selection of hotels to choose from in Joburg if you’re looking for an adventure or want to get away for a few days
66 Cool District
Bryanston is home to many hidden treasures. Jo Buitendach discovers some of them for you to explore along the Nicol and beyond
18
72 Cape Town
81
Capetonians Claudia and Terrence Pearce have some great ideas of what to do in Cape Town if you have 48 hours
74 Durban 22 Day Trips
Blogger Bronwyn Abrahams, aka the Queen of Jozi, shares what she likes to do on weekends
Tessa Buhrmann, founder and writer of the Responsible Traveller digital magazine, takes us on a tour of ‘the Miami of South Africa’
76 Travel Snippets
79 EAT.DRINK 81 Food
Some festivals and events happening this summer
87
25 52 Florence
David Gillson shares some of his favourite haunts in Florence, including nightclubs, restaurants and sights to see
Leila Saffarian shows us how to celebrate in style with a selection of global tapas and cocktails
87 J.Bar
Vodka, anyone? This spirit is a great mixer for a range of martinis and cocktails, the perfect way to celebrate summer in style
92 94 97 100 102
25 Interview
Gantane ‘Gwane’ Kusch of Noem My Skollie fame talks to Bronwyn Abrahams about the movie’s Oscar nomination, and on- and off-screen highlights of the TV series Suidooster
10 | www.joburgstyle.co.za
Coffee’s roasting; get your cup Sensational sushi spots Where to get the best Portuguese food Breweries Rooftop bars
105 THE LIST 111 Diary 117 Keeping fit 121 Kids 126 Art Galleries REGULARS Editor’s Letter & 14 128
Contributors The Back Page – with Jason Goliath
rado.com
Rado TRue open HeaRT HigH-tecH ceramic and motHer of pearl. SeriouSly irreSiStible.
time iS tHe eSSence We are made of
PUBLISHER Eric Bornman | eric@ballyhoomedia.co.za EDITOR Sharon Preston | sharon@ballyhoomedia.co.za CREATIVE DIRECTOR Steven Macbeth ART DIRECTOR Justine Kerr | justine@ballyhoomedia.co.za DIGITAL EDITOR Gina Borthwick | gina@ballyhoomedia.co.za COPY EDITING & PROOFREADING Lynne Yates & Loren Shirley-Carr FOOD EDITOR Leila Saffarian
CONTRIBUTORS
Channay Harvey, Nick Boulton, Sinead Martin, Manyatse Monyamane, Bronwyn Abrahams, David Gillson, Elizabeth Donaldson, Maps Maponyane, Thompsons Tours, Jo Buitendach, Karl Rogers, Julia Rice, Claudia Pearce, Terrence Pearce, Tessa Buhrmann
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DISTRIBUTION
ON THE DOT | Mashudu Mufhadi PUBLISHED BY Ballyhoo Media A division of Ballyhoo Trading Company Reg No 2007/207595/23 14 Sixth Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2193 PO Box 3125, Parklands, 2121 Tel 086 111 4626 Fax 086 670 6429 PRINTED BY CREDA 0n high-Q titan matt; a paper sourced from certified responsibly managed forests Joburg Style is published quarterly by Ballyhoo Media. Opinions expressed in Joburg Style are not necessarily those of Ballyhoo Media. No responsibility can be accepted for errors, as all information is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. Copyright subsists in all work in this magazine. Any reproduction or adaptation, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publishers is strictly prohibited and is an act of copyright infringement that may, in certain circumstances, constitute a criminal offence.
Call SAI today on 011 883 3116 or visit www.sandtonaesthetics.co.za 127 10th St, Parkmore, Sandton
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Contributors
From the editor For a few weeks every year, Joburg becomes a shadow of its former self. The never-ending frenzy of end-of-year parties has subsided, the majority of the population has semi-grated to the coast or overseas for Christmas and New Year and we’re left with a beautiful city that’s transformed into a haven of peace and tranquility. The streets are quiet, the passages in the malls, still recovering from the Christmas rush, echo with few footsteps, the trendy spots are either closed for the season or are begging for attention. This is a best kept secret. An opportunity to enjoy the few weeks before work and school start again in January with almost perfect weather – and the sound of silence. There’s seriously no better way to recharge. Unless, of course, you enjoy queueing for a table in a sea view restaurant in Plett, Durban, Cape Town, Hermanus or the East Coast, sitting in peak season traffic to get a miniscule spot on the best beach in your chosen holiday spot and
being surrounded by like-minded sunburnt Joburgers as they party till the wee hours and brashly bring in the New Year. To each his own, but to those of us who relish the silence and the beauty of Joburg untouched in late December and early January, this is paradise. Of course, come the after-Christmas sales, and many of us emerge to grab a bargain or two. But, for the most part, we’re content to enjoy the company of those who have escaped the summer season mayhem. And let me tell you, there is plenty to do in Joburg at this – and any other – time of the year. So much so that we’ve filled eight pages with great ideas for adventures and getaways close to home. Take a look at pages 58 to 65 to see what you can do if you choose a Joburg staycation. It’s seriously the best of both worlds – remaining in Joburg combined with a hotel stay, dinner à deux and, perhaps, spa treatments. And, if there are kids involved in the mix, no matter. Hotels offer plenty of activities to keep them busy, as well as babysitters. So, you’re sorted even if your regular babysitting service has gone away.
MANYATSA MONYAMANE With time on your hands, we had to make sure you have plenty to read, so we’ve filled this issue with fascinating stories such as our cover story on page 28, where global star Black Coffee lets us in on a few secrets. In our Big Read, we have chosen to reprint the best feature of its kind in the past five years. Written by Elizabeth Donaldson in 2012, when she was editing the magazine, and entitled, Voices on a Train, it was awarded a Pica for its excellence the following year. You can read the feature, which Art Director Justine Kerr has redesigned, on page 32. There’s more travel to entice you, in Durban, Cape Town, Bangkok, Mykonos and Florence, plenty to do in our Cool District, Bryanston, and great ideas for entertaining in the summer months. There are vodka cocktail recipes, beauty products for men and women, and lots of great restaurants to try and things to do right until the end of February. Wishing you a safe, joyous and happy transition to a brand new year. See you in March 2018…
Photographer Manyatsa’s colourful images in our Photo Essay create an archive, an historic record of themes and subject matter that are unusual and extraordinary, but that celebrate everyday life. “Photography has become the vehicle to drive the stories that I want to tell,” she says.
CHANNAY HARVEY Photographer There are few photographers who can capture the soul of a person or the essence of a place in a single picture. Channay has that gift. Currently working with renowned photographer Nick Boulton, Channay spent many hours discovering the beauty of Cool Neighbourhoods for Joburg Style. This issue, she shows us what Bryanston has to offer.
Sharon Preston
JOBURG STYLE ONLINE If you’re not online with Joburg Style, you’re not online. Open your eyes to the Joburg Style world on our website and stay updated with what’s trending in Joburg’s luxury lifestyle, plus read our digi-mag!
WWW.JOBURGSTYLE.CO.ZA @JOBURGSTYLE
14 | www.joburgstyle.co.za
LEILA SAFFARIAN Food Editor A previous Food Editor, Leila now styles cookbooks, editorial and advertising shoots. She also writes fascinating food-related titbits on her blog, Pass The Salt. She travels extensively between Joburg and Cape Town, where she is based.
www.palazzopitti.co.za | info@palazzopitti.co.za @palazzopitti_men | @palazzopitti_ladies
Photo Philippe Lacombe
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WHAT’S INSIDE
Queen of Jozi
Joburg resident Bronwyn Abrahams describes herself as a fun-loving, beach-going, bulldogobsessed, series-addicted, shoe fanatic, vino-drinking traveller and lover of life. Her blog, Queen of Jozi, is a fun, amusing read on all things lifestyle, including fashion, beauty, travel and design. In this issue, she offers a hint of what she does on weekends, with plenty of tips on fashionable places to go, and she interviews actor Gantane Kusch, famous for the movie Noem My Skollie, which was nominated for an Oscar.
e s p m i l G “On a fashion high” – Bronwyn Abrahams
BEAUTY. THE MALE BOX. LIFESTYLE. TV & MOVIES.
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GLIMPSE | BEAUTY
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1
3
Diptyque Philosykos EDP INOAR Kálice Multifunctional oil for hair, face and body
4
THE 5 IT Lamelle Serra Soothing Body Lotion
YSL Touche Éclat 25 Star Edition, part of a limited edition trio
6
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Brightening & Smoothing Moisture Treatment
list
THE NEW SKIN AND BEAUTY TREATMENTS ARE SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE THIS SUMMER. HERE IS OUR PICK OF THE BEST PRODUCTS No 5 Fragments D’Or by Chanel – body gel with gold fragments
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Elizabeth Arden Plush Up Lip Gelato in Cherry Up!
18 | www.joburgstyle.co.za
8
Lancome Grandiose Mascara Black
9 Team Dr Joseph Deep Purifying Toner
URBAN REPAIR QMS Medicosmetics has just released a highly innovative active ingredient complex, EpiGen Daily-Detox Serum, which represents a new era in skincare development. The Serum helps deactivate the negative chemical markings that have a negative impact on the skin and accelerate epidermal regeneration at the same time, activating the cellular cleaning process and delaying skin aging. This extraordinary Serum is introduced with a new 50-minute treatment called Urban Repair. This is a detoxifying treatment to restore and replenish the skin’s natural wellbeing. It combines deep cleansing, exfoliation, the new EpiGen Detox serum and QMS’s Advanced Extensive Eye Care. The latest in the QMS Medicosmetics range of skincare products, EpiGen Daily-Detox Serum targets the damaging effects of daily pollutants on the skin and helps repair the cellular structure to restore the skin’s natural wellness. The key to the Serum’s advanced rejuvenating formulation is an EpigeneticPeptide that stimulates cell migration and proliferation and allows skin to recover its integrity more quickly. Epigenetic science opens the door for a new era in skincare development. Apply the Serum twice daily, in the morning and evening. www.futurethis.co.za
GLIMPSE | THE MALE BOX
WHERE+WEAR TV AND MOVIE STAR MAPS MAPONYANE SHARES SOME OF HIS FAVOURITE GROOMING TOOLS
1
AĒSOP NATURAL DEODORANT SPRAY
Australian brand Aēsop’s sought-after skincare products for men and women are sold in over 183 stores in 50 countries. One of its most popular products, the Natural Deodorant Spray, also happens to be one of Maps’s essentials. It’s created using Aēsop’s signature botanical ingredients and cuttingedge technology. These remarkable products are available online in South Africa via the website, www.loadingbay.co.za
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GENEROSITY WATER
Whether he’s working out or just working, Maps’s favourite drink is Generosity Water, a high quality alkaline water with a pH balance of 10.0 that provides optimal hydration. This product is also involved in giving back – launched in 2015, it assists with one of life’s basic necessities: water. For every bottle of water sold, Generosity provides water for two people for a month.
TOM FORD EYEWEAR
Part of Maps’s signature is his glasses, the Tom Ford TF5401 design to be exact. Part of the Tom Ford Global Spring Summer 2016 collection, they are designed with foldable metal clip-on sunglasses.
3
SAMSUNG NOTE 8
Maps purchased his new Samsung mobile phone when it was released in August this year. The Note 8 is a phablet smartphone, Samsung’s first phone to feature a dual-lens camera system. The successor to the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, it boasts a 16cm screen, the largest ever on a Note device.
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5
TOM FORD NEROLI PORTOFINO
Like Maps, his favourite fragrance is vibrant. Created by Tom Ford to capture the essence of the Italian Riviera, this reinvention of a classic eau de cologne features crisp citrus oils, surprising floral notes and amber undertones that leave an extraordinary impression.
6
On Trend
LA MER MATTE MOISTURISER
La Mer looks to science and the sea for its legendary moisturisers. Maps’s choice is Matte Moisturiser with its weightless, matte finish. It’s hydrating and the unique mattifying technology softens pores and shine. He says that’s how he gets his freshly balanced complexion. Swoon.
7
SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB S3
Maps never goes anywhere without his Samsung Galaxy Tab S3, released this year, which features four built-in stereo speakers, a multi-touch screen, fingerprint scanner, digital compass and more. It comes with a new, improved S pen and is the first Samsung device to run Android Nougat.
MAD ABOUT MAPS Masego ‘Maps’ Maponyane is a TV presenter, actor, model, voice-over artist, entrepreneur, creative consultant… Last year he presented E! Beyond the Red Carpet: SAFTAs, coverage of the SA Film & TV Awards with Bonang Matheba. www.mapsmaponyane.com
GLIMPSE | DAY TRIPS
WEEKEND WITH THE QUEEN BRONWYN ABRAHAMS, QUEEN OF JOZI, DESCRIBES HER PERFECT WEEKEND OUT IN THE CITY OF GOLD
BEFORE WE START… My perfect weekend would be staying home for a braai and playing board games with the Brady bunch I call friends, but I will indulge and let you in on the Joburg spots that get my generally lazy arse off the couch. Because my life consists of constant eventing, I usually decline invitations, but I have been saying ‘yes’ to events I would normally miss or ignore.
SATURDAY PABLO EGGS-GO-BAR
Basically the only place to eat breakfast in Joburg, the red shakshuka (just trust me) is all sorts of ahhh-mazing! The flatbread is something from the heavens. Think roti, butter and flatbread had a baby… yip, it’s better than that!
having it made is quite exciting because it means my vision comes to life. Sometimes if I’m in a hurry, I cut up old jeans and jackets to create ‘new’ pieces (do try this at home) – DIY queen. I source fabric from different outlets, but my favourite spot is Chamdor Faktry Sales in Northriding. THE BEACH, BRAAMFONTEIN
Okay there’s one thing you should know about me… I’m a sucker for a good view. Mix in a sunset and it’s my happy place. The Beach has a few things that hit the spot for me: Firstly, the beach (okay sans actual ocean, but still) and it’s in a trendy student district. Then there are the views, and finally, the cocktails, good music and chilled vibes. No view here, except for the odd housewife, but it’s only seven minutes from my house and it’s a great Mexican food spot. I was quite annoyed by Joburg not really having decent Mexican food spots for a long time, so thank goodness for this Illovo goodness. PS You have to try the Jalapeno Margarita; you can thank me later.
CHAMDOR FABRIC
As a fashion blogger I attend a lot of events and I shoot outfits almost every week for blog content. So I need to source a lot of versatile pieces for my wardrobe. As designers don’t send you clothing (or as much as people think), I have my clothes made. I usually struggle to find exactly what I want, so 22 | www.joburgstyle.co.za
FIRST THURSDAYS Happening on the first Thursday of every month (obvs), it’s the new thing to do in Rosebank’s art district. If the Keyes Art Mile wasn’t cool enough with its contemporary art gallery, Marble restaurant and Mesh for cocktails, the streets now turns into a big party. Casual. DJs, overpriced food stalls and cool kids (think Kylie Jenner cool) hit the streets and keep me out past my bedtime.
Photographs of Perron & Pablo Eggs-go-bar Jozi Food Whore
PERRON
DIRECTORY First Thursdays www.first-thursdays.co.za Pablo Eggs-Go-Bar 063 355 9348 The Beach @BeachBraamfontein Perron www.perron.co.za Chamdor Faktry Sales www.chamdor.com Mowana Spa www.mowanaspa.co.za 44 Stanley www.44stanley.co.za
SUNDAY
Black Coffee www.blackcoffee.co.za
MOWANA SPA
Everyone has been telling me how great this place is, so I was really glad to experience it for myself. And it’s exactly that… an experience. Sneakily set in the makeshift bush at Indaba Hotel, you’re still in the city but not really. It is definitely one of Joburg’s best-kept (not so secret) secrets. I suggest the morning special, which consists of breakfast and high tea, but the pièce de résistance – the three incredible 45-minute massages in bush-like surrounds where all you hear are the birds chirping – heaven. Consistently named the best spa in Joburg, and I finally understand why. 44 STANLEY
You know those places that just make you feel cool simply by going there and hanging out, pretending to work on your MacBook? Yeah, this is that place. It’s a mix of everything you need packaged in what looks like an old factory and a forest had a baby. I mostly go to chill at Bean There Coffee Company
Bean There Coffee Company www.beanthere.co.za The Living Room www.livingroomjozi.co.za 12 Decades Hotel 011 026 5601
before I do a spot of shopping, as one of favourite local designers, Black Coffee, is based here. The whole place is lively on the weekends, but don’t let that deter you. LIVING ROOM
Yip, I’m back to the views and this one is a goodie! Based in the very hipster district of Maboneng, it gives off a New York City vibe. Living Room is an oasis in the heart of the city, and Sundays are the best day to give it a try. There are live bands or DJs, so there’s a great vibe, but it’s the drinks and killer views from all angles that give it that something extra special.
12 DECADES HOTEL If you’re too tired to go home after fun at Living Room, stay in Maboneng’s new and seriously hip boutique hotel.
QUEEN OF JOZI Model and fashion blogger Bronwyn Abrahams started her blog, Queen of Jozi, over two years ago. She’s been featured in numerous magazines and on 5FM. The blog combines her love of Joburg with her love of travel, fashion and the good things in life. She invites readers to the FROW (Front Row) of her crazy world, to enjoy her journey with her as she enjoys exciting, inspiring experiences. Blog | www.queenofjozi.com Instagram | queenofjozi Facebook | @Queenofjozi.co.za Twitter | @bronny_ja
GLIMPSE | INTERVIEW
DOWN TO EARTH AND UP IN THE CLOUDS BRONWYN ABRAHAMS CHATS TO GANTANE ‘GWANE’ KUSCH OF NOEM MY SKOLLIE FAME, A LOCAL MOVIE THAT WAS NOMINATED FOR BEST FOREIGN FILM AT THE 89TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS. HE IS CURRENTLY ACTING IN THE LOCAL TV SERIES, SUIDOOSTER
As a writer/storyteller, what was it like to work with the inspirational John Fredericks on the Oscar-nominated Noem my Skollie? Since he is also a storyteller and was involved in the production of the movie, did you learn anything from him? Yes I did, but more so, it was affirmation that if you stick to your
Who would be your dream cast members for a play? Internationally: Will Smith, Scarlett Johansson and Michael B Jordan. I relate to Michael the most, as our backstories are similar. Locally: Illse Roos – do you remember her? She was in 7de Laan. Growing up, I had a major crush on her and I was so sad I missed her: she was on Suidooster a month or two before I joined the cast.
“Skollie was relatable; if you are not relatable, then what’s the point?”
What have been your on- and off-screen highlights on Suidooster? On-screen, when I debuted on Suidooster, everyone back home was so excited and showed me love. Off-screen was a different story altogether. It was a special moment when I went home – I visited my high school to say hi to my ex-teachers and speak to the kids. I literally got mobbed. The whole school was disrupted, I felt like Michael Jackson and had to be escorted out! If you could choose any movie from the past, which role would you have wanted to play? The black guy from Get Out. Who is in your Oscar acceptance speech? My Gran, my mom, my best friend and my inner circle: they know who they are.
passion and goals, and are determined, you can make it. This film is testament to a person who believed in his dreams; and it reminds me never to give up. Whatever your truth, believe in it. Being a creative, I overthink and try to intellectualise too much. Skollie was relatable; if you are not relatable, then what’s the point?
