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Friday, 25 November 2011

Carrol Boyes - Luxe Interiors

Cape Town based Martine Jackson is the creative co-director of the Carrol Boyes brand as well as a ceramicist in her own right. Ceramics remains a great passion for Martine, who was introduced to it by her late mother, ceramicist Barbara Jackson. Distinctive organic shapes adorned with repetitive patterns are the hallmark of Martine Jackson’s one-of-a-kind, hand-built ceramic pieces. This is reflected in Curve, her debut range of ceramics for Carrol Boyes.


This elegant and interesting bowl named Sling Man – is just one example from a new range of products with a copper finish by Carrol Boyes called the Fire Collection. Available now, the dynamic body of work has taken close to two years to complete. After a lengthy period of experimentation the perfect colour was created, reminiscent of the hue of pink gold. This carefully devised process has been developed in such a way that the copper does not react with the elements and therefore will not tarnish.         
                                                          
Other innovative new ranges are the results of the successful collaboration between Carrol and her two stepdaughters, Kim and Martine, who are now also the Creative Directors of the brand. Kim Jackson-Meltzer and Martine Jackson-Klotz both grew up in an artistic environment. 

They graduated from the Michaelis School of art at the University of Cape Town. Both women have strengths in different areas which, combined with Carrol’s expertise and guidance, allows for interesting and unique designs. The varying skills and capabilities of Kim and Martine means they are able to complement each other in the work they do as Creative Directors of Carrol’s company.

New York Sale
Martine specializes in graphic design and creative direction. Recently, she was commissioned by the developers of the V&A Waterfront Marina in Cape Town where she was asked to create installations for the lobbies of eight apartment buildings. Kim has worked with high end brands such as Harrods London, Kelly Hoppen, Neiman Marcus, Sferra Bros and Century Furniture to name but  a few. She brings her expertise and experience in the areas of styling, product design and creative direction to the company.
The inimitable combination of Kim, Martine and Carrol means that the company has been able to mark its twenty first year with truly unforgettable and unique product ranges. Their combined passion for business and design undoubtedly creates a positive future for the already world renowned company.


Social responsibility Programme

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

A New African Edition: Beach Tomato


Launched online today Beach Tomato has since its inception on March 2011, been the travel, fashion and beauty website based  around everything beach – from where to go when, to the chicest places to stay, to what to wear and how to wear it. Extending to all four corners of the globe and now Africa has it's very own edition.

The people behind Beach Tomato are the creators of the award winning travel brand Black Tomato and a team of leading fashion and lifestyle experts. (To see the BT team just click here).Whilst perusing the site you'll find a range of great travel writing as well as us exploring the latest on coast culture – top trends, fresh destinations, emerging designers, as well as new looks and fashion from around the world.

All sourced and served-up by a network of global correspondents. And if all that whets your appetite, we're also equipped to get you there with our Beach Tomato travel experts on-hand to arrange your trip.

"Africa gives a little bit of everything and has something for everybody. Start off-the-beaten-track as we discover the secret beaches that are off the tourist trail. No easy feat given the vast size of Africa, but visit these and you are sure to get something rather special. " says the Editor, Kirsty Hathaway. 

Some other articles to look forward to 5 ways to get Wet and Wild African-style. From safari to tribal trends and animal prints heading up all things fashion and last but by no means least  the best all time African models that have stormed down catwalks leaving the rest of the world in their phenomenal wake. Beach lover's unite!

A Birds Eyeview Of The Steenburg Hotel



Steenberg Hotel in the Constantia Valley recently welcomed two adorable new members to a family of Cape Eagle-Owls (Bubo capensis) that reside in the oak trees outside its famed restaurant, Catharina’s.


The beautiful Cape Eagle-Owl couple that took up residence here some five years ago, have continually delighted guests and staff with their antics, giving birth for the second consecutive year, to two fluffy chicks in late October. Clearly visible from the restaurant terrace, guests and hotel staff alike are keeping a close watch on the new arrivals, along with their doting parents.


