Celebrating the best of life in South Africa
5 NEW PERFUMES TO ENHANCE YOUR AUTUMN
The best skin-boosting body products
Hip hangouts in ROSEBANK
Joburg’s coolest neighbourhood
The latest openings to tempt your taste buds
For generations, the shores of the Mediterranean have been deeply alluring: Embedded in its story is not only the warmth of its spirit, but the romance of its tales and its people - the feeling of timelessness brought on by its ancient and iconic landscapes.
Synonymous with the depths of culture, beautiful in its historic and natural makeup, it will forever be compelling for the fables it shares: The Mediterranean will always fascinate us for what it reveals most – that humanity is more than just breathing…it’s alive!
This is the inspiration of Ethos – a stellar restaurant based in the heart of Rosebank, Johannesburg, which boasts a philosophy of Mediterranean cuisine.
Food has always been more to the Mediterranean people than just sustenance. Rather, it is the spirit of what defines their romance and is the vehicle through which they express their love for the world around them.
Ethos Lounge, an extension of the restaurant, brings delicious cocktails and entertainment to the heart of Rosebank, a cosy and sophisticated space that offers a well-stocked bar with a wide selection of spirts, wines and beer. The bar is manned by skilled mixologists who are ready to whip up some of the most tantalising cocktails which are not only pleasing to the eye but also to the taste buds.
The lounge is the perfect spot to enjoy drinks and light bites with friends and colleagues after a long day at work. Ethos Lounge is available for private parties with a capacity for up to 40 people. The lounge is also available for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events and any other special occasion providing a personalised experience tailored to the needs of each group.
To make weekends even more exciting, Ethos Lounge hosts DJs that play the sounds in the city on Saturdays and Sundays. The lounge is the perfect spot to gather with friends, dance and enjoy the lively atmosphere
Oxford Parks, Corner Eastwood and Parks Boulevard, Rosebank, Johannesburg
010 446 9906
www.ethos.restaurant
info@ethosrestaurant.co.za
THE FRAGRANCE FOR HER
Revitalise the appearance of dry, dull and tired-looking skin to a healthylooking, moisturised glow with Environ’s unique Cool Peel Treatment Technology.
Developed by Dr Des Fernandes, the Moisture-Boost Cool Peel Treatment is a non-invasive, intelligent and gentle skin peeling approach. Suitable for all skin types. Safe to do all year round.
Experience the signature Environ glow.
Pumpkin spice lattes have been ordered, toasty candles have been lit and deep nail polishes have been applied. But of course, an autumn refresh wouldn’t be complete without adding some new olfactory treats to your routine. As well as being a wonderful mood booster, perfumes are the perfect invisible accessory to elevate your cosy season style. From warm, rosy scents to musky and fresh, these scents will garner you compliments all season long.
The most complimented and asked-after new scent we own. This inviting and seductive vanilla-based perfume is a potent blend of blackcurrant accord, Calabrian bergamot, centifolia rose and damascena rose. The rose notes aren’t loud but fresh and invigorating, capturing all your attention. As the evolving fragrance rests on the skin, the delicacy of a vanilla bourbon premium infusion from Madagascar and the sensuality of white musk take over. As vivacious as its fire-red packaging, this is a gently intimate fragrance that spells elegance. Worthy of a sniff ASAP.
R1,375 for 30ml, R1,930 for 50ml or R2,696 for 100ml from select Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini and Truworths stores as well as ARC
Step outside your comfort zone with an edible confection. Lancôme’s latest creation is testament to the brand’s ability to find nuance in gourmand perfumery notes. Anything but predictable, Idôle Nectar is sweet without being too overbearing for a sophisticated sugar high. You almost want to ask for a spoon. A trio of jammy and fresh roses keep things airy at first spritz, before yummy caramel and slightly salty popcorn literally beckon you to come closer. The addition of vanilla splashed in boozy rum completes this intoxicatingly good-smelling scent.
R1,100 for 25ml, R1,820 for 50ml or R2,360 for 100ml from select Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini and Truworths stores as well as www.superbalist.com
Admit it: You already have a bottle of OG Libre on your vanity. You can’t scroll through Instagram without spotting YSL’s truly modern warm floral scent in the background of a beauty post – and its spicy little sister is equally appealing. Everything from the covetable bottle featuring gold chains around the neck to the indulgent use of saffron, ginger, mandarin orange and bergamot says luxury. Even though it commands attention, Le Parfum isn’t brash. Dainty whispers of bourbon vanilla, honey, tonka bean and vetiver help it maintain a subtle sexiness.
