Scene in the City - Spring 2023

Celebrating the best of life in South Africa

Broaden your BRUNCHING HORIZONS at The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg

LA COLOMBE RESTAURANT

Tuck into a feast of the senses that you’ll treasure for a lifetime

Sleek and versatile

The Thule Subterra collection offers luggage, duffels and backpacks that help put together a great look for your travels

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER

With a serene dining room, meticulously ironed linen, accomplished service and a 12-course tasting menu that brings plenty of surprises along the way, La Colombe Restaurant is one of the foundations of Cape Town’s dining scene. Flip to page 30 to read more.

STYLE AND BEAUTY

16 The 10 new beauty products we can’t live without this spring

30 Unforgettable flavour in fine dining at La Colombe Restaurant

TRAVEL & LEISURE

44 New hotspots for a sweet stay in the hottest city

SPEAK TO YOUR HAIRDRESSER OR SCAN THE QR CODE ON THE PRODUCT FOR MORE INFORMATION

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The 10 new beauty products we can’t live without this spring

To say we’re excited for spring may be the understatement of 2023. As we emerge from sweatpants and Netflix binges, we’re ready for balmy temperatures and brighter everything. But we also can’t wait to get our hands on the latest crop of beauty releases. Why not lean into the energy of renewal? Skip into the season with our edit of the only 10 products you need to carry you into the warmer months. Think must-have matte lipsticks, a drugstore mascara that’s worth the hype and a grown-up fruity-floral perfume that smells truly delicious for spring.

ELIZABETH ARDEN ADVANCED LIGHT CERAMIDE CAPSULES

How much is too much product? Does it travel well? Elizabeth Arden’s single-dose concentrated capsules can take the guesswork out of your routine. The new Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules deliver a precise shot of phytoceramides, cyclopeptides and hemisqualane to help bolster the skin barrier, keeping skin moisturised, plump and bouncy. In addition, this clever concoction improves the look of pores and gives you an underlying glow that gets better and better with time. It’s definitely earned itself a permanent spot in our daily skincare regimen.

R715 for 30 capsules or R1,175 for 60 capsules from Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini, Truworths, Clicks, Dis-Chem, www.superbalist.com and www.takealot.com

TREE HUT WATERMELON SHEA SUGAR SCRUB

If you’re looking for a standout scrub that takes care of dryness, uneven texture and ingrown hairs, the super-thick Tree Hut Watermelon Shea Sugar Scrub is your best bet. Now available in South Africa, it smells amazing and feels like a spa treatment you can do at home. This viral body scrub is almost good enough to eat with a blend of sugar crystals, shea butter, vegan collagen, watermelon and crushed seeds. Natural oils – including evening primrose, avocado, macadamia, sweet almond, safflower and orange – hydrate the skin, while chunky grains do a great job of scrubbing away dead skin cells without over-drying. We keep the tub in our shower at all times.

R395 from www.medhealthsup.com

SKINNY TAN NOTOX FACE TANNING DROPS

Your secret is safe with us. Kickstart your hot girl summer a few months early with these tanning drops by Skinny Tan. Formulated with vegan collagen, guarana, aloe vera and anti-ageing ingredients, the skin-caring tanner gives a natural tone with no hints of orange. It’s designed to be mixed with an oil-free moisturiser to create a custom tanning blend. Apply four drops for a subtle tan, eight drops for a golden glow or 12 drops for a deep bronze. It couldn’t be easier! We love the buildable, longlasting colour and that there’s no whiff of that signature fake tan scent.

R315 from www.skinnytanshop.com and www.takealot.com

KATE SPADE CHÉRIE EAU DE PARFUM

Of course, a spring style refresh wouldn’t be complete without adding a new vibrant, playful perfume to our routine. Kate Spade Chérie is a sweet floral fragrance that brings the heat – even if the weather outside hasn’t gotten the memo. The bright red and pink bottle hints at the fruity red berry notes of the juice inside: Raspberry opens this eau de parfum, alongside fellow top notes of mandarin orange and redcurrant. The youthful fruitiness gives way to a floral middle of sweet pea and jasmine, slowly settling into musk and white woods throughout the day.

R1,325 for 100ml from Dis-Chem

BIO SCULPTURE GEMINI NOURISHING NAIL POLISH - 304 VERDE

Didn’t you hear? Green nails are having a moment right now –and the Bio Sculpture Gemini Nourishing Nail Polish in 304 Verde also happens to be the perfect colour for your spring manicure. It’s giving us palm trees and tropical vibes … basically the exact opposite of winter nails. The polish is shiny and smooth – and the thick black bristle brush makes a DIY mani a breeze. To get that shiny finish, seal your nails with the Mirror Top Coat after the base colour is fully dry. Pair it with a stack of gold rings to match the effortlessly cool vibe of the shade.