Good news for guests is that after hatching, juvenile Cape Eagle-Owls stay dependent on their parents for two to three months, before leaving the nest - mostly never to return. This means that visitors to Steenberg and Catharina’s may have the pleasure of meeting these young feathery friends throughout the festive season.

While Steenberg offers a world-class hospitality experience voted Top Hotel in Africa and the Middle East in the 2011 Condé Nast Traveler US Readers’ Choice Award, the rare opportunity for owl encounters is high on its list of attractions. Guests witnessing this are among a fortunate few, as it is very uncommon to find the Cape Eagle-Owl in metropolitan areas, preferring as they do rocky, mountainous terrain.

Avid ‘twitchers’ at the Steenberg Hotel may also visit some of the country’s best birding sites in the area, making this the perfect base from which to explore Cape Town’s wonderful birding opportunities. The popular Peninsula Birding Route, right on Steenberg Estate’s doorstep, is a birding and wildlife hotspot, and is home to 70% of Southern Africa’s endemic birds and pelagic birds (seabirds).


Famous tourism sites that also attract many bird species, such as the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Robben Island (world-renowned for its breeding population of African penguin and the feral Chukar partridge), are all within easy travelling distance from Steenberg. Bird-loving guests are also spoiled for choice with the surrounding Constantia Greenbelts, as well as the Wetland Reserve at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, which provides sanctuary to nearly 3000 pairs of African Penguins.

When visiting Steenberg guests may book a birding tour as part of their Cape Town itinerary, while hotel staff are well informed and will gladly recommend the ideal birding excursion. For more information visit The Steenburg Hotel or their page on  Facebook

Tuesday, 22 November 2011

Myatt Café and Chocolatier


GOT A TASTE FOR STYLE?

Myatt Café & Chocolatier offers a slice of European café culture in the fashion wing of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. Its elegance and opulence is experienced through the fine gourmet food created and presented by renowned confectionary chef, Octavio Gutierrez Gama. 

 Step from the busy shopping complex into an air of refined style and sophistication - think designer Villeroy and Boch crockery, perfectly-cut sugar cubes, designer Vitra wired-chairs, Eileen Grey tables and striking cake displays– all carefully chosen to create an haute couture showroom café.


For a quick pick-me-up, sip Myatt specialised tea blends such as High Ali Mountain Special blend, Chinese Scented Black and Blooming Snow with your pinkie finger in the air. Or if you have more time to linger, enjoy one of the various breakfast ranges, light meals or out-of-this-world sweet treats. Octavio brings his experience from the award-winning El Bulli restaurant in Spain to Myatt Café & Chocolatier. He also worked with the famous celebrity chef, Paco Guzmán, at his restaurant, Santa, in Barcelona.

Myatt Café and Chocolatier is at your service for any every-day indulgence, special events, private parties or private orders. Contact Myatt Café and Chocolatier on 021 418 8844 or visit us at Shop 6244, 1st Floor, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town to experience a true taste of style.


HIGH TEA IN STYLE

Whether you’re spoiling your mom on her birthday or celebrating a close friend’s engagement, an afternoon of indulgence in glamorous surroundings is a guaranteed treat. Tuck into light-as-air pastries (vanilla cake with fresh berries, chocolate éclairs, and fresh fruit tartlets), decadent cakes, mini croissants and finger sandwiches (smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber, egg mayonnaise and watercress).

BELGIAN CHOCOLATES AND MACAROONS TO GO

Myatt Café & Chocolatier specialises in Mary imported Belgian chocolates. Pop in to pick up a mouth-watering selection – think chocolate mousse with hazelnut cream and nougatine, white chocolate with tiramisu extract or dark chocolate mousse with earl grey tea. Choose from a selection of delightful-sounding macaroons including pina colada, choc cherry, passion fruit, lemon, mocha, caramel and blueberry flavours.

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THE PERFECT GIFT

Macaroons make beautiful, brightly coloured and tasty gifts – these and Myatt Café’s fine Belgian chocolates and sumptuous cakes can be ordered for personalised or corporate gifts or private functions.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU?

