Fine Food at Your Fingertips with Lardiere

For many food lovers, or those who just have a distinct taste for luxury, dining out at a restaurant that offers fine food is a rare gastronomical treat.

Chef Junelle and her husband, Gerrie Germishuizen, however, are making gourmet dining more accessible with their new online food store, Lardiere.

“Having been involved in the food industry for over 20 years as a chef, caterer and restaurant owner, my motto has always been to select the best products that money can buy,” explains Chef Junelle. “I noticed that the best selections were usually only available for restaurants that could buy in bulk, so I wanted to find a way to make this produce available to anyone.”

The unique store caters to anyone from a master chef to an aspiring, amateur cook, and offers the type of premium quality produce and products that are usually reserved for high end restaurants. 

Now well on her way to making this happen, with Lardiere (derived from the word ‘larder’ – a room or a cupboard used to store food) on the brink of securing two sole distribution rights for leading international brands – positioning herself as a pioneer in bringing fine food ‘to the people.’

The company offers cooking classes, the first starting on the 6th of February in Pretoria, in which unique combinations and recipes are shared. “I want to teach people about fine dining and how to actually use high quality products,” adds Chef Junelle. “For example, buying cheaper meat doesn’t necessarily save money, as you have to add all sorts of things to make it taste good – which you wouldn’t need to add to a prime cut of meat.”

Anyone curious to see what they have on offer or wanting to find out more about the cooking classes, can visit www.lardiere.co.za. The current product list includes sumptuous wild mushroom ravioli, prime rib or beef rubbed with rosemary gremolata, chocolate panforte and pickled cherries – just to name a few of the culinary delights on offer.

Want to to stay in for an intimate Valentine's Day dinner, order online. Plan to have your in-laws over or simply want to cook a special meal for a loved one, source the finest food in town from Lardiere.

Valentines 2013 choices set to thrill …

Valentines will have delectable choices from country elegance at Valley Lodge & Spa in the Magaliesberg to a 5-star safari and spa at Tau Game Lodge in Madikwe and chic romance at Clico Boutique Hotel & fine dining in Rosebank for February 2013, from dining only to spa, safari and overnight packages…

Valley Lodge & Spa in Magaliesburg will be offering a delectable Valentines package at this award-winning luxury country hotel and world-class Spa, only a 45 minute drive from Joburg or Pretoria, comprising:.

Valentines Package, effective 1-28 February 2013, per couple, includes:
1 night’s accommodation in a lavishly furnished room on a delectable buffet dinner, bed & breakfast basis and a romantic turndown with rose petals and a candle-lit dinner in the privacy of your room, plus a superb bottle of sparkling wine; PLUS a 30 minute back, neck and shoulder massage for two followed by a Deluxe Spa Hydrotherapy bath experience in our world-class spa at:

• Standard Rooms R2,790 per couple
• Luxury Rooms R2,990 per couple
• Superior Rooms R3,290 per couple – and enticing discounts on all rooms for a 2nd night’s stay!

Call Valley Lodge at (27-14) 014-577 1301/5; res@valleylodge.co.za; www.valleylodge.co.za

 

 

Valentines will cherish their special dinner – and may even opt for a romantic overnight stay – at Clico Boutique Hotel in Rosebank, where the chic 5-star boutique hotel will live up to its reputation for delectable cuisine, wine pairing, intimate events and conferencing, as well as lavish accommodation, complete with scrumptious breakfasts.

Local diners will again have the option of romantic dining by candlelight only or dine, stay over and savour an intimate breakfast for two before returning to “ business as usual”!

Valentines Dinner valid for 14 February 2013:
The dining menu comes at R500 per person, excluding beverages, offering the following menu choices:

• Selection of handmade artisan breads and salted butter
• Starter: Freshly shucked oysters and smoked salmon from our oyster and champagne bar with traditional garnishes
• Mains: Pan seared bass on a French shellfish broth with saffron pomme puree and steamed asparagus
• Or Roasted duck breast with a black olive jus, fondant potato and baby leaf spinach and carrot puree

Pre dessert: Strawberry two ways

• Desserts: Hot Raspberry soufflé to share with chocolate indulgent
• Petite fours

The Clico Valentines month overnight package for the entire month of February is valid on Saturday nights, subject to reservations made 3 days prior to overnight stay @ R2600 per couple including full breakfast and Valentines menu dinner!

Adjustments can be made by prior arrangement for diners with special dietary requirements.
Book early to avoid disappointment!