R1,450 for 30ml, R2,050 for 50ml or R2,650 for 90ml from Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini and Truworths stores
Light and luminous, this floral woody musk is the scent of fresh optimism. A lot of DNA from the original eau de toilette is there, but it feels like a more uplifting rendition with restrained musk that lingers beautifully on skin. It’s softly enveloping with white tea, mate, jasmine and rose water, dampened by clary sage, Italian mandarin and splashes of sea notes. By the time it dries down to its musk, tonka bean and amber wood finish, you’ll be entranced. This is a scent that will see you through brisk days and cosy nights. Wear it when you need a confidence boost.
R750 for 30ml or R1,130 for 100ml from Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini and www.takealot.com
French fragrance house Berdoues bridges the gap between affordable scents and niche perfumery. If you don’t like heady scents for autumn/winter, try this pretty, crowd-pleasing floral that will bring a little mood-boost to colder months. It belies its price tag with an incredible wear time. Mandarin orange and bergamot melt into delicate freesia, cotton flower and jasmine, cocooned in the embrace of cashmere wood and white musk. Not too sweet and light on the woody notes, it’s perfect for anyone beguiled by floral perfumes. You won’t be disappointed.
R525 from www.orleanscosmetics.co.za as well as select Foschini and Truworths stores
From cleansers and serums to creams and masks, we’ve talked about a multi-step skincare routine. But what about the other 99% of your body? We’d bet that your body-care routine consists of a once-over cleanser, a quick swipe of cream, a liberal layer of after-sun or the occasional drop of hand cream. While there’s nothing wrong with this, the colder months are prime time for skin dryness from head to toe. With that, consider these seven formulas that will transform your body’s tone, texture and hydration. There’s really no excuse for slacking on application!
Don’t have time for a body scrub pre-shower? Fold the Environ Alpha Hydroxy Derma-Lac Lotion into your routine post-rinse. You’re already locking in moisture after your shower anyway, right? With a big shot of radiance-restoring alpha hydroxy acids, this watery lotion transforms dull skin and treats rough, uneven texture. It’s also a must-have fake tan remover. Just massage onto dry skin post-cleanse and be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen afterwards during the day. Not to mention, this generous bottle will keep you going for a while.
Transformative results all wrapped up in a lavender-scented lotion? Yes, please. Take the hydration up a notch with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E – the ultimate dry skin duo. The BODYLAB Hyaluronic Complex Body Lotion harnesses the power of hyaluronic acid, which is critical in maintaining skin hydration and works for any skin type. It’s ideally used after showering for skin that feels super-soft, plump and pillowy and looks so much more radiant. We also appreciate that it doesn’t leave you oil-slicked or with grease spots on your sheets at night.
R89.99 from Clicks and www.bodylabscience.co.za
Want to avoid dry, tight skin every time you step out of the shower? From the drugstore aisle, we’re big fans of the new Cicalfate+ Purifying Cleansing Gel that replenishes soothing moisture. Formulated with Avène Thermal Spring Water, copper sulphate and zinc sulphate, this body wash is great for sensitive skin that’s prone to feeling dry and itchy. It gently eliminates buildup without stripping the skin or drying you out. Plus, it’s spiked with glycerine for extra hydration. Avène gets a lot of hype in the body care world, and we’re here to tell you it’s all that and more.
R285 from Clicks, Dis-Chem and www.dermastore.co.za
From spreading it on to rubbing it in and letting it dry, applying a body lotion or oil can take time. Enter Cetaphil’s new super-convenient Optimal Hydration Serum Spray, which packs the same skin-hydrating power into a spray bottle for faster and easier application. This fragrance-free and sensitive-skin-friendly formula kicks traditional products to the curb thanks to its use of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, provitamin B5, sunflower seed oil and soothing blue daisy. We recommend slathering it on after shaving or when you’ve gone a bit too far with exfoliation.
THE HUMBLE SOAP
Epi-max body care is some of the best: Simple, effective and gender-neutral. The new Original Glycerine Bar is formulated with a cocktail of results-driven ingredients like propylene glycol, glycerine, coco glucoside and palm kernel oil. It goes against what we’ve been told for decades about harsh, skin-stripping bar soaps. With just a little bit of water, this budgetfriendly bar produces a barely-there lather to cleanse thoroughly, deeply nourish and keep skin balanced. It’s a can’t-go-wrong option for shared shower spaces – who doesn’t want that?
R349 from Clicks and Dis-Chem
One for the wish list. Get some perkiness back with this potent body serum that improves skin elasticity and gives a subtle lift to your body. Ten different plants and precious oils go into this serum – arnica, yarrow, hypericum, calendula, passionflower, elicriso, acai, comfrey, babassu and goji. We especially like using it on more-often exposed areas, like the thighs and upper arms. It feels extraordinarily delightful going on and the silky texture sinks in quickly, allowing for a streamlined morning routine. Layer it underneath a body lotion for a shortcut to healthy skin.
