Stargazer Issue 4 2011

ISSUE 4 2011

THE Strike It Rich News from Silverstar Casino

Guinness World Record Attempt by Chef George Georgiou TSOGO SUN PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE NATIONAL RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING PROGRAMME. Winners know when to stop. Only persons over 18 are permitted to gamble.

1 National problem gambling counselling toll free helpline 0800 006 008.

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Inside From Mike Vermaak

Promotions PlayBack 6 Dashing & Daring 8 Daily Promotions 10

Entertainment – Highlights Gerrie Pretorius 13 Freshlyground 14 Nicholis Louw 16 Theuns Jordaan 17 Bee Gees Night Fever International Tribute Show 18

News Guinness World Record Attempt

by Chef George Georgiou 20 Rugby World Cup “Boktown” 26 What’s On Offer For SIR Members?

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Dear Strike it Rich Member, This year has really flown by, it feels like just the other day that I was writing to you and already our Stargazer is overflowing with more endless entertainment, nothing short of spectacular.

If you’re in search of something memorable and exciting this summer season, then look no further. Silverstar Casino is certain to surpass all those expectations with some much loved, upbeat and unforgettable entertainment, sure to make things seemingly even hotter this summer.

Silverstar’s very own ABSA Boktown is the fan park where all the latest and greatest from the 2011 Rugby World Cup can be captured, in unique South African tradition. So come cheer on the current World Champions in their attempt to defend their world cup title for a third time in history and also stand a chance to win some great prizes while you are there.

You still have an opportunity to experience our PlayBack promotion where you play on our dime. We’re running mystery jackpots every Friday night until the 28th of October 2011 where you can win a staggering R2 million in Casino Freeplay.

We will be adding to the summer heat with the eagerly anticipated launch of our great Dashing and Daring promotion and this is one you’ll definitely not want to miss. As from the 21st of September to the 4th of December you’ll get to experience more play and more opportunity to win R2.65 million in cars, cash and Casino FreePlay.

I would also personally like to congratulate our very own local and talented chef, George Georgiou, for serving up quite a meal in his successful attempt to enter the Guinness Book of Records for the longest cooking marathon.

You have done South Africa proud and shown the world what we are truly about, we eagerly await the official result.

As we enter the closing stages of this eventful year, I would just like to wish you and your loved ones a safe and enjoyable summer and may the remaining moments of your year be just as entertaining as our Stargazer.

Regards,

Mike Vermaak General Manager 5

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Promotions

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Casino FreePlay Where you can play on our dime.

Silverstar Casino is still giving you the chance to win nonredeemable gaming credits known as Casino FreePlay, to play either slots or tables.

We are still running a mystery jackpot promotion every Friday

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night until the 28th of October, where a total of up to R2 million in Casino FreePlay will be given away over a 10 week period, so come experience a new kind of winning.

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PL AY ON US

WHERE YOU PLAY ON US

IN CASINO FREEPLAY TO BE WON

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT 26 AUGUST - 28 OCTOBER 2011

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More play, more possibility Silverstar Casino is launching its latest promotion, Dashing & Daring from the 21st of September to the 4th of December. We’ll be giving away R2.65 million in cars, cash and Casino FreePlay.

This time we’re doing things differently. The promotion will see two separate draws take place weekly, one for Bronze and Silver Strike It Rich members on Wednesdays at 21h00 and another for Gold and Black Diamond members on Sundays at 17h00.

For every R500 turnover on slots

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and R2,500 on tables, you will earn 1 point. Every 15 points will earn Black Diamond and Gold members 1 ticket into the draw.

Every 5 points will earn Silver and Bronze members 1 ticket into the draw. Number of tickets allowed in the draw on a weekly basis will not be restricted, allowing you more opportunity to play.

Simply print your tickets at the kiosk machines on the days of the draws and enter them into the relevant draw bin; from here winning tickets will be drawn manually, who knows it could be yours?

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DASHING more drive, more opportunity

DARING more play, more possibility

R2.65 MILLION 21 SEPTEMBER – 4 DECEMBER 2011

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IN CARS, CASH & CASINO FREEPLAY TO BE WON.

