SURFING THE LOCAL FOOD SCENE

ANT ELLIS, A ROCK ‘N ROLL FOODIE BORN AND RAISED ON THE EAST COAST, IS PASSIONATE ABOUT EATING LOCAL, SUPPORTING THE LITTLE GUYS AND SAVOURING EVERY LAST BITE

In coastal locales the world over, there exists a simple and inimitable truth – sunshine and seafood are a match made in foodie heaven. Just the thought of a fresh, salty ocean breeze, sand between my toes and a weekend’s worth of downtime evokes something energetic in me – and of course, it’s directly connected to my appetite.

In every culinary language from Spanish to South-east Asian, Mexican to French and beyond, chefs, cooks and even food truck rock stars agree that seafood – when treated with respect and creativity – is the “most valuable player” on their seasonal menus. From bright, zesty ceviches to savoury fish curries, steaming mussel pots or endless other seaside favourites, a key principle behind preparing most of Neptune’s bounty is to keep it light and fresh.

Of course, it’s essential that we know the origin of our fish and shellfish, and that we’re supporting sustainable resource usage programmes (check out wwfsassi.co.za to learn about our responsibilities as consumers) before we tuck in. Of course, we have every right to ask our food providers about their awareness of (and contributions to) ensuring we’ll always have plenty of seafood to enjoy in the future.

A key philosophy of mine as both a late-starting student of the culinary arts and as a bona fide food geek, is that independent restaurants – as well as their suppliers – should be the places we seek out to eat, drink, and party. We

should know our local servers, bartenders, chefs and managers by name, and they should know us. National restaurant and take-out franchises serve a purpose, but central kitchens delivering mass-produced tartare sauce by the barrel to a distribution centre should be the exception, rather than the rule. Let’s face it, we owe it to the indie heroes who feed us every day without the benefit of buying networks, marketing budgets or HR departments. Brothers Daryl and Brett Bartho of Bartho’s Fish Co in Durban North, know a thing or

ABOVE: Ant Ellis – a rock ‘n roll foodie.

two about life as a specialist independent food supplier. Says Daryl, “It’s all about passion that we want our customers to taste in the quality of the ingredients. We believe that what we do – and the way we do it – plays a valuable part in the local food industry.”

BEHIND THE MENU I met with my good buddy and renowned local chef Brendon Newport to talk about his life in independent kitchens, and what inspires him to keep rocking. “I’ve always gravitated to kitchens from which I can tell a meaningful local story. I drive the restaurant from the kitchen, so I need to be free to be able to react to trends, seasonality and even the day’s weather.” Brendon’s menu at Surf Riders Cafe delivers something

ABOVE: Brendon Newport and Ant Ellis outside Surf Riders Cafe.

for everyone – staples include top-notch breakfasts, burgers and pizzas, elevated by a shifting seasonal menu of street food-inspired fusion dishes including Taiwanese bao buns, Hawaiian poke bowls and Mexican seafood salads. We cooked up badass fish

tacos in Brendon’s kitchen – pure Durban summer in every mouthful.

Use your choice of deboned white fish fillets, cut into goujons, battered and fried. Serve in hand-size flour tortillas warmed through, with a quick pickle, a generous drizzle of lime and chilli mayonnaise, a classic pico de gallo salsa, and customise with garnishes of fresh coriander, avocado, sour cream and jalapeños. Ice-cold beers with a tangy citrus wedgestuffed neck are mandatory. Fish: Dredge fish in a simple batter of flour seasoned with salt, pepper and cumin, and a dash of baking powder. Mix until smooth with beer or soda water. Coat the fish, shake off the excess and shallow fry until golden and cooked through.

Lime and chilli mayonnaise: To half a cup of your go-to mayonnaise, add juice of a half a lime and Tabasco to taste. Mix well. Pickle: Mix together one cup each of shredded cabbage and carrot, add half of that of thinly sliced red onion. Soak in 75ml red wine vinegar, add some peppercorns, a few cumin seeds, and half a teaspoon of sugar and mix.

Pico de gallo: Mix together a cup of tomatoes, half a cup of white onion (all finely diced) and plenty of chopped coriander. Add salt and a squeeze of lime juice.

Fill and top your tacos the way you like, and smash ’em. Until next time, eat well, tip well and support local. Crank it up!

