Franschhoek Life January 2023

taste explore discover

Pioneering

Asian restaurant – Ōku now offers a set menu of four or five courses with options on every course.

Isibindi Africa’s newest lodge, Tsowa Safari Island, near Victoria Falls in the Zambezi National Park, is open for business with a beautiful make-over.

South Africa’s leading electric cellist, Carol Thorns’ new solo album will be launching at La Roche Estate, where the album was recorded.

La Petite Ferme Unveils Chic Manor House Suites

Franschhoek’s Luxury Cape winelands boutique hotel and wine estate, La Petite Ferme, has unveiled its newly refurbished manor house suites.

This exciting accommodation offering complements the existing vineyard suites, which together are set to take the celebrated property to new heights.

Four months of extensive renovations saw the four suites of the estate’s historic manor house on the Franschhoek Mountain being completely overhauled and the addition of a fifth suite.

The original building, renowned for its Cape Vernacular style in both look and mood, has been given a far more contemporary and upmarket feel.

The exterior too has undergone a complete overhaul. Verandas have been re-done; the pool has been enlarged; and the hard landscape, modernised. The bathrooms in the manor house suites been completely renovated with top-end, luxury fixtures and fittings. Each suite, opens onto its own private terrace and are decorated in a theme from different regions of the world. As a special dedication, the suites are named after people who have inspired the owner of La Petite Ferme: John & Carol, Foufi, Helene, Andre and Sryani. Much thought went into the new manor house suites, with all of the renovations, décor and finishings being individually selected and customised.

In addition to accommodation, La Petite Ferme produces world-class hand-crafted wines and is home to an award-winning restaurant. Situated less than three minutes from the village of Franschhoek, La Petite Ferme is the perfect getaway for both summer and winter escapes. For booking enquiries email accommodation@lapetiteferme.co.za or visit www.lapetiteferme.co.za

Welcome to Franschhoek Cellar

The on-site restaurant, Franschhoek Cellar Kitchen serves delicious café style lunches, locally sourced cheese platters and is open daily. Also on offer is a wide selection of specially curated wine tastings, locally sourced deli goods, and a supervised kid’s playground, which means fun for the whole family!

Guests can opt to stay over at one of two luxury cottages, Rose and Protea, the perfect central base from which to explore the Franschhoek Valley and Cape Winelands. Located close to the working cellar and overlooking the breathtaking mountain vistas, a convenient point to explore the fine Franschhoek restaurants, attractions, and shops. For relation and unwinding, there are an array of experiences are on offer from the doorstep.

Franschhoek Cellar also has a selection of unique event venues to suit every occasion, from weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, year-end corporate groups to intimate gatherings.

The Venue, is one of the largest spaces in the Valley and can accommodate 350 guests cocktail style and 220 seated. Soft lighting and earthy decor create a warm ambience – the neutral colour palette provides the perfect canvas for any decor.

The Platform Bar & Bistro boasts exquisite mountain and vineyard vistas. Fashioned around an old railway platform and re-modelled to mimic a train carriage, this welcoming space with air conditioning in summer and fireplaces in winter, is perfect for celebrations of any kind and can host up to 80 guests.

Franschhoek Cellar is a beautiful asset to the Franschhoek wine route, combining the charms of leisurely country life with the elegance of a worldclass venue to suit every need.

franschhoekcellar.co.za | events@franschhoekcellar.co.za | 021 876 2086.

MON-SUN

JANUARY

CAROL THORNS ALBUM LAUNCH AT LA ROCHE

SA’s leading electric cellist, Carol Thorns’ has seen her open for Vanessa Mae and Elton John. She has played at prestigious events throughout SA, Europe and the UAE and her portfolio of original cello projects include show-stopper acts such as The Bubble, Rosanthorn Trio & CODA Africa.

Carol’s solo cello album will be launched at the magnificent Sanctuary, La Roche, where the album was recorded. 19h00- 20h00.

BOOK Quicket R250pp

TUES-SUN

PICNICS AT BOSCHENDAL

Dappled sunlight and an inviting atmosphere set the scene for a relaxed affair on our lawns. Only the best seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients, and locally made artisanal goods are added to our baskets.

*Boschendal Werf Picnics are open from Monday to Sunday with live music on weekends until 8 January. Back to Thursday to Sunday from 9th January.

