DINING OUT

For the perfect rendezvous Qunu

of the month restaurant

23Hello Joburg • February 2020 • www.hellojoburg.co.za If every day is Valentine’s Day, we’re guessing you need some inspiration for your next date night. Planning to book a table for two for a hot date in the City of Gold? Qunu at The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa is the master of dichotomy – creating an atmosphere that’s both romantic and energetic while delivering African inspired food that’s as traditional as it is creative. A lthough reservations should be planned in advance, Qunu – named for the rural birthplace of Nelson Mandela – is well worth the wait. From the outside the restaurant may seem nondescript, but upon entering you realise it couldn’t be further from that. Red earth tones, hanging gardens, carved wooden walls and woven lampshades elevate the dining room at Qunu, which encapsulates the heritage of Africain the décor. Fair warning: A meal at Qunu is going to cost you, so best you start saving up if you’re planning an anniversary surprise. Starters range from R190 to R385, mains from R285 to R1,150 and desserts from R205 to R235. Once you get over the sticker shock of its à la carte menu, you’llfindthatdinnerhere is actuallymoney well spent. The food menu is straightforward, with sublime African dishes and classic Eurocentric fare by head chef Trevor Chikaura and executive chef Jane-Therese Mulry and taking centre stage. Skilled sommeliers Lloyd Jusa and Bryan Nyamara are able to make pairing recommendations from the overwhelmingly impressive wine list depending on your dishes of choice, otherwise feel free to split a bottle between the two of you – every local and imported varietal, style and vintage imaginable is on offer. For starters, the Lobster, Corn and Champagne is a sumptuous lobster morsel that must be seen and tasted to be believed. Delicate butter poached lobster, melon and charred corn are perched atop sweetcorn and champagne beurre blanc and dill oil, forming a work of lobster art. We also recommend the Pork Belly, Radicchio and Apple – an extravagant combination of perfectlytenderconfitporkbelly,grilledradicchio, Parma ham and spicy apple chutney. Onto mains, Qunu serves meat dishes that hold their own against any steak in the city. The famous Steak Diane–beefmedallionsflambéedtablesidewith brandy, mushrooms, mashed potato and garden vegetables – is a singular Joburg experience that’s worth having. The Seafood Platter is another worthy indulgence. Spend you shall, and with great rewards: The platter consists of velvety East Coast lobster thermidor with a rich tang; garlic prawns searedwith gorgeous flavours thatare juicy on the inside; lightly browned, sweet and buttery Canadian scallops; as well as grilled line fish, calamariandgardenvegetableswithlemon butter and peri peri sauce. Afterwards you’ll definitelywanttosaveroomforthecreamy,salty andfluffycaramelmoussewithbananaicecream, hazelnut sponge, hazelnut sable and salted caramel, or the light and refreshing yoghurt panna cottawithguavasorbet,yuzucrème,guavajelly andyuzu gel. While gleamingtableware, elegantart-décor embellishments and live piano music in the background are all the ingredients of a romantic restaurant, where Qunu really shines is in its ability to ignite conversations that last the evening. For an even more intimate experience, why not huddle over a nightcap at Olive Bar (also inside thehotel)afterdinner?It’sasurefirewaytoseduce your sweetheart! Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa, 26 Saxon Road, Sandhurst m 011 292 6000 K www.saxon.co.za k reservations@saxon.co.za E @thesaxonhotel D @thesaxonhotel Q @thesaxonhotel PS: Qunu will be offering a special menu for Valentine’s Day at R1,750 per person, including a seven-course dinner and take-away gifting.

PIGALLE BEDFORDVIEW

Top splurge-worthy seafood

Out-of-this-world seafood is hard to come by in Joburg, but when it’s done well, it’s probably the most delicious thing you can put in your mouth. We spread the net wide and ate absolutely everything in the City ofGoldsowecouldfindtheverybest,andfinally found it at Pigalle in Village View Shopping Centre in Bedfordview – a high-class spot where classicallyopulentdécorandpersonalisedsilver service meet.