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GLIMPSE | INTERVIEW
“I’m for antiestablishment, formulating your own opinions about things. Do what makes you happy”
What is the name of the last playlist you created on your phone? Bro Bro. What is the one word you keep saying? Ting. Do you have a hidden talent we don’t know about? I can set up lighting on set, I do spoken word and I have Kusch Optics (photography). You do spoken word…what do you write about? Is your poetry an emotional outlet for you? I’m going to answer the last part first and the first part last. Yes, poetry is an emotional outlet for me. I write about being yourself and about self-worth. I’m all about anti-establishment, formulating your own opinions about things, and doing whatever makes you happy.
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When in Joburg, what is the one thing you like to see/eat/buy? What’s that place called? With the market? (I offer a few options) Yes, that one, Fourways Farmers Market. If you were stuck on a yacht for a week, who would you want to be stuck with? TV actress Kamo Modisakeng. Michelle Obama or Rihanna? Michelle. AKA or YoungstaCPT? AKA, because I just listened to ‘Holy Mountain’ this morning. In order of which country you would most like to visit, arrange the following countries: India, America, Kenya. 1. Kenya. 2. America (to work and to live). 3. India.
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Different is better
Features | Cover Story
B L A C K He’s down to earth, humble and oh so talented. He talks to Joburg Style about
C O F F E E
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Cover Story | Features
N O fame, marriage and skills that have been recognised the world over
F I LT E R
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Features | Cover Story
“ M Y
B E S T
W O U L D B E
M Y
A S S E T
H A V E
TO
G O D - G I V E N
TA L E N T ” What would you like people to know about you? I am an average guy who wakes up every day and pursues his dreams.
critics, it’s criticism with dishonest stories that bothers me because it creates unnecessary barriers between the fans and my work.
You’ve collaborated with the likes of Alicia Keys and Drake, and recently went into studio with Akon. Which of these musicians inspires you the most? I am inspired by many creatives/ artists; it’s not only the big stars I’ve had the opportunity to work with who inspire me. Even artists who have not yet broken into the music industry inspire me. I see it as learning and it could be anyone.
Who are your heroes? And why? I’m inspired by many different people – and for many different reasons.
How does it feel to be linked to musicians of this calibre? Has it sunk in yet just how famous you are? It’s a scary feeling and most of the time I forget. I see myself as Nkosinathi and I still think I can walk in the streets freely. It is an honour to have my work recognised and appreciated to such a great extent. What would a dream collaboration be as far as you’re concerned? One of the people I’ve always mentioned is Drake, which has happened, so I would say Beyoncé and Rihanna.
Your best asset? My best asset would have to be my God-given talent. How has marriage changed you? I don’t think it has changed me, I haven’t recognised any change. But maybe my wife would say otherwise. Three things you want to do in this lifetime? • Be the best Me, • Be the best father to my kids and husband to my wife, • Build a music service and a school for Fashion, Art and Music for the African continent. Tell us a secret, something that nobody knows about you. Whatever it is (I can’t think of it now), I’d like to keep the secret for a little longer.
What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received? To stay true to myself and focused on the positive parts of life.
What is your biggest regret? I have none. Everything that has happened in life has led me to be where I am. I’m grateful for what I have achieved thus far and still strive to do more.
With fame comes criticism. What would you like to say to your critics? I don’t really mind
What are you carrying in your pockets right now? My cell phone.
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FAST FACTS • Real name: Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo. • Born 11 March 1976. • He lost the use of his left arm at the age of 13, when he was run over by a car whilst celebrating Nelson Mandela’s release. • Married to TV presenter Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa Maphumulo • Studied Jazz Studies at Technikon Natal. • Launched his career in 2005 with a remix of Hugh Masakel’s 1972 hit, ‘Stimela’. • In 2015 he won the Breakthrough DJ of the Year Award at the DJ Awards in Ibiza. • A month later, his album, Pieces of Me, went platinum locally. • He contributed to the beat song ‘Get It Together’ on Drake’s album, More Life, released in March. • He has established the DJ Black Coffee Foundation to uplift and assist people with disabilities.
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Big Read | Features
IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE LEAVE THE CITY OF GOLD TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMES AND FAMILIES FAR AWAY. ELIZABETH DONALDSON TAKES THE JOURNEY WITH THEM
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Features | Big Read
“At every stop hawkers emerge from the shadows like ghosts, carrying sixpacks of beer to sell through the windows to men deep into serious card games�
I
t’s early evening and passengers on the northbound train to Musina are pouring through Joburg’s Park Station. Endless red, white and blue nylon bags march towards the platform: On heads, on backs, dragged by tired children; all filled to capacity with everything from rice and oil to blankets and boxes of fake Nike trainers. Expressionless travellers file through the gates as the guards scream, shout, prod and push them like unruly cattle. “You don’t know where you’re going. Why didn’t you check the board? You people never check the board. You never know what’s going on,” howls the Musina train conductor, his breath thick with brandy. Passengers spill onto the train, throwing their luggage up the impossibly steep steps and scrambling to find a place to sit. The third class carriages are packed and the air is already stale and sour. It’s hot, and bewildered children wail while adults raise their voices to counter the interference. Amid this chaos, the heavenly quiet of the deserted first class compartments with their smell of old leather and their shiny bathrooms is well guarded by the conductor. They will remain empty. The commotion reaches fever pitch as the whistles blow to announce our departure. Everyone’s nervous. Everyone’s suspicious of everyone else. We’ve all heard of tsotsis, pickpockets and scam artists, so we find the place where we feel least threatened: Shonas sit with Shonas, old men with old men. Pedi with Pedi, ZCC with ZCC, huddling together, checking and rechecking luggage. I join a cluster of women. One is young and pretty, one is middle-aged with a big smile and a strange sock on her head, the other is old and stares fixedly out of the window. “Don’t mind her,” says Sock Lady. “She hasn’t said a word to anyone. Miserable cow. Come, give me your bag, there are some troublemakers on board tonight.” The younger woman nods her head in agreement and hides my bag under the seat behind a blue plastic box. “Have you got a blanket? It’ll get cold soon.” ”I asked the guard for bedding.” “The man’s a pig. He’s as drunk as a skunk,” says Sock Lady. I laugh. “He is, isn’t he?” “Pig. If they don’t bring you bedding, don’t worry I have extra.” The sock lady says everyone calls her Sis Jean. The young one is called Orinah. (No, it’s not from the Bible. No, she doesn’t know where it’s from. She suspects her parents might have made it up). ‘Miserable cow’ refuses to give her name. She just keeps staring out of the window as if there’s anything to see besides an empty railway track. Sis Jean is deeply offended. “Huh, we’re going to be on this train for another 17 hours you’d think she’d make an effort. Bloody church people are all the same.” The old woman is wearing a ZCC badge, which Sis Jean refers to as the Zulu Cricket Club. Orinah, lovingly clutching a black leather Bible, tries to put in a good word for the ‘church people’, but Sis Jean’s not having any of it. “You can convert mankind from the waist up and nothing more. From the waist down we answer to only one thing,” she declares. Poor Orinah opens and closes her mouth like a desperate fish. “But Sis Jean, the good Lord…”
“And those bishops of yours flocking to church to watch the choir leaders wiggle their backsides – disgraceful. And don’t tell me it’s not true because you’d be lying.” Orinah gives up. “Very well, but you can’t tell me you don’t enjoy the hymns. The singing is glorious.” She breaks into a hymn and Sis Jeans joins in. They finish and smile at each other in satisfaction. As the train starts moving, everyone settles down. Each carriage has an unwritten order; men occupy the back seats with the luggage while women sleep along the walls and on the seats, with the children curled up in the aisles between them. But it’s almost impossible to sleep for the noise and the lack of space. The train lurches into a station every half hour; Hammanskraal, Bela Bela, Naboomspruit, Mokopane, Polokwane, Soekmekaar, Mokhado (although everyone still calls it Louis Trichardt pronounced ‘Loose Treshjard’), Mara, Mopane and finally Musina. “Won’t get much sleep tonight,” Sis Jeans sighs as the throb of music from a sadly incapacitated CD gets cranked up beyond distortion. The former nurse lives in a large four-bedroomed house on the tree-lined streets of a once-fancy suburb of Harare. Her shimmering blue swimming pool - her pride and joy - is now empty. “It cost too much to maintain and that’s only if you can get chlorine, which is impossible now. I’m thinking of filling it in, but I can’t bring myself to. Who knows, maybe Uncle Bob will step down and I’ll be able to get chlorine again? Sis Jean has five sons, all university graduates, spread across the globe. “My eldest lives in London. My grandchildren are English now. And why not? The world is a global village now, isn’t it? Look at me. I’m Xhosa living among Shonas with a best friend who’s Jamaican and my grandchildren are English. It’s the future.” Orinah is from Bulawayo. She’s a poet, but makes a living as a parking attendant at Park Station. “Some days I earn R40; others R100 but no matter what I earn I always save R5. If I can save R5 a day for a year
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that‘s R1,825. Better than nothing, isn’t it?” At every stop hawkers emerge from the shadows like ghosts, carrying six-packs of beer to sell through the windows to men deep into serious card games. We see guards at regular intervals: Some serious in neat blues and ties, carrying bedding and making sure no one’s smoking. Others, like the conductor, are blind drunk and grubby. We learn who to avoid and who to ask for water when the three bathrooms run dry. Mosquitoes have invaded the carriages in thick clouds, hovering high in the corners when the train comes to a standstill and disappearing miraculously when we start moving again. We settle down for the night. Sis Jean is reading her two romance novels. One with a blond heroine on the cover staring lovingly at a buff and tanned hero who’s a dead ringer for Ridge in The Bold, and the other with a voluptuous redhead bursting out of a velvet bustier. She switches from one to the other every chapter. “Why do you read two at a time?” I ask, more interested in why she reads them at all. “Otherwise I get bored. They’re not very interesting,” she explains without looking up. Unable to sleep I go in search of tea. The dining car is not a happy place. There is no stock and the Formica tables are empty. In fact, the entire car is empty except for the tall, thin cook standing forlornly in a corner, smoking a cigarette and staring down sadly at the carcasses of three raw chickens. “Closed until six tomorrow,” he says. The night passes in a rumble of brakes, mosquito bites and dreams
of quiet. At daybreak, everyone starts rushing around as if they were late for church – although there’s still six hours to go before we hit Musina. Sis Jean wants something to eat, so it’s back to the dining car. She raises her eyebrows in disapproval at the cigarette hanging out of the chef‘s mouth. “Good morning. Now put that cigarette out, it’s unhygienic. What can you offer us for breakfast?” “Eggs and bread,” says the man, throwing his half-smoked Gunston out the window. We order food and tea and return to our seats to perch on the pile of blankets and wait for breakfast: Me, Orinah and Jean. The bush slides past the window. There’s been rain and the river is flowing strongly. The leaves on the mopane trees are a bright, luminous green and the surreal trunk of a baobab marks the horizon. “The upside down tree,” I tell them. “Really?” Sis Jean looks indignant at the whimsy of it. Ever practical, she explains the many uses of the leaves to me – medicinal and culinary. Talk of food gets Orinah so excited she puts her Bible down and breaks into an animated explanation of an acha dish prepared with baobab leaves. The train is quieter now. Most of the passengers got off at Polokwane and Makhado, leaving a handful of Zimbabweans with a trainload of luggage to make the final trip to the border. Everyone’s tired and irritable and by the time the train rolls into Musina station and the jostling starts, tempers flare. The third class carriages are a least a kilometre from the platform and passengers struggle across the gravel to the gates. More guards wait to scream, prod and push. Outside the gates, taxis hoot, money-changers haggle and the smell of tripe clings to the air. For those going on to Harare, it’s the start of another day of heat, noise, chaos, bullies and wondering what happened to humanity.
THE END OF THE ROAD • Musina is the northernmost town in Limpopo province, near the Beit Bridge border post between South Africa and Zimbabwe. It’s the main entry point in Africa into South Africa. • In a feature in the Daily Maverick in November, written after President Mugabe stepped down, Craig Smith, founder of a
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firm of migration lawyers, said that, depending on how the situation unfolded in Zimbabwe, either more Zimbabweans would come into South Africa, or those here would return home. “If it’s non-violent and it presents economic opportunities, we might see some Zimbabweans going back home, and if it
turns violent, we might see a new influx of Zimbabweans into South Africa”. He believed Zimbabweans living in South Africa would only leave if they could not find jobs here, and that the transition in Zimbabwe represented economic opportunities. “Right now it is difficult for anyone to predict.”
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Heroes YESTERDAY’S
PHOTOGRAPHER MANYATSA MONYAMANE CELEBRATES SOUTH AFRICA’S ELDERS, THE UNSUNG HEROES WHO PAVED THE WAY FOR DEMOCRACY TODAY
Photo Essay | Features
www.joburgstyle.co.za | 39
M
anyatsa Monyamane was born and raised in Mamelodi. She describes herself as, “An artist; a storyteller through imagery, inspired and influenced by African literature, theatre and everyday surroundings.” The series of portraits shown here are bold and contemplative. “These are real people who have witnessed and experienced the transition of an entire society towards the birth of a new nation and have defined what it means to be a South African today – yet their strength has never been celebrated,” she explains. “This project focuses on capturing the essence of the timeless beauty and style of the youth of the ‘70s and earlier. It shows how they define themselves 50 years later as well as the strength that carried us through the dark days and continues to carry us to this day. “The project was inspired by my grandparents. I wanted to celebrate them, because I felt that the younger generation doesn’t consider the knowledge they have imparted to us. We don’t let them participate, yet they fought so much for us so that we, the youth, could be where we are today. The project does not yet have a title; it’s an ongoing project and I want its name to come organically. “It’s amazing how this project is growing and taking its own direction. Since I started working on it, so many people have shown interest in connecting me with their parents or grandparents, showing that they are willing to bring these neglected stories to life.” Manyatsa found her subjects through friends and family members, and by moving around the city and townships talking to people. “Through these conversations, we established a rapport, which came in handy when they stood in front of the camera.”
“Through her colourful images she creates an archive, an historic record of themes and subject matter that are unusual and extraordinary, but that celebrate everyday life”
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Photo Essay | Features
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The 28-year-old first started taking photographs at the age of nine, using a “point and shoot family camera”. “The first photographs I took were of family members,” she says. She later went on to study photography. Through her colourful images she creates an archive, an historic record of themes and subject matter that are unusual and extraordinary, but that celebrate everyday life. “My love for photography sparked from my love of storytelling,” she explains. “Photography has become the vehicle to drive the stories that I want to tell.” Her work won her a place in the top 10 as well as winner of a Merit Award in the 2017 Absa L’Atelier art competition and she was also recently awarded the Lizamore & Associates Mentorship Prize. In addition, she picked up the Multi and New Media/ Photography Merit Award at the 30th installment of the inaugural Thami Mnyele Art Awards. An exhibition of 16 photographs from this project was on display and for sale at the Cradle Contemporary Art Fair, at the Cradle Boutique Hotel located in the Cradle of Humankind.
Photo Essay | Features
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Features | Subculture
“IT’S SIMPLE, IF IT JIGGLES, IT’S FAT” – ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER PUT BODYBUILDING ON THE MAP… AND THE OBSESSION WITH BODIES BEAUTIFUL HAS ESCALATED EVER SINCE. SINEAD MARTIN TAKES A LOOK AT THE NEW AGE VERSION OF A SPORT THAT HAS MEN AND WOMEN COMPLETELY FIXATED
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T
he smell of olive oil non-stick cooking spray in the air means only one thing to bodybuilders: competition day. Contrary to what you may expect, this isn’t because they’re scrambling eight egg whites or grilling lean chicken breasts by the dozen, but rather because they’ve sprayed themselves from head to toe with the stuff. “It gives you a much shinier finish than body oil,” explains Chad Ossip, a PwC Chartered Accountant by profession and bodybuilder by choice. He admits to bingeing on Krispy Kreme donuts after a competition. It seems that weeks of carb-deprived training do catch up with you. If one takes an inside look into bodybuilding, outsiders’ suspicions are verified. It’s a life of hours spent in the gym, muscular posing, plenty of lean protein and really dark spray tans. There are also whisperings of steroids. Any competitor you speak to will likely be open about this, and many admit that they’re not aware of much testing for banned substances going on at competition time. But what really needs to be understood is what gets these dedicated athletes up at the crack of dawn every day and into the gym. “It all started in 2013, after that famous first-year varsity spread kicked in, and I decided it was time to make a change,” says Kylie
Opperman, 2017’s Miss SA Xtreme champion. “I started with a personal weight loss challenge, predominantly powerlifting and CrossFit. Powerlifting made me fall in love with weights because it challenged me physically and mentally, and became an outlet for any emotional turmoil. I met a fitness bikini competitor who suggested that I consider competing. I laughed it off, but then I decided to set myself a goal – to step on stage for the first time in 2015. I did this, and I immediately knew it was my purpose in life.” The deeper you look into this fascinating, somewhat extreme exercise form, the more you realise that it’s a rush of adrenaline that keeps each competitor coming back for more. While Opperman describes it as finding the “fire” in her veins, Ossip explains that once he gets over his nerves, “It’s a sense of selfworth” that he can’t get elsewhere. They each talk of the process as a mental journey of self-discovery more than a journey of body transformation. Perhaps the mental strength is an aspect that is often not thought about. Sure, one understands there has to be some level of discipline to get your butt into the gym every day, but what about the internal growth? Just like the rest of us, bodybuilders fight those negative inner thoughts, questioning whether they’re good enough, tough enough and let’s face it, bulging enough. “The mental side of this sport is extremely challenging, but you have to trust the journey,” says Ossip. While we tend to accept the masculine form when it comes to body building practices, society isn’t quite as accepting when it comes to the female form. Opperman, however, has used her journey as a route to female empowerment. “Winning SA Xtreme in June, and taking the Overalls category too, was really momentous for me,” she says. “I took a year off from competing and decided to work on my ‘weak’ areas. I’ve always been a muscular woman, blessed with good genetics, but entering the Body Fitness category, two divisions higher than I had ever entered before, was a moment I look back on as a time where I showcased myself through my bodybuilding, and how strong I had become as a woman, mentally.
TRAIN ONLINE The photographs featured on these two pages were provided to us by Sheriff Training Systems, currently the largest online training platform in the country. With close to 30 affiliate coaches, they cater for a wide range of clients, the majority of whom are regular people, including accomplished strength athletes and stay at home moms, doctors, lawyers and everything in-between. They use state-of-the-art app technology that allows trainers to remotely train and coach clients anywhere in the country. They also get competitors competition-ready with specialised programmes. www.teamsts.net
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Subculture | Features
JACO SMIT’S DIET PLAN DURING TRAINING
Photograph Tristian Van Der Bijl
4:30am Black coffee and cinnamon
5am Training
“It’s a life of hours spent in the gym, muscular posing, plenty of lean protein and really dark spray tans”
7am 8 egg whites, 2 yolks, 100g oats & whey protein
It was a physical reflection of my mental strength.” Having placed fifth in the Rossi Grand Prix Beach Body Division last year, Jaco Smit, manager and trainer of Morningside’s ARENA wellness gym, credits the hard work he sees each day as his greatest motivation. “Seeing our clients train so hard and push themselves constantly motivates me to do better in my own training,” he says. Smit has a great reputation when it comes to getting competitors stage-ready. In fact, he helped Ossip place second during his first competition at the IFBB Gauteng Novice earlier this year. Smit explains that the week before a competition is the toughest, both mentally and physically. “Peak week is probably the hardest because your mind starts playing games with you and you get plenty of cravings, but it’s balanced by the fact that you can see your body literally changing by the day. It’s absolutely fascinating!” And then there’s the world of social media. A quick search on Instagram and ‘#bodybuilding’ pulls up over 64.5 million posts (and counting!). There’s no denying that this is a large and popular community. “Social media has been one of my greatest tools,” reveals Opperman. “It has provided me with an incredible platform to reach out to people, inspire and motivate them, and change lives.” All her 4,000 Instagram followers know her as @miss_k_flexfit, a brand she’s built around her own transformation and success. Whether it is the mental strength, the power over your own body or the adrenaline rush of competing, there certainly is much more to bodybuilding than meets the eye.