*FOR MORE INFO Rock on! Talk to me at ant@rockthekitchen.co.za

Daniele is of Italian descent, and has always had an eye for fashion. “I was born in South Africa but raised Italian to make sure I never forgot that I was Italian,” he laughs. “Growing up in an Italian home was beautiful, lots of food and family time. I think this played a big role in me getting into the fashion industry.” Daniele’s father was always well groomed and well dressed. “He played a huge role in me wanting to have good clothes, shoes and look good. My uncle Franco was a shoe designer, so he was also a huge inspiration.”

Since he was a schoolboy, Daniele had a passion for drawing shoes and clothes. “When the teacher asked the class to each chose something and draw it, I always used to take my shoe off and draw that.”

Studying shoe design in Milano in Italy for four years, Daniele received his diploma from the Arsutoria School – a well-known international fashion design school for shoes and bags.

“From the time I came back from Italy and thought I was a qualified shoe designer, I realised that this was only the beginning,” says Daniele. “Working as a designer I travelled to many parts of the world, inspirational trips prior to building my collections. On these travels I met many

Ciao BELLA

KATRINE ANKER-NILSSEN DISCOVERS THE STORY BEHIND DANIELE DI MAURO’S BEAUTIFUL ITALIAN LEATHER FOOTWEAR

ABOVE: Capri, R699. LEFT: Daniele Di Mauro.

other talented designers and gained so much experience in what I loved to do.”

As a result of these travels, Daniele realised he wanted to build and make an Italian shoe brand in South Africa.

“When I was studying in Italy, my design teacher Senior Bacchi took me under his wing and gave me a lot of time and care. He told me that I had the potential be a top shoe designer, and gave me so many ideas

and lessons in how to make your brand well known in the market,” says Daniele. “He told me to make shoes and start by giving them away – as this would be easier than trying to sell a brand that no one knew.” So Daniele gave shoes away to friends and family members, and soon he was able to get them to a few well-known African actresses. This helped the brand to gain momentum.

He told me to make shoes and start by giving them away – as this would be easier than trying to sell a brand that no one knew

It all started in 2010. “After two years I put the DDM brand on the shelf, working in other areas of the shoe industry for a while. But last year I picked it up again, it felt right to now propel DDM forward,” explains Daniele. His mini-factory is now located in his Hillcrest home. The DDM team is without doubt what makes the DDM brand what it is. “I met the first member of my team, Lwazi Ngidi, when he had »

LEFT: Legato (left) and Dentro (right), both R999.

just come out of school. He was a shy boy with very little confidence, but all the talent in the world,” says Daniele. “Andile Sefloko, the second member of my team, was my gardener at first. I saw a lot of potential in him, and started teaching him and Lwazi the art of shoe making.” Today they are both partners of the DDM brand. “Both Lwazi and Andile have been working with me for some 10 years now, and we all are driven and have such a great desire to make DDM succeed,” says Daniele. “We all play key roles and have such a great understanding between each other that it’s second nature when building collections.

“My favourite element of what I do is that every day is completely new and different, and because I love what I do, it’s as if I don’t work but play.” Daniele’s wife Tracey is also in the fashion industry. “We

LEFT: Daniele Di Mauro with shoe technician Andile Sefoloko. BELOW: For the love of shoes. BELOW LEFT: Shoe designer Lwazi Ngidi.

are forever bouncing style and ideas off each other,” says Daniele – adding that they have three children; 23-yearold Daley, 21-year-old Alaysia and 14-year-old Stefano. “My son-in-law Brandon takes care of all our consignment stores and the website, while Alaysia does our social media.”

DDM shoes are full leather

We want to go international with DDM, and will one day have our brand in European stores too

products, handcrafted with love and care – with a European look and quality. “We have huge expectations and desires to create a well-known brand and specific style for South Africans who appreciate great style and a good quality product,” says Daniele. “We want to go international with DDM, and will one day have our brand in

ABOVE: Bobo (left) and Piscina (right), both R699. LEFT: Tommia, R699.

European stores too.”

Daniele is excited about opening a shoe studio in Hillcrest, at the Wild Fig Tree Centre on Builder’s Way, in April. “We will be offering customers what normal shoe stores don’t. A place where you can find all the styles you want, but if not in the colour you want – you can select your own colour from our swatch card and we will have it made and ready for you in two days.” They will also offer custom-made shoes for those who have an absolute shoe fetish – taking them through a journey and the art of shoe making. “After this store has been opened and is a success, we hope to open another one in the uMhlanga area,” adds Daniele.