Hello Joburg • February 2020 • www.hellojoburg.co.za 24 With its exceptional seafood, meat and poultry dishes with a focus on Portuguese cuisine, good looksandcityclientele, thisisone bigfishinthe pond. You’ll be blown away: The sleek, airy diningroomonthefirstfloordeliversatmospheric views, whiletheàlacartemenuofferspictureperfectplateswithinspiredflavourcombinations. To kickoffthe evening, orderaglass of bubbly andhalf adozen oysters from the dazzling crustacea display. The hand-picked wild oysters are served in portions of six, nine or 12 and best enjoyed with a lime chilli dressing or diced red onion and red wine vinegar. Words Candice May Images Supplied For starters, try the Prawns Agulho – prawns sautéedin white wine andgarlic andinfused with peri-peri – it’s a fragrant triumph. Another great option is the glorious baby calamari tubesgrilledinalightgarlicandlemonbutter… an instant classic! For mains, you simply must orderthe simple yetdecadentShellfish Platter: A heavenly spread laden with baby lobster, prawns and langoustines grilled in lemon butter and lightly brushed with a garlic marinade. Secure your bib and prepare to get your hands dirty because this is the bestwayto enjoyshellfish in the city! The spectacular platter is unfussy but spot-on – a celebration-worthy standout indeed.

Pigalle also offers amouth-wateringselection ofmeatandpoultrydishes–thinkanopen-flame grilledbalsamicfilletservedwithmustardmash, wilted baby spinach and caramelised onions; Portuguese steak pan-fried in white wine, ruby port and garlic then topped with a fried egg; roastedchickensupreme filledwithapricotand wrappedin Parmaham then drizzledwith a honey and mustard sauce; and slow-roasted confitducklegpreparedinasweetAsiansauce

andaccompaniedbyroastpotatoes. You’llfind the perfect pairing for any dish on the wine list, which is the sommelier’s labour of love.

At Pigalle, you’re expected to come when they’ll have you (you might only win a 20h00 Tuesday spot), wear the right clothes and pretend you aren’t eating in a shopping mall. The restaurant, in turn, is expected to deliver top-rated food that’s still breathtaking. And it does. We highly recommend the Bedfordview restaurant for special occasions and celebratory business dinners. A penny saved is a penny earned, but apennysplurgedon the amazingseafoodhere is a penny you won’t regret!

Village View Shopping Centre, corner of Kloof & Van Buuren Roads, Bedfordview m 011 450 2242 K www.pigallerestaurant.co.za k bedford@pigallerestaurants.co.za E @pigallebedford D @pigallesa Q @pigallesa

THE GIGLIO BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Oh mon dieu! This French restaurant by chef Robert Baxa at the brand-new Giglio (pronounced ‘jee-leo’) Boutique Hotel in Bedfordview will make you go ‘ooh la la’. The Giglio dining experience begins before you reach the restaurant as you drive down an avenue of giant pin oak trees and the rush of the city life slips away. When you enter the idyllic and exclusive haven thatis this five-starproperty, you’ll feel like you’ve arrived somewhere in Constantia in the Cape. The intimate, exquisitely appointed Giglio dining room is a place where you can enjoy polished French-inspired food without the usual killer prices orfawningservice. Therearesolidtimberfloors, chairs fashioned from repurposed wine barrels, mood-enhancing chandeliers and a cellar behind glass as well as a pool deck. It’s been designed around the culture of wine appreciation, so wines come first, of course, butyou’llbe wanting something to eat too. Not all dishes are strictly French, but there’s no disputing the Gallic presentation and service. We recommend starting with the duck carpaccio and seared duck breast served sliced with honey, olive oil, sesame seeds and sliced Turkish apricot or the gravadlax of Norwegian salmon cured in coarsesaltandsugarwithdill,lemonzestandsour cream. When it comes to mains, you can taste the joie de vivre in every dish, from the rack of lamb served with a mustard and herb crust, A haute cuisine institution Words Candice May Images Supplied sautéedgreens andtomatoes, andalamb jus, to the oven-bakedline fish of the dayserved on a pea puree with beurre blanc sauce. Pudscome up trumpstoo–thinkvanillacrème brûlée,frozennougatandtriplechocolatesoufflé. The foodis lavishFrenchfine diningatits best, whilethemagnificentwine listcaterstonovices and connoisseurs alike. If you’re hell-bent on impressing a loved one, paying this restaurant a visit is a must-do! 84 Van Buuren Road, Bedfordview m 082 789 5328 K www.thegiglio.co.za E @thegiglioboutiquehotel Q @thegiglioboutiquehotel