R920 from www.orleanscosmetics.co.za as well as select spas and salons
Your neck and décolletage need moisture, too. If you love the feeling of a thick texture without the heaviness, the NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream lives up to the clinically inspired brand’s hype. It has a smooth formula that glides on effortlessly and absorbs easily. Enriched with amino acid chains (also known as peptides), this neck cream is a total dream to rejuvenate the neckline. As a bonus, shea butter and antioxidant vitamin E replenish much-needed moisture. Sounds like a win-win in our book. Simply apply daily with upward sweeping strokes.
R1,130 from www.dermastore.co.za, www.skinmiles.com and www.skinsmart.co.za
Overlooking the iconic Nelson Mandela Square fountain, brothers Dennis and Allen have brought their vision of an unforgettable dining experience to life with the contemporary Trumps Grillhouse & Butchery.
Diners can enjoy superior quality meat dishes at Trumps Grillhouse, as well as select their perfect cut of meat to take home from the all-new, bespoke Trumps Butchery.
Trumps welcomes locals, tourists, businessmen and women, Sandton Convention Centre delegates, hotel guests, airline pilots and cabin crew alike to join us for a fine food and wine experience like no other!
www.trumps-grill.co.za
We well know that Cape Town is home to one of the most competitive dining scenes in the world. As we roll into a new year, we’re taking you on a journey to eat your way through the city’s latest gastronomic pleasures. Whether it’s for a special occasion, a glamorous dinner, a girls’ night or casual post-work bevs, there’s plenty of new additions to keep your appetite satiated. We look at the boundary-pushing restaurants and delectably flavourful mouthfuls that you’ll want to treat your taste buds to. Be the first to book these hottest new places in town!
“Not your mamma’s pasta.” Never has there been a more apt description than here, at the newly opened Scala Pasta Bar in collaboration with Michelin star chef Luciano Monosilio. Pasta lovers, run don’t walk – this is some of the best pasta we’ve tried in Cape Town. Nab a table downstairs in the urban-cool dining space with black walls, exposed airducts, marble tables, and the brightly lit open kitchen and Pasta Laboratory. Napkins printed with “The carbonara effect” on one side and “Everything you see I owe to pasta” (a famous quote from Sophia Loren) on the other bring pops of marigold yellow. Indeed, the décor here is an Instagram hit. Once you’ve adjusted to the sexily dim lighting and the buzzy soundtrack of diner chatter, order a cocktail. We loved the orange blossom negroni, a fruity take on the classic negroni made with Bombay Sapphire Gin, Martini Extra-Dry Vermouth and Italian bitters. The focus is of course on pasta, though Scala Pasta Bar also serves up some impressive antipasti and – best of all – encourages you to order several plates to share. For starters, feast on luscious burrata with panzanella (Tuscan-style tomato and bread salad) and dill; stewed beef meatballs with jewelbright salsa verde, sweet mustard and chives;
and prawns crudo – sashimi-grade prawns, burrata foam and tomato consommé theatrically crowned with tomato gel. Fresh, zesty and bursting with flavour. You also have to try the most deliciously garlicky potato focaccia bruschetta with culatello (a cured meat), blistered tomatoes and basil as well as the chargrilled melanzane – a layered work of art with tomato salsa, basil and Parmesan. Depending on how hungry you are, we recommend two to three antipasti between two. From the excellent, honest plates of carbonara gently mixed into a yellowy silk to the curly pappardelle with chicken ragù, the pasta options are turbocharged in flavour. The sinfully rich cacio e pepe with its thick, hand-rolled pici pasta was our favourite, despite its deceptively simple ingredients (Pecorino Romano cheese and black peppercorns). Special mention must also go to the tortelli – tiny pockets pumped with coal-roasted tomatoes and burratina, served lukewarm with a flurry of black truffle – and the rigatoni amatriciana, which combines thick tubes of pasta, salty cured pork, tangy tomatoes and Pecorino Romano. If, after all that, you have room for dessert, you’re made of stronger stuff than we are. But the signature tiramisu did look delicious. There are aperitivos to keep you merry and the vibe during the 20h30 seating is fun for the servers and clientele. This might just be one of the best spots to have recently landed on Cape Town’s restaurant scene.