 
A taster from the Myatt Café menu:

Breakfast: Tuck into a basket filled with a croissant and traditional bread served with Emmenthaler cheese, butter and preserves, fresh fruit salad, fresh orange or grapefruit juice and Myatt special blend of tea or coffee (R85)

Croissants and scones: Choose from apple, date and honey, parmesan and roast tomato or spinach, feta and olive. Of course there’s classic chocolate or almond too, or try a freshly baked scone served with clotted cream and preserve.

Light meals: Sandwiches are anything but ordinary – try the rare roast beef with onion marmalade, Gruyere cheese and soy and honey marinated black mushrooms (R68) on sourdough, wholegrain or rye bread and dip into a complimentary green salad on the side.

Does a tart tickle your fancy? Try the sesame seared yellow-fin tuna, smoked black olives, fine green beans, new potatoes, anchovies and poached quail eggs with nicoise dressing (R75). Or opt for a Malay chicken, new potato and apricot salad with curried yoghurt and coriander dressing (R57).
 
Sweet treats: Sweet lovers will fall for the trio of macaroons (R25), the milk or dark chocolate fondue with fresh fruits and shortbreads (R52) or a profiterole filled with Haagen Dazs vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate sauce (R52).
 

Thursday, 17 November 2011

Nisha Night Club - Grand Opening


New and exlusive tommorrow sees the opening of a new Camps Bay hotspot Nisha Night Club the by invitation only event starts at 7pm at the Penthouse Suite, The Promenade in Victoria road. Nisha’s ambition is to be the trendiest, most exclusive and popular nightclub that will dominate Cape Town's glitz and glamour.

It's not the lights, it's not the liquor, and it's not the sound. It's the people! An era of vibrant creativity, ever-changing excitement and nights spent partying with friends, celebrating the luxuries of life while satisfying all the senses and creating memories that will last forever. Offering endless nights, something new and a vibe that feels like a party revolution.

You will experience a perfect ambience of true luxury from VIP lounges to private bars with a surreal atmosphere that overlooks the Atlantic ocean. An entertainment extravaganza like no other is set to introduce Nisha in a mind blowing exhibition of all things maverick, indulgent and stylish. Bringing the world standard to the heart of Cape Town.

South Africa's most prestigious N I S H A  plays host to a new super elite, acutely vogue concept in members club. This unique playground is extravagant, designed for affable debauchery and indulgent fun, without pretentiousness yet still exuding an abundance of class and style, it is the ultimate destination for major players and glitterati alike.

ITS NISHA BABY ...... hosted by Roxy Robinson at Pick a Flava Events and Productions
Follow Nisha on Twitter and Facebook
Read more Capetownmagazine.com

Wednesday, 16 November 2011

Nothing but the Brut: Graham Beck Wines



It’s a given among the knowledgeable that even the driest of sparkling wines contains an amount of sugar, however miniscule. In its latest release - Brut Zero, Graham Beck Wines dispenses with the practice of dosage, the topping up of champenoise or Méthode Cap Classique with a sugar-infused blend.

A self-confessed “fanatic” of zero dosage champenoise, Pieter Ferreira, Cellar Master at Graham Beck Wines Robertson, jumped at the chance to create such a wine when the vintage provided grapes of the requisite flavour profile and superior quality.

“Making this style of sparkling wine is a challenge and a risk: there is no margin for error in a zero dosage wine”, Pieter said. “That’s why there are so few of them. It’s an avant-garde style.”

The purpose of dosage in a Méthode Cap Classique is to replace the small amount of wine lost during disgorgement – the forceful expending of yeast cells from the top of the bottle. It’s the sugar content in dosage that determines the category of the wine; zero dosage wines being the driest possible.

Without the addition of sugar, which can be used to balance a blend, the wine is laid bare. The effervescence magnifies the pure and natural flavour – and along with it, any possible faults. For Pieter, the grapes provided by vintage 2005 showed great promise for a no-dosage style; an instinct confirmed when he tasted the wine after secondary fermentation.