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Daily Promotions

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Tuesdays:

Day Dreamers – Bingo Roulette

10h00 – 14h00

Thursdays:

Not By The Book Club – Bingo Roulette

18h00 – 22h00

Fridays:

Tables Happy Hour

19h00 – 21h00

Saturdays:

Star Poker Slots Tournament from 6 August 2011

19h00 – 21h00

Sundays:

Eezee Cash

15h00 – 18h00

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Spice up your summer with great entertainment

Entertainment

It’s all happening at Silverstar Casino this summer, where a wide range of awe-inspiring entertainment and memorable events are just waiting to be enjoyed and truly experienced.

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28 October 2011 Looking back on 10 years in the music industry and various gold and platinum releases, Gerrie Pretorius celebrates with an album of his greatest hits.

Gerrie’s career took off with his best-selling dance floor hit “Anne Marie”, after which several albums followed.

Gerrie also recorded duets with

some of Europe’s great artists, such as; Anny Schilder of BZN, Christoff League and has shared the stage on several occasions with Flemish singer Dana Winner.

You can see this legend living it up live on the 28th of October at none other than Silverstar Casino.

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Freshlyground 6 November 2011

This is your chance to come experience outstanding, talented diversity that is certain to have you on your feet, singing and dancing along. Freshlyground is made up of seven gifted musicians from South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, fronted by the diminutive but dynamic Zolani Mahola, the band exudes a live performance energy that has been the bedrock of their success.

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The experienced rhythm section of Peter Cohen (drums) & Josh Hawks (bass) is complimented by guitarist Julio Sigauque, keyboardist Seredeal Scheepers, Simon Attwell (flute, mbira, sax and harmonica) and violinist Kyla Rose Smith. Although hailing from diverse backgrounds, between them the band’s members weave a musical magic that is highly infectious and undeniably groovy.

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Top 2 Idols 2011 Show 30 October 2011 You’ve cheered them all the way to fame now experience them at their best.

Bachelor & Bachelorette 11 November 2011 CopperStone Promotions in conjunction with Silverstar Casino will be launching its very 1st Annual “Vrygesel/Vrygesellin” (Bachelor/Bachelorette) Event in the Platinum Ballroom at Silverstar Casino. Finalists will not only be judged on beauty and brawn, but also on the success they have achieved in their own individual professions and also their ability to make a difference in their communities. The main outcome to be achieved will be 15

for each of the finalists to raise funds for the chosen charities.

The two chosen charities for this event will be CANSA and Beeld Children’s Fund and each will receive fifty percent of the net funds raised through this event.

The ten finalists will be responsible for raising funds for the charities individually. There will also be a “mini auction” by Auction Alliance, during the Gala event, in which additional funds will be raised for the charities.

The Gala event will be attended by numerous A class celebrities, sponsors and chosen media.

Tickets will be sold at R1000.00 for this lavish and stylish Gala event which will see you treated to: several live performances, welcome drinks, a 5 course plated dinner, along with wine tasting and an auction at which several secluded items will be sold off.

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Nicholis Louw 13 November 2011 Nicholis Louw is South Africa’s Knight of Pop. Not only is he the flavour of the moment, but also the star of the future. This musician is the most exciting South African pop sensation in years and one of the most versatile performers.

He covers all levels of entertainment, from popular newcomers to classic oldies and Latin heart throbs. He excels in dance music, rock and 16

romantic ballads; this man is simply a talented, musical genius.

With the predominantly Euro Rock Sound, intense ballads, rhythmic hits and English creations Nicholas Louw offers albums such as; My Hart Is Aan Die Brand, Rock Daai Lyfie and Hier Naby Jou. His music is welcomed and played on both Afrikaans and English airwaves, and it will be blowing you away at Silverstar Casino.

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Theuns Jordaan 18 November 2011 This artist is the golden voice of South African music and 2011 will be yet another big year as he is recording a new album, the sixth solo album of his career. He was also invited to perform at Skouspel in October of this year and is the most performed South African artist at this prestigious concert – a record 11 times.

Silverstar Casino welcomes this legendary performer back to our stage so he can once again leave you mesmerised.

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There’s nothing like a good trip down memory lane.

Bee Gees Night Fever International Tribute Show 25 November – 31 December 2011 Night Fever is giving fans the exhilarating opportunity to reminisce, tracking back to a unique era where the popular sounds of Stayin’ Alive, Spick and Specks, Tragedy, I started a Joke, How Deep is Your Love, and many other great tracks will be echoed through the air, for adoring fans to relive.