81 Church Street, Cape Town
021 424 7204
www.scalapasta.co.za
There’s plenty of culinary competition among the buzz of Cape Town, but this dinner spot is a truly special find. Bringing a touch of city centre to Bo-Kaap, a dose of zen meets slick service at Urchin Restaurant. So confident is chef Gerard van Staden in his culinary prowess that he’s buried his latest venture, ‘elemental ocean dining’ with elevated sophistication, deep inside the Hyatt Regency Cape Town. The payoff is immediate – the restaurant is a purposefully serene recess from its frenetic, multicultural neighbourhood. Sea urchin art, ocean inspired dinnerware and perfectly starched white tablecloths bring a splash of luxury to the space, otherwise outfitted in beige and grey tones with muted woods and herringbone floors. Food comes from two separate preparation areas – a classic sushi bar and a kitchen. There’s simple pleasure in the food: Tuna tartare, tempura prawns, sweet potato gnocchi (vegetarians are surprisingly well-catered for here), sole thermidor and saddle of
Karoo lamb, for example. We were happy to be guided by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic waiter, following the menu through Starters, Sushi, Lighter, Fuller, Signature and Desserts. Start your meal with Lüderitz oysters laced with juniper and cucumber caviar, lobster capellini bathed in a lemongrass butter sauce, soft seared king scallops with ‘chilli candy’ as well as the less-ravedabout shrimp and tomato soup oozing with punchy flavours. The appetitewhetting salmon and kingklip carpaccio with toasted Parmesan, truffle oil and sweet bell pepper salad also deserves a shoutout. For mains, get the soy-slicked salmon trout with roasted cauliflower and sweet potato dumplings, or the medium-rare rib-eye steak accompanied by toasted brioche and salsa verde. Wash it all down with a glass of red from the extensive grape list. The desserts, in our opinion, are the star of the show. The must-try is the raspberry mousse, which is as pretty as it is refreshing with delicate meringue leaves and tart raspberry coulis. The flourless chocolate cake with praline, caramelised hazelnuts, berry leather and cardamom ice cream deserves way more airtime as a dish we’re still daydreaming about. Top tip: Whether you’re celebrating something or simply looking to spend a weekend away from home, checking into the Hyatt Regency Cape Town is just the thing for foodie travellers. It’s primely located for explorations of the city’s best restaurants. The interiors of the 137 pristinely furnished rooms and suites are pretty much the same style – a medley of grey and dark teal furnishings – and are shielded from daytime street noise. The hotel’s bonus features include a fitness centre, in-room spa services and a Starbucks counter in the lobby.
Hyatt Regency Cape Town, 126 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
021 215 1234
www.urchinrestaurant.co.za
One of the hottest openings of 2022, the much-anticipated TANG Waterfront is the latest venture from businessman Nicky van der Walt. The sumptuous décor makes it a dream destination for any celebratory meal. With high ceilings, black-veined white marble, oak wall panelling, sleek Japanese aesthetics and low gloaming lighting, it’s the perfect respite from the luxury mall inside, filled with shoppers. Thoroughly professional staff who are among the best in TANG’s stable – along with an admirable wine list that gives maximum support to the menu – only add to the feeling that you’re in the presence of an acclaimed restauranteur who’s still at the height of his powers. The lavish restaurant and bar unites two concepts: Izakaya, centred around flamboyant Japanese tapas, and the traditional charcoal robata grill, where meat and fish dishes accompanied by intricate condiments take centre stage. It’s fusion the way we like – under a clubby beat, you’ll find finely rolled sushi, a huge selection of stir-fried dishes, Angus and Wagyu beef done
flawlessly as well as some of the most pristine seafood on the planet. These classic plates and refreshing twists that have already won group executive chef Vixa Kalenga legions of fans makes dining here an almost transcendent experience. It’s only right, therefore, to order from both the sushi bar and robata grill. A feast for all the senses, get ready for plate after exquisite plate – from the much-lauded (and rightfully so) steaming fragrant edamame, to the creative luxe dim sum, to the fresh slivers of new-style salmon sashimi splashed with spicy ponzu dressing. From the small plates menu, the fresh oysters with dollops of truffle shiso salsa and the wagyu tartare topped with yuzu truffle make for a delicate starter. They’re best paired with Nicky’s very own wine, Mirabelle Rosé, which helps cut through the richness. Or, be wowed by pitch-perfect yakitori chicken, meticulously balanced octopus tiradito, spare ribs doused in plum sauce or money bag dumplings stuffed with pork and prawn. But then comes the showstoppers – the soft-shell crab, crunchy and golden with black pepper soya, and the wagyu rib-eye steak with a marbling score of 5-7 or 7-9. These revelatory dishes will have you planning a return visit before you’re even out the door. The fact that TANG can turn a simple steak dish served with triple-cooked fries into something we’re raving about long after our visit is testament to how serious this place is about eating. Cap it off with a nightcap at the bar. Try the truly impressive Wabi-Sabi with Patron Reposado Tequila, junmai-shu and jasmine tea syrup, or the Ikebana combining chamomile-infused tequila, elderflower and rose water.