INFO www.boschendal.com

WED-SUN

Leopard’s Leap has always been about family-friendly food and for the holiday, we have a new pizza menu with the most delicious options! Join us for brunch, our famous Rotisserie lunch or relax under the trees with pizzas and wine cocktails!

The Restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11h00-17h00.

INFO www.leopardsleap.co.za

LE COIN FRANÇAIS

Classic and contemporary fine dining in the heart of Franschhoek.

Operating hours

Lunch: Friday to Sunday 12h00-14h00 (last seating)

Dinner: Tuesday to Sunday 19h00-20h30 (last seating)

reservations@lecoinfrancais.co.za 074 126 0022

INFO www.lecoinfrancais.co.za

WINE & DINE AT HOLDEN

It is with great joy that we announce our estate restaurant Franschhoek Kitchen is BACK for the summer season.

Franschhoek Kitchen is open with a delectable A La Carte Menu of fresh seasonal dishes to enjoy a long lingering lunch. Book your table today.

FEBRUARY

THE KUSASA PROJECT’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISER AT HEY JOE

‘Working For A Brighter Tomorrow for the Children of South Africa’

Join us for a fun evening with UNCORKED and more! R200pp cover charge. Tables of 4, 8, 12, 16 or 20 people. Great auction prizes. Raffle. Food & drinks available. Starts at 17h30.

INFO donate@thekusasaproject.org

BOOK qkt.io/uncorked

INFO www.boschendal.com

franschhoek.org.za

PIZZAS AT LEOPARD’S LEAP

Exciting New Season for Franschhoek’s Leading Asian Restaurants

Pioneering Asian restaurants in Franschhoek – Ōku Asian Eatery and Yama Sushi Emporium – enter the summer season with fresh verve underscored by a greater focus on seasonality and new menus. Currently marking their second anniversary, the popular duo have become the Asian dining destinations in the Cape winelands village that is long famous as South Africa’s culinary capital.

ŌKU

Ōku offers formal dining and is complemented by the casual style at neighbouring Yama.

Chef proprietor Ryan Shell has brought new impetus through an increased frequency of changes to dishes spurred by a seasonal focus. To accompany the refreshed and refined Kaiseki set menu, a second experience has launched at Ōku that offers a set menu of four or five courses with options on every course.

The name Ōku is Japanese for oak, a majestic species that like Southeast Asian culture evokes a deep sense of history and spirituality.

The Kaiseki menu at Ōku has been the heart of the experience and includes the option of a dedicated vegetarian selection. Each line-up features a variety of finely crafted dishes and each plate stands out on the backdrop of Ōku’s typically minimalist Japanese aesthetic. Among the latest menu items are beef tataki; roasted edamame, crispy squid; prawn bao bun and the legendary Japanese cheesecake. Accompanying them is a drinks menu that includes cocktails, a showcase of local wineries, and various fine sakes.

YAMA SUSHI EMPORIUM

The name Yama means mountain and reflects stature as well as the natural, awe-inspiring amphitheatre in which Franschhoek is located. Dining is available in a landscaped courtyard or indoors – both decorated with minimalist elegance.

Here, the options provide diners with greater flexibility – from enjoying a quick lunch to a full dinner spread. Its high-quality, precision-made sushi menu accompanies an Asianthemed à la carte menu that employs fresh seasonal ingredients.

On offer are a selection of appetisers or “zensai”; dumplings of sweet potato, prawn, duck, pork and beef; noodle bowls; poke bowls; bao; and broths. The choice of sides includes noodles, corn rice, braised baby cabbage. For sweets, there are among others, a delectable mugi-chai coconut custard and the traditional frozen dessert, Shābetto. Both restaurants are open Monday to Sunday, with the first seating at 12h00 and last seating, 21h00. Online orders can be made for delivery and take-aways at both Ōku and Yama.

For more information, visit eat-oku.co.za or eat-yama.co.za

Luxury Chalets by The Wagyu Experience

Drive up the Drakenstein Mountain and you will find incredible luxury Chalets by The Wagyu Experience on the Wagyu Farm, surrounded by their Olive Groves.

The Wagyu Experience farm is where you can have a good time with great food and great fun.