Today no party is complete without them and a night out feels empty without hearing at least one of their harmony laden tracks. The Bee Gees’ music is ‘timeless’ and fans around the world constantly crave the opportunity to hear their songs performed live. Night Fever now fills that void with an amazing recreation of the Bee Gees’ music, based on their 1997 “One Night Only Concert in Las Vegas.”

Night Fever is a multi-media feast with state of the art sound, hi-tech lighting and giant on-stage screens playing footage of famous Bee Gees concerts and musical highlights of their career. This is more than just an experience, it’s a two hour musical and visual journey, not to be missed.

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Armed with a pan and spatula Guinness World Record Attempt by George Georgiou

Silverstar chef attempts Guinness record for longest cooking marathon.

Armed with a pan and spatula, one passionate South African foodie has thrashed the Aussies, not on the field, but in the kitchen – all in the aid of charity.

After cooking virtually non-stop for 36 hours and three seconds; producing 202 dishes weighing 21

over 277kg, and four gas bottles later, our jubilant executive chef George Georgiou finally laid down his chef’s knife at exactly three seconds past midnight on Friday 12 August, in an attempt to claim the Guinness World Records™ title for the longest cooking marathon by an individual.

“I’m thrilled about beating the 21

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previous record and I feel great.

I could carry on going!” said Georgiou after toiling through a cold Joburg winter night, fighting off fatigue and dealing with unexpected challenges, including a temporary power failure just minutes into the cookathon.

After only a few hours of sleep, it was back to work for Georgiou, who loves being in the kitchen.

end of the challenge.

“Knowing I would be feeding someone out there who is hungry is what inspired me to make it to the finish line,” says the bighearted chef, who has cooked for the likes of Celine Dion, Bono and Nelson Mandela.

All proceeds from the sold dishes will go to children’s feeding schemes as part of the Bidvest World Chef’s Tour Against Hunger initiative, a collaboration Knowing I would of over 200 international chefs be feeding which aims to raise funds to someone out feed hungry children around the there who is world. The third tour kicked off hungry is what inspired in South Africa on 20 August with a series of feeding schemes me to make it to the and demonstrations around the finish line.” country.

The smiling chef smashed a From midday on 11 August until plate in his Greek tradition and midnight on 12 August, the chef sprayed a cheering crowd with raced against time and stretched JC Le Roux after counting down his culinary skills and endurance 31 hours, 31 minutes and 55 sec- to the limit to attempt to clinch onds – the previous record – just the coveted title, giving a whole after 7:30pm on the Friday. His new meaning to ‘fast food.’ assistants, many young chefs in training from culinary schools 36 hours was the golden numand the SA Chefs’ Association, ber the Joburg-born culinary were on-site to assist Georgiou maestro needed to hit to claim in the background with preparthe gastronomic Guinness ing food in shifts, but many were title, previously held by Austradetermined to keep going to the lian chef, Benno Stewart, who

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claimed the record after cooking for 31 hours, 31 minutes and 55 seconds in July.

In the days leading to the challenge, Georgiou was hard at work making preparations to ensure the Guinness World Records™ attempt would be a success. His biggest concern?

“Trying to keep awake!” he grinned. To ready himself for the physical toll of cooking virtually non-stop for 36 hours, with only a five-minute break every hour 23

allowed, Georgiou worked out at the gym to strengthen his leg muscles. He also had a few energy drinks at the ready – “to perk me up”. As it’s a mental challenge, he maintained that it was vital to prepare himself psychologically for the feat.

Long hours and a fast-paced work environment are nothing unusual in Georgiou’s 22-year career as a chef, which spans leading five-star restaurants, hotels and conferencing venues.

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As Silverstar’s Executive Chef he caters for hundreds of guests at banqueting events, as well as the Silverstar hotel and Black Cherry restaurant.

Nevertheless he maintains that the prospect of a 36-hour foodathon with minimal breaks was hard to swallow. “It will certainly be the biggest challenge of my career, but I’m ready for it!” he said, in the days leading up to the challenge. Being stationed outdoors, Georgiou also needed to prepare for cold Joburg weather and install heaters to keep him warm while he toiled through the night.