R130 from www.biosculpture.co.za as well as select spas and salons

HELIOCARE 360º MD A-R EMULSION SPF 50+

We know by now that the wrong SPF can lead to stinging and redness. With so many formulas to choose from, those with sensitive skin or rosacea are likely to find it especially challenging selecting the right sunscreen for face protection. Leave it to Heliocare to create a gentle, milky high-protection sunscreen that’s strictly designed for sensitive souls. Once massaged in, the liquid formula quickly absorbs and feels undetectable to wear. It’s a great choice for all complexions given that it leaves a natural-looking radiance without creating a white cast.

R640 from www.dermastore.co.za as well as select spas, salons and dermatology offices.

REVLON COLORSTAY SUEDE INK LIPSTICK

Switch out those rich reds and vampy lip shades. Now that spring is here, it’s time to brighten things up to match all the magic that’s blooming outside. Matte lipsticks have a bad reputation for being dense and drying, but this innovative formula from Revlon gives you the long-wear of a matte lipstick without any weight. Once you try these new buildable, balmlike lip colours, you’ll want to collect them all! There’s a colour choice for however bold or demure you want to be – our current faves are Tunnel Vision (eye-catching fuchsia), Feed the Flame (orange red) and Gut Instinct (pink nude).

R239.95 from Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini, Truworths, Clicks, Dis-Chem, www.superbalist.com and www.takealot.com

BEAUT SERUMS POSH WASH

If your skin looks dull or feels clogged up from the increase in humidity, sometimes all you need is a deep cleanse. Enter this winner. Made with ingredients like squalane, aloe vera, wheat amino acids and oat extract, Beaut Serums’ first cleanser does more than purify your complexion with ease. Not only does it clean your skin without throwing off its pH level or stripping its protective barrier, but it also produces a creamy lather that feels calming and hydrating. To that point, it won’t leave skin feeling stripped or cause any type of irritation.

R450 from www.beautserums.com and www.dermastore.co.za

GATINEAU DEFI LIFT MARINE FIRMING MASK

When your skin is in need of a pick-me-up (literally), the Gatineau Defi Lift Marine Firming Mask is the way to go. For an intense lifting experience, this face mask is fortified with polyglutamic acid, polyhydroxy acid and hyaluronic acid, which help to tone the skin and firm your complexion. The clay texture is super-gentle, but don’t be fooled – it’s packed with active ingredients to gently clear away imperfections. By smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, your skin is left looking younger and more revitalised. Also, we’re besotted by that lilac packaging. R925 from www.orleanscosmetics.co.za as well as select Woolworths, Truworths and Dis-Chem stores

MAYBELLINE LASH SENSATIONAL SKY HIGH MASCARA

There’s a reason that Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara took over TikTok. We finally got our hands on it and can confirm – it’s worth the attention. This mascara took our breath away when we first tried it out. The special brush is densely packed with straight bristles to get to every single lash for a fanned-out look. It’s lengthening, volumising and superblack, and the metallic pink packaging has the look of a high-end mascara without the bank. The formula itself is infused with bamboo extract and fibres to add some extra length and volume.

R199.95 from Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini, Clicks, Dis-Chem, www.superbalist.com and www.takealot.com

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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

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Unforgettable flavour in fine dining at La Colombe Restaurant

Consider it lunch or dinner and a show. With a serene dining room, meticulously ironed linen, accomplished service and a 12-course tasting menu that brings plenty of surprises along the way, La Colombe Restaurant is one of the foundations of Cape Town’s dining scene. Take a seat in this light-filled, glass-fronted room and prepare to have your senses stimulated by executive chef James Gaag’s nuanced cooking and avant-garde plating. This is mould-breaking fine dining at its best.

How does a restaurant attain landmark status? Score a coveted table at La Colombe Restaurant and you’ll gain an insight. The very best spots are the window seats located on the restaurant’s periphery, offering enchanting vistas of the quaint vineyard and surrounding trees. On hot days, the windows are opened, letting the dining room embrace the elements. The setting has been created with comfort as well as aesthetics in mind. The interiors are pared back with oak flooring arranged in a herringbone design, travertine tiles and a fresh white palette. A jade green leafy wallpaper and plush velvet curtains soften the space, while contemporary lighting and brass accents add a touch of modernity. A design palate cleanser before the culinary theatre – and, trust us, it’s really quite a show. Executive chef James Gaag and his tight-knit kitchen team are surgically focused, sending out dishes in subtle but expressive ways. A suave, sharply dressed sommelier adds to the spectacle.