*FOR MORE INFO DDM is available at: Poko Designs, La Lucia Mall; The Gallery, Musgrave Mall; Unison, Flanders Mall; the Wild Fig Tree stores at Hillcrest Corner; and Watercrest Mall.

Classic BLUE

KEEPING UP WITH COLOUR TRENDS IN 2020, HERE ARE A FEW WAYS TO INCORPORATE CLASSIC BLUE INTO YOUR HOME AND LIFE B lue has long been acknowledged as the most universally favoured colour, with its varying shades and psychologically linked to creativity, trust, relaxation and serenity.

“We are living in a time that requires trust and faith,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Pantone. “It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on.” According to Pantone, the colour choice is a reaction to the fast-moving world around us. “As technology continues to race ahead of the human ability to process it all, it is easy to understand why we gravitate to colours that are honest and offer the promise of protection.” Classic Blue is “genderless in outlook and seasonless in endurance” and is “emblematic of heritage but at the same time highly contemporary”.

Pantone points to the versatility of the shade, “Classic Blue takes on distinct appearances through application to different materials, finishes and textures from shimmering metallics, lustrous sheens and high-tech materials.”

Inspired by the ocean, blue will take centre stage in 2020. However, browns inspired by dried seaweed and driftwood, sand-like whites and cool green hues will also be seen.

*Moccamaster One Cup Love automatic coffee brewers, but only want a single cup? The Moccamaster One Cup brewer is a hands-off automatic brewer with an excellent reputation. Crafted in the Netherlands, it adds class and function to any kitchen counter. It comes with two porcelain mugs and 80 filters, R2 879. www.dailybrew.co.za

Samesyn Samesyn – meaning togetherness in Afrikaans – is a range of tablecloths, table runners, serviettes and tea towels, all original art, inspired by food and printed on linen. Each design is unique and tells its own story.

Mungo Design This unique towel is inspired by the African landscape and heritage. With its intricate patterns, bold and warm colours, the Itawuli in Blue Moon is a definite keepsake, R270-R705. www.mungo.co.za

Le Crueset Since 1925, Le Creuset have produced French designed casseroles, pots, frying pans, skillets and kettles the best way possible – by hand. Their Cobalt Blue is simultaneously deep and bright, a timeless true blue which is calming yet vibrant.

www.lecreuset.co.za

Spaza Madiba Dish And Bowl Cover

Say goodbye to tinfoil and plastic wrap. Eco-friendly entertainers will love this large, flexible and reusable cotton dish cover designed to fit a range of shapes and sizes. Great for keeping food fresh, storing left-overs, or transporting a dish to a dinner party or picnic, R179. www.faithful-to-nature.co.za

Carole Paxton Linen Traditional Japanese Shibori linen, hand-dyed and hand-made in Durban by Carole. Each piece is individual and unique, depending on the resist used. Carole custom-makes cushion covers, table runners and serviettes. Prices vary. Carole Paxton: 083 238 4964; carolepaxton2016@gmail.com

Ardmore Design Leopard Lily tablecloth in Frost, R2 600. Also look out for Galloping Zebra gift cards, Feather and Bush Bandits napkins in Frost, and the River Chase Royal Velvet cushion cover.

www.ardmore-design.com

Carrol Boyes Indigo Girls Inspired by a trip to Morocco, Carrol Boyes designed a range of bone china ceramics – including platters, plates, bowls, mugs and even cheeseboards – illustrating four different designs of Indigo girls. Prices vary.

Radisson Blue Cape Town Situated on the waters edge, the Radisson Blue Hotel in Cape Town epitomizes the essence of Classic Blue. Take a stroll through the picturesque hotel and experience the tranquil feel of the ocean expressed through colour.

Bedroom BLISS

AFTER A BUSY DAY, THERE’S NOTHING BETTER THAN UNWINDING IN A TRANQUIL HAVEN OF A BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED BEDROOM. WE ROUNDED UP SOME TIPS FOR SPRUCING UP YOUR SANCTUARY FROM LOCAL INTERIOR DESIGNERS AND DECORATORS

story candice botha pictures sally chance

CREATE ZONES Interior designer Amy Mitchell of Studio Mitchell has created a series of zones in this bedroom to allow the owners spaces for sleeping, reading and dressing. “Clearly defining zones for different activities gives the room structure and makes sure it’s a practical space that functions well,” she says. Adding a rug beneath the bed, and a standing lamp over a daybed ensure that these feel like separate areas within the large space.