This luxury self-catering or bed and breakfast chalets, offer a romantic getaway where you can relax and enjoy a superb culinary experience accompanied by some world-renowned wines. Don’t forget about the Hot Tubs with a spectacular view of the Drakenstein Mountains. Book a Wagyu Braai at the Wagyu Restaurant with friends and family. (They give you the braai, the wood, all the sides, braaibroodjies and drinks!) There are also five outdoor braai’s placed at the front of the Wagyu Deli, where guests are welcome to choose their steaks in the Deli and DIY braai!

During your stay, you can join in on a Wagyu Cattle feeding experience, slide down the zipline, have a Wagyu steak dinner in the restaurant, take strolls up the mountain side and so much more. The perfect holiday to relax and rejuvenate this summer season. thewagyu.co.za

Welcome Home

JUST A SHORT STROLL FROM THE HEART OF FRANSCHHOEK YOU WILL FIND LA DEMEURE ESTATE.

Comprising only seven exclusive stands, it presents the last opportunity to design and build a residence on a grand scale in Franschhoek, with coffee shops, fine dining, art galleries and boutiques – all on your doorstep.

With a footprint of between 1 970 m2 – 3 932 m2 and starting from R5.5 million, each stand – all of which are north-facing – is surrounded by its own vineyards, providing the perfect opportunity to cultivate and craft your very own vintage.

Create your perfect home, and enjoy statement living in a beautifully appointed, modern residence that draws inspiration from traditional Cape Winelands architecture. Each property is a haven of tranquillity. A place to relax and entertain, with superior craftsmanship and timeless elegance from floor to ceiling.

Enjoy life amongst the great outdoors, between established vineyards and mountain ranges. With its Mediterranean climate, it is no wonder that Franschhoek and its surrounding ‘golden triangle’ is home to many of the finest wine farms in the world.

Just a short drive from La Demeure Estate is Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve – part of the UNESCOdeclared Cape Winelands biosphere reserve – with exceptional views over the valley, exquisite flora and fauna and over 30 kilometres of hiking trails.

La Demeure Estate is brought to you by Lewis Manhattan, a tour de force in real estate development across the Cape Winelands for over 20 years. With a focus on luxury and attention to detail, its highly experienced team provides clients with expertise across architectural design and construction, project management, quantity surveying, construction and cost accounting, interior design and landscaping.

For further information, or to make an appointment with a sales consultant please contact Cape Winelands Properties on +27 (21) 863 6105 or visit LaDemeure.co.za

Tranquillity at Tsowa

Arriving at Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe is a first sign we are in for a special adventure. Greeted by bright smiles and warm welcomes and just a short transfer to the edge of The Zambezi National Park, where our 4x4 vehicle is waiting and the real journey begins. This is November and it is “rainy” season in Zimbabwe. The park is lush and bursting with vegetation. Hard to believe that just one month before, all the green we see now would have been 50 shades of dry.

The humidity is arresting unlike our spirits, energized with the magic of this incredible country. To make sure we don’t melt our genie driver produces a cooler box with wine coolers, beers, and other gems. We are set. While gasping at the sheer magnificence of the ancient Baobab trees that populate the park, we are ignored by a dazzle of zebra as we enviously pass the ellies enjoying the spoils of the cool water’s edge. A short while later it is us at the water’s edge, hopping onto a ferry that will take us across the mighty Zambezi River to the island sanctuary that is Tsowa. Here, we are greeted by a staff team that sum up our anticipated three-night stay in two simple words … “Welcome Home.”

Raw and refined luxury awaits at Tsowa, hidden by a forest canopy, and seeped in luxury and considered space, we know immediately that this is a “home” we will never want to leave.

The lodge has recently undergone an impressive make-over and offers natural, luxury tent accommodation on the Zambezi where lullabies sung by a nocturnal chorus of frogs and hooting owls sway you to sleep and wake up calls come directly from the sounds of nature.

A break from reality and Wi-Fi means true indulgence where you can immerse yourself in the pleasures of nothing and everything at once. Whether you choose to stay in the River View Safari Tents or the River Deck Safari Tents both are situated in prime spots on the island with magnificent views across to the mainland. Here, you will lose yourself and reconnect with nature.

The food at Tsowa is delicious with the chef boasting some serious culinary might. Start your day with a delicious breakfast and end it with gourmet fare specifically created around your preferred tastes. The days are interjected with gin & tonics around the pool, sundowners around the fire pit with smoky pink light pouring through the brush at dusk and sometimes, when you least expect it, around a giant Baobab tree!