Whether you opt for the eight-course Reduced Menu (R1,395 per person) or the 12-course Chef’s Menu (R1,795 per person), expect a battalion of stellar snacks to start. Each one is an intricate display of prowess. Perhaps an exquisite dove’s nest cradling ceramic eggs filled with refreshing lemongrass palate cleanser. Ultra-thin slices of marbled biltong and a luscious pine nut spread. Herbcrusted smoked salmon accompanied by a green apple with a centre of smoked snoek. Artfully crafted acorns resting on autumn leaves, delicately enclosing duck liver. There’s more skill in La Colombe’s openers and closing petit fours than across entire menus at some other finedining restaurants. The freshly baked sweet potato bread, still warm, is perfect for breaking off and generously loading with the pâtés and assorted cut delicacies. Given the level of detail in play, a wine pairing proves a wise decision. The Iconic Wine Flight, while it may acome at a higher price, copes adroitly with the culinary fireworks and is a fitting choice for wine enthusiasts on special occasions. Surrender your credit card – this is A-list luxury.

For starters, expect the La Colombe signature that stokes its foodie empire –the tuna in a can. This season, the iconic Tuna ‘La Colombe’ has been refreshed and invigorated with an all-new flavour profile. It artfully merges that fresh-fromthe-net zing with the kitchen’s first-rate creativity, particularly where flavour and presentation are concerned. The standout, though, is most definitely the next course – a dazzlingly skillful, meticulously detailed snow crab and yellowtail ‘waffle’. It’s chockfull of powerful flavours and adorned with edible flowers, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation. What comes afterwards is consistently dexterous. A quail and langoustine roulade is deeply flavourful, alongside sweetcorn and bisque.

Caramelised scallops turn out to be served with pork jowl and bay leaves, tandoori reigning in its slightly smoky punch. For main, Karoo lamb complemented by celeriac and a refined rendition of James’ mom’s bolognaise showcases the beauty of skillfully executed simplicity in fine dining.

Like La Colombe itself, the cheese course is a delight. If first impressions truly count, ‘Cheese & Honey’ suggests this is no ordinary cheese experience. Honeycomb-shaped plates present a delectable ensemble of raclette cheese, smoked Stanford, pickled pear purée, pickled onion, quince butter and roasted

walnuts. We won’t spoil the excitement. The Jerusalem artichoke mousse, sponge cake and ice cream end the dining experience on a seasonal sweet note. With a chocolate and hazelnut crumb and three different tuiles – cacao nib, caramel and chocolate, and carrot and orange – it’s one of the most balanced and innovative puddings we’ve had to date.

Silvermist Wine Estate, Main Road, Constantia Nek, Constantia

021 794 2390

www.lacolombe.restaurant

Established in 2004 by restaurant extraordinaire, Naldo & Victor Goncalves, famous for its seafood, Pigalle Restaurant is situated in Sandton, in the Michelangelo Towers, a prominent structure in the Sandton skyline and Bedfordview, Village View Shopping Centre, in close proximity to Johannesburg’s international airport (OR TAMBO). The menu hits all the right notes comprising of fresh seafood and classic dishes with Portuguese flair. The perfect choice for an intimate dinner, catchup with friends or a special occasion.

PIGALLE BEDFORVIEW has recently undergone an extensive renovation, with the unique character of Pigalle carried through in it’s design in which the concept of “Paris by Night “is expressed. The experience of the space and the interior design is a combination of timeless elegance, marrying old and new with luxurious modern materials and rich colours.

The materialisation of the interior décor and furnishing plays an important role in the design. The interior evokes a moody yet tranquil atmosphere to give the space a classic contemporary feel. The restaurant is divided into three main seating areas which lends itself to areas of intimacy and privacy as well as more relaxed social spaces. The main dining space is openvent bar area and open view into the kitchen adds both energy and movement to the experience. The new external terrace is one of the main features furnished with custom lighting and hanging plants. The energy can be seen from the streets and allows customers to be a part of something interesting creating a true ambience that completes the Restaurant.