LET THERE BE LIGHT In a small bedroom, a pair of pendant lights can be a more practical option than bedside table lights. In this compact space, Tarryn Hendra of calla&taia opted for lights suspended from the ceiling.

“This saves on valuable space without compromising on essential lighting,” she notes. Choosing floating drawers as bedside tables is an additional space-saving trick. Remember that in a bedroom you need to be able to switch a bedside light on and off from the bed, so careful placing of light switches is essential.

Keeping all the elements similarly toned ensures this room has a luxe feel without being over the top

HEADBOARD HEAVEN Extending this velvet-upholstered headboard the width of the bed and side tables creates an opulent look that’s polished and put together. Interior designer Taryn Flanagan of Taryn Flanagan Interiors suggests using textures to create a layered look in a bedroom that makes it feel inviting. “Here leather details, knits, velvets and metallic accents all sit comfortably together,” she says.

GLAM IT UP Nothing makes you feel more pampered than a glamorous bedroom – and this one ticks all the boxes with a metallic wallpaper, velvet headboard and faux fur throw. “Keeping all the elements similarly toned ensures this room has a luxe feel without being over the top,” explains Amy. “Layering textures also adds to the luxurious feel.” The bedside tables feature three drawers for extra storage – a functional element that ensures this room is as practical as it is pretty. »

REFLECTED GLORY To make this bedroom seem much larger, Vanessa Taylor of Taylor’d Interiors placed two oversized mirrors behind the side tables to visually expand the space. “We also chose furniture pieces that are not heavy,” she notes. “The thin metal spindle legs on the table and side tables and the almost transparent feel of the Malawi chairs makes the room feel light and airy.” The raw wood finishes and texture of the jute rug along with pops of colour in the neutral palette create a layered feel that is interesting and inviting.

ROMANTIC TOUCH A four-poster bed makes a statement in any room, harking back to historic homes. The Natal colonial feel is enhanced with the overblown botanical wallpaper while the turtle shell lamps emphasise the exotic feel interior designer Taryn Flanagan has created here.

A pair of comfortable chairs and a side table is all you need for a welcoming space to unwind

TAKE A SEAT A bedroom should be a sanctuary and a space to escape to at any time of the day. “A pair of comfortable chairs and a side table is all you need for a welcoming space to unwind with a cup of tea or a good book,” says Maria Cochrane of Con Amore who designed this space. “Adding a TV is a bonus, especially in a guest room.”

*FOR MORE INFO TARYN FLANAGAN INTERIORS: tarynflanaganinteriors.co.za STUDIO MITCHELL: studiomitchell.co.za TAYLOR’D INTERIORS: taylordinteriors.co.za CALLA&TAIA: hello@callaandtaia.com MARIA COCHRANE: 2ma@2mco.co.za

At one with NATURE

After a busy start to 2020 I was looking forward to getting away from traffic jams and enjoying some peace and quiet in the bush. I was not disappointed. Just over three hour’s drive from uMhlanga and set within the Pongola Biosphere Reserve on the banks of Jozini Dam, the peaceful haven of Tandweni Villa awaits.

Not one to enjoy rustic living and roughing it, Tandweni Villa was right up my street – luxury living with all the bells and whistles, surrounded by the bush and wild animals.

Everything about Tandweni Villa oozes comfort and space – and there’s lots of it. The LOOKING FOR THE ULTIMATE WEEKEND GETAWAY EXPERIENCE OFFERING LUXURY ACCOMMODATION AND THE TRANQUILLITY OF THE BUSH? TANDWENI VILLA TICKS ALL THE BOXES, WRITES LORNA KING

massive wooden front door welcomes you into an open plan living area, dining area and fullyfitted kitchen, plus an entertainment area with sliding doors that open up on all sides, allowing one to take in the views and tranquillity. There are five double rooms – one with two single beds and three en suite – and all are beautifully decorated and boast views of the surrounding bush and Jozini Dam.

As the afternoon heat started to subside, it made perfect sense to chill outside on the patio with a drink in hand watching nyala, buck and warthog graze nearby, a plunge pool to cool down in, and stunning views of the dam and up the Jozini Gorge. As the sun set and the stars lit up, the sky was transformed into a blanket of flickering lights.

This is Africa at its best. Undisturbed peace and quiet. A far cry from the city.