10am 200g chicken, 150g white basmati rice, 80g broccoli
1pm 200g ostrich mince, 150g butternut 4pm 1 tin of tuna, 50g pineapple 7pm 250g lean meat, 150g roasted veggies Before bed Half tub of cottage cheese, 1 scoop of casein protein
e r o l p x E SANTORINI
The most iconic Greek island of all, Santorini is a picture-perfect volcanic island with whitewashed buildings clinging to the cliffside, in sharp contrast to the azure sea. 1. Visit Oia, a tiny, picturesque town on the island’s north-western coast. Overlooking a vast caldera filled with water, the town and scenery are breathtaking. 2. Ride a donkey up from the harbour to the main town. The journey may be slow and steep, but the setting is spectacular. 3. Sunset is the best time of day in Santorini, a time to reflect on the beauty of nature in one of the world’s most gorgeous locations.
BANGKOK. FLORENCE. JOBURG STAYCATIONS. BRYANSTON. LOCAL FESTIVALS. 49 | www.joburgstyle.co.za
Allure Before it was called Santorini, the island was known as ‘Kallisté’, meaning ‘the most beautiful one’
Introducing our new ship for 2018/19 season, MSC Musica, she’s in a class of her own!
MS C MUSIC A Life aboard the MSC Musica is beautiful from the moment you step on; from the central foyer’s three-tier waterfall and its see-through piano, floating suspended on a crystal floor above a pool of shimmering water, to designer venues like the Crystal Lounge, the Havana Club cigar lounge, the Sanremo Casino and the Kaito Sushi Bar. As with any MSC experience, it’s a magical world for adults, kids, and teens alike.
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POME N E
Pomene, 605km north of Maputo and 170km south of Vilanculos, is arguablyone of the most picturesque destinations in Mozambique. The azure colours of the Indian Ocean lap onto the powdery white sand of this peninsula’s palm-lined beaches on one side, while the other side is framed by the clear waters of a spectacular mangrove estuary.
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Explore | Florence
you had me at FLORENCE DAVID GILLSON HAS VISITED FLORENCE EVERY YEAR FOR MORE THAN A DECADE. AFTER HIS RECENT ITALIAN ADVENTURE, HE REMINISCES ABOUT WHY THIS FASCINATING CITY IS ONE OF HIS FAVOURITES
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F
lorence is beautiful. Seriously. Russet rooftops cluster together and beneath them, a series of medieval structures including 15th and 16th century palazzos, fresco-decorated churches and chapels. In its midst lies the Arno River, and over it stretches the spectacular Ponte Vecchio Bridge, lined with shops as it has been for centuries, and held up with stilts to keep it upright. Dominating the city skyline is the elegant Duomo, one of the most exquisite cathedrals in the world. The city is the cradle of the Renaissance, a cultural treasure trove housing some of the greatest artistic masterpieces ever created, so it’s no surprise that the old part of Florence has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s incomparable.
STAY
I go to Italy every year to attend CosmoProf, the world’s largest hair and beauty trade fair, which is held in Bologna. Florence is just a train-ride away, and as it’s one of my favourite places, I always stay there.
OSTERIA FRANCESCANA
JK Place For the past four years, my home from home has been JK
Place, a magnificent hotel that is quite unique, with exquisite décor and many special touches. I fell in love with the lounge the first time I visited… there’s a selection of incredible décor books and classic art movies. The bedrooms are exquisitely decorated and luxurious, and the hotel’s attention to detail is evident in the pile of fashion magazines and 100 percent Irish bed linen. A bonus is the predinner Prosecco and antipasto served every evening. Breakfast, drinks and snacks are served in an internal courtyard covered with glass to keep out the elements. JK Place is so central that you can easily walk everywhere you want to go.
EAT
PARIONE My all-time favourite restaurant in Florence, this casual trattoria offers traditional Florentine fare. I never look at the menu; I let owner Marco choose the meal and I’ve yet to be disappointed by the food and fabulous wine selection. I recommend the Florentine T-bone.
MICHELANGELO’S DAVID
Florence | Explore
WHERE ELSE TO STAY
Il Salviatino www.salviatino.com
HOW TO GET THERE
LA CUCINA DEL GARGA Another favourite, this restaurant serves delicious Tuscan dishes. IL LATINI This trattoria features communal tables and offers great food and wines. It’s one of the best places to sample a traditional Florentine steak. 4 LEONI Set in the boho-chic Santo Spirito neighbourhood, its menu features interesting takes on traditional Tuscan dishes. Try one of the innovative pasta dishes. If the weather’s good, grab a table in the courtyard. OSTERIA FRANCESCANA It’s in Modena, a train-ride away and well worth a visit. Owned and run by chef Massimo Bottura, whose Italian menu has won world acclaim.
DRINK & PARTY
LOCALE FIRENZE Yes, the food is excellent, but I go to enjoy the atmosphere at the trendy bar. Located in a medieval palace, the bar serves the best cocktails. DORIS CLUB This elegant, ambient private lounge only really
comes alive after 2am. Friday night is Electronic Music Night, so call for the list of international DJs before making a booking. DISCOTECA YAB Florence isn’t famous for its nightclubs, but I always enjoy myself here.
VISIT
PITTI PALACE You could spend a day exploring the palace complex with its art gallery, Medici palace, museums, royal apartments and lush gardens. PONTE VECCHIO A landmark in the city, this is the oldest bridge across the Arno River. It has been lined with goldsmith shops ever since 1345. UFFIZI GALLERY Italy’s richest and most celebrated art gallery is filled with treasures. See Botticelli’s Primavera and Birth of Venus, Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo and Gentile da Fabriano’s Adoration of the Magi.
Air France flies to Paris daily, departing 7.50pm and arriving at 5.45am. A daily connecting flight takes you to Florence, departing 7.10am and arriving at 9am. On your return, depart Florence at 8.25pm, arrive in Paris at 10.15pm. Your homeward flight departs Paris at 11.30pm and arrives in Joburg at 11.10am. www.airfrance.co.za or 0861 340 340
LITTLE BLACK BOOK
JK PLACE www.jkplace.com PARIONE www.parione.net
LA CUCINA DEL GARGA www.garga.it IL LATINI www.illatini.com 4 LEONI www.4leoni.com OSTERIA FRANCESCANA www.osteriafrancescana.it LOCALE FIRENZE www.localefirenze.it DORIS CLUB Via dè Pandolfini, 36r DISCOTECA YAB www.yab.it/en
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EXPLORE | BANGKOK MOZAMBIQUE
48 HOURS IN BANGKOK
BANGKOK IS ONE OF ASIA’S MOST VIBRANT AND EXCITING CITIES, AND EXPLORING THE CITY OFFERS A WORLD OF UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITIES. TRENDSETTER AND CELEBRITY HAIRSTYLIST DAVID GILLSON OFFERS HIS TOP CHOICES OF WHAT TO DO IN BANGKOK IF YOU HAVE TWO DAYS Day 1 Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, then head off to explore Jim Thompson House, once the home of world-famous American silk entrepreneur, architect and art collector Jim Thompson (his silk fabrics are world renowned and you’ll find many exquisite stores in the city selling these wares). The house, which was built in 1959, was transformed into an exquisite museum a few years later and is now one of Bangkok’s top heritage sights. Located in the city centre, it houses Thompson’s magnificent art collection as well as exquisite items of furniture, and the garden is a magical tropical jungle. Enjoy lunch at Baan Klang Nam, one of the best restaurants in the city for traditional Thai dishes and excellent seafood. Located in a Thai-style stilted house on the Chao Phraya River, this family-run establishment serves generous portions of delicious food. Popular dishes include stir-fried crab in chilli paste, tom yum kung (soup) and deep-fried white sea bass with fish sauce. Spend your afternoon enjoying some retail therapy at the worldfamous mega mall, Siam Paragon, which features more than 250 wallto-wall designer stores including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and Dior alongside high street brands such as Zara and H&M. All the major watch brands have flagship stores here and there are some amazing Thai designer labels too, as well as some stunning international food shops. After shopping, head to the Bamboo Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for afternoon cocktails overlooking the Chao Phraya River. This famous Bangkok institution is well worth a visit, not only for the cocktails, but also for the city views. Stay close to the river for dinner, and enjoy a dinner cruise on the river. There are numerous ones to try, many of which include a buffet, traditional Thai dancing and amazing drag shows. It also gives you an excellent overview of Bangkok, as most of the city’s famous sights are on the river’s edge. Before heading to bed, finish off an eventful day with a nightcap at the rooftop Red Sky Bar, on the 55th floor of the Centara Grand Hotel, which offers impressive 360-degree panoramic views. Their cocktail and wine menu is long enough to ensure you’ll find the perfect drink to end your day in style. 56 | www.joburgstyle.co.za
STAY When I choose a hotel in Bangkok, my first prerogative is that it should be located on the romantic Chao Phraya River
Day 2 Add a little culture to your visit with a trip to explore the splendid Wat Arun Temple. Built between the 14th and 18th centuries, the Temple of Dawn (its English name) is one of the most beautiful temples in the city, not only because of its stunning location, but also because of its design, which, unlike other temples, features colourfully decorated spires. For lunch, try Como Metropolitan Hotel’s acclaimed restaurant Nahm, with Australian Chef David Thompson at the helm. Sit overlooking the hotel pool and enjoy Nahm’s fresh, traditional Thai dishes inside. For traditional wares, head for Khao San Road for authentic Thai shopping. It’s full of good bars, backpacking hotels, eclectic clothing and fakes of every description.This evening, dine in style at the world-famous Gaggan restaurant, run by Indian Michelin-starred chef Gaggan Anand. This is one of the world’s top 50 restaurants and has received numerous other awards, including best restaurant in Asia time and again. The tasting menu, known as ‘the Gaggan experience’, comprises 25 courses; it’s not to be missed.
The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok This legendary hotel is my first choice. Recently voted best hotel in the world by Condé Nast Traveler magazine, this 140-yearold hotel is old school luxury at its best. It’s famous for its extravagant guest facilities, and one of the world’s most beautiful spas. If it’s a little out of your price range, make sure to pay a visit to see the exquisite flowers in the garden and enjoy a delicious cocktail on the terrace overlooking the river.
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort Enjoy luxury next to the riverside in tropical splendour at this exotic Bangkok resort. Offering numerous facilities including 10 bars and restaurants, the hotel is ideally located close to Asiatique night market, Bangkok’s latest shopping and nightlife hub.
GETTING THERE For information on how to get to Bangkok and Thailand’s numerous resorts, contact Thompsons Tours www.thompsons.co.za
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8 OF THE BEST IN JOBURG
WHO SAYS YOU HAVE TO LEAVE THE CITY TO HAVE A GREAT GETAWAY? JOBURG STYLE FINDS EIGHT STUNNING HOTELS WHERE YOU CAN GET AWAY FROM IT ALL, JUST A HOP, SKIP AND A JUMP FROM HOME
MELROSE ARCH HOTEL Melrose Arch itself is another world, a live/play/stay environment where you literally can do everything without having to drive. Which is why the Melrose Arch Hotel makes such a great staycation. Modern, quirky (there’s a night lift and a day one, plus yellow rubber ducks for the bath) and very luxurious, it’s a welcome respite from the noise and bustle of the precinct. The rooms are comfortable and decidedly different, with a bathtub with aforementioned ducks, lounge area, full minibar, desk, comfortable giant bed, plus coffee and tea on tap. But the highlight is the March Restaurant, which offers private dining areas and numerous signature touches. It’s designed in a monochromatic palette with surprising pops of colour and with drapes hanging from what look like clothes hangers. Here, visitors enjoy five-star dining from an eclectic menu that
covers all bases and includes African and local delicacies as well as international favourites such as grilled salmon with tempura prawn. Dining al fresco in the pool (literally – your feet are immersed in water while you eat) is another delight – the hotel is honestly full of surprises. You’ll notice that this hip hotel prides itself on its attention to detail, not only noticeable wherever you look, but also very much part of the service and the entire experience. www.africanpridehotels.com
Hip hop
DUCKS
Yellow ducks are a signature of a stay at this luxury hotel, whether you’re enjoying bathtime in your room or sitting at the poolside splashing them with your feet.
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DESSERT
Dessert at the March Restaurant is the cherry on top – delicacies include White Chocolate Mousse and A Study of Orange – mousse, jelly, citrus shortbread and chocolate orange mousse.
Tsogo Sun hotels located at Montecasino. And let’s not forget all the entertainment offerings at Montecasino itself – the casino, theatre, cinemas – and, of course, the retail stores and numerous restaurants. The hotel’s offering of on-site restaurants include Medeo, with its lovely terrace for al fresco dining, and the Café Rialto Bar and Lounge, ideal for an informal pre-dinner drink. High tea at the Palazzo is legendary, a veritable feast of sweet and savoury treats, all freshly prepared and accompanied by a selection of infused teas. Whether you come here to escape and get away from it all, or take advantage of all that Montecasino has to offer, your staycation is likely to be an eventful, fun-filled experience. www.tsogosun.com
PALAZZO MONTECASINO No, you’re not under the Tuscan sun. But you could be. The Palazzo Hotel is an elegant, opulent hotel nestling in spectacular gardens right next to Montecasino in Fourways, which offers a luxurious escape. Its six consecutive World Luxury Hotels Awards prove it has found that special secret to success; a combination of sumptuous accommodation, attentive service and superlative facilities. Recently refurbished to an even higher level of excellence, the hotel features 246 beautiful rooms and suites, as well as a fully-equipped fitness centre, state-of-the-art spa, outdoor swimming pool and a choice of restaurants at all of the three
HIGH TEA
Not only is it delicious but high tea at the Palazzo is reasonably priced for what you get, which includes a selection of delicious cakes, sandwiches, quiches and other sweet treats, as well as numerous Ceylon teas.
Tuscan treat
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EXPLORE | STAYCATIONS
with some excellent local wines. Pamper yourself with some treatments at the hotel’s award-winning Africology Spa, considered one of the best in town. This relaxing spa sanctuary uses only natural, holistic and eco-friendly products and treatments. The menu includes massages, facials, wraps, scrubs, aromatherapy treatments and there is a choice of half- and full-day spa packages for the ultimate pamper. www.suninternational.com
THE MASLOW You’re away from the Sandton City bustle, but close enough if you feel like a shot of retail therapy. Alternatively, you’re within walking distance of Nelson Mandela Square if you’re looking for some great restaurants. Your staycation at the luxurious Maslow Hotel includes panoramic city views from your room or suite (if you do book a suite, you’ll enjoy an en suite bedroom, as well as a living room). Décor is contemporary and the hotel is a delightful respite, an opportunity to get away from it all, relax next to the pool, work out at the gym and enjoy some good food at the Lacuna Bistro, particularly fresh seafood (try the sushi with an African twist) washed down
HERBS
Lacuna Bistro’s Executive Chef, Dallas Orr has created a herb garden on the hotel’s rooftop, growing a variety of fresh herbs including basil, sage, coriander, thyme, dill and parsley as well as various chillies for use in his kitchen, which is famous for its delicious, wholesome and simple dishes.
Sand ton swag
SPA
The hotel’s award-winning Africology Spa offers natural, holistic, eco-friendly treatments and breathtaking city views. It’s the ultimate pamper sanctuary.
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FAIRLAWNS BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA
GOURMET FARE
Both of Fairlawns’ excellent restaurants are renowned for their fabulous gourmet dishes. The all-day Manor House Bistro serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and also offers a decadent high tea, whilst The Terrace Restaurant is known for romantic candlelit dinners featuring an exquisite menu, paired with the hotel’s Diamond Award-winning wine list. Guests can also enjoy a private dining experience in the hotel’s private dining room, Into the Woods, which has an indoor/outdoor feel. Whatever you choose, the food is sublime and as elegant and impressive as a stay at this exclusive boutique hotel.
Sandton City is a distant landmark on the skyline, although it’s close enough to drive there in a matter of minutes. But, you’ll feel as if you’re in the country at this sumptuous suburban sanctuary. Set amongst acres of lush landscaped gardens, Fairlawns is a little slice of pampered paradise in our urban jungle, a real escape from the bustle and noise. Accommodation is in plush suites, each individually decorated in a selection of themes from Eastern inspiration to French chic. Previously a luxury private residence, it has been transformed into a plush retreat with one of the best spas in town. For casual, al fresco
Urban bliss
dining throughout the day, Manor House Bistro caters to eclectic tastes – and its decadent Strawberry Daiquiri tea trolley, offered morning and afternoon, is a sight to behold. You can also enjoy a classic high tea or exchange the tea for bubbly by the glass. Fine dining at candlelit tables accompanied by soft music is also offered in the hotel’s award-winning terrace restaurant, whose exquisite menu is paired with a fittingly superb wine list. www.fairlawnshotel.co.za
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HYATT REGENCY ROSEBANK Yes, it’s right in Rosebank, the perfect location to shop, dine, go to the movies, have coffee… or you could stay at the hotel without moving, because it’s got everything you could possibly want. There’s a stunning fitness centre where you can work out, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, not to mention Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room and the Amani Spa that is so good it’s used by those living in the vicinity as well as guests. And let’s not forget the relaxed, informal oneNINEone Restaurant,
a stylish, modern restaurant in a cosmopolitan setting serving international cuisine with a unique South African flair. Dishes are accompanied by an extensive wine list of over 170 local and international labels. Africaninspired décor sets off the 244 beautifully appointed guest rooms and 15 suites, all spacious, with every facility. The hotel goes all out to personalise your stay, offering extra pillows and hangers, hot coffee on arrival – all you need to do is ask. Suites feature Nespresso machines and every mod con, including large TV. Twenty-fourhour room and concierge services come standard. www.hyatt.com
Urban slick
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
The Hyatt is ideally located, close to excellent shopping opportunities in the Mall and the Zone, as well as the many restaurants, banks and fast food outlets in the area. Both The Mall and The Zone offer cinemas as well. In addition, the Gautrain is a five-minute walk away, offering easy access to the CBD, Pretoria and the airport.
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SANDTON SUN A dream come true for those who love effervescent Sandton City mall, the Sandton Sun spreads upwards and outwards, towering over the new structures on Alice Lane and beyond, with superb views of the west of the city. Its reach takes in glitzy Diamond Walk in the mall itself, which is lined with trendy international designer stores, and it also boasts the magnificent San Deck, a haven for those who enjoy celebrating the sunset in style. Overlooking the Sandton CBD, it offers a selection of comfy couches to collapse into, and an endless choice of drinks. That’s just part of what you can expect when you book in for your staycation – this fine luxury hotel also offers a choice of 326 spacious,
Swish in the city
superbly appointed en suite rooms and suites, a stunning spa located within the hotel offering a range of rejuvenating and refreshing treatments, a well-equipped fitness centre and superb food at the grand café-style San Restaurant. Need we say more? www.tsogosun.com
SUNDOWNERS
The San Deck at the Sandton Sun is as wellknown for its scintillating views as it is for its choice of sundowners. With three fire pits, lounge seating, live music (and a DJ on weekends), it’s a popular spot for pre-dinner drinks and social get-togethers. It also serves snacks (salads, sandwiches, hot dogs and gourmet bunny chow).