Shop 153, V&A Waterfront, Dock Road, Cape Town 076 652 8972 www.tanghospitality.com
A high-rise restaurant fit for an artful city. This 165-seater, Infinity Restaurant is everything a glamorous escape atop Cape Town should be, complete with panoramic views and an interior playfully themed, afro-chic, according to the tropical wallpaper with exotic birds, mixed textures, animal print dining chairs, chic and shimmering chandeliers as well as splashes of cream, lilac and emerald green.
Combining 360-degree mountain and sea views with ‘skystronomy’ – the concept of gastronomy in the sky, courtesy of our Olympian chef, Infinity Restaurant boasts a stylish scene with a smorgasbord of celebratory drinks and on-trend dishes made from fresh, topquality ingredients.
It’s a spot for casual comfort food –think dishes like Smoked Chicken with green vegetables, root vegetables, pickle mix and charred pepper, Tikka Chicken with Bo-Kaap style curried butternut squash, chimichurri sauce with pickles.
Infinity is also a beacon of breezy indulgence; the perfect space to take in cosmopolitan views with laid-back Mother City ease where one cocktail from our superb cocktail list, which celebrates all the classics, can quickly spiral into two or three … or more. Not to be missed is the namesake drink, the Infinity Cocktail – shaken with Bacardi, mango, strawberry and curaçao, it’s bursting with the flavours of the tropics.
Lively, romantic, cosy – whatever you’re looking for when making lunch or dinner plans, you can have it all at Infinity Restaurant while taking in the natural beauty of Cape Town. Choose from popular internationally inspired dishes, such as a Sous Vide Rolled Pork Neck with Apple ginger gel, honey wine pear, rich cumin nut mole with polenta rounds & almond crumble, as you feel transported to simpler times; a point in space and time that seems infinitely distant, or test your palette on specialties like Beef Brisket Moroccan spiced braise with smoked carrot cream, sour leek, poor man’s mustard, layered potatoes stack with horse radish, a powerful flavour punch, paired with a wine from our stellar, wideranging wine list. If you fancy something a bit more extravagant with your meal, there’s also a fabulous selection of French champagnes plus some lovely MCCs and Proseccos. Adding doses of over-the-top eclecticism, the Afro-chic décor sets the mood itself.
Dining at Infinity Restaurant is a crash course in Africa’s melting pot culture and history, vividly retold by dishes that make the most of local seasonal food underpinned by bold flavours and international flair. Book in advance to avoid disappointment – the 10-seater Captain’s Table seats 10 and offers the best views in the house.
9 Lower Long Street, Cape Town, 8000 021 879 5043
info@infinityrestaurant.capetown
WWW.INFINITYRESTAURANT.CAPETOWN
As food critics, we’re fortunate enough to snag reservations at some of the best restaurants in South Africa and call it work. We’ve found an eclectic mix of restaurants across the Cape Winelands – from the Helderberg Wine Route to the Durbanville Wine Valley – that each gave us an unforgettable meal, unmatched service and a deep longing to return. Whether you favour sharing plates, French food, classic Italian cuisine or trailblazing new jewels from rising star chefs, there’s something for everyone in this gastronomic heaven. Happy dining!
One of the best-value fine-dining menus in the city
Perched atop the prestigious De Grendel Wine Estate in the Durbanville Wine Valley, De Grendel Restaurant boasts panoramic views of Cape Town and Table Mountain. This jewel of a restaurant exemplifies the beauty of South Africa with top-notch ingredients and high-quality meats. For a few glorious hours you’ll be away from the hustle and bustle, and for a special occasion De Grendel Restaurant may very well be worth the price tag. Warm and down-to-earth, the glass-encased restaurant has an instantly soothing, unexpected simplicity. Blue-and-white china patterns against a neutral colour scheme, warm wooden furnishings and pink king proteas
create an elegant and sleek look. Most seats have views of the busy open kitchen, allowing guests to marvel at the well-choreographed chefs doing what they do best. Friendly but not overbearing service, meanwhile, befits the unstuffy food. We chose the three-course set menu (R525 per person) paired with wines, though you can go for a lighter two courses (R480 per person). The flavours are fresh as can be, as you’d expect from head chef Ian Bergh, previously of La Colombe Restaurant, Pure Restaurant at Hout Bay Manor and Five Flies. Begin with the golden pork belly with crackling, red pepper pesto, cauliflower kimchi, apple and fennel purée, and the addition of a tantalising X-factor ingredient – sage and pomegranate jus. Otherwise, kickstart your taste buds with the tiger prawn, squid, chorizo, coconut and mango, served with a delicate tikka masala sauce. It complements the De Grendel Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc to perfection. Follow up with the locally sourced rack of lamb – a riot of colours, flavours and textures – served atop polenta, turnips, butternut, sundried tomato, lamb shank cannelloni and port jus. It’s a reminder that you don’t need produce to be outlandish to feel extra-special on the plate. Also on offer is an exquisite line fish dish teamed with mussels, millet salsa, fennel, asparagus, cauliflower, tomato and a curry, coconut and lime velouté. End on a high with the faintly sweet dark chocolate cheesecake crowned with honeycomb and hazelnuts. Served with crémeux, bananas brûlée, passionfruit gel and Nesquik ice cream, it’s velvety and luxurious.