To attempt to earn the coveted 24

Guinness stamp of approval, Georgiou had to comply with strict Guinness World Records™ rules. Two independent witnesses were present during the attempt to complete log books and act as timekeepers. The time it took to prepare each meal; ingredients used and the weight of each dish were carefully recorded. Only 30 seconds were permitted to change gas bottles and two pans had to remain on the stove for the duration of the challenge.

A videographer and photographer documented the process so that evidence can be supplied to Guinness World Records™, which receives about 65,000

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record claims each year. To ensure the contestant has no unfair advantage, only a normal domestic (not industrial) kitchen and stove were permitted.

and no food either. Georgiou and his staff, who prepared the food in shifts from the kitchen and ensured Georgiou had a constant supply, took pains to ensure there was no wastage.

Georgiou cooked between two

and six meals per pan, multiSilverstar invited the public to tasking between two Weber contribute a minimum donation braais and an oven. “To keep of R30 for a meal and sponsored things exciting”, he created a mix meals for school children from of dishes – from breakfast meals Munsieville Township in Johanto pastas, Thai curries, fish and nesburg. Over R14.000 was chicken dishes in the afternoon, raised from dishes sold to the and pastas and meat with heavi- public during the challenge. The er sauces in the evening. funds will be donated to chil dren’s feeding schemes.

There was no time to waste –

About George Georgiou “As a child I loved helping my mom in the kitchen,” recalls the Joburg-born chef, whose Greek Cypriot heritage inspires what he dubs his ‘eclectic Mediterranean’ cooking style. It was his parents who taught him to appreciate the simple things in life, like enjoying a delicious meal.

After completing his chef’s training where he was names one of the top 10 students, Georgiou’s passion for creating culinary masterpieces took him to leading five-star hotels, restaurants and conference venues.

Even after over two decades he still

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loves the kitchen and “the sheer satisfaction that comes from knowing a guest enjoyed my cooking”.

A member of the South African Chefs’ Association, Georgiou believes you should “cook from the heart”. As Silverstar’s Executive Chef, Georgiou is responsible for all of the leading casino’s food outlets and the daily running of the kitchens in the casino.

His philosophy- “Never become complacent and always challenge yourself to do something to improve your daily life or the lives of others.”

He hopes to cook for Donald Trump one day.

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Rugby World Cup “Boktown” Join in with the roaring crowds as they cheer our boys on at Silverstar’s very own Boktown fanpark. Come experience all the Rugby World Cup games in memorable fashion, and possibly witness history in the making as the Springboks attempt to bring the Cup back for a record breaking third time.

The entry to Boktown is only R20 per game and these tickets can only be purchased at Boktown on the day.

Should you wish to buy a season ticket for R100 (the season ticket will give the holder of the ticket entry to all the remaining games) it can be purchased either at Computicket or selected days at Stella’s.

If you’re lucky enough to be a Strike it Rich member you’ll have the pleasure of knowing you can purchase season tickets at a discounted rate of R70 for all the remaining games, by simply presenting your Strike it Rich card at Computicket or Stella’s.

These popular tickets are on sale now at Computicket.

Make your time with us even more memorable by utilising our corporate hospitality, which is available at Computicket for R600 per season ticket.

To add to the excitement, Silverstar will be giving away fantastic prizes worth R100 000 including 12x42” TV’s, 3 weekend stays at our luxurious hotel and numerous coveted Springbok memorabilia. To enter the draws be present on the day and place your draw stub into the entry bin located at the Boktown entrance.

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WHAT’S ON OFFER FOR STRIKE IT RICH MEMBERS?

Ciao Baby Cucina Breakfast will never be the same again with Ciao Baby Cucina’s Buffet special every Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays from 09H00 – 11H30 Only R69 per person excluding beverages (T&C’s apply) Monday to Thursday special.

1kg Mozambique prawns for R69, 500g T-bone for only R79 and 1kg Spatchcock chicken for only R69.

Centre Star Buffet Treat yourself to something special on your birthday; eat for free at our Centre Star Buffet Restaurant. Proof of birth date required.

Steak Meat Restaurant From Monday to Saturday pensioners can enjoy a R50 lunch special consisting of either a burger or fish & chips. Card holders receive a 20% (Black Diamond), 15% (Gold) or 10% (Silver and Bronze) discount.

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