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CLICO BOUTIQUE HOTEL It’s a block away from Keyes Art Mile, where Circa and the Everard Read Gallery reign supreme, and alongside Mesh, Marble, Missibaba, the Milk Bar and more. It boasts a ‘boutique hotel in the suburbs’ energy, a welcome respite from Rosebank’s trendy retail vibe. Clico is known for its superb food, warm hospitality, exclusivity and home-fromhome feel. It’s far more intimate than a city hotel and offers a personalised, unpretentious experience that is hard to beat. Add seasonal daily menus that delight the palate, a suburban feel with a pool in the pretty
DINING
garden and comfortable accommodation that makes you want to move in permanently, and you know you’ve found your dream staycation venue. Best of all, there’s a choice of six queen- and three king-sized bedrooms, each with a flat screen TV, aircon, a selection of teas and Bodum coffee, and most have a balcony or door leading into the garden. www.clicohotel.com
City chic
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Clico’s excellent restaurant is known not only for its superb cuisine but also for its personalised service. Open to the public as well as hotel guests, it features European-style dishes served for lunch and dinner. Sophisticated evening dining includes delicious gourmet tasting menus that change every month.
Wines are paired with each course to create the ultimate dining experience. Lunch is a more casual affair, with smaller dishes like pork sliders, sandwiches and salads, but if you would like to enjoy a tasting menu at lunchtime, this can be arranged for you.
The Manor House across the road is just as magical with seven spacious, light-filled rooms and suites, antique furniture and every modern comfort. Guests enjoy personalised five-star dining in both locations. At the Manor House, this includes a professional butler service with meals served indoors in a private dining room or in the manicured gardens. If you’re staying in the Manor House, you can enjoy luxury treatments in the comfort of your own suite. www.morrells.co.za
MORRELLS BOUTIQUE ESTATE, NORTHCLIFF
ROOMS
Each charming room at Morrells is individually decorated in Provence style, with its own special charm and personality.
C’est la vie
Slap bang in the midst of Northcliff is another stunning surprise, an unexpected little slice of Provençal France from another era. A favourite venue for all sorts of celebrations, Morrells offers olde worlde guest rooms in a choice of two guesthouses. The Farmhouse was the first house to be built in the suburb. Erected in the 1800s, it has been meticulously restored to its former glory and features seven charming en suite bedrooms with original wooden floors and pressed ceilings. It offers a shady patio, cosy lounge and dining room area, as well as al fresco eating.
HINTHUNTING
If you’re in Joburg over the Festive Season, here’s something fun! HintHunt is a universal escape game that offers an unforgettable experience, where you solve puzzles to escape a themed room. How does it work? You arrive, are briefed by a game master, then you and your team are locked in a specially designed space where you’re given one hour to work out the clues that have been left for you to beat the clock and escape. You have to work together as a team to overcome various mental tasks –solving riddles and puzzles and unravelling mysteries. It’s great fun, and there are various themes to choose from. The games are best enjoyed in groups of three to six players. HintHunt Illovo is running a special – the first 100 games booked between 1 December 2017 and 15 January 2018 will receive a whopping 50 percent off – ONLY if you book online.
www.hinthunt.com
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Explore | Cool District
THE ALONG
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Cool District | Explore
NICOL Joburg Style discovers some of the best that William Nicol Drive and its surrounds has on offer
Words Jo Buitendach | Photographs Channay Harvey
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T
alk to any Joburg local and without a doubt they have spent some time on William Nicol Drive, either shopping up a storm, enjoying a meal with friends or, more likely, stuck in traffic. Running from Diepsloot to Hyde Park straight through Bryanston and Sandton, this is one of Johannesburg’s busiest thoroughfares. But, William Nicol Drive and its surroundings also have some pretty cool stuff to do, so why not pull in, miss the traffic and enjoy some of our top picks? Load the kids (the four-legged furry kind, too) into the car and head for a fun morning at the Field Market. Situated along the Braamfontein Spruit and nestled under bunting clad trees, this family oriented market takes place on the second Saturday of every month and has some great food, drinks and crafts on offer. Part of ever-popular Pick n Pay on Nicol is popular in-house café Thyme on Nicol, which offers a large selection of breakfasts, salads, sandwiches and sushi.
Ghazal is one of the city’s best Indian eateries, with an ardent fan base who swear by its delicious North Indian cuisine and great service. We recommend the garlic naan, chicken korma and the spicy masala tea. Talking of markets, let’s not forget the legendary Bryanston Organic Market, open from 9am to 3pm every Thursday and Saturday (with a moonlight market from 5 to 9pm until 19 December). Located in Culross Road, off Main Road, it’s another world, with lots of healthy fare, not to mention all sorts of crafts and wholesome food to take home. In Bryanston Shopping Centre, one finds Café del Sol Botanico, part of the popular family-run Café del Sol brand. This stylish greenhouse inspired dining experience is the perfect place for a special celebration.
Clockwise from top Field Market, Rockets, Jacksons Food Market, Bryanston Organic Market, Tiger’s Milk
Cool District | Explore
TIME FOR DRINKS
Tigers Milk tigersmilk.co.za
Rockets www.rocketslife.tv
FURTHER ALONG THE NICOL Montecasino offers great hotels, casino action and retail. For live entertainment, the Teatro and Pieter Toerien Theatres are institutions. Comedy fans can check out Parker’s Comedy and Jive. If you’re feeling studious, we love Skoobs Theatre of Books, with its great selection and in-house coffee shop. One of our best markets is the Fourways Farmers Market, opposite Montecasino. This delightful market sells garden fresh artisanal products.
FOURWAYS FARMERS MARKET www.ffmarket.co.za
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Clockwise from top Melt Chocolates, PwC Cycle Bike Park, Roll Egoli
FYI Field & Study Park www.fieldmarket.co.za Thyme on Nicol Facebook: Thyme on Nicol
PwC Bike Park www.bikepark.co.za
An extensive menu of fresh, colourful produce will wow any patron. Think Organic Beetroot Carpaccio, home-made pasta and its famous ‘drowned ice cream’. This is a must-try. Snog Clothing isn’t just a clothing store, but rather offers an entire fashion service to its clients, helping them put together a classy, feminine and chic look. We love its structurally unique dresses sourced from a Turkish fashion house. New on the block and increasingly hip is Rockets Bryanston in Hobart Grove Shopping Centre, a unique space that is both restaurant and events area. This new branch of the trendy Rockets restaurants is a four-storey wonderland, still featuring the innovative salads and simple, fresh fare that made its Parkhurst iteration so popular, but offering a lot more – there’s a rooftop garden, Lolita’s Bar and Lounge, ladies’ champagne lounge and gent’s cognac lounge, making it another experience entirely. Hobart Grove is also home to Wombles Steakhouse Restaurant, the popular eatery that was a landmark in Parktown North. Like its predecessor, also owned and managed by Duncan and Yvette Barker, Wombles takes guests back to an African colonial lifestyle, where the food is as glamorous as the surroundings. Jackson’s Real Food Market is, in a word, amazing. This food mecca focuses on artisanal food producers, grass-fed and pasture raised animals and organic, naturally grown produce. It has a huge selection of Banting products and a restaurant offering fresh, healthy food. Grab a coffee from Origin Coffee to sip while you wander the aisles. Afterwards, head for 70 | www.joburgstyle.co.za
Tiger’s Milk next door. This cool Cape Town brand has some really yummy, gastro-pub style eats, perfectly paired with a pint of Tiger’s Milk lager. There‘s plenty to do in Bryanston if you’re active, starting with the PwC Bike Park, an adventure and skills playground that is part of a natural wetland bordering the N1 and Bryanston’s Main Road. With 20 hectares of land and 13km of cycling trails, it is the perfect spot to learn, practice and cycle in a contained environment. Also on Main Road is Roll Egoli, rollerskating heaven for the more adventurous. If you don’t want to skate, there’s a trampoline, jungle gym, zip lining and plenty of space to relax. Nicolway Bryanston’s major drawcard is the Food Lover’s Market, known for its fresh produce, nuts, dried fruit and olive oil. Also in the centre is family-owned and run Melt Chocolates which offers a huge selection of decadent chocolates and cakes.
Ghazal www.ghazal.co.za Bryanston Organic Market bryanstonorganicmarket.co.za Bryanston Shopping Centre www.bryanstoncentre.co.za Snog Clothing Facebook: SnogBryanston Café del Sol Botanico www.cafedelsol.co.za Hobart Grove Shopping Centre www.hobartgrove.co.za Wombles www.wombles.co.za Jackson’s Real Food Market Jacksonsrealfoodmarket.co.za RollEgoli www.rollegoli.co.za Nicolway Bryanston www.nicolwaybryanston.co.za Food Lover’s Market foodloversmarket.co.za Melt Chocolates www.meltchocolates.co.za
EXTRA MONTECASINO
www.tsogosun.com/ montecasino
PARKER’S COMEDY AND JIVE parkerscomedy.com
SKOOBS THEATRE OF BOOKS 011 513 2800
EXPLORE | CAPE TOWN
48 hours IN THE 021 ONLY 48 HOURS IN THE 021? CLAUDIA AND TERRENCE PEARCE COULD HAVE EASILY DONE 480 WITH THE CITY’S ENDLESS SUPPLY OF INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCES, BUT, THEY NEEDED TO TRIM IT TO TWO DAYS FRIDAY NIGHT 7PM After a long week, we headed for Sea Point’s new Mojo Market which hosts a mixed bag of eateries, clothing and curios plus two fully stocked bars. There’s also an elevated self-service eating area, perfect for watching the weekend’s live acts. We were met by the energetic sounds of Hassan’adas with their exuberant bongo-wielding leader entertaining the crowd. After grabbing some local craft beers and a glass of Cab Sav, we moved on to the vegan eatery, The Hungry Herbivore. We enjoyed delicious food followed by a few drinks, dancing and a decadent dessert.
Day 1
SATURDAY 9AM There are so many amazing markets to choose from, but we went to Plumstead’s monthly Vegan Goods Market, where we found vegan delights including wors, freshly baked bread, curries and desserts. 11AM We thought it would be great to get back into the CBD for some retail therapy for summer attire. 72 | www.joburgstyle.co.za
Babette Clothing was our first stop. Close to Green Market Square, it features an abundance of reworked vintage dresses, pretty blouses, imported vintage bags and locally artisan-made shoes. We then strolled up to Kloof Street to check out men’s clothing store A Store’s apparel, premium footwear, books and accessories. 12PM Time to visit Cape Town’s newest addition, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA). Set in the Foreshore’s Silo district, Zeitz boasts an array of acclaimed international and African artists. With over 100 galleries spread across nine floors, allow yourself time to explore. 2PM We made our way to the popular Silvermine Hiking Trails, once believed to contain vast deposits of silver that was never actually found. The name stuck and so did its popularity, especially with
hikers. Overlooking Ou Kaapse Weg and Muizenberg beach, it boasts vast tracks of unspoiled fynbos and a big reservoir, perfect for summer picnics. 7PM To refuel, we went to Engruna Eatery in Sea Point which serves various home-made craft burgers, pizzas and salads, plus a full wine and craft beer selection. Worth checking out. 10PM We headed back to Long Street to Private Life at The Waiting Room, set just above the now legendary burger joint, Royale Eatery. Private Life has four DJs playing a variety of house, disco and Afro music in a living roomstyle setting. Crazy décor, lighting and incredible music kept us dancing till the wee hours.
CLAUDIA & TERRENCE PEARCE
“Strolla’s perfect for a cocktail to cap off a stellar weekend”
The Pearces are a recently married couple who share a common love for the outdoors, food, music and adventure. Terrence is a digital manager by day and a DJ by night. Claudia is a video editor with a passion for storytelling and a strong supporter of animal rights. They are also proud parents of two rescue cats who look after their home whilst they are travelling. “We love exploring in and around the beautiful Western Cape and whenever we have a moment to spare, you’ll find us with our camera in hand discovering new places, people and experiences.”
DIRECTORY SUNDAY 10AM Slightly stiff from all the dancing, we got up early to head down to the health-consicous restaurant, Scheckter’s RAW, known for its raw and vegan food. We tried the tofu scramble and the avocado, truffle oil and chilli on Essene bread. Make sure to sample one of the fresh, cold pressed juices. They are delicious.
Day 2
12PM Off to the beautiful town of Franschhoek to visit the newly launched Farm Sanctuary Sam, home to rescued farm animals such as Baloo, the friendly cow (give him a good back rub), as well as the worldfamous painting pig, Pigcasso, who was rescued from a slaughterhouse. Check out his very own website, www.pigcasso.org, for more about this heavyweight expressionist. This is not only an animal sanctuary; it’s a beautiful venue to spend a weekend away – or even get married!
2PM Our next stop? The Franschhoek Motor Museum, which can only be described as one of the most unique motor car collections in Africa. Everything from the first mass-produced car to an ultrarare Ferrari Enzo, Jody Scheckter’s famous Tyrrell F1 racing car and a vast array of classic luxury sedans and sports cars. 5PM As the sun set on what had been an incredible weekend, we moved onto our last stop, Strolla. Located just off Sea Point’s busy promenade, alongside the Peninsula Hotel, it was the perfect setting for a cocktail to cap off a stellar weekend.
The Mojo Market www.mojomarket.co.za Vegan Goods Market www.facebook.com | vegangoodsmarket Babette Clothing shopbabetteclothing.com Astore www.astoreisgood.com Zeitz MOCAA www.zeitzmocaa.museum Engruna Eatery www.engruna.co.za Private Life Facebook – @PrivateLifeCT Scheckter’s RAW www.schecktersraw.com Farm Sanctuary Sam www.farmsanctuarysa.org Franschhoek Motor Museum www.fmm.co.za Strolla www.strolla.co.za
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EXPLORE | DURBAN
48 hours IN THE 031
5AM There’s no better way to start a visit to the ‘Miami’ of Africa than with an early morning beach walk. Head down to the uShaka side of the promenade and haul out your camera – the view from the Moyo Ushaka Pier Bar is exceptional bathed in the early morning light. And you can watch the surfers tackle the morning waves.
Day 1
a walking tour of the Markets of Warwick. Meet local traders at the Bovine Head Market, where you get to sample a cooked portion of this authentic Zulu delicacy with dumplings tastefully served on wooden boards, the Bead Market, Herb Market and the historic Victoria Street Market, established in 1910.
8AM After a brisk walk, tuck into a big breakfast at Circus Circus Beach Cafe on the promenade and hope for a table in the beach section – nothing like breakfast with your feet in the sand and the waves crashing nearby. The Canadian Stack with flapjacks, crispy bacon, fried banana and maple syrup is delish.
12:30PM Bunny chow is a quintessential Durban meal, dating back to the 1940s and originating from the city’s large Indian community. It is a hollowed out piece of bread filled with curry. For a well-priced, deliciously spicy meal, head to the Hollywoodbets sports bar.
10AM One thing I love is Durban’s multicultural feel – its colonial past reflected in so many buildings, its Indian heritage in a good Durban curry and its Zulu culture ever present. A great way to immerse yourself in this (and to walk off breakfast) is by embarking on
2PM In keeping with Durban’s colonial heritage, have ‘afternoon tea’ at the Hilton Hotel with its extensive buffet of decadent cakes, sweet and savoury petit fours, unlimited
coffees and a well-stocked caddy of different teas. 6PM A sunset gondola ride on the Point Waterfront canals is just the way to get into a relaxed mood. Appreciate the swish of paddles, palm trees silhouetted against a subtle sky and twinkling lights as the day begins to fade. 8PM All relaxed and nowhere to go? Head to The Chairman, a hip and trendy jazz lounge reminiscent of Bourbon Street in New Orleans. It’s literally risen out of an old building, repurposed rather than rebuilt, and decorated in an eclectic, quirky, creative style. The mellow sounds of jazz, the extensive cocktail menu and light meals are perfect for a leisurely evening – but for the real action, plan to stay well into the night as the live music only starts at 11pm!
Photographs of Bunny Chow Denver Govender - Snapout Photography
EXPERIENCE THIS CHARMING RESORT CITY THROUGH THE EYES OF FOOD LOVER TESSA BUHRMANN, FOUNDER AND WRITER OF RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER DIGITAL MAGAZINE
TESSA BUHRMANN
10AM After a hectic night out, a slow paddle on the Umgeni Estuary will clear the cobwebs… or if you prefer, walk the mangrove trail the guided option is great as experienced guides take you out and offer insight into the river’s exciting birdlife, flora and the history of the estuary. Alternatively, head back to North Beach for some skateboarding fun.
Day 2
12:30PM Located in Station Drive, Distillery 031 is a craft gin distillery that uses natural ingredients (think local sugar cane and African botanicals) and creates its own mixers – tonic, lemonade and ginger ale. The mint grows in pots on the window ledge and the air carries the fragrance of the latest distillation. Take a tour of the distillery, enjoy the gourmet street food and, of course, a have a G&T. 3PM The Station Drive Precinct, a Durban urban renewal project, is an artsy place with juice bars, coffee shops, leather work and tattoo parlours. It also features a variety of cool retail outlets such as design and décor heaven World Travellers and the African Art Centre, which has provided thousands of artists and craftspeople with opportunities for
self-employment and the realisation of their talents. With names like The Warehouse, The Loading Bay and The Exchange, you’re in for some serious ‘shop till you drop’ retail therapy. 5PM End your Durban experience in sophistication and style at the legendary Lighthouse Bar in Umhlanga. Located in the luxurious Oyster Box Hotel, and with spectacular views over the Indian Ocean and iconic Umhlanga lighthouse, the Lighthouse Bar is one of the hottest spots in Durban for live music and sundowners in style. 7PM And, if you can make it, pop down to The Ocean Terrace for the Oyster Box’s curry buffet (booking essential). There is an impressive curry selection, from the gentle flavours of the fish curry to the hot and spicy lamb vindaloo - try it… if you dare!
I love travel, people and authentic experiences… and I love capturing the moments and sharing them with family and friends. I also love dark chocolate, Chardonnay (Merlot too) and spending time in the bush. Being passionate about responsible tourism led me to start Responsible Traveller magazine, a good read that inspires readers to be mindful of people, planet and place when they travel – and to ‘be the difference’. www.responsibletraveller.co.za
DIRECTORY Circus Circus Beach Café 031 337 7700 Markets of Warwick 031 309 3880 Hollywoodbets 031 309 4920 Hilton Hotel 031 336 8100 Zulumoon Gondolas 084 730 8784 The Chairman 079 753 6313 Distillery 031 087 941 4540 Station Drive Precinct off Umgeni Road The Oyster Box 031 514 5000
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EXPLORE | TRAVEL SNIPPETS
Fest ivals, food and fun
ORIGIN MUSIC AND ART FESTIVAL 2018 www.everfest.com
Head for Elandskloof Farm in Helderstroom just 125km from Cape Town on 27 and 28 January 2018 to enjoy a weekend of psychedelic music, visionary art and conscious culture. This popular annual festival features a line-up of spectacular acts including Avalon (Nano, UK), Extrawelt (Cocoon, Germany) and Earthspace (Nano, Brazil). Enjoy a unique experience dancing surrounded by forest and mountains. During the day the dam at the second stage is filled with blow-up floatables so why not join the festivities. Includes the amazing psychedelic Temple designed by some of the best dance floor creators in the world, the Beats Stage outside by the river, a visionary art gallery with works by local and international artists, a chill-out area called The Forest Chill for lazing, doing yoga, chatting and other laid back activities.