The wine was left to lie on the lees, or expended yeast, for six years before it was disgorged, at which point it was topped up only with the cuvee. The resulting wine is a purist’s delight: bone dry, ultra crisp and rich in natural flavour, “more its mineral characters than fruitiness” Pieter says – a feature highly prized by wine enthusiasts.

As a bonus, brut zero, or zero dosage wine is lower in calories than its sugar-imbued counterparts; presenting a great alternative for slimmers and those who enjoy lighter style wines.

Graham Beck’s Brut Zero is a perfect accompaniment to salty, flavoursome foods: sushi and crustacean dishes in particular. It joins the ranks of the very few zero dosage wines – these having been virtually non-existent a decade or so ago; a category growing in popularity among chefs, sommeliers and food enthusiasts.

“It’s hard to believe that a no-dosage wine could present so beautifully,” Pieter says. “I hope to see it encourage interest in this more natural style.”
 
Brut Zero or Zero Dosage:  0-3 grams of sugar per litre
·         Zero-dosage wines have existed for more than 100 years, the first being released at a time when champagnes were made almost exclusively with very high levels of dosage. The first brut wine to enjoy commercial success was released by Madame Louis Pommery in 1874; though brut zero only appeared in the 19th century.

More from Graham Beck Wines


Monday, 14 November 2011

Azura at Quilalea Private Island

Quilalea Chalet 9 Beach
Private island retreat Azura is adding a second Mozambique location to its repertoire. After a six-month, $2.5 million renovation of the former Quilalea lodge, Azura at Quilalea Private Island opened November 1. Situated in a protected marine sanctuary in the Indian Ocean, the 86 pristine acres are about 932 miles north of Azura’s other property, Benguerra Island, and offer nine refurbished beachside villas and a new PADI-certified dive and water sports center.

Managed by the same award winning team, with that unmistakable, chic Azura style. This stunning island is back on the map as one of the country’s top beach destinations. The nine luxury villas beautifully revamped in that subtle yet stunning Azura way, with spacious bathrooms, natural furnishings and pure African elegance.

There are three categories for guests to choose from; Sunrise Villa’s with stunning sea views, Sunset Villas with a beachside sala and refreshing outside shower and Villa Quilalea – an exceptional property on the cliff top with alluring plunge pool and breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean .   www.azura-retreats.com

Friday, 11 November 2011

South African Luxury Homes Attracting Overseas Buyers


http://www.internationalcollection.co.za
South Africa is seen as being a safe haven in which to invest; its stable banking system and growing economy a world away from the Eurozone crumbling under debt. Johannesburg is proving to be particularly popular, and the market for luxury homes is especially active.

Overseas Property Professional magazine reports one agent from the country who specialises in finding properties for overseas clients, as saying that the return of South Africa to the attention of foreign investors was inevitable, "especially in the light of the economic distress in Europe."

Sellers at the luxury end of the market are often able to wait for a sale, and this has meant that many luxury homes have retained their values, especially as buyers tend to put down large deposits. However sellers have also become more realistic about their asking price.Although South African property is proving to be popular with overseas buyers, there are an increasing number of new South African millionaires.

Credit Suisse has estimated the number of dollar millionaires in the country will increase by nearly 3 times over the next five years, from the current 71,000 to nearly 250,000. The newly wealthy are likely to become more active as both buyers and sellers of luxury homes. Luxury property in South Africa is relatively cheap when compared to similar properties in other major cities around the world.he sinking exchange rate of the rand is prompting many overseas property buyers to turn their attention to the opportunities offered in South Africa.

Berry Everitt, managing director of property company Chas Everitt International, added that 30 per cent of the enquiries received by his business now came from overseas. He added: "People all over the world are searching for safe havens for investing and South Africa with its stable banking system and growing economy is increasingly seen as a good option." While most enquirers were British, American, Chinese or German, he added, "we are also seeing interest among investors from many other European and Asian countries, as well as Russia and the Middle East."