This island paradise can be explored on the water or on foot. A personal favourite is by canoe, great for adrenalin junkies, teens and those that are and should still be, young at heart. Other water-based activities include fishing and sunset river cruises. Bird watching, game drives, guided walks in the Zambezi National Park, day trips to Chobe, and visits to the magnificent Victoria Falls (only 50 minutes away) are encouraged.

Easily accessible from all of South Africa’s major airports and equi-distant from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Livingstone in Zambia, Kasane in Botswana, and the Namibian border.

TSOWA SAFARI ISLAND promises and delivers life-changing experiences and a reawakening of untamed souls. With four lodges located in some of Southern Africa’s most pristine settings, Isibindi Africa Lodges pride themselves on partnering with the local communities in which they operate. Through the Isibindi Foundation, the group is involved in several community and conservation projects, ensuring that visitors who stay at any of the Lodges, are contributing to Isibindi’s work and indeed ‘journeying with purpose’.

Sailing Antarctica with Silver Endeavour

EMBRACE NEW LIMITS

Pinching myself standing on an icy air-force base on King George Island in the South Shetlands, Antarctica, the snow is lying thick, base vehicles are driving up and down the gravel paths. Silversea expedition crew are expertly taking care of operations and I am in conversation with British Explorer, Scientist and Silver Endeavour Godmother, Felicity Aston MBE. This is the end of what has been an epic adventure.

We watch our incoming ‘Penguin’ Antarctic Airways BAe 146-200 appear on the horizon, and land on the short gravel runway, ready to fly us from ‘the end of the earth’. Like the set of a James Bond movie, a travel experience like no other … For the past five days we have been exploring the Antarctic Peninsula from our exquisite base on board the Silver Endeavour, the world’s most luxurious expedition ship. Landings at Robert Point, Neko Harbour, Cuverville Island and Peterman Island and sailing Deception Island, with sightings of Fur Seal, Elephant Seal, Gentoo, Adélie and Chinstrap penguins, Snow Petrels and Skuas. Well protected in our thermal layers, Parkas and Polar boots we have boarded our Zodiacs accompanied by experienced Expedition crew and have negotiated the snow and ice to stand in awe and enjoy the antics of this polar wildlife. Back on board, we indulge in the excellent company of colleagues and friends old and new, gourmet dining

and fine wines as we sail through nature’s art gallery of sparkling icebergs.

This is the First Naming Ceremony to take place in the Lemaire Channel, guests board the zodiacs and with the backdrop of blue sky and snowy mountains, are handed a glass of champagne by the Expedition Team. With our earpieces in place, we witness the official naming of the ship “Fair Winds and Following Seas”.

Along with Silversea Cruises hallmarks of luxury suite accommodation with butler service, a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1, she carries state-of-the-art amenities, industry-leading Zodiac-to-guest ratio, kayaks and cutting-edge navigation and exploration technology.

The extended inaugural season includes 5–9-day voyages of the Peninsula with the Antarctic Bridge programme (flying straight to King George Island to join the ship), or on voyages crossing the Drake Passage from the new home port of Puerta Williams including a

20-day in-depth exploration of Antarctic deep south. All fully-inclusive.

With a company goal to positively impact local communities that they visit, Silversea announced several initiatives to support the social needs of the residents of Puerto Williams. This southernmost city in the world and important gateway to Antarctica has become Silversea Cruises new homeport for the region. Sponsoring a new physical education activity room with mobility equipment to a school caring for disabled children. Silversea Cruises has also donated four Zodiacs to the Cedena Nautical School in Puerto Williams, training young people in nautical sports. Bookings are now open for the 2024 & 2025 Antarctic Season. Contact Cruise Vacations who are also able to work alongside your regular travel agent.

By Gaynor Galbraith Neill, Managing Director Cruise Vacations www.cruise-vacations.co.za

Experience an Authentic Cape Safari

Make this New Year one you’ll never forget at Country Grand situated in the heart of South Africa’s most celebrated wine area, Franschhoek.

With iconic style and playful luxury, this charming venue captures the quintessential charm and colloquial effervescence of the vineyards while offering a quaint and relaxing escape ‘a world away’ for you, your loved ones, and especially for this festive and new year in the Franschhoek mountains.

Address: Dieu Donne Vineyards, Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek, South Africa