De Grendel Wine Estate, Plattekloof Road, Panorama, Cape Town 021 558 6280
www.degrendel.co.za
If you’re looking to add a little colour to your Instagram feed, then make sure you head to Café Fleur. You could easily pass by this pop-up restaurant in the middle of the busy Vergelegen Wine Estate and have no idea of the delights that lay within. A treat for the senses, Café Fleur combines French cuisine and a tranquil escape from the city in one floral fantasia setting. In an effort to bring the joy of the gardens indoors, the interiors feature trinkets, a bike that doubles as a floral display, and botanical art in bold hues and painterly pastels. The terrace tables are just as atmospheric – for a memorable meal, grab one and admire the 400-yearold camphor trees. Expect an enticingly summery menu of classic French dishes, like cheese and herb soufflé, country terrine served with fresh peach salad, pan-fried pork neck and French chicken casserole. The dishes arrive in swift succession, each prettier than the last. Highlights of the starters include fresh oysters served the old-fashioned way with lemon juice and a hit of Tabasco, superb melon, fig and prosciutto salad, and – best of all – a modern version of the ever-popular retro avocado ritz, with plump prawns and Marie Rose sauce. It’s an absolute must that treads a border between the familiar and the unfamiliar. The mains, too, are outstanding. We suggest you don’t leave before you try the dreamily juicy chargrilled sirloin, adorned with bordelaise red-wine sauce and served with French fries for an indulgent eat. The star of the show, though, is the pan-seared salmon smothered in a heady Véronique sauce – one of the most delicious things we’ve eaten in the past year. Try the Vergelegen Florence Rosé with bright acidity to balance out the classic creamy vermouth and grape sauce. Shall we move on to puddings? We think so. Almond praline parfait, French apple tart, oven-roasted figs with petit camembert and epi bread, or ‘snow eggs’ (balls of fluffy meringue) suspended in crème anglaise, fresh raspberries and toasted almonds? Yes, please! After lunch, it’s worthwhile taking a walk around the estate – a treasure trove of natural beauty, strewn with seasonal displays of roses, camellias, hydrangeas, agapanthus and sunflowers. You’ll feel the power of nature.
Vergelegen Wine Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West 021 847 2111
www.vergelegen.co.za
The perfect dose of gastronomic escapism
What do we love here? What don’t we! The Rust en Vrede Wine Estate tasting room must be among the loveliest indoor-outdoor dining spaces in Stellenbosch. Enchanted, luxuriant, teeming with hydrangeas and shaded by oak trees, it’s a living metaphor for the magic it might inspire. Step into the bustling Winemaker’s Lunch – every Monday to Thursday from 12h00 to 15h00 or Friday from 11h00 to 15h30 – and you immediately know you’re in for a good meal, thanks to the convivial atmosphere. This is a true pocket of pleasure right in the heart of the Blaauwklippen Valley. Inspired by Rust en Vrede’s premium red wines, it’s one of those word-of-mouth gems that friends recommend to each other for quick bites and lunch dates. The focus here is on a simple set menu of either steak or salmon accompanied by a glass of wine. As always, head chef Fabio Daniel’s food never misses a beat and no corners are cut – we like that. We followed recommendations and weren’t
disappointed. The Chalmar pepper-crusted fillet with fries and a garden salad tastes like salted butter and melts in the mouth like it, too. The Rust en Vrede Estate Vineyards Syrah – owner Jean Engelbrecht’s favourite variety – lingers in the memory. Inspired. Alternatively, the pan-seared, beautifully delicate looking Norwegian salmon with baby potatoes and seasonal greens is distinctive, with crisp skin and tender flesh. It pairs wonderfully with the full-bodied Donkiesbaai Grenache Blanc that delivers soft layers of yellow peach, winter melon and white blossoms. Order a double espresso for some satisfying revitalisation after lunch. The staff are quick and efficient, the food is beautifully presented, and the space is unpretentious and no-frills. No wonder it’s such a popular spot for every occasion.