HOTSPOT

B SIDE BY EEA

25Hello Joburg • February 2020 • www.hellojoburg.co.za Tapas you could carry on eating forever Words Candice May Images Supplied I t may look unremarkable from the street, but this completely unpretentious and absolutely authentic tapas restaurant and bar from Est EstAlea–locatednextdoortothefine dining restaurant – is one of the best in the city. They say thatlifewithouttapasislikeaheartwithoutlove… and we couldn’t agree more! Duringalfrescoseason,BSidedustsoffitsoutdoor furniture and spills onto leafy 4th Avenue in Parktown North. When a table frees up outside (the restaurant doesn’t take bookings), order a G&T and sample as many small plates as you can. First, snack on the crowd-pleasing patatas bravas served with aioli; crunchy squid heads done in salt and vinegar; blackened chicken strips served with sriracha mayo; and trio of sliders consisting of beefandmustard,chickenandavo,andfishand pickle. These moreish ‘bar snacks’ are ridiculously well priced at R40 to R90 a pop considering how generous the portions are. Next, grab your chopsticks and get stuck into some divine dim sum. Served in bamboo baskets, these delicatesteamedbunscome withfillings such as vegetable, chicken and pork. Then there’s our favourite part: The ‘Mediterrasian’ tapas. We love the beef kkochi with sriracha and sesame that are grilled to tender and juicy perfection; the beautifullysweettempuralinefishinafeatherlight batter with rice vinaigrette and kewpie mayo; the crispy, umami seared salmon in a mustard, nori andsesamecrust;andthefieryduckwithbroccoli, nuts and radish that has just the right amount of crispy skin and melted fat. That’s not all – B Side is famous for its mushroom tortellini, whichwecanconfidentlysayisone of the best pasta dishes in Joburg. The dainty showstoppersare stuffedwithamixture of Parmesan and exotic mushrooms and served in a sinfully buttery sauce. We highly recommend this hidden gem for group dining for your fussiest friends as there are cheap options, small options and vegetarian options. Plus, you’re well within your right to say, “I’m not sharing; it’s too small.” You can thank us later! Shop 5, Parknorth Heights, 17 4th Avenue, Parktown North m 082 422 8158 K www.estestalea.co.za E @estestalea Q @estestalea

AtholPlace RESTAURANT

Contemporary-classic glamour meets properly polished service

Ah, AtholPlace Hotel & Villa. The relaxing terrace, the lush gardens, the tropical trees, theglisteningpool… wecouldswoon over this beautiful property in Atholl all day, especially when delighting in the food served at AtholPlace Restaurant. The boutique-styled hotel’s restaurant is one of those ‘hidden gems’ that just about everybody seems to know about butluckilyitstablesarefilledwithmostlysavvy Joburgers rather than self-snapping tourists. Heralded as one of the top restaurants in the city, AtholPlace Restaurant draws foodies and the fashionable set who come to worship the carefully crafted three-course dinner menu. Soft, flatteringlightingthatbouncesoffthe delicate wallpaper? Check. An artful, decadent menu that’s perfect for sharing bites with a friend or your other half ? Double check! The menu consists of just three starters, four mains and three desserts and changes regularly, so you can expect every experience at AtholPlace Restaurant to be exciting and unique.

Hello Joburg • February 2020 • www.hellojoburg.co.za 26 Forstarterswechosebetweencauliflowersoup with rye crisps and baby fennel; wild mushrooms with quinoa, garlic espuma and Parma ham crisps; and tempura prawns with avocado, spring onion mayo and chilli caramel. We chose the tempura prawns – the tempura was airy and crisp, and the dish tasted just like summer. For mains we werespoiltforchoicewithabeeffilletwithvine tomatoes, truffle butterandnewpotatoes; sea bass with fennel and citrus curry, squid ink and baked fennel; duck breast with pea arancini, red cabbage and gooseberries; and risotto with beetroot and Parmesan foam. So, my dinner date andIorderedthebeeffilletandseabassdishes to share. Thebeeffilletcame outofthekitchensizzling ontheplatewiththetrufflebutterjuststartingto melt into the steak. It was an absolute delight! On the other hand, the sea bass was balanced in flavoursbutstillveryaromatic. Thefenneland citruscurrypackedaflavoursomepunch. Toend our meal on a sweet note, we were tempted to order the dark chocolate torte with berry soup and berry ice cream as well as the orange cake with bitter orange ice cream and textures of orange to share but decided on the local cheese board instead. The luxurious platter that included lavash and preserves was a feast for the eye and delicious to share.