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www.sunmet.co.za
SAGGY STONE MUSIC & BEER FESTIVAL
LITTLEGIG 24H FESTIVAL
If you’re in Cape Town at the end of January, make sure to get your tickets for the Sun Met Gala at Kenilworth Racecourse, Africa’s richest race day on Saturday the 27th. Rub shoulders with celebrities and enjoy a day of fun and fashion in the Cape Town sunshine. This year’s theme is ‘Style ahead of the Field’, so don some Afro-chic clothing and celebrate in style as Sun Met celebrates with GH Mumm. There will be plenty of live entertainment, bars and catering facilities, a picnic site and much more. A crowd of around 50,000 is expected, so book now at Ticketpro.
Nobody needs an excuse to visit Saggy Stone brewery in Robertson, but if you’re there on Saturday 10 February, 2018, all the better. That’s the date of the annual Saggy Stone Beer & Music Festival that boasts a 12-hour line-up of some of the country’s hottest music acts, not to mention good food and great beer. Saggy Stone is a charming micro brewery that hosts this annual music fest on an awesome stage. There are two overnight camping options at this location plus plenty of places to stay in Robertson if you don’t want to sleep in a tent.
Featuring 35 musicians and 18 DJs, not to mention six stages, 10 bars, six chefs, five artists, three winemakers and 17 designers – and did we mention the concept store? All of this in 24 hours from Saturday 17 to Sunday 18 February in scenic Stellenbosch... need we say more? Littlegig is the only 24-hour, allinclusive festival in the world, a showcase of music, winemakers, artists, performers and artists. This year, the third festival, features a surprise live installation on the basketball court of a line-up of performance art.
SUN MET GALA
www.webtickets.co.za
www.littlegig.co.za
STELLENBOSCH WINE FESTIVAL www.stellenboschwinefestival.co.za
This popular three-day annual wine festival is presented by Pick n Pay and offers visitors the finest wines and culinary treats. It specialises in wine tasting experiences of hundreds of Stellenbosch wines from awardwinning producers and boutique wine estates. Located at Coetzenburg Sports Grounds in the heart of Stellenbosch, the festival takes place in 2018 from 23 to 25 February. The festival will feature an all-new Premium Wine Tasting Experience where guests will be spoilt for choice with seven cultivar-themed tasting stations, showcasing award-winning Wine of Origin Stellenbosch wines. They will also enjoy the opportunity of meeting some of the winemakers.
CAPE TOWN ART FAIR 2018 www.capetownartfair.co.za
If you’re in the Mother City from 16 to 18 February, make sure to visit the Cape Town Art Fair, which showcases an incredible diversity of work representing contemporary art from all over Africa to the world. The fascinating programme includes talks, guided walkabouts, performances and screenings all covering contemporary art at its best. The fair will be held in the CTICC (Cape Town International Convention Centre).
DELHEIM’S HARVEST CELEBRATION www.delheim.com
Start off 2018 at the first Winelands festival of the season at famous Stellenbosch wine estate Delheim on 27 January. Relax in the cool shade of giant oak trees, savour some outstanding wine, great food and live entertainment. There’s one long harvest table stacked high with abundant delicacies, a delectable feast of flavours to enjoy. Only 120 seats are available for this exclusive event, so make sure to book early. The festival starts at 11.30am and the harvest feast will be served at 1pm.
STAY
CAPE CADOGAN BOUTIQUE HOTEL www.capecadogan.co.za A hidden gem in the Gardens, this luxury boutique hotel is ideally located close to Tamberskloef and the CBD, with shops and restaurants within walking distance. Rooms are olde worlde charm personified, and the views from some of the bedrooms are sublime, offering your own peek at Table Mountain the moment you open your eyes. Chocolates on your pillow and delicious breakfasts are the cherry on top.
LE FRANSCHHOEK www.lefranschhoek.co.za Located in the Winelands, this luxury resort is stylishly decorated and well-appointed. Le Franschhoek is renowned for its excellent facilities and sumptuous accommodation in 28 standard rooms, 25 suites and two superlative villas. The hotel features a three restaurants, a Terrace Bar and Lounge plus a swimming pool. This is the ideal base from which to enjoy the magic of the Wine Route. Franschhoek itself is a joy to explore, with some famous restaurants and sublime wines.
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Füri knives are made to be different. Füri thought of hands first – if a knife feels right in your hand, it’s right for your hand. Manufacturing with precision & quality are at the forefront of Füri. Knives have a revolutionary wedge-shaped handle, perfect weight & polished seamless finish. Blades are manufactured from high grade Japanese stainless steel. Dedication, quality & passion make a knife designed to last.
TIMELESS ELEGANCE
Taking its rich English heritage and modern sophistication of today, Stanley Rogers creates a timeless blend of traditional quality and modern appeal. Stanley Rogers understands the fine art of balancing tradition with modernity.
For more information contact Prestige Quality Housewares (Pty) Ltd A member of the FACKELMANN Group 1 Dwerg, Street, Denver, Johannesburg 011 417 6600 | info@prestigehw.co.za | www.prestigehousewares.co.za
ORIENT, MELROSE ARCH We didn’t think its menu needed any reinvention, but Vietnameseborn chef My Van Nguyen had other ideas. The result? A gastronomic voyage through a scrumptious selection of Asian fare, each vibrant flavour more delectable than the last. With skills learnt in Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany and New York, he created a menu that is quite exceptional, using inspiration from both Peruvian and Nikkei cuisines, like Robata. The décor, like the menu, is superb, based on the four universal elements of earth, fire, water and air. The new menu bears testimony to owner Ernst Fischer’s passion for all things extraordinary. Dining here is a memorable experience.
Yum
Menu highlights: Asian mushroom pot sticker, Robata salmon skewer, Vietnamese pepper prawn, cauliflower lollipops
k n i r D . t a E
TAPAS. VODKA. COFFEE SPOTS. SUSHI. PORTUGUESE FARE. CRAFT BREWERIES. ROOFTOP BARS.
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You
Tube
Food | Eat.Drink Cheers! A good oldfashioned Bloody Mary!
IS THERE ANYTHING BETTER THAN A TASTY NIBBLE AND A FUNKY COCKTAIL? WE THINK NOT! THAT’S WHY WE’VE PUT TOGETHER A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE WORLDLY PARTY EATS AND DRINKS – THEY’RE SO SIMPLE TO MAKE, DEFINITE CROWD-PLEASERS AND THE COCKTAILS AREN’T HALF BAD EITHER
Recipes, styling and copy Leila Saffarian | Photography Karl Rogers
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Eat.Drink | Food
CRISPY PRAWNS ON GLASS NOODLES Crispy, crunchy prawns anyone? We combined our favourite Asian flavours (soya sauce, lime, panko breadcrumbs, rice noodles) and went with a crowd-pleaser – in our humble opinion, you really should be making a triple batch of these. For the prawns 12 cleaned and shelled prawns ½ cup of flour and a pinch of salt (combined) 1 egg, beaten 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs Oil, for deep-frying
Cheers! These fritters are delicious served with a cold margarita – oh yes!
For the dipping sauce 4 tbsp (60ml) sweet soya sauce 4 tbsp (60ml) sweet chilli sauce Juice of half a lime Method 1. Dust the prawns in flour; dip into the beaten egg and coat in panko crumbs. 2. Fry in heated oil for 3-4 minutes or until golden, crispy and crunchy. Drain on absorbent paper. 3. For the dipping sauce, combine soya sauce, sweet chilli sauce and lime juice. 4. Serve the prawns with vegetable glass noodles and the soya dipping sauce.
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INSPIRATION ASIAN FLAVOURS
Food | Eat.Drink
INSPIRATION MEXICAN FLAVOURS
Tip
Pico de gallo: chopped tomato, cucumber, red onion and lime zest. Mix. Yum!
CHEESY CORN FRITTERS WITH GUACAMOLE & PICO DE GALLO Oh! How we love the fresh, zesty flavours of Mexico! These cheesy corn fritters are Mexico on a plate! Give us all the guacamole and pico de gallo! For the corn fritters 1 cup (250ml) cake flour, sifted 1 tsp (5ml) baking powder ½ tsp (2.5ml) sugar A pinch of salt ½ cup (125ml) of milk 1 egg, beaten 1 tin corn kernels, drained 100g grated cheddar cheese Oil, for frying Guacamole, to serve Method 1. Place the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a large bowl. 2. Add the milk, eggs, corn and cheese and mix well. 3. Add spoonfuls of the batter to the hot oil and fry (turning) until cooked through and golden (about 4-5 minutes). Drain on absorbent paper. 4. Serve with guacamole and pico de gallo.
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Eat.Drink | Food MINI SHAWARMAS The Mediterranean, Greece in particular, sure knows how to pair flavours! These mini lamb shawarmas are the real deal
INSPIRATION GREEK FLAVOURS
For the shawarmas ½ tsp (2.5ml) olive oil 250g diced lamb ½ tsp (2.5ml) dried oregano Juice of half a lemon Garlic clove Sea salt and ground black pepper Mini toasted pitas, to serve Tzatziki, to serve Chopped salad, to serve Method 1. Heat the oil in a large, non-stick frying pan. Add the lamb and fry over high heat for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano, lemon juice and season with sea salt and black pepper. Fry until crisp. 2. Top the pitas with tzatziki, followed by the lamb and chopped salad.
MOZZARELLA ARANCINI Crispy bites of oozy, cheesy risotto balls… yes please, we’ll take a double portion of that!
Cheers! Lovely paired with a raspberry and black pepper fizz and butter chicken fold-over
For the arancini 4 cups of cooked, cold risotto 8-10 small cubes mozzarella cheese 100g flour 3 eggs, beaten 200g breadcrumbs Oil, for frying 1 cup of marinara sauce, to serve Fresh basil leaves, to serve Parmesan, to serve Method 1. Dust your hands with flour and pick up a spoonful of risotto. Make a well and place a cube of cheese in the centre. Close the rice around the cheese tightly. 2. Dip the rice ball into flour, followed by egg and breadcrumbs. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. 3. Fry in hot oil until crispy and golden. Drain and serve with marinara sauce, fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan.
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INSPIRATION ITALIAN FLAVOURS
Food | Eat.Drink
INSPIRATION INDIAN FLAVOURS
BUTTER CHICKEN FOLD-OVERS Spices, spices and more spices! We love a creamy butter chicken and these fold-overs couldn’t be easier. Store-bought bread dough is all you need – you can thank us later! For the fold-overs: 1 bag of store-bought bread dough 300g of butter chicken 2 tbsp (30ml) butter, melted Cucumber raita, to serve Method 1. Dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the dough. Cut into 8 discs. 2. Spoon some of the butter chicken into the centre and carefully fold the circle in half, pinching down the sides well with a fork. 3. Place on a lined baking tray and brush with melted butter. 4. Bake in a preheated 200°C oven for 10 minutes or until cooked through. 5. Serve with cucumber raita.
Cheers! Mini shawarmas with a blackberry, lime and sparkling wine spritzer
EAT.DRINK | J.BAR
adds to its smoothness and is vital to the distillation and bottling process. So how do you distinguish one vodka from another? Experts say this is through the style of the brand. For instance, Absolut and Stolichnaya have two very distinct styles. Absolut has an oily, silky sweet texture, whilst Stolichnaya (Stoli for short) is clean and watery, with an almost medicinal finish. Another differentiation is the heat of a vodka – that’s the burn you feel on your tongue or at the back of your throat when you drink it straight. Fundis use this as a means of determining how clean or smooth a vodka is. Usually, the number of times the spirit has been distilled in production determines this. Also, less expensive brands burn the mouth and throat more, whilst premium brands are subtler and smoother.
THE MOST POPULAR DISTILLED SPIRIT IN THE WORLD BECAUSE OF ITS BARELY DISCERNIBLE FLAVOUR AND SMELL, VODKA IS AN ESSENTIAL IN EVERY WELL-STOCKED BAR
V
any other grain that the distiller decides to use. So, contrary to popular belief, not all vodka is made of potatoes – only the spirits produced in Poland and other potato-growing places, such as Idaho in the USA. In its production, vodka is often distilled at least three times, though some are distilled five or more times. Vodka brands like to boast about the number of times the spirit has been distilled, as the more times it’s distilled, the smoother and cleaner it is. Once it’s been distilled, vodka is then filtered, often through charcoal. This spirit does not require any aging process – you can literally drink it right away. But producers do cut the liquid with water, typically 40 percent alcohol (80 proof). An important ingredient in vodka is water, which apparently
Here’s a list of five top selling vodkas from five different countries that are all available in South Africa
Russia Smirnoff – The top selling vodka in the world, Smirnoff is an iconic Russian brand, created by a peasant named Pyotr Smirnov, who served it to the Tsar.
Sweden Absolut – All of this Swedish vodka’s ingredients are from one tiny medieval village in the south of the country called Åhus, including the bottle.
MIX AND MATCH odka is a great mixer, and we’re not only talking about the social kind. We’re talking about mixing this distilled spirit with numerous other ingredients to create a cocktail or other delicious concoction. That’s part of the reason it’s so popular. Its subtle taste lets other ingredients become the focal point. When it comes to vodka, all things are not created equal. There is a vast and varied selection on offer, and the market is constantly expanding. Also, unlike other spirits, there are no set regulations governing the production of vodka, so the quality varies dramatically. Produced in many countries, vodka is called a ‘neutral grain spirit’ because the method usually used to produce it is by fermenting and distilling grain. The grain varies, from corn, wheat and rye to
5 COUNTRIES, 5 GREAT VODKAS
France Grey Goose – created by an American entrepreneur, the vodka is made from wheat specially grown in Picardy, France. And the bottle is gorgeous!
“Vodka is a great mixer, and we’re not only talking about the social kind. We’re talking about mixing this spirit with many other ingredients to create a cocktail or concoction”
USA Skyy Vodka – Grown in the US Midwest, the vodka is quadruple distilled and triple filtered, usually 80 proof.
Iceland Reyka – Newly available in South Africa, this awardwinning vodka is created using a unique distillation method and process. It’s produced in Borgarnes, a tiny village steeped in Viking history, using glacier spring water.
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EAT.DRINK | J.BAR
BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW THIS… 1. Vodka can be made from numerous ingredients. If wheat is used in production, the final product will be a lighter spirit, but if whey or potato are used, the vodka will be a little creamier.
THINK ABOUT THIS WHEN BUYING VODKA • Price reflects quality. The cheaper the spirit, the lower the quality. • That said, there are some vodkas that are surprisingly affordable. • You can measure quality and purity by the amount of times a vodka has been distilled.
Grain, water and filtering, etc. also play a role in the quality of the spirit. • Both Russian and Polish vodkas are high quality spirits. But they are not the only ones dominating the market today (see previous page).
• Look for unknown brands – you might find a hidden gem, a boutique vodka for instance. • Use more affordable vodkas to mix into a flavoured cocktail, and save the good stuff for vodka martinis and for drinking neat.
2. Vodka is stored in the freezer for good reason. The spirit contains a lot of heat, but when drunk cold, that heat is tamed, as are any other flavours the vodka may have. 3. In Russia, you don’t drink vodka until you’ve toasted first. Then you toast and drink again. The toasts come in a specific order. What you toast to is your business. 4. Russians always wash their food down with vodka. There’s no other way to drink it but with zakuski, little tapas-style platters.
TRY THESE... SKOL!
Reyka www.reyka.com
Absolut Vodka www.absolut.com
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Grey Goose www.greygoose.com
Smirnoff www.smirnoff.com
Stolichnaya www.stoli.com
Beluga www.vodka-beluga.com
Wyborowa www.wybo.com
Skyy www.skyyvodka.co.za
WITH VODKA PLEASE SOME VODKA CONCOCTIONS TO MAKE YOUR SUMMER SIZZLE…
JAMIE OLIVER’S BLOODY MARY 2 parts Grey Goose 4 parts organic tomato juice Half fresh lemon, squeezed 4 dashes Worcestershire Sauce 4 dashes Tabasco Pinch salt and pinch black pepper 50ml soda water
Tip
If you’re making a jug, leave out the Tabasco and let people add their own
Method Shake Glass Long glass Garnish Celery, ground black pepper and fresh aromatic herbs Ice Cubed www.jamieoliver.com
MOSCOW MULE
ESPRESSO MARTINI
BLUE ON BLUE MARTINI
2 parts Reyka Vodka ¾ ginger syru ½ part lime juice Method Shake Glass Collins glass Top up Soda water Garnish Lime wedge
35ml Grey Goose 20ml coffee liqueur 35ml espresso Pinch of salt Method Shake Glass Martini Garnish 3 coffee beans
150ml vodka 15ml Blue Curacao Dash of Angostura bitters Method Shake Glass Martini Garnish Olive Ice Cracked
SCREWDRIVER 60ml vodka 150ml orange juice Method Shake Glass Highball Garnish Orange slice Ice Cubed
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THE LIST | COFFEE SPOTS
FOURTH AVENUE COFFEE ROASTERS
MOTHERLAND COFFEE COMPANY www.motherlandcoffee.com
Motherland offers a taste of African coffee at its best. Its coffees are fair trade; it sources a variety of beans from several African coffee-producing coops and small farmers, which goes a long way in uplifting and supporting these communities. They say enjoying a Motherland coffee involves drinking the love and becoming part of the African coffee community. The sense of community is strong, and the staff is very friendly, particularly at our favourite Motherland haunt in Parktown Quarter.
DOUBLESHOT COFFEE & TEA www.doubleshot.co.za
Joburg is becoming a city filled with small-batch coffee roasters. This Braamfontein establishment handcrafts a great artisanal product and some great teas as well. Doubleshot prides itself on being involved in the entire process, from growing the beans to serving the coffee, and its signature is great quality beverages. Come in and sample a cup for yourself.
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Need more coffee
www.4thavenuecoffee.co.za
A Parkhurst institution, known for the best coffee on the strip, Fourth Avenue Roasters and its sister store, Fabb, which sells great gelato as well, are the locals’ choice. The coffee is hand-roasted, quality stuff, a secret house blend that you can purchase ground or in capsules for Nespresso machines. The croissants aren’t half bad, their sandwiches are moreish and the Fabb ice cream flavours change daily. We know – we’re there every day having our morning cuppa and watching them decorate the mouthwatering display.
JUNIPA’S
www.junipas.co.za When it originally opened, Junipa’s in Bryanston became an instant hit because of its great roasted coffee, artisanal breads and sweet baked goods. Today it’s also popular for its bistro food and soufflés prepared by Marc Guébert of Le Souffle fame, who now enchants Bryanston’s gourmets with his one-of-a-kind French delights. Coffee is roasted on site and the air is fragrant with the aroma of a selection of blends. Whether you come to enjoy the coffee, the pastries or the souffles, you’re guaranteed a treat.
TORTELLINO D’ORO www.tortellino.co.za
2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed around the world every day
Yes, it is renowned for offering some of the best Italian cuisine in the city, but let’s not forget its coffee. It is also something to write home about. This Oaklands restaurant is the perfect spot to stop for a great coffee and good conversation. The tempting baked goods are an additional plus. And, while you’re there, don’t forget to stock up on some Italian cheeses, meats and antipasto, fresh pasta sauces and pasta and delicious gelato.
ORIGIN
TRUTH COFFEE
www.originroasting.co.za Part of the local scene for over a decade, the coffee is available in some of the best coffee shops all over the country, the roasters have branches in Maboneng and Cape Town. The inner city Origins HQ is a great place to sample some of the city’s best coffee. Patrons get to see the artisans roasting the beans, and can also sit in on a cupping session – or just relax and sample first-hand.
www.za.truth.coffee
Coffee is the second most traded commodity on earth next to petroleum
Cape Town’s treasure, Truth Coffee, is also available in Joburg, at the Apartheid Museum in Ormonde. It’s well worth the trip for both the experience of visiting this fascinating museum and enjoying some of the best coffee in the country at the Truth Café on the premises. They call it tasting ‘the joy of the extraordinary’. And the coffee really is out of the ordinary. It’s that good. You can also have snacks or light lunches – both coffee and food are well-priced.
BEAN THERE COFFEE ROASTERY www.beanthere.co.za
PRIEST ESPRESSOBAR www.priest.co.za
A combination of an art gallery, production office and coffee shop, Priest, on Jan Smuts Avenue gallery strip, is open five days a week. A great space to enjoy coffee while you’re working, it boasts an edit suite and production area that is available for hire. The coffee shop is a popular meeting spot, offering some really good coffee, a selection of teas, pastries and cakes.
44 Stanley has some great coffee spots, but this fair trade coffee roaster is our choice, not only because it produces sustainable African coffee, but because the coffee is so good. You can watch the coffee beans being roasted while you sip your espresso, cappuccino or a latte. Pair with a delicious slice of cake or something savoury. And don’t leave without picking up some beans or ground coffee to take home with you.
CAFÉ DE LA CREME www.cafedelacreme.co.za
Coffee is just part of the experience at this bustling corner of Melville; the cakes, pastries, snacks and meals also make a visit an adventure. One side of the restaurant is dedicated to confectionary, whilst the other is a tearoom and Mediterranean restaurant. Great any time of the day for a snack or a meal. Wash it down with a cup of excellent coffee.
CROFT & CO
www.croftandco.co.za Parkview’s answer to caffeine heaven is located on busy Tyrone Avenue. Open on Thursday and Friday nights, and during the day, it offers really good coffee, a relaxed atmosphere and a great spot to meet friends or do some work. The food is a drawcard, too. Get there early, as cyclists, runners, shoppers and families descend on the spot for long brunches.
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EAT.DRINK | SUSHI
THE BLACKANESE www.theblackanese.co.za
For an African-Asian sushi and wine bar experience, head for Maboneng Precinct and enjoy Japanese cuisine with a distinctly African flavour. Sushi is the dish of choice during the week, while on weekends, patrons favour the prawns that are braaied to perfection. When it comes to sushi, the selection is varied and includes popular choices as well as unusual African inspired sushi. There’s an allyou-can-eat special on Tuesdays, which is a sushi-lover’s dream… as much as you can eat for R130! If you’re interested in learning how to make your own sushi, Blackanese also offers classes for a minimum of 10 people.
MOMO BAOHAUS
FISHMONGER 011 447 2320
Yes, the Illovo eatery is renowned, but this issue we’re rooting for Terry and his team at the Fishmonger in The Firs in Rosebank. It’s got a great family vibe, is upmarket and the fish is superb. Talking sushi… there’s a great selection, with some contemporary interpretations well worth sampling. Of course, the seafood is fresh, the helpings piled high and whatever sushi you choose is prepared as you order by experts. A great place for every type of occasion, whether it’s a family meal or a special celebration.
CATCH
011 615 0155 Bedford Centre is constantly abuzz with enthusiastic patrons heading for Catch Fish Grill for some of the best sushi this side of the airport. It’s famous for its New Style Sashimi, especially the seared tuna with peanut teriyaki sauce and wasabi mayo. People are also waxing lyrical about the soft shell crab maki served with caviar, no less. The sushi bar is described as ‘dinner theatre’ as it’s an entertaining experience, but if you prefer a table, no problem. The sushi tastes just as delicious wherever you sit.
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Soy nice
www.momobaohaus.com
This popular Greenside restaurant offers an exciting Asian dining experience. Specialising in ‘buns, bowls and sushi rolls’, the menu is an experience on its own, tempting your taste buds with weird and wonderful taste sensations. There are signature dishes as well as a customisable menu for those who want to experiment with their own combinations. Sushi rolls are a whole new ball game, and the choices on offer are sublime. Try the Hot Rock ‘n Roll or the Rainbow Revolution… addictive!
THE BIG MOUTH www.thebigmouth.co.za
Until recently, women were forbidden to work as sushi chefs because it was believed that their hair oil and make-up up would alter the taste and smell of sushi
For an innovative take on sushi, offering all of the classics as well as lots of unusual concoctions, The Big Mouth offers a culinary adventure. Nelson Mandela Square is brimming with great dining choices, and this sushi and Asian food restaurant in the Square is no exception. The menu offers ‘new style’ sushi bowls and sashimi; the highlight is the salmon sushi bowl filled with so many ingredients we can’t mention them all. Do give it a try, even if you like to stick to the usual suspects.
WILLOUGHBY & CO www.willoughbyandco.co.za
www.koirest.co.za
KOI
THE OCEAN BASKET
Willoughby’s, as we locals call it, is synonymous with great sushi. This Hyde Park gem is a hangout for those who love seafood, especially sushi. There are some innovative takes on the regular stuff, like the Philadelphia roll with cream cheese and salmon, and the seared salmon salad is legendary. A Joburg landmark, the restaurant has become the place to go to savour fusion-style Japanese dishes. Every meal here is a delight, and the sushi? Superb.
Of its four branches, (Sandton, Rosebank, Lynnwood and Fourways), the one in The Firs in Rosebank is closest to the Joburg Style office, so it’s our first port of call when we’re looking for great sushi. Acclaimed for its unique flavours, superb quality and contemporary Asian dishes, Koi offers a wide selection of some of the best sushi available in Joburg. Washed down with Asian-inspired cocktails, craft beers, speciality whiskies and an extensive choice of wines, it makes for an exceptional experience.
What you see is what you get at this bright, airy seafood establishment in Cresta, Randburg – and the food is always good, tasty and fresh. A great spot for a family meal, a treat after shopping or just because you’re in the mood for some super sushi. There are excellent specials, too, so it’s a good choice any time of the month. The sushi is described as ‘with a twist’ – which means lots on offer, a great variety and something for everyone who’s crazy about this seafood dish.
HOKKAIDO JAPANESE RESTAURANT 011 728 7882
Norwood’s answer to great valuefor-money sushi that is as good as it gets, Hokkaido in Norwood is as famous for its all-you-can-eat sushi special (R140 per person) as it is for its fashion sandwiches. Actually, all the sushi is good at this Japanese eatery, and it’s known for its generous portions. Well worth a try.
www.oceanbasket.com
UMAI SUSHI
www.suninternational.com/maslow Located at the Lucana Bar in the luxury Maslow Hotel on Rivonia Road, this plush new eatery is overseen by sushi expert Eric Manyenkawu, whose delightful creations are both imaginative and delicious. He’s intent on educating South Africans about sushi, and he’s certainly doing a great job. Umai (pronounced ‘ooh my’) means delicious in Japanese, and the sushi certainly lives up to its name. Patrons are waxing lyrical about the whitefish sashimi with truffle ponzu dressing, and the seared Norwegian salad comes a close second. Another adventurous offering is the Namibian oyster nigiri.
FOR TAKEAWAY KUNG FU KITCHEN
www.kungfukitchen.co.za This takeaway store is a bestkept secret when it comes to sushi. Order your favourites from an extensive menu and they are freshly made for you while you wait.
FISHERMAN’S DELI
www.fishermansdeli.co.za You can’t get fish fresher than from this Dunkeld fishmonger, unless you catch it yourself. And the sushi chef is on hand to transform said fish into masterpieces.
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THE LIST | PORTUGUESE RESTAURANTS
1920 PORTUGUESE RESTAURANT
XAI XAI LOUNGE @XaiXaiLounge
Peri peri, please
011 326 3161
Located right next to Nuno’s and owned by the same person, this Melville establishment, which is nicknamed ‘The Mozambican Shebeen’, is filled most nights with regulars enjoying original cocktails and shooters that wash down traditional Portuguese dishes. Choose from a selection of great dishes from the menu or a variety of specials written on the boards.
NUNO’S
011 482 6990 Melville’s vibrant restaurant strip on Seventh Avenue boasts this authentic Portuguese establishment that serves a selection of traditional Portuguese dishes as well as some Mozambican favourites. It’s a great choice for drinks if you’re going after dinner or want to watch a sports game on TV, and the live music is another plus. But the menu is too good not to sample, especially the rump espetada and the Portuguese sharing platter.
Husband and wife team Manny and Paula are the purveyors of this Portuguese establishment that specialises in Madeirainspired dishes. This tiny Ferndale restaurant is always packed to the brim with diners enjoying Madeiran specialities such as Feijoada (a traditional pork, beef, chourico and bean stew), melt-in-the-mouth oxtail, tender calamari and incomparable prawn rissoles. A meal here is like dining at the owners’ family table – the food is scrumptious, the atmosphere relaxed.
THE RADIUM BEERHALL
www.theradium.co.za Accompany your traditional Portuguese meal with a beer and some excellent live jazz. This Orange Grove landmark is famous for all of the above, not to mention a convivial atmosphere. Until 1986 the Radium was a beer hall, nothing more. But then Manny Cabeleira added a Portuguese flavour in the form of a restaurant, and the Radium became even more popular. Today, the Radium tradition persists with the 19-piece Ft Sound jazz band playing on the first Sunday of every month followed by live performances four nights a week.
J’S DINER 011 781 3401
Modern chefs may think they invented fusion cuisine, but Portuguese cooks were doing fusion centuries before it was cool
This popular family-run establishment is located on Conrad Drive in Blairgowrie. Known for its authentic Mozambican Portuguese dishes, the restaurant also offers a popular take-away service. Whether you choose to sit down or take something home, start with the Peri Peri chicken, which is hard to beat, and then venture into other great options including more Western dishes. The menu is as informal and relaxed as the atmosphere.
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THE LIST | PORTUGUESE RESTAURANTS
MADEIRA BAR
PIGALLE
011 435 2477
www.pigallerestaurants.co.za
Walk through the door and you enter a tiny slice of Portugal, complete with old wooden bar counter, plastic tablecloths and soccer mementoes. This La Rochelle eatery is a popular hangout, renowned for its delicious home-made peri peri sauce and traditional espetadas. Of course, prawns are another highlight on the menu. If you’re looking for somewhere unpretentious where the food is phenomenal, this is it.
Pigalle is the perfect spot for a special occasion, whether you choose to visit its Sandton, Melrose or Bedfordview branch. All offer a mouth-watering Portuguese fine dining experience. The seafood is legendary and the choice of dishes is varied, offering something for every discerning palate. Go for broke and order the Portuguese steak (pan fried in wine, ruby port and garlic and topped with a fried egg). A real treat.
TROYEVILLE HOTEL www.troyevillehotel.co.za
The Portuguese claim to have something like 300 different ways of preparing dried salt cod (bacalao), the country’s signature dish
BEIRA ALTA
www.tsogosun.com/montecasino Beira Alta at Montecasino is famous for its traditional dishes. Run by the Guimaraes family, the restaurant menu features generations-old recipes with an African twist, using only the freshest ingredients. Portions are large, and red meat is a favourite here, as is chargrilled chicken and panfried prawns. Other legendary dishes include espetada, Paulo’s Mixed Grill, bacalhau, and the house specialty, Queen Prawns piled high on a platter, Mozambique-style.
This Joburg landmark and hotel, which has been licenced since 1939, is renowned for its spectacular Portuguese cuisine. While the menu is traditional and the food simple, the Troyeville Hotel still draws the crowds, including artists, musicians, sports fans and food lovers who flock here for a great, unfussy meal that is completely authentic and well worth the trip.
A CHURRASQUEIRA 011 867 5914
Sometimes you need to travel a little further than usual to enjoy a really great experience, and visiting this Alberton establishment is one of those times. One of Joburg’s longest standing restaurants (it’s been around over 18 years), not to mention one of the most frequented Portuguese establishments in the city, A Churrasqueira is family-run. Originally based in Rosettenville, it moved to its current Brackenhurst address in 2014. The menu is as delectable as ever and includes classic dishes such as peri peri chicken and prawn curry as well as more traditional Portuguese fare, including tripe and pork and clam stew. The prawns are the stars on the menu and the Churrasqueira steak is mouth-watering.
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RESTAURANT PARREIRINHA www.restauranteparreirinha.co.za
It’s well worth the trip to La Rochelle to visit this legendary establishment, whose Portuguese menu is filled with traditional gems. Highlights include the prawns and the crepes Suzette for dessert, but there’s plenty of other delicacies like trinchado, caldo verde and bacalhau na braza to tempt you. Sample one of the excellent wines on offer, followed by a selection of excellent cigars, including the Cuban variety.
21745 OLD FRIENDS YOUNG TALENT
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VISIT WWW.LABORIEWINES.CO.ZA TO FIND OUT MORE
EAT.DRINK | BREWERIES
OAKES BREWHOUSE www.oakesbrewhouse.co.za
Modderfontein boasts the first all-girl brewery in town, which manufactures great tasting homebrewed, handcrafted beer. It was founded in 2013 by pharmacist Delia Bailey and restaurant owner Thea Blom (Oakes Brewhouse sits right next door to Thea’s Portuguese restaurant, 33 High Street). The female brewer is responsible for different beer at the brewery restaurant, along with some excellent ground coffee and a choice of wholesome meals.
SMACK! REPUBLIC
COPPERLAKE
www.copperlake.co.za
Bot toms up
www.smackrepublic.com
This commercial brewery based in Lanseria recently opened a new brewpub in Broadacres where you can sample its eight excellent signature brews. Great for a visit any day of the week (entertainment includes quiz nights, live brews and an Adult’s Playground with all sorts of fun games). Appreciation Sundays is another popular event. You can also book the venue to host a formal beer tasting or to brew your own beer.
JUST BREWING CO. www.justbrewing.co.za
Based in Boksburg, this family-owned brewery produces various quality brews. Just Brewing Company is involved in numerous community projects, donating grain to assist underprivileged communities. The final product is not filtered and has no additives. Recently refurbished and extended, the brewery expects to reach an annual capacity of around 61,000 litres. Products include Just Chocolate Coffee Stout, Just Porter, Just Pale Ale as well as numerous special edition brews.
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Belgium has the most individual brands of beer found in any country. You’re looking at around 400 different brands!
This popular company is no longer situated in Maboneng. It is currently setting up a new brewery, but no details about its location are available right now.
BLACK HORSE BREWERY
www.blackhorse.co.za This family-run business is set on Black Horse Estate in Magaliesburg. Bernard and Karen Botha and daughter, Nuschka, are responsible for brewing the fine craft beer. One of the country’s youngest female brewers, Nuschka creates a smooth and unique tasting beer using natural spring water and the finest hops. Enjoy yours at the restaurant with urban beer house dishes.
MAD GIANT
www.madgiant.co.za Located in the 1 Fox Precinct, this popular craft brewery has a huge retro sign on the roof beckoning thirsty visitors to come and sit in the beer garden, which stretches round the building, to sample one of its four different craft beers. Inside, Mad Giant’s eclectic touches include Meccano inspired furniture, quirky lighting and a huge metallic sculpture depicting Mad Giant.
THE LIST | ROOFTOP BARS
SIR JAMES VAN DER MERWE
www.katyspalacebar.co.za
SAN DECK
www.tsogosun.com/san-deck Sandtonistas love this spot, and not only for the cocktail named after them. The San Deck is the go-to spot for great views of the city and the couch seating makes it so comfy you’ll never want to leave. The cocktails and wine list is extensive, and includes specially designed options, the nibbles are delicious and the setting is literally the best in Sandton. Need we say more? Actually, we can wax lyrical about the sunsets seen from this vantage point. They are legendary. Which is why it’s best to get here early if you’re planning to enjoy sundowners with friends. Add some of the excellent snacks, and you could spend the evening. Seriously.
THE LIVING ROOM www.livingroomjozi.co.za
Who would have thought that you could find a forest on a rooftop in Maboneng? But that’s exactly what The Living Room is – it’s also one of Joburg’s most popular spots to watch the spectacular sunset while enjoying sundowners with friends. Great drinks include the ever-popular Minty Magic, French bubbly, a range of Fernskloof wines, plus numerous spirits and craft beers. There’s also a menu filled with tempting delights, including snacks and bigger meals. The place is packed on Sunday afternoons or whenever there’s live music. So make sure to get there early or you’ll miss out on the fun.
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Sundowners
Located at Katy’s Palace Bar in Kramerville, one of the city’s most popular event venues, this eclectic bar offers breathtaking panoramas of Joburg’s northwest. This is a gentleman’s bar and a nostalgic experience, a reminder of a bygone era. Your bubbly is served in an ice bowl, the food is a selection of bite-sized delights, there’s billiards just like in the old days and an interesting range of cocktails to choose from. And did we mention the view? That’s an added plus.
THE UNION BAR www.theunionbar.co.za
Ok, this time it’s not on the roof, but The Union Bar is here today and gone tomorrow, so don’t miss out on this popular popup. It’s currently located at 144 Jan Smuts Avenue in Parkwood, right next to Park Corner. Moving it around keeps everybody on their toes, the bar staff included, but wherever they land, one thing is certain: the cocktails are really good and the entertainment is on point. This is one instance when we’ll forget about the views. Until the Union Bar moves once again, of course. Who knows where it will pop up next?
ELEVATE
www.elevatevenue.co.za
People will pay a premium to be able to take a photo from a rooftop bar or restaurant with a phenomenal view
Located on the rooftop of the Reef Hotel in Marshalltown, this hidden treasure in the inner city not only offers gobsmacking city views, but its sophisticated snack platters, mouth-watering high teas and great selection of drinks come a close second. There’s live entertainment, too. Well worth adding to your list for afterwork drinks or sunset cocktails. Talking of cocktails – the best cocktail on the list is the Scorpio, so relentless that you never remember what it is made of.
EX PLORE OUTDOOR
SPLENDOUR
Festive Season in the city needn’t be a letdown. Whatever your plans for the festive season this year, looking for fun activities or places to visit in Johannesburg should be the least of your woes. Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo offers fantastic options to explore, from fun family picnics in one of over 2000 parks, hiking in our nature reserves, diverse animals at the zoo to a vibrant plant life at the Johannesburg Botanical Garden. Explore Joburg and enjoy all its splendour.
COVET THIS
There’s no need to go all the way to Kramerville anymore; décor retailer Weylandts has just opened a stunning concept store in Sandton City, where it has created a dramatic luxury canvas on which to display its gorgeous furniture and homeware. Products include new ranges specially sourced for the opening: lighting, cookware, crockery, linen, artwork and bathroom accessories as well as various international items that are exclusive to Weylandts. The fivestar service includes touchscreens and dramatic window displays.
Bubbles Visit the store’s Champagne bar for a sparkling experience
t s i L e h T
DIARY. STAYING FIT. CHILDREN. ART
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GATEWAY TO AFRICA LET THE GGDA PARTNER WITH YOU AND ASSIST IN IDENTIFYING AND FACILITATING INVESTMENTS, CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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Gauteng Growth and Development Agency
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WHY INVEST IN GAUTENG?
There are numerous reasons to invest in Gauteng, ‘’. The province offers access to African markets, functional national institutions protecting the rights of investors, clear and consistent economic policies in line with national policies, good infrastructure and facilities, world-class road, rail and air networks, an investor-friendly environment, a pool of young, skilled labourers, low land and commercial building costs plus electricity that is among the cheapest in the world.
Telephone: +27 11 085 2400 | www.ggda.co.za
SEE MORE OF GAUTENG WITH GAUTRAIN! The Gautrain connects you to your places of interest around the Gauteng province. Hop on to explore fascinating places, attractions and tourist destinations along the Gautrain and bus routes.
Tshwane Ekurhuleni Johannesburg
OR Tambo International Airport
NORTH - SOUTH All trains stop at every station. COMMUNTER
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Change here for Metrorail lines.
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Find your nearest station and bus stops on the Gautrain app. Call Centre: 0800 Gautrain / www.gautrain.co.za
museums | hotels | heritage | culture | lifestyle | religion | adventure | sports | events | attractions | entertainment | safari | shopping | cuisine
MAJOR EVENT HIGHLIGHTS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN THE PARK
2-30 Dec
Wavehouse Gateway
Webtickets
DOLPHINS BY STARLIGHT A FESTIVE FUSION
8-13 Dec
Ushaka Marine World
031 328 8000 or Computicket
100% PHOLA PICNIC
9 Dec
Inanda Dam & Resorts
072 390 7278
BRYAN ADAMS GET UP WORLD TOUR
12 Dec
Durban ICC
011 759 7215/ customercare@bigconcerts.co.za
THE LEGENDS OF R&B BRIAN MCKNIGHT AND BRANDY
14 Dec
Durban ICC
011 759 7215/ customercare@bigconcerts.co.za
UMHLANGA SUMMER FESTIVAL
14-23 Dec
Umhlanga Main Beach
031 561 4257
UMNINI DAM EXTRAVAGANZA
16 Dec
Umnini Dam
0835141685
UDIT NARAYAN IN CONCERT
16 Dec
Durban ICC
031 360 1000/Computicket
THE UMHLANGA TOURISM SUMMER TRAIL RUN & WALK
17 Dec
Sibaya Casino
www.roag.co.za
DURBAN BOTANIC GARDENS FESTIVE TRAIL OF LIGHTS
17-24 Dec
Botanic Gardens
Webtickets
SAPPHIRE COAST SUMMER FESTIVAL
18-31 Dec
Amanzimtoti Main Beach
031 322 2852
A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
21 & 24 Dec
Playhouse
031 369 9555/Computicket
ALANSAAR SOUK TRADE FAIR
22-31 Dec
Durban ICC
031 208 1601 or souk@alansaar.co.za
SOUTH AFRICAN DJ AWARDS
23-24 Dec
Peoples Park, Moses Mabhida Stadium
Ticketpro
DURBAN UNDERGROUND KASI EXPERIENCE
25 Dec
Eyadini Lounge
082 351 4688 or admin@finestinc.co.za /djsox@ finestincsa.co.za
DURBAN JAZZ FESTIVAL
26 Dec
Hazelmere Dam
08 792 9693/ wanitakouture@gmail.com
DURBAN SUMMER FESTIVAL
26-31 Dec
New Beach
083 485 1867
9th ANNUAL GOSPEL ALL STARS
31 Dec
Durban Centrum Park
Computicket
FACT DURBAN ROCKS NEW YEAR’S EVE
31 Dec
People’s Park, Moses Mabhida Stadium
Computicket
DURBAN VIBES NEW YEAR’S EVE
31 Dec
Kings Park Stadium Outer Fields
Computicket
WOZE DURBAN
1 Jan
060 484 9611 or paul.m@wozobona.com
UMGABABA NEW YEARS PICNIC
1-2 Jan
tate@tzzprod.co.za
Cricket: ODI SOUTH AFRICA VS INDIA
1 Feb
Ticketpro
DUSI CANOE MARATHON
16-18 Feb
033 394 9994/info@dusi.co.za
Durban Tourism - 031 322 4164 | www.durbanexperience.co.za museums | hotels | heritage | culture | lifestyle | religion | adventure | sports | events | attractions | entertainment | safari | shopping | cuisine
THE LIST | DIARY
1 December – 6 January
CINDERELLA ON ICE www.tsogosun.com
The world-famous Imperial Ice Stars are set to thrill audiences once more at the Teatro, Montecasino. One of the most artistically challenging ice shows, Cinderella on Ice is a dramatic new interpretation of the classic tale. Performed on a specially created stage, it boasts stunning special effects including fire and rain, flying, magnificent projected scenery of a Siberian town square and a black and silver art deco theatre, and costumes from the head designer at Moscow’s famed Stanislavsky Theatre. 9
BRYAN ADAMS
December
www.computicket.com Bryan Adams is hitting the road on a global tour following the release of his 13th studio album Get Up! He’ll be performing at the Ticketpro Dome for one night only.
10
TEXAS LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA
7 – 10
ABANTU BOOK FESTIVAL
www.webtickets.co.za
www.abantubookfestival.co.za
The Abantu Book Festival is now one of the hottest events of the year for African writers and their readers. Although the Festival has its focus on novels (both fact and fiction), there is also a generous portion dedicated to poetry performances, musical acts and workshops. This makes it an exciting hub of cultural and literary activity for everyone who appreciates the wealth that words impart. A massive feature is the participation of a number of renowned poets, authors, playwrights and more. Books can be purchased directly from the festival.
10 October – 31 December
BLAME IT ON THE BOOGIE www.barnyardtheatre.co.za
Get ready for the ‘70s party of the century at Barnyard Theatre Cresta. Blame it on the Boogie is a celebration of disco, funk, rock and soul music, featuring a groovy playlist of music by the Bee Gees, ABBA, The Village People, Earth Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang and more. Also featured are tributes to icons, including Donna Summer, Stevie Wonder, Olivia Newton-John, John Paul Young and music by rock groups Kiss, Santana and more. Blame it on the Boogie features a talented 10-piece cast including four vocalists, two dancers and a rocking four-piece band that will not only get you into the groove but get your body moving!
22 November – 7 January
A HANDFUL OF KEYS www.computicket.com
Launched in 1994 as a co-creation between Ian von Memerty and Bryan Schimmel, A Handful of Keys has played to more than 420,000 people in over 1,450 performances over the last 23 years. Multiple awards, love letters from the critics and adulation from audiences have poured in for this brilliant, hilarious and virtuoso celebration of the piano. The show unravels as a constant surprise with devastating wit and musical mastery; from piano pyrotechnics to inspiring inventiveness – a two-hour fireworks display of excitement, energy and sheer mind-blowing talent. Showing at the Pieter Toerien Main Theatre.
Hot on the heels of the release of their latest album Jump On Board earlier this year, chart-topping and effortlessly cool pop-rock band Texas will be touching down in South Africa for a two-city tour, starting off at Emmarentia Dam. 17
E30 PICNIC
www.computicket.com For those who love BMWs, especially the E30, this will be a gathering and celebration. Even if you don’t own an E30, you will feel the soul of the BMW perfection at this event. There will be special E30s on display and plenty of opportunities for all E30 owners to share questions and stories at Tswingwana Lodge. Activities for competitors will include park and shine, logo build, rev-off and lower Olympics.
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THE LIST | DIARY
1
MOZAMJOZI NEW YEAR’S DAY BEACH PICNIC www.joziburglane.co.za
Head downtown to Joziburg Lane at 1 Eloff Street to enjoy a New Year’s Day party on the beach (sort of!) with Hangout Jozi’s Mozamjozi New Year’s Beach Picnic. This fun event is being held in what was a holding facility for Chrysler and Rolls Royce cars. Hangout Jozi is a rare 1950s gem, once nicknamed Motortown, now the perfect location for a casual beach-style party to celebrate the first day of 2018. Enjoy great music from live DJs and savour artisanal foods from the food market.
January
20
MICHAEL MCINTYRE’S BIG WORLD TOUR www.michaelmcintyre.co.uk
“The man is quite simply top-to-toe hilarious” – The Telegraph. Britain’s biggest comedian Michael McIntyre is going global with his Big World Tour, and we can’t wait to laugh until we cry at the Ticketpro Dome. In the UK, Michael has performed three arena tours selling over 1.5 million tickets, including a record 28 times at London’s 16,000 capacity O2 Arena, where he was awarded the keys to the venue along with Prince, Take That and One Direction. He presents his own TV show Michael McIntyre’s Big Show on BBC1. The last series averaged over 6.5 million viewers and recently received two BAFTA nominations. 27 & 28
OAKFIELD FARM SUMMER BRIDAL EXPO www.bridalexpo.co.za
Every bride deserves to live her dream of having a perfect wedding. The Oakfield Farm Summer Bridal Expo will showcase exhibitors and vendors including wedding specialists, planners, caterers and performers. Attendees will also get an opportunity to enjoy a bridal fashion show. Don’t miss out!
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19 January – 4 February
BEATLEMANIA ON TOUR www.beatlemaniaontour.com
19 January – 18 March
ANDRE THE HILARIOUS HYPNOTIST
www.computicket.com Billed as ‘a magnificent magic show for all ages’, André’s career blossomed after stepping on stage at the age of 26. Twenty years later, André still performs an equally enchanting act. With his hypnotic humour, he can get his audience members to do almost anything. Nothing about the show is scripted, yet André never fails to make his audience shed tears of laughter. Catch his amazing show at the Studio Theatre, Montecasino.
A live tribute to the Beatles with authentic costumes, replica instruments and all those songs we know so well. Pop act Beatlemania on Tour offers a fabulous tribute to the Famous Four, a show that has been sold out throughout the world, in Hong Kong, Canada, the US, Dubai and Thailand. Get your tickets now and head for the Theatre of Marcellus, Emperor’s Palace.
31 January – 4 March
THE COLOR PURPLE www.joburgtheatre.com
The Color Purple is based on the 1982 Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Alice Walker and the 1985 Warner Bros/Amblin Entertainment Motion Picture, directed by Steven Spielberg. The musical The Color Purple, with a book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, was originally produced on Broadway in 2005 by Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders, Roy Furman and Quincy Jones. The current Broadway revival, enjoying great success boosted by its major Tony Award wins earlier this year, is a ‘stripped-down’ and re-conceived staging. The book and musical arrangements from this Broadway production will be used in an otherwise new and original staging by director Janice Honeyman at Joburg Theatre in 2018, showcasing the talents of a completely South African creative team, cast and band.
THE LIST | DIARY
9 – 18
THE ALIEN & UFO EXPO
www.computicket.com Sci-fi meets science facts at the Sandton Convention Centre. The diversified exhibition’s main objective is to provide edutainment for adults and kids, and encourage students to pursue their interests in science. The exhibition will offer various activities such as fun rides, live on-stage theatre performances, instant photos, cartoons and robots meet and greets.
February
14
VALENTINE’S MOVIE & PICNIC www.oakfield.co.za
14 February – 11 March
THE ILLUSIONISTS www.computicket.com
This mind-blowing spectacular showcases the talents of seven of the world's most incredible illusionists. Showing at the Teatro, Montecasino, The Illusionists has shattered box office records and dazzled audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of outrageous and astonishing acts. The non-stop show is packed with thrilling magic of unprecedented proportions. Witness stunning acts of grand illusion, levitation, mindreading and disappearance. The performers take their cue from the showmanship of great illusionists and pair it with a new aesthetic.
2
COLLECTIVE SOUL LIFEHOUSE www.bigconcerts.co.za
Collective Soul will be returning to South Africa supported by very special guests Lifehouse. The show will be held at the Ticketpro Dome. Collective Soul is a multi-platinum winning rock band, with seven number one hits, eight acclaimed albums as well as a legendary duet with Elton John, a song on the hit Twilight soundtrack.
7
MY FATHER’S COAT www.inheritsouthafrica.com
Inherit South Africa presents My Father’s Coat, the acclaimed story of South Africa’s history by renowned speaker Michael Charton who condenses the narrative into five stories told from the individual viewpoints of five prominent protagonists spanning 200 years: Mzilikazi, Kruger, Rhodes, Smuts and Mandela. He believes that the nation’s past should be a source of unity and healing. This unique product brings a new clarity to a notoriously complex subject.
www.emperorspalace.com
Enjoy a variety of Broadway hits from musicals like Oklahoma, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and The Sound of Music. Located at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperor’s Palace, the show is sure to be a favourite with all ages.
GAUTENG HOMEMAKERS EXPO
www.computicket.com
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17 & 18
STRICTLY BROADWAY
22 – 25
3
THE VAMPS
When James McVey and Brad Simpson first started writing music a few years ago, little did they know that along with soon-to-be-found new members Tristan Evans and Connor Ball, The Vamps would soon become one of the UK`s biggest exports in music. With five top 10 hits and prestigious tour support slots with Taylor Swift, McFly and Austin Mahone, The Vamps joined forces with Demi Lovato to release ‘Somebody To You’ and then went on to release a cover of ‘Oh Cecelia’ with Vine sensation Shawn Mendes. With an incredible 450 million views across YouTube and Vevo, almost a million YouTube subscribers, 4.4 million Facebook likes and three million followers on Twitter, The Vamps will entertain fans at the Ticketpro Dome.
Oakfield Farm in Muldersdrift offers a fabulous evening of a picnic and a movie under the stars. Romeo & Juliet starts at 7pm with entrance from 6pm. Tickets are R80 per person if you bring your own picnic, or R400 for two for the movie plus a picnic hamper. Bring a blanket and any other snacks you like. No tickets at the gate, so make sure to book.
The first photographs of a UFO were taken in 1883 by astronomer Jose Bonilla in Zacatecas, Mexico
www.homemakersonline.co.za
Find inspiration for your home at the Ticketpro Dome at the country’s largest home improvement expo, showcasing a vast range of home lifestyle and home improvement products, plus the latest in home trends for 2018. Join the experts from Builders Warehouse at the DIY theatre for tips and décor ideas.
Personal Attention and Fittings
www.thecorsetiere.co.za | info@thecorsetiere.co.za | www.facebook.com/thecorsetiere
THE LIST | STAYING FIT
ELS KARATE
www.elskarate.co.za
VIVA GYM
www.vivagym.co.za
Challenge me
There are, of course, numerous karate dojos and everyone has their favourite. Our Art Director has a black belt from Els Karate in Roosevelt Park, with another branch at St Theresa’s School. The benefits of karate have been well documented… it improves mental and physical health, builds energy, focus, concentration, self-confidence and esteem, instills self-discipline and fosters self-awareness. With Sensei Andrew Els at the helm, the dojo offers classes for both children and adults.
Located in Rosebank, Fourways, Hillfox, Oakdene and Montana in Pretoria, these unique gyms don’t require a long-term contract. Instead, you can pay monthly and enjoy the numerous facilities, which include cardio, function and strength equipment as well as free weights and numerous classes for kickboxing, yoga, body conditioning, Pilates, Zumba, step, jazz funk, stretch – you name it. There’s also an excellent spinning studio.
LEGACY BALANCE www.legacybalance.co.za
If its exclusivity you’re after, then Legacy Balance gyms may be what you’re looking for. There are four on Nelson Mandela Square – until recently they were only open to people staying in the Legacy establishments, but they are now open to the public. Their trainers and equipment are state-of-theart, and the five-star treatment is another plus. The rates are reasonable, so if you work in the area or live close by, try a session at one of the gyms, in The Raphael, the DaVinci Suites or the DaVinci Hotel, as well as the Michelangelo Towers. The gyms offer personal training sessions as well as group classes. Membership is limited.
Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity – John F. Kennedy
UNCHAINED BOXING & FITNESS GYM 079 863 7655
There’s a touch of irony in having a fitness gym right opposite Parkhurst’s most famous pub, but it certainly hasn’t been bad for business for either. Unchained Boxing & Fitness Gym on 4th Avenue is an upmarket gym offering reasonably priced options for peak and off-peak workout classes, as well as private sessions for one or two people at a time. And what do you get for your bucks? Boxing classes and general fitness with a range of professional trainers. As our offices are around the corner, so we can testify that they work their customers hard, but they keep coming back for more.
YOGA EXPERIENCE www.bikramyoga.co.za www.hotpodyoga.co.za
The only yoga studio in Joburg that offers lessons in a variety of yoga styles, Yoga Experience in Illovo offers the chance to practise more than one kind of yoga, whether you’re an experienced yogi or a beginner. Classes are available in Hatha Yoga, Iyengar, Ashtanga and Bikram as well as Hot Flow and Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Restorative and Yin Yoga and the Nia Technique. You can also attend Meditation classes and special Pregnancy Yoga classes, and there’s a nutritional therapist on hand to assist with healthy eating plans. They offer a first-timer special – R250 for 10 consecutive days. If you’re closer to Linden, try Hotpod Yoga; hot yoga in an other-worldly setting, with roots in the Vinayasa style of yoga. Classes are refreshing and impactful.
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THE LIST | STAYING FIT
PLANET FITNESS
S.W.E.A.T. 1000
VIRGIN ACTIVE
It was here first, one of the original gym brands to make its mark in Joburg, and it continues to offer excellent facilities and services. Planet Fitness gyms around the city also offer every possible way to get fit and healthy. The club behind the Wanderers was the first to offer an indoor running track, and though many have followed suit, being at the forefront remains one of Planet Fitness’s strong points. Cross trainers, yogis, Pilates fanatics, body builders and every other type of exercise fundi is to be found there almost daily working hard to look good. The flagship club, called Platinum Sandton, is located at the top of the Radisson Blu on Rivonia Road. This club offers a unique, luxury sports and spa experience featuring hightech facilities.
If you live in Bryanston, Morningside or Illovo, you can participate in one of Joburg’s most popular ways to get fit at the S.W.E.A.T. 1000 studios in Blubird, Nicolway and Morningside centres. S.W.E.A.T. stands for Specialised Weight Endurance Athletic Training and literally burns 1,000 calories in the one-hour workout. It combines interval training with core stability work, functional, athletic and agility training, all packed into the workout making it an endurance feat. Best of all, these strenuous workouts are accompanied by live DJs. They don’t mind beginners, intermediate or advanced exercisers, so why not join the crowd?
There are many Virgin Active Clubs dotted around Joburg, from Victory Park to Vodaworld and Sandton to Soweto. The two flagship clubs are well known; you’ll find them in Melrose Arch and on Alice Lane in Sandton. Sir Richard Branson’s business ethic has seen him succeed in every sphere, gyms included. His trademark is great value for money, with a few quirks thrown in for good measure. Everyone of his Joburg gyms has a loyal following – proof of his success. Clubs offer every possible means of getting fit and healthy, from an indoor pool to workout rooms, weights, super circuit… you name it.
www.planetfitness.co.za
www.sweat1000.com
CROSSFIT
www.crossfitjozi.co.za www.crossfitplatinum.com CrossFit develops the broadest possible fitness using varied high intensity workouts comprising functional movements (pushing, pulling, squatting, lifting and throwing). It’s an ever-changing mix of body weight exercise, weightlifting, kettlebells, running, skipping and rowing that offers excellent results for people of all fitness abilities. CrossFit Jozi offers a community of likeminded active people who inspire and motivate each other to achieve optimum fitness. There are currently two different locations for CrossFit Jozi fanatics – Meadowvale in Joburg and Benoni. If you’re based closer to the northern suburbs, there’s Crossfit Platinum in Linden that not only offers CrossFit training, but also features personal fitness training for weight loss, body conditioning and toning, boxing, kickboxing, physical rehab and overall health and fitness.