Rust en Vrede Wine Estate, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
021 881 3881
www.rustenvrede.com
La dolce vita vibes and freshly made bites
Relax and pour a glass. A bright, airy gem of a place, Morgenster Estate has all the charms: A laidback atmosphere; crisp, clean architecture; simple but stylish tables; and a modern tasting area perched on the edge of a dam. The photogenic winery’s location makes it the ideal pitstop if you’re in the area and want to stock up on some excellent bottles to remind you of it later in the year. The big draw here for us, though, is the very impressive Italian Experience (R445 for two people). Every day, there’s an Italian food and wine pairing so good – and so generous – it can take the place of your lunch or dinner. Visitors will gain a fully immersive lesson in the world of Morgenster Estate’s Italian cultivars, awardwinning Bordeaux-style wines and extra-virgin olive oil, alongside other wine lovers and culinary travellers. The Italian Experience begins with a tutored extravirgin olive oil tasting of the estate’s four extra-virgin olive oils alongside balsamic vinegar, two varieties of table olives, homemade bread and schiacciatine (bitesize focaccia). Then there’s an abundant Italian spread of figs, paper-thin cured meat, buttery cheeses, a wedge of Parmigiano-Reggiano and freshly baked French baguette. Small bowls of olive tapenade and caprese skewers dispense their fragrances. Delizioso. Of course, no aperitivo hour would be complete without the perfect beverage. You’ll learn more about the harvesting process before enjoying a bottle of wine of your choice from The Giulio Range. It pays tribute to founder Giulio Bertrand, who kickstarted the local olive oil industry and introduced South Africans to Italy’s grape varietals. Worth noting: The staff are very friendly and approachable – but most importantly, they know and love Morgenster, and that enthusiasm is infectious.
Morgenster Estate, Vergelegen Avenue (off Lourensford Road), Somerset West 021 852 1738
Sprawling and apartment block-strewn, little stays the same in Rosebank – except for the certainty that you’ll have a blast! Now, a fiery food scene and creative energy is being harnessed to make it one of the hottest properties around. Come here for high-street shopping, local fashion labels, art galleries and the most exciting restaurant launches. In the vastness of Rosebank, there’s a stay ‘just right’ for you. So, here are our favourite places – both established and new to the neighbourhood that’s constantly evolving to emerge as the new cool hotspot.
Glimpsed from the street, you might mistake the red face brick 54 on Bath hotel for fashionable city-break apartments, since there’s no showy sign. But the urban garden with its single-lane pool, one of Rosebank’s hottest social spots, is a giveaway that this is no self-catering hotel. The romantically-lit reception is hidden away to the side, and everything – from the highly-polished check-in desk to the piano player tinkering away – sets the mood. The upbeat and extremely helpful staff, dressed in smart suits, make you feel at home the moment you step into the lobby. Before you’re ushered to your room, stop for a drink at the signature green, white and gold Perrier-Jouët champagne bar, a veritable showstopper decked out with curvy low chairs and Maison Perrier-Jouët’s delicate art nouveau anemones. Spread out over 10 floors, guests of 54 on Bath can choose from 75 minimalist white and grey rooms and suites. It’s the rooms set within a garden-fringed enclave at the front of the hotel that you’ll want to book. For business travellers, the interiors have a calming, neutral feel and the room amenities are fantastic, including free and unlimited Wi-Fi, a coffee bar with an espresso machine, and a desk and chair for remote workers or earlymorning admin. Those with more time on their hands will pick up on beautiful details such as shimmery floor-to-ceiling curtains, super-dreamy towels and bed linens, toiletries in the bathroom that smell heavenly plus the ultimate pièce de résistance – a standout painting of Joburg above the bed. Our Deluxe Room was a mini sanctuary; a deeply comfortable place to rest our head where no detail was overlooked. It might feel impossible to leave this luxury cocoon during your stay – but try to. Directly connected to Rosebank Mall, 54 on Bath is within walking distance of great shops and restaurants. The hotel’s intimate Level Four Restaurant, with its red interiors and black-and-white checkerboard floors, is also one of the best places to eat in and around Rosebank. Très romantic, if you ask us. Whether you want classic mushroom risotto with smoked buffalo mozzarella; grilled sea bass with chorizo bisque, calamari tagliatelle, pickled fennel and harissa baked mussels; or decadent glazed duck breast with a confit duck leg wonton, beetroot caramel, pickled beetroot, cherries, brioche pistachio crumble and coffee jus; it’s all impressively fresh and respectfully cooked. The breakfast menu spans typical menu options executed perfectly, like a blueberry pancake stack, a poached egg on avocado toast or buttery smoked salmon scrambled eggs. The rooftop garden is a more comfortable place to hang out during the day, where you can meet a friend or do a little work.