AtholPlace Restaurant is open to hotel guests and outside guests for breakfast (between 07h00 and 10h00) and dinner (between 18h30 and 21h30). Lunch is available for hotel guests only (between 12h00 and 14h30). 90 Pretoria Avenue, Atholl m 011 783 7553 K www.morukuru.com E @atholplacehv Q atholplace_hotel_and_villa

IN THE MOOD TO WOO? If you want to encourage your love to reach full bloom, we recommend booking a one-night stay at AtholPlace Hotel & Villa, which offers the right kind of vibe. Breakfast in bed, cocktails at the pool and pampering massages are the sort of special touches that can make all the difference when you’re looking to turn up the romance … or maybe even pop the question. AtholPlace serves splendid breakfasts in bed, which is great for those who plan to spend most of their time behind closed doors. Couples will also love the intimate bar and library where you can sip timeless cocktails or craft beer in cosy surroundings. Feeling extra-indulgent? AtholPlace is also known for its fabulous weekend brunch, which takes place every Saturday and Sunday between 10h00 and 14h00. Don’t hesitate to book though – AtholPlace only offers nine suites (five superior and four deluxe), so space is limited!

of the month chef

Charmaine RAMALOPE-MAKHUBELA

Born and bred Joburger, Charmaine Ramalope-Makhubela AKA GlamFoodie has made a name for herself in South Africa’s culinary scene as a food blogger and influencer. In 2019 she also ventured into mainstream media and (despite not having any formal chef training) placed second on SABC3’s reality cooking programme, The Taste Master SA. We sat down with her to talk about her experience on the show.

TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU GOT INTO THE FOOD INDUSTRY. I loved cooking from a young age, but it was only much later that I decided to pursue cooking. IactuallystudiedITandworkedinthatfieldfora few years after graduating, but I hated it. I also studiedfineartfortwoyearsandhatedit. Ittook meawhiletofigureoutwhatIwantedtodowith my life and when I thought about being in the food industry, I didn’t necessarily want to be a chef, so I asked myself: How do I express my love for cooking? And that’s how GlamFoodie came about.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE ON THE TASTE MASTER SA. My husband was actually the one who encouraged me to audition and I honestly didn’t think I’d make it as far as top two, especially because I was competing against seasoned chefs.

WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE COMPETITION? My speciality is food styling, so my challenge was making the food taste good as well as look good. It was tough because there’s so much that goes into creating a dish and balancing the flavours. I learntalotandmade things I didn’t know I could – I’m not a dessert person and a lot of the desserts I made on the show were my first-time attempts.

OUT OF ALL THE DISHES YOU MADE ON THE SHOW, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE? The pavlova. That was my winning dish and it was myfirsttime makingitas well. Itdidn’tgo according to plan because the pavlova was stuck to the baking paper, but luckily the judges were judging by looks rather than taste and it looked amazing. I thought, “Thankgodtheydidn’t have to taste that!” It was a beautiful dish and it did actually taste great minus the paper. completing my nutrition course through Shore Academy. I want to be more of an advocate for healthy eating and create content for people who arehealth-consciousbutfirstneedtogetproper accreditation for telling people how to eat. When I was25 (I’m35 now) Iwasalmosttwice thesize I am, so it took a good 10 years to lose the weight andkeep itoff. I plan to keep itup andhelp others do the same.

WHAT WAS YOUR HIGHLIGHT OF THE COMPETITION? My highlight was winning a trip to Belgium. I love to travelso thatwas amazing. When I entered the competition and they said two people would get to go Belgium, I thought let’s get there.

OTHER THAN COOKING, WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? I love reading cookbooks and self-help books like Malcom Gladwell. It’s interesting to know how to have an edge on your competitors, especially for me as I felt like the underdog on The Taste Master SA as I didn’t have any formal training. So yeah, I love books that can help me get ahead in life.

ANY BIG PLANS FOR 2020? I would like to do more GlamFoodie Wine and Dine events where I organise a chef to cook a delicious meal and we do a wine pairing. I’m also QUICK FIRE

Favourite restaurant in Jozi? Clenergy. I love their food philosophy. Any food trends that you’d like to see disappear this year? Poké bowls andthings like that–maybe it’s because I’m not a big sushi fan. Celery juice as well ... it tastes horrible!

What’s your signature make-up look? False lashes. My husband gets so annoyed because I leave them lying around the house. What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

CORNER LERATO'S

A candid review … THE ‘NEW’ DOPPIO ZERO SANDTON CITY D ining out on weekend mornings may be a Joburg institution, but too often the best brunch in the City of Gold gets messed up by substandard dishes, watered down cocktails and long lines (ugh!). But don’t despair, Joburgers: Doppio Zero in Sandton City recently reopenedafterarevamp with anewflagship interiordesign conceptanditmightjustbecome your new favourite brunch spot.