View more homes Sotheby's Realty

Champagne Happiness Dom Pérignon, Moët and Clicquot

Beautiful champagnes arriving from France for Christmas. The Gift and baby pink Clicquot Fridge are my favourites!

VEUVE CLICQUOT
CLICQ’UP: ORIGAMI ON ICE
With its rich history of innovation begun by Madame Clicquot herself, Veuve Clicquot is proud to introduce its latest invention … Clicq’Up, the first foldable Champagne bucket. Using his skill in spatial reinterpretation, emerging designer Mathias van de Walle, imagined origami bucket that could be folded flat for easy transport and storage. Developing this specifically for Veuve Clicquot, the Clicq’Up is waterproof to contain ice and water and can be used at least 3-4 times. The ultimate playful, portable way to open, use and carry a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne this Christmas.
* Available from leading liquor merchants nationwide, from R469.95 

VEUVE CLICQUOT FRIDGE ROSÉ 
Veuve Clicquot introduces the Rosé Fridge to cradle  your bottle and fete the fabulous fifties. With its designed inspired but the iconic refrigerators of the 1950’s, the Rosé Fridge is retro cool at its best. Hold onto the Rosé Fridge as a momento or as a design accessory for your kitchen.  Savour the most decadent of midnight snacks – the Fridge can keep a chilled bottle cool for up to 2 hours.
The Fridge houses a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé – loved for its dazzling pink berry flavours that tantalise the tastebuds with the flair and elegance that is so typically Clicquot.
* Available from leading liquor merchants nationwide, from R599.95

MOËT & CHANDON THE GIFT
The Gift, adorned with beautiful golden ribbon detail, promises to be this season’s best seller – not only will this beautiful reusable isotherm keep your Moët & Chandon Impérial at the perfect temperature but it’s  is easily transportable,  so perfect for summer parties.
* Available nationwide from leading liquor merchants, from R449.95

MOËT & CHANDON FESTIVE FRESH PACK
This elegant Moët & Chandon festive fresh pack is adorned with beautiful silver snowflakes – it’s also isothermic, so will ensure your bottle of Moët & Chandon Impérial remains at the ideal temperature.
* Available from leading liquor merchants nationwide, from R399.95
 

MOËT & CHANDON GIFT PACK
This elegant Moët & Chandon golden festive gift box is adorned with golden ribbon, designed to recreate the shape of a Moët & Chandon bottle. 
* Available nationwide from leading liquor merchants, from R399.95

THE DOM PÉRIGNON SHIELD BOX
The Dom Pérignon Shield Box invites you to celebrate a remarkable vintage: Dom Pérignon Vintage 2002. The Shield Box was designed to captivate the five senses … its minimalist black, carbon black form the cut-out shield direct the eye. The play of the engraved high-tech markings, inspired by the Hautvillers Abbey’s rosary window and the Dom Pérignon Vintage 2002 label, together with the sleek, voluptuous lines of the bottle enchant the sense of touch. Beautifully protected in the reusable, insulated Shield Box, Dom Pérignon Vintage 2002 is savoured at the ideal temperature of 10°C.
* Available from leading liquor merchants nationwide, from R1499.95

Thursday, 3 November 2011

An Evening of Pride with Glenmorangie


Launched at the Cape Grace Hotel Tuesday evening one of only 1000 bottles produced is available at the Whiskey Live Festival to anyone who has R30 000 to spare. Innocuously sweet yet dangerously potent delicious extravagance. View the event at South African Glenmorangie Pride 1981 Launch.


Tasting Notes:

  • Captivating and heady with the combination of poached pears, baked pineapple sponge, demerara sugar, nutmeg and aniseed.
  • The layers of delicious desserts are joined by honeydew melon and lemon vanilla madeleines with oak tannins bringing hints of French toast.
  • Long, succulent and sweet with sultanas, toasted almonds and the lingering memory of lemon and coconut desserts.
  • 56.7% ABV
The Library, Cape Grace Hotel

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Unveiling a Masterpiece - Pride 1981