54 Bath Avenue, Rosebank
011 344 8500
54onbath.reservations@southernsun.com
www.southernsun.com
With glittering views inside and out, Southern Sun Rosebank offers the quintessential Rosebank hotel experience – amplified. Although it’s not as flashy as some of its neighbours, its prime location (around the corner from fashion-forward Oxford Parks and The Zone @ Rosebank) makes it an ideal spot for travellers with centrality and comfort in mind. Southern Sun Rosebank welcomes a mix of corporate and leisure travellers loyal to the Southern Sun brand and the frequentGuest rewards programme. Despite its modern overhaul, the hotel remains a classic: The 318 rooms – all dark lacquered woods, chocolate brown furniture, leather accents and contemporary surrounds – are decorated in a palette of punchy colours. Ranging from Standard Rooms to Executive Suites, each of the smartly kitted out bedrooms is different in size. Common denominators, however, are king beds, black-out shades, a workspace, a good-sized bathroom with a walk-in shower, and the best night vistas of The Parks and Northcliff Hill. Guests looking to indulge can opt for the Presidential Suite with a double-volume bar opening onto a dining room and lounge. Another renovation across this year will bring new-look rooms – we can hardly wait for the big reveal. As enticing as it is to rely on 24-hour room service, it would be a shame to do so. An exciting new addition is The Grill Jichana, where the hotel’s inventive East African menu can be found.
Inspired by Africa’s epic spice route, the restaurant offers sizzling and flame-grilled meat, chicken and fish dishes. Don’t shy away from the classics, including a rump steak with café de Paris butter or slow-braised lamb shank, because The Grill Jichana does them brilliantly. For round one, beef carpaccio is served with freshly made tomato compote, cheesy prawn gratin is paired with lemon-scented cream, and black mushrooms are accompanied with hollandaise sauce, rocket, balsamic reduction and toasted brioche. The main event is the succulent pepper-crusted ostrich fillet with roasted baby onions, button mushrooms, sautéed spinach, creamed mash potatoes and red wine jus – it’s sourced and prepared with the utmost consideration. A wellstocked continental breakfast is served daily at Fresh Restaurant on the ground floor. Elsewhere, there’s a well-equipped gym, an outdoor swimming pool and a tranquil little Zen garden that will transport you to a world away from the Joburg hustle. Another compelling reason to return is the Camelot Spa, with an extensive treatment menu including the Thalgo 3 Algae Facial and Body Wrap as well as a signature CBD oil massage. Guests who can navigate the big city will find the best restaurants, wine bars and art galleries within easy reach.
Corner of Tyrwhitt & Sturdee Avenues, Rosebank 011 448 3600
ssrosebank.reservations@southernsun.com www.southernsun.com
Feel the beat and enjoy the bites. Combining vibrant cuisine with a banging atmosphere, Mamasamba is one of Rosebank’s most popular new spots to go to for Latin American food. From the hearty dishes of Mexico to the zesty flavours of Brazil, the varied eclectic menu is a melting pot of flavours, spices and cooking techniques. Be sure to take your friends along, as you’ll want to sample everything. Still not convinced? Boasting both style and substance, this two-floor, plantfilled haven overdelivers at every turn while music pulses gently in the background. The OTT urban jungle interior – think hyper-bright colours, terrazzo floors, a spiral staircase, and graffitied florals and trees – designed by interior architect Tristan du Plessis will have you sold. Whether you choose to come to this perennial party place
for a casual midweek catchup on the patio or fancy a raucous Saturday lunch, Mamasamba has something for everyone. The antojitos – Latin American-inspired small plates – were destined to be washed down with a tasty cocktail selection. The Lupita (Bacardí Añejo Cuatro rum, pineapple juice, passionfruit syrup, lime juice and creole bitters) prepared our palate for the smoked sake ponzu oysters with chilli oil and apple. There are plenty of high-end dishes like crispy crayfish taquitos (rolled tacos) with salmon roe and punchy yuzu mayo, or wagyu tataki in a ginger soy dressing, scattered with truffle shavings that drop an umami bomb. Sushi is a particular talent here – signatures include Peruvian acevichado rainbow rolls, rock shrimp rolls topped with chipotle mayo, salmon roses with wasabi pearls as well as miso wagyu uramaki rolls. The plates are as playful as the décor, making this a not-to-be-missed sushi experience. The meat and seafood – cooked in a Josper charcoal oven or on a Parrilla grill – is also on point. Special shoutouts go to the rib eye with chimichurri on a bed of traditional samba salad and batatas fritas; the beef or pork ribs stroked with a mango and cola glaze, served with fennel and smoky jalapeño salad; and the chargrilled octopus that packs a flavourful punch with ancho ponzu, black rice, stir-fry vegetables, sweet potato bravas and yellow chilli pepper mayo. The bar is worth a pitstop before or after supper, too. We recommend the tequila martini –Patrón Reposado tequila complete with Martini Bianco, Martini Extra Dry and peach bitters, garnished with a tortilla chip.
The Zone @ Rosebank, 177 Oxford Road, Rosebank 010 110 0313
www.mamasamba.co.za