First, let’s talk about the space, which was completely overhauled. It’s airy and bright, with open glassareas,richwallpaperdesigns,woodenfurniture,ultra-moderncountertopsandflooring,and goldenhuedfittings. The upstairs area, whichnowopens up onto busyRivoniaRoad, andthe ‘lazybooths’ (howcool?!) areourfavouriteareas. Wecantotallyseeourselvespoppinginupstairs for after-work drinks.

Onto the menu, the restaurantnowoffers asection dedicatedto vegans andallergen-sensitive or health-conscious diners. This is sweetened by a Belgian chocolate range of desserts and treats from the famed Coco-Me – think churros loaded with chocolate ganache, crêpes smeared with Nutella, dark chocolate brownies, double Belgian choc chip cookies and more. We love that there’s truly something for everyone.

Wevisitedinthelatemorningsodecidedtotryaselectionoftapas–thefishandpulledporktacos, mushroomfritti, mozzarellacroquettes, marinatedburrataandwood-firedtoasties. Towashit all down, we ordered a round of Gin Iced Tea cocktails (R78) made with Stretton’s Gin, citrus, mint and mango puree, Fitch & Leedes Lemonade and peach iced tea, which were refreshing and delicious. After biting into the tacos, we couldn’t believe that they go for just R26 a pop. Myfavourite was the fish taco, crammedwith beer-batteredhake, Asian slaw, salsaandmayo. The fish was excellent, the slawzestyandthe soft-shelltaco perfect. Mybrunchingpartner saidthe pulledporktaco, complementedbyan apricotglaze andapple salsa, was one of the best tacos they’ve ever had. The crumbed brown mushrooms with aioli (R45) and the ciabatta toasties with cheese, garlic and oregano (R34) were also delicious and great value for money. Unfortunately, the mozzarellacroquettes with chilli herb mayo (R45) were ratherplain andwe found the burrata with blistered cherry tomatoes, balsamic reduction and crostini (R72) way too small a portion for the price tag. Overall, the food was tasty and I’d definitelyreturn to trymore of the tapas as wellas the newhealthydishes and chocolate treats. What let us down was the service, which was

painfully slow – if you’re planning to visit, I’d suggest going when you’re not in a rush and are happy to have a leisurely meal. Apart from that, big ups to Doppio for transforming this space into one of the trendiest new spots in town! Lerato' x x

Sandton City, 83 Rivonia Road, Sandton m 011 784 0969 1 www.doppio.co.za E @doppiozerosa D @doppiozerosa Q @doppiozerosa

To read more candid reviews by resident writer Lerato, go to www.hellojoburg.co.za/leratos-corner FOOD DRINKS AMBIENCE SERVICE

ETHOS FPA

O’VER PIZZA YoumightrecogniseO’verPizzafrom Neighbourgoods Market on Saturdays. Well,youcannowfindMissSouthAfrica 2019top16finalistLisaStofella’spizzeria just outside the new Food Lover’s Market at Ferndale on Republic too. The menu currentlyfeaturessevenpizzasandaims to keep it simple with a little something to suit every taste. They have the classics, such as the margarita, diavola, ortolana (mixedvegetables)andcalzoneaswellas signatures, including the La Messicana (chicken, avo and sour cream) and the Short Rib (pulled beef and caramelised onions). PS: The meats used are all halaal soeveryonecanenjoythepizzathey really want. Ferndale on Republic, Republic Road, Ferndale

HELLO ONLINE For more on dining out visit our website on: www.hellojoburg.co.za

BISTRO DOLCE VITA It’s one of Joburg’s most popular Italian restaurants and now the owners of Dolci Caféhaveopenedasecondestablishment – Bistro Dolce Vita – in the heart of Sandton. The new bistro is owned and run by chef Jackie Righi-Boyd and her husband Clayton Boyd as well as their partner Sergio Caon, who previously ownedandranTrevisoCaféinCraighall. Bistro Dolce Vita still has the Italian leaning that chef Jackie has become known for, but it is more cosmopolitan and also includes recipes from other parts of the world. There’s a small permanent menu with regular specials and a rotation ofthechefsthatworkatDolciCaféand Bistro Dolce Vita. The Regent, 21 West Road South, Morningside m 011 581 0232