Phone Clico at +27 (0)11 252 3300 email info@clicoguesthouse.com www.clicoguesthouse.com; 27 Sturdee Avenue – Rosebank - Johannesburg

Tau Game Lodge in the Madikwe Reserve is a mere 4-hour drive from Johannesburg and is offering true value for money for Valentines month, February 2013 at R2850 (highly reduced) per person sharing per night! This package includes:

• 3 meals, 2 game drives, refreshments served on game drives plus tea/coffee served during meals;
• Book a 3rd night’s stay and get the following couples’ spa treatment free, valued at R520 per person:

Soul of Africa Body Conditioning Massage – 90 minutes: a ceremonial process, using Africa’s ‘miracle’ marula oil, blended with neroli to soften signs of ageing through its anti-stress action. Benzoin further acts as an anti-inflammatory and aids chapped, inflamed and irritated skin. Traditionally the marula was used in anointment ceremonies to bless and bring abundance. Relax in the Steam Room to complete this heavenly treatment.

The facilities and accommodation at Tau have been refurbished and re-decorated to meet the demands of regular as well as new local and international visitors, with 20 standard chalets, 6 deluxe chalets, 1 family unit as well as 1 family suite, complete with a decadent dinosaur egg bath overlooking the waterhole from the main-en-suite.

Contact Tau Game Lodge at: Phone +27-(0)11-314 4350/49 email taugame@mweb.co.za or emergency call +27(0)83 262 2013 and view at www.taugamelodge.co.za

Steal Hearts with Logitech Colour Collection this Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day 2013 is around the corner, but this year why not break with tradition and celebrate without the usual hearts, flowers or restaurants? 

Technology can help you build the perfect alternative Valentine’s night-in with your loved one, whether watching a romantic movie or listening to music over a candlelit dinner.

And if your loved one is far, use the Logitech Collection to keep in touch and cheer up a long distance love affair. Logitech has shortlisted some of their best Graffiti Colour Collection Mice to help you give your loved one the best Valentine’s Day gift.

The Logitech Keyboard K360 reminding her that you think of her every day and express your undying love with one of the Logitech Graffiti Mice. The entire colour collection is available from Incredible Connection at a starting price of R 299.99.

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival, the flagship event of South Africa’s iconic wine region, stomps its way into a new era this January with an expanded ten-day program designed to showcase in a bigger, better and bolder fashion the delightfully diverse town of Stellenbosch until 3 February 2013.

The Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes moved this annual highlight event from its previous mid-winter schedule to the new dates in order to capitalise on the unique assets and attractions this historic oak-lined town and its more than 150 wineries has to offer during the height of summer.



The new date also celebrates the birth of South African wine, thanks to this entry on 2 February 1659 in the diary of Jan van Riebeeck, official of the Dutch East India Company and First Commander of the Cape: “Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes.”

“We realised that it makes sense to showcase our world-class wines during a period when everything that Stellenbosch offers - its natural beauty, unique cultural heritage, excellent academic institutions and vibrant agricultural industries - is at its best and brightest. Perfect summer weather, the buzz of a new University year and the bustling start of the harvest season will all add new dimensions to the Stellenbosch Wine Festival experience.

Our member farms are excited, the whole town is mobilised and we are sure that wine lovers and lifestyle tourists from all over South Africa and the world are going to be thrilled with what Stellenbosch is bringing to the table this summer,” says Annareth Bolton, CEO of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes.

The new-look Stellenbosch Wine Festival delivers a full flight of wine experiences for both casual fans and connoisseurs, including an inaugural charity gala, a ten-day promotion at many of the area’s award-winning restaurants, special cultivar evenings, and wine farm tours. Sporting events, art exhibitions and musical concerts throughout the town during the festival will give attendees a colorful taste of the Stellenbosch lifestyle.



A festival highlight will be the Blessing of the Harvest and a Harvest Parade as celebrants from Stellenbosch member farms are expected to march through the streets. Throughout the week, enthusiasts will be able to tailor-make their own festival experience by dining in town and estate restaurants offering special food and wine pairing menus as part of the festival’s “Wine & Dine” sensation or by visiting a myriad of farms offering unique tours and tasting programmes.

 

Culminating in a three-day Wine Expo which will be located in the heart of the vibrant town and feature interactive stands and tasting programmes from over 130 wine and gourmet food producers. The Wine Expo is set to take place from 1 to 3 February on Die Braak and will take full advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings with rustic tables, green décor and free-flowing Bedouin tents. A central stage will play host to Sundowner Concertsto keep festival goers entertained as they enjoy the fabulous vintages on offer.

For more information, visit: www.stellenboschwinefestival.co.za

Vilafonte and Epicurean Impress at Burgundy

Chateau de Mercurey

Twelve pre-phylloxera Domaine Romanée-Conti wines tasted at exclusive The White Club event in Burgundy, France.

A very small and exclusive group of luxurious wine lovers were hosted last month for a unique weekend extravaganza in Burgundy, France. The White Club, an international wine club for private members, partnered with Parmigiani for a 'once in a lifetime' event with Domaine Romanée-Conti and the legendary Aubert de Villaine. DRC is known as the world's most important wine producer.

Aubert de Villaine

 Domaine Romanée-Conti, also the world's most