CONTACT US

BEDFORDVIEW

Villiage View Shopping Centre, Van Buuren Road, Bedfordview, 2007 011 450 2242

bedfordview@pigalle.joburg

SANDTON

UO9, Michelangelo Towers, Maude Street, Sandton, 2196 011 884 8899

sandton@pigalle.joburg

PIGALLE.JOBURG

ETHOS RESTAURANT

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

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

9 Lower Long Street, Cape Town, 8000 021 879 5043

info@infinityrestaurant.capetown

WWW.INFINITYRESTAURANT.CAPETOWN

Chic STAYS

New hotspots for a sweet stay in the hottest city

The lights are back on. Joburg is shining brighter than ever with world-class hotels opening up and innovative chefs energising the culinary scene. But with such a plethora of venues, it can be challenging to sift through the endless options to find that perfect gem of a place – especially if you’re visiting from out of town. Thankfully, we’ve got the inside track for a stylish stay. Here, we’ve picked the most noteworthy openings to have on your radar – whether you’re a new visitor or an old regular looking to make your time in the City of Gold as special as possible.

WHERE TO STAY

SANDTON TOWERS

Get a front-row seat to all the action by checking into this gleaming ‘new’ skyscraper. The InterContinental has been reimagined as Sandton Towers, a vibrant testament to the evolution of Sandton. The hotel is all about shimmer and shine; sky-high luxury with views to match. With direct access to Sandton City Shopping Centre – conveniently linked to the hotel via a skywalk – Sandton Towers is a stylish sanctuary right in the heart of South Africa’s financial hub. The décor might be modern in the grandly proportioned lobby, but nearby landmarks such as Nelson Mandela Square give it the flavour of old Joburg. The mood calms noticeably on the way to the 231 guest rooms and suites, which ooze class with spacious layouts and thoughtful extras. Some rooms are beginning to date, but it’s hard to quibble when the views are so glorious – especially with a renovation currently underway. Our Club Suite’s creature comforts and heavenly bed made us forget the busy world outside. It had a separate living room flush with sunlight to settle down in and even a walk-in closet – a perfect

option for longer stays. The hotel isn’t short on amenities either. A pool and fully fitted-out gym, an Instagram-worthy spa, a rooftop bar and two restaurants including Atrium on the ground floor – the home of a well-considered breakfast. Just bring your packed bags and move in. If you’re dining in, check out San Restaurant at the adjoining Sandton Sun, where guests laden with shopping bags from the Diamond Walk assemble for refreshments. Go for the home-style lamb curry on the bone or the grilled salmon punched up with a coriander and lime bulgur wheat salad. Once you’ve done it, more of Sandton’s best restaurants are right outside your doorstep. We love that the service at Sandton Towers is second to none – whether it’s the appearance of your preferred wine in your room, or the concierge offering to use his contacts to secure a last-minute dinner reservation.

Corner of Maude & 5th Streets, Sandton

011 780 5555

www.southernsun.com

WHERE TO EAT

THE POT LUCK CLUB JOHANNESBURG

The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg is the hotly anticipated Dunkeld restaurant from Luke Dale Roberts’ leading hospitality group. The woodpanelled front bears a glossy black paint job, and behind it is a drinking and dining hotspot with a modern tapas menu. The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg is already a favourite for lunch and dinner, thanks to its Oxford Parks location, signature fish tacos, energetic atmosphere and combination of urban elements with industrial aesthetics. But now, it’s set to become our go-to Sunday afternoon destination thanks to the addition of a boozy brunch where the bubbles don’t stop flowing. Firstly, the five-course menu (R850 per person) with Asian touches that’s tailor-made for imbibing. Come for the Bloody Mary oysters, stay for the oozy, gooey and oh-so-cheesy Arnold Bennett. Secondly, the choice. You can enjoy endless mimosas and sparkling wine as well as a DIY Bloody Mary bar with vodka, tomato juice, hot sauce, dill pickle spears, celery stalks, bacon and rim salts (R490 per person). The wine list, meanwhile, ranges from edgy to immediately recognisable. Our favourite thing? Our champagne glass never got below half-full. The menu unfolds in four ‘waves’, followed by dessert. On the savoury side, there’s a Korean fish ssam in

a crisp lettuce wrap; a symphony of rich and earthy porcini mushrooms and asparagus atop toasted brioche with hollandaise sauce; and smoked snoek in a crumbly tartlet shell. There’s also leek and ricotta ravioli perfectly complemented by serrano ham – all luxuriating in a luscious barigoule nage – and a brunch main of duck breast infused with apple and vanilla, served alongside Puy lentil cassoulet simmered with vegetables and savoury herbs. For sweeter treats, the pillowy and fragrant madeleines, delicately flavoured with tonka bean, and the ‘peanut butter bomb’ are deliciously moreish (not to mention filling). As if you needed another excuse to fling wide your duvet!

Oxford Parks, 199 Oxford Road, Dunkeld 010 745 3999

www.thepotluckclubjhb.co.za