Hello Joburg • February 2020 • www.hellojoburg.co.za 30 FOOD LOVER’S EATERY - BANK CITY Banking on some time for lunch? Pay a visit to the brand-new Food Lover’s Eatery at Bank City! With a strong focus on convenience, the chic Eatery storeisdedicatedtoofferingthefastest lunch service in the vicinity, ensuring that shoppers don’t lose any valuable timeduringtheirlunchbreaks. Itoffers delicious traditional lunch options such as burgers, chicken, schwarmas, paninis and focaccias plus salads, wraps, sushi and fresh juices. The variety is incredible and makes for an easy lunch or graband-go dinner solution. Of course, no Food Lover’s Eatery is complete without aSeattleCoffeeCompanyoutlet, located at the entrance of the store. Bank City, 1 First Place, Pritchard Street, Joburg CBD m www.foodloversmarket.co.za

GLENDA’S At Glenda’s, they’ll have you believe that brunch is served best with a side of blooms. This brunch-to-late-nightcocktails nook in Hyde Park has taken everyone’sobsessionwithflowers... and doubled it. Think bright, bold walls with lavishlypaintedflowers, andglass countertopsfilledwithfresh, seasonal blooms and decadent cakes. Neither too twee nor too girly, Glenda’s is a visual delight – and the wafting scent of savoury eats drifting from the kitchen only adds to the atmosphere. Most Insta-worthy dish: The smashed avo toast with avocado, chilliflakesandlemon. Hyde Square Shopping Centre, 285 Jan Smuts Avenue, Hyde Park m 011 268 6369 1 www.glendas.co

SAIGON SUZY PARKWOOD Anyone who’s anyone in the Instagram world knows that this Asian BBQ rock ‘n roll bar is the Insta shot in town. If you’ve never been to an Asian backalley street market, imagine cobbled paving, jade green marble accents and a canopy of hundreds of suspended antique Asian umbrellas. There are also two aged murals of women that overlook the space. But it’s not just a pretty face – there’s also plenty on offerfood-wise to satisfyallyourAsian feast cravings. Most Insta-worthy dish: The pork belly ramen bowl in traditional broth. Unit 1 Parkwood Mansions, 144 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood m 011 327 6596

THE ROYALE Fresh Cuban vibes, a mix of pastel walls and steps leading down into the main room make The Royale reminiscent of paladares – casual restaurants run out of Cuban homes. The key design feature, however, is the tall, wooden, old-fashioned bar styled with bottles. Pair that with Cubaninspired music and strong cocktails and you have a setting that will have you feeling like you’re on holiday in Havana! Most Insta-worthy dish: The hamburger served with mojito (yes, mojito) mayo. 357 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall m 060 575 2471

DOLCI CAFÉ DolciCafé,runbychefJackieRighi-Boyd andherhusband,wineaficionadoClayton Boyd, has unveiled a new wine cellar that features both well-known labels and some hidden gems. We often choose our wine before our meals and, likewise, we often choose a bottle to share on the table and thenchoose toeatverydifferentmeals. That’s where Clayton comes in – he’ll happily help you select a wine style for your personal palate that will go with all the meals on your table. One of his favourite wines on the list is the Antica Vigna Valpolicella imported from Italy. At only R270 a bottle, it’s certainly one of thebestquality-versus-pricewinesonoffer! Shop 6 Lancaster Village, 28 Clarence Avenue, Craighall Park m 010 900 2274 1 www.dolci.co.za

PICCOLO MONDO Piccolo Mondo at the Michelangelo Hotel partners with a new wine estate every month to host a stunning Gourmet Dinner. For just R625 per person, you’llgetto enjoyafivecourse fine-diningmenu designed by renowned chef Trevor Boyd plus perfect wine pairings with each. If you’re looking to sweep your date or betterhalf rightofftheirfeet, be sure to like and follow The Michelangelo Hotel on Facebook for dates and booking information for the next Gourmet Dinner. The Michelangelo Hotel, 135 West Street, Sandton m 011 282 7463 1 www.piccolo.co.za

LEVEL FOUR 54 on Bath’s elegantfine-dining restaurant, LevelFour, is offeringanew dining experience at the ‘Chef ’s Table’. Specificallycraftedforthe purpose, the Chef ’s Table accommodates five to seven people and is positioned where guests can see the whole kitchen ‘theatre’ unfolding, including preparation and cooking, dishes being plated and orders being calls. At R1,200 per person it’s quite a splurge, but we can’t think of a better way to celebrate an extra-special occasion. The six-course menu includes a surprise seventh course, a bottle of Pierre Jourdan Brut and wine pairing with four of the courses, which chef Matthew Foxon and his sommelier will explain. 54 on Bath Hotel, 54 Bath Avenue, Rosebank m 011 344 8442 1 www.tsogosun.com