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www.virginactive.co.za
ELITE DEFENCE ACADEMY www.elitedefence.co.za
Krav Maga is a practical Israeli selfdefence system that is popular with military units worldwide as well as those people who want to get fit and learn self defence at the same time. Elite Defence Academy offers classes in Krav Maga all over Joburg, from Bedfordview and Sunninghill to Springs, the East Rand and Fourways. The classes feature awareness training, safe behaviour and intelligent physical self-defence components. The Academy, founded by Des Brown in 2007, offers around 20 Krav Maga instructors. Training is for learners of any ability, is safe and the method is easy to learn.
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THE LIST | CHILDREN
PIRATES CLUB
www.piratesclub.co.za
KIDDILICIOUS
www.kiddilicious.co.za
Vacay days
Enjoy a great family day out at Pirates, with lots of place for the kids to play sport and run around. There’s a jungle gym and also a special Astroturf area where they can ride their bikes. This club in Greenside is the oldest sports club in Gauteng, and one of the three oldest in the country. It offers facilities for eight different sports – baseball, bowls, cricket, hockey, running, rugby, squash and tennis. The little restaurant at the club offers great food at good prices. Sit outside in the sun while the kids have the time of their lives.
Finally, a spot that’s dedicated to both kids and their parents! Kiddilicious in Bedfordview offers a relaxing environment where parents can enjoy a meal or coffee while their children are entertained. Aside from the Red Door Café, there are large play areas in the farm-style setting where kids can have fun. The venue is also ideal for parties. Classes and workshops in various subjects are available and there’s a baby clinic, gift boutique and beauty salon that offers treatments for little girls and their moms.
FAHRENHEIT
www.fahrenheitrestaurant.co.za A great day out for the whole family, Fahrenheit Seafood & Grill is as well-known for its stunning menu as it is for its fantasy play area for kids. There are three family restaurants: one in Benoni, the other in Edenvale – both quite close to OR Tambo, and one in Alberton. All are excellent. Aside from offering delicious meat and seafood for lunch or dinner, they also offer a fully licensed bar. With shady gardens, private decks and the play areas, they are perfect spots to relax and have fun while the kids enjoy themselves.
Imagination is more important than knowledge – Albert Einstein
CITYROCK
www.cityrock.co.za/johannesburg/ Africa’s largest indoor climbing gym, CityROCK is a world-class facility with 2,000 square metres of high wall climbing, including a dedicated beginner’s area for kids, plus a yoga studio and strength training area for adults. Children aged five to 14 are permitted, and there are three-day consecutive two-hour introductory courses, where they are taught basic safety procedures and climbing techniques. Great during school holidays, with a bonus crag day on Day 4, when they get the opportunity to climb on real rock. The course includes gear rental. A more advanced course is also available. Courses are from 11 to 13 December; enquire about 2018.
MODDERFONTEIN RESERVE www.modderfonteinreserve.co.za
There’s a private park right here on Joburg’s doorstep, waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Modderfontein Reserve protects indigenous flora and fauna in the area, and offers a wide, open space where you can enjoy nature to the fullest. The 275-hectare park includes portions of the Modderfontein Spruit, and numerous dams, hills and plenty of grassland. There’s a restaurant in the reserve – Val Bonne Country Estate – which offers a wide selection of dishes, as well as Dobbs Cottage, a country café with a wrap-around veranda offering scenic views. Overlooking Grebe Dam, it’s surrounded by lush, green lawns where the kids can play. The reserve also offers cycling trails and guided walks.
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OPINION
THE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION SOLUTION SOUTH AFRICA’S EDUCATION SYSTEM IS A SAD STATE OF AFFAIRS, WHICH IS WHY SO MANY PARENTS ARE CONSIDERING SENDING THEIR CHILDREN TO INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITIES. BUT THERE’S THE CONUNDRUM… HOW DO THEY AFFORD IT, AND WHAT OBSTACLES DO THEY HAVE TO OVERCOME TO BE ABLE TO DO THIS?
A
ccording to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competiveness Report for 2017/2018, South Africa is in the bottom quartile of competitiveness when it comes to education. In addition, in 2016, South Africa was ranked last in mathematics and science education quality in the World Economic Forum’s Global Information Technology Report. South Africans are spending thousands of Rands educating their children in private schools to
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combat the quality of education offered by the government. But what do we do when it comes to university? As no single local university has ranked in the top 100 worldwide, there is only one option – to send our children overseas to be educated. In the current status quo, students who are graduating from local universities have great difficulty finding employment overseas. Very few local degrees are accepted internationally, and
often people who choose to work elsewhere have to take additional examinations to qualify before they can use their skills in another country. What does that say about the private education we’re giving our children, and the education provided by our universities? The answer seems to be to start saving now, so that our children can study on a global level. But to study internationally is exorbitant when one considers what it will cost in Euro or UK Pounds. Let’s give an example of a father who is 40 years old, and has two children, one aged five who is about to enter school (Grade 0) in 2018, and the other, aged seven, who is going into Grade 2 next year. He needs to start saving now to afford to give them a global university education in a decade. If he starts saving R10,000 per year, he will have saved in the region of R1.2 million in 2028. That’s £65,000 – and we’re being optimistic if we think that will pay for a year’s tuition and accommodation with the rise in the cost of living. So what is the answer? A world of opportunity awaits, says Liza Mannoussis from Global Education, an international student placement agency that offers guidance to parents wishing to send their children to
international universities. “Global Education is your gateway to international study opportunities,” she explains. “This unique international education service provides you with everything you need to study at a world-class overseas institution. We assist self-funded students to apply to undergraduate, postgraduate or vocational courses in the USA, Canada, UK, Austria, the Netherlands and New Zealand.” Global Education handles the entire process for international student admissions, starting with counselling students one-on-one to find out what their needs are and which country, and campus, they would like to attend. They then assist students with the exact documents they require to apply and show them how to be verified. Services also include assisting with admissions and placement at relevant universities, obtaining student accommodation and student visas. Those students who don’t meet entry requirements and have a C-average can enter universities if they first undergo a foundation year from January to August or in September. They attend classes at the university, with individual tutoring with lecturers. For a reasonable fee, parents and students have all the paperwork and hassle taken out of applications. www.globaleducation.co.za
THE LIST | CHILDREN
www.croccity.co.za
CROC CITY
www.rollegoli.co.za
ROLL EGOLI
CITY SIGHTSEEING
Croc City Crocodile & Reptile Park offers an exciting variety of thrilling activities with reptiles. Kids can hold a baby croc, touch exotic snakes and even get up close and personal with a tarantula. Originally started as a refuge for reptiles, Croc City has become a major attraction. There are guided tours daily from 9am to 4.30pm, and you can watch crocodile feeding on weekends at 2pm. There’s also a restaurant, kids play area and a zipline called a Flyover.
Now open in Bryanston, Roll Egoli is not just a popular roller skating rink, it’s also the perfect place to have fun on the trampoline or go ziplining. There are more than 1,000 square metres of covered floor on which you can rollerblade and rollerskate to your heart’s content, and the sides of the rink are semi-open to let the breeze blow in. In the shady garden there are some chickens and a play area for the younger kids. There’s also an on-site pizza restaurant that offers gelato, coffee, cold drinks and great pizza.
You’d be surprised what fun it is going sightseeing in your own city, especially when you’re riding on a topless red bus. Best of all, you can hop off when you want to explore, and hop on again later to see more sights. A ticket includes the Green City Tour, exploring the suburbs, and the City Tour through the CBD. There’s even a special audio channel for kids to listen to while enjoying the ride. A free shuttle service is available from certain Sandton and Melrose hotels, making the red bus extremely accessible.
www.citysightseeing.co.za
You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have” – Maya Angelou
COLOR CAFÉ
www.colorcafe.co.za Let your kids’ creativity shine through at this popular ceramic painting store in Hyde Park. And while you’re there, try it out yourself – there’s painting as well as mosaic activities to keep you busy. It’s a great way to relax and, whether you’re an artist or not, you can make something special. It also serves drinks and snacks to enjoy while you’re working. Pick an item from a wide selection of raw ceramic products, including bowls, plates, vases and knick-knacks. Choose the paint colours you want to work with, and stencils, mosaic tiles or anything else you need to make your masterpiece. There’s someone on hand to assist, but the rest is up to you.
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THE LIST | CHILDREN
ROBOTICS BY LIVE KAIZEN On average, a 4-year-old child asks about 437 questions a day (most of them, simply “why?”)
MAROPENG
www.gauteng.net/attractions/cradle_of_humankind Maropeng is the highlight of a visit to the Cradle of Humankind, and a fun educational experience for the kids. At the entrance is the massive burial mound, the Tumulus, gateway to many secrets about humankind, and inside is an informative presentation that explains the history and prehistory of the human race, reaching back four million years. Part of the visit includes an underground boat ride through time, going backwards from the present to when earth was first created. This unforgettable journey of discovery includes finding out what it was like to live in the Ice Age, and when the earth was submerged under water.
www.livekaizen.co.za
Ideal for the holidays and also for after school, Robotics offers kids an insight into the natural world, exploring ideas and phenomena with fun experiments and hands-on activities. Developed by scientists, a psychologist and engineers, the programme introduces kids aged four to 10 to the world of science, technology, maths and engineering through interactive play and activities. There is a special school holiday programme from 11 to 21 December, and in 2018 you can enjoy Robotics after-school classes.
JOZI X
www.jozix.co.za For active kids, Jozi X is unbeatable. There are eight different activities, including 9m-high climbing walls, a circus-sized trapeze and mountainboarding for beginners, plus BorderX trails for more experienced riders. Equipment and padding is provided. There’s also Slackline, and Big Air Krush Kushion Jump, the first of its kind in the country, where kids learn tricks, spins, rolls and more on any non-motorised discipline like a skateboard or bike. Or you can enjoy the tarred and dirt runs for BMX, mountain boards, rollerblades, skateboards, etc. There’s also bubble soccer
KINDERSPIEL
www.kinderspiel.co.za This toy store and kiddie’s theatre is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. The toys on offer at this Emmarentia store aren’t what you would expect… its speciality is beautifully crafted hand puppets and puppet theatres, but it also features a variety of toys, from firm favourites like Lego to unusual imported products. You can also bring the kids to watch various Living Puppet Shows – check out their website for details. These amazing puppets are also available for purchase: each has its own personality, moveable mouths and arms and is fully washable.
AVALANCHE
www.avalanche.co.za Skiing in summer in Joburg? You betcha! You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tubing and bum boarding on the 65-metre ski slope at Avalanche in Cedar Square, Fourways. Take the draglift to the top, and then make your way down. You can have a skiing or snowboarding lesson with an instructor, too. Or a party – catering is available. The young ones can enjoy the activity centre and there’s a restaurant serving snacks all day. Photographers on the slope take pictures of the brave.
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THE LIST | ART
1 December to 30 January
A PIECE OF WORK DAVID KRUT GALLERY
This group exhibition celebrates the monotype process and includes variations of this process as well as other works on paper contributed by a selection of invited artists, collaborations with the David Krut Workshop (DKW) as well as DKW team members. All the pieces on display are either works that experience the pressure of an etching press or, as a comparative, are those that have not. Artists include Vincent Baloyi, Sarah Biggs, Fanie Buys, Hanien Conradie, Chad Cordeiro, Elize de Beer, Purnaa Deb, Endale Desalegn, Matthew Hindley, Meghan Allynn Johnson, Elrie Jourbert, Alex Kaczmarek, Roxy Kaczmarek, Sbongiseni Khulu, Alexandra Makhlouf, Maja Maljević, Colbert Mashile, Keneilwe Makoena, Noma Ngwenya, Daniela Puccini, Nina Torr, Jacob van Schalkwyk, Diane Victor, Morne Visagie, Mary Wafer, Quinten Edward Williams, Kristen Yang and more.
Until 22 January 2018
DESTINATION HAND MADE AGOG GALLERY
www.agoggallery.com Aubrey Boshoga’s first solo exhibition, Destination Hand Made, encapsulates all the lessons he has learned. “Travelling to various continents, exploring different cities, surrounded by exquisite scenery has given me a different perspective about myself,” he explains. Aubrey was born in Mamelodi and completed a Bachelors degree in Fine Art at the University of Durban-Westville. He soon positioned himself as one of Mzansi’s promising creatives. In 2011 and 2012 he exhibited at Kempton Park Municipality Hall in Ekurhuleni, in 2015 he showed his works at the ABSA Gallery, inspired by his collection of suitcases that he was either packing or unpacking. Aubrey has also participated in numerous group exhibitions.
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Galleries
www.davidkrutprojects.com
You don’t take a photograph, you make it – Ansel Adams
Until 25 February 2018
GIDEON MENDEL: DROWNING WORLD WITS ART MUSEUM www.wits.ac.za
This powerful exhibition by South African-born contemporary photographer Gideon Mendel features three discrete bodies of photographic work. Submerged Portraits, Floodlines, Watermarks and a video entitled The Water Chapters are all part of an ongoing project that began a decade ago, when Gideon travelled to various countries in the aftermath of devastating floods. The photographs demonstrate the artist’s travels to various parts of the world and capture the reality of floods across cultural and geographical boundaries. They also illustrate the pervasive impact of climate change.
Until 27 January
LINE
LIZAMORE & ASSOCIATES www.lizamore.co.za
Strijdom van der Merwe’s solo exhibition literally ‘takes line for a walk in the park’. Drawing his inspiration from the landscape, he uses the line as a subtle reminder of humankind’s imposition on the landscape and subtly questions the notion of ownership that mankind has over the landscape. LINE presents various artistic media of expression in one exhibition. It comprises documentation of land artworks with paintings and sculptural paintings of road markers.
Until 20 January
IN TOTO GALLERY
Until 19 January 2018
NANDIPHA MNTAMBO: THE SNAKE YOU LEFT INSIDE ME STEVENSON GALLERY
www.stevenson.info/gallery This solo exhvibition is Nandipha Mntambo’s seventh exhibition at the gallery. She uses paintings, sculpture and mono-prints to deliver a new chapter in her ongoing meditation on binaries. It explores the interdependence of light and shadow, alluding to tensions inherent in relationships. Combining dark shades with gold leaf, Mntambo uses the refracting nature of various snake mythologies to express the mechanics of illumination. Occupying different roles in different cultures, some life giving and others ominous, the snake is impervious to essentialism and she explores this in her use of colour and ruminations on androgyny. The artist draws on the depiction of the snake, to articulate a vision of wholeness as a necessarily fractured thing.
B&W GROUP EXHIBITION www.intotogallery.co.za
Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. – Pablo Picasso
‘Johannesburg, the good news’ is the theme for this photographic group exhibition of 33 black and white images created by 33 different artists. Each of these photographs was printed by hand in a traditional darkroom – a rarity in the 21st Century.
2 December 2017 to 31 January 2018
PHUMZILE KHANYILE: AFROTOPIA AFRONOVA | MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART www.afronova.com
Phumzile Khanyile is one of 40 artists chosen from the 300 applications received for the PanAfrican exhibition of the 11th edition of the Rencontres de Bamako from all over the African continent or in its diasporas. The Rencontres de Bamako receives substantial interest every year; it’s a major source of motivation for artists. A selection committee chose 40 of the applications from artists and collectives, of which Phumzile Khanyile is one. Being chosen is no mean feat; the members of the selection committee and the Rencontres de Bamako team carefully reviewed each application and were impressed by the quality and diversity of entries. It was a hard task to choose just 40 out of 300. The photographs of Phumzile Khanyile, who is South African, will be on show from 2 December 2017 to 31 January 2018.
ALSO CONSIDER CIRCA GALLERY
www.circaonjellicoe.co.za
EVERARD READ
www.everard-read.co.za
HENRY GEORGE GALLERY
henrygeorgegallery.co.za
UJ ART GALLERY www.uj.ac.za
GOETHE INSTITUTE www.goethe.de
JAG
www.friendsofjag.co.za
GOODMAN GALLERY goodman-gallery.com
MOAD
www.moadjhb.com
REGULARS | THE BACK PAGE
Comedy has always been part of my life. When I was younger I loved telling jokes and making people laugh. I think I got it from my dad and uncles – they always loved a good joke, a good laugh and making and seeing people laugh. And when my dad and Uncle Bob were together, they were super lethal. They would tag team tease everyone! So, there was always laughter, and teasing was bred into us.
10 minutes WITH JASON GOLIATH Funny man Jason Goliath has the last laugh in this issue… literally. He tells us about some of his funniest moments, his comedic inspirations and why Mondays are his favourite day of the week So many funny things have happened to me over the years. I once received a message from a 60-year-old man from Vanderbijl Park on Facebook
saying he really enjoyed my show. He also told me had just been forced to retire and was really down on his luck, no pension, wife in the same position and kids still living at home. He said my show kept him going. I replied, thanking him for his kind words and wishing him and his family well; he replied, and I quote, “Mag ek graag a photo van jou in jou onderbroekie kry?” True story.
HIGHS My job is the best job in the world; everyone loves people laughing at their jokes in a social setting. People give me money to laugh at my jokes! This is madness; I get money to do my favourite thing!
LOWS The worst part about being a comedian is when random people ask me to tell them a joke in the oddest of places. I’ve been asked to tell a joke in the food queue at a funeral.
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I wasn’t always the funny kid at school. I was bullied throughout primary school, but in Grade 7 I realised I didn’t have to use physical force to protect myself; I could take their power with my words. I was witty and quick off the mark and became known as the comeback king. So, people stopped teasing me because I was always brutal. It inspired a bit of confidence in me and made people laugh, and from then I realised that I could make people laugh without hurting them. I had a bank of jokes for anyone who would listen and I’d visit different youth clubs. The joke guys would come up to me and ask if I had any new jokes and I’d get a huge thrill out of making them laugh with jokes I’d heard from other people, because I wasn’t a comedian yet, just a joke teller. At the moment, I see comedy everywhere. I love a good chirp, tease or a great embarrassing story or awkward moment. I find
“ I DON’T WANT TO THINK ABOUT WHAT I’D DO IF I WEREN’T A COMEDIAN. I WANT TO BE ONE FOREVER”
humans hilarious. I don’t want to think about what I’d do if I weren’t a comedian. I want to be one forever… or a presenter on Top Gear. I’m a real petrol head. I love so many local and international comics. Internationally, Trevor Noah, what a legend! I watched Chris Rock live at Sun City; he remains one of my key inspirations. Dave Chappelle; his relationship with comedy is pure and almost effortless. He makes it feel as if money is just a by-product, not the objective. John Vlismas has the greatest comedy mind in South African history. He fought hard for comedy to exist and be accepted here, indirectly allowing comedians to speak freely, not be restricted by other people’s’ standards and creating the example that it’s not wrong to question and push boundaries. David Kau and Kagiso Lediga give generously to the industry on so many different levels and helped comedy in South Africa gain different platforms, like on TV. There is no typical day in my life, just organised chaos. Some mornings I sleep in late to catch up on much-needed shut-eye. My gigs are usually at night and end late. But most mornings I am up early. Afternoons it varies from client briefings and business meetings to interviews, on set for Man Cave or attending shoots. Evenings I have my comedy and corporate gigs, and weekends, with the rest of Goliath and Goliath, we manage The Goliath Comedy Club Melrose Arch, The Box in Maboneng and, soon, The Goliath Comedy Club The Bannister Hotel. My favourite day is Monday, my off day. I have PlayStation FIFA Night with my friends. My diary is so full I need to actually schedule in personal time. It’s quite scary.
ROYAL SHOPPING IN PARIS Paris-Charles de Gaulle: enjoy a pleasant stopover while discovering the many luxury shops and relaxing in the comfort of our lounges.
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Elegance is an attitude Simon Baker
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