The early morning picture was equally as stunning – still waters on the dam with a fine covering of mist which disappeared as the sun took hold on another day. Unfortunately we missed the elephants heading south much earlier, but on a late afternoon game drive we were lucky enough to see plenty of warthog, blue wildebeest, nyala, buck and an abundance of birdlife.

Children are more than welcome, and within the fenced garden there’s a jungle gym and slide, plus a look-out where they can do their own game viewing.

Besides relaxing with a book – indoors, on a lounger or on one of the many comfy chairs on the veranda – or simply staring out at the

As the sun set and the stars lit up, the sky was transformed into a blanket of flickering lights

wild, Tandweni Villa offers tiger fishing, Big 4 game viewing, boat cruises, gym facilities, a fully equipped braai/boma, a grass airstrip and hanger, and walks in the area.

The villa sleeps 10 people and is selfcatering, but staff are available to take care of cleaning up and were more than helpful and accommodating. Jabulani, the ranger, is the go-to man offering advice regarding the games drives, cruises and fishing.

Arriving back in uMhlanga on Sunday afternoon, I realised how lucky we are to have a slice of Africa a couple of hours away – close enough to be able to recharge our city batteries whenever we want.

*FOR MORE INFO 083 626 6001; www.tandweni.co.za

The new Range Rover Evoque builds on the strengths of the bestselling original. Combining all-terrain ability with on-road composure, the Evoque’s new vehicle architecture, updated technologies and worldfirst features make it more comfortable, capable and connected than ever before. The introduction of superslim Matrix LED headlamps provide a more sophisticated front and rear lamp graphic, while flush door handles add to the smooth, sculpted ensuring comfortable, healthy and happy occupants, with technologies such as the twin touchscreen Touch Pro Duo system featuring new, faster software, 16-way seat controls and cabin air ionisation that complement the increased interior space.

The latest Evoque comes with a variety of all-terrain technologies such as Hill Descent Control, Gradient Release Control and AllTerrain Progress Control, allied with assistance features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist.

Clear Sight Ground –

Smart LUXURY INTRODUCING THE NEW RANGE ROVER EVOQUE – A SUV FOR THE CITY AND BEYOND

aesthetic, and sweeping directional indicators create a purposeful signature.

Inside, the finely crafted design integrates uncluttered surfaces and simple lines with carefully curated premium materials to create a luxurious, minimalist, digital cabin. Technical textiles that use recycled plastics are offered as premium alternatives to leather, such as a Kvadrat wool blend and Dinamica® suedecloth, as well as Eucalyptus and Ultrafabrics™ options.

The cabin is designed to be a calm and serene space,

The cabin is designed to be a calm and serene space, ensuring comfortable, healthy and happy occupants

5 Reasons to own a Land Rover Evoque  Improved design, capability and sustainability.  Increased rear legroom, larger load space and enhanced small item stowage.  Innovative Terrain Response 2 technology – superb performance no matter the conditions.  Ground View technology – makes the bonnet invisible while transforms rear view mirror visibility from the driver’s seat.  State-of-the-art Touch Pro Duo infotainment system.

cameras in the front grille and on the door mirrors project a feed on to the central touchscreen to show what is ahead of and underneath the front of the vehicle with a virtual 180° view. This helps the driver maintain visibility when

negotiating extreme terrain as well as high kerbs.

There is smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, as well as Click & Go rear-seat tablet holders with charging capability, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot (for up to eight devices) and six USB slots located throughout the cabin. In addition, your cellphone can Untitled-2.pdf 1 2020/03/23 15:51:45Untitled-2.pdf 1 2020/03/23 15:51:45

be used to find the vehicle, check the remaining fuel range, lock and unlock the vehicle remotely, as well as pre-heat or cool the cabin to the desired temperature.

Ingenium engines have been advanced with new technologies to make them quieter and more refined, while the ZF nine-speed

automatic gearbox has been recalibrated to ensure a smoother, more progressive drive on all terrains. There’s a choice of a 132kW diesel or 183kW petrol engines.

The diesel, badged D180, returns an average fuel consumption of 5,8l/100km and is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 9,3

seconds. The P250-badged petrol returns a 7,4l/100km average fuel consumption and sprints from 0-100km/h in 7,5 seconds.

*FOR MORE INFO Test drive the new Range Rover Evoque at CMH Land Rover uMhlanga’s state-of-the-art showroom at 1 Wilton Crescent, uMhlanga Ridge; 031 571 2610; umhlanga.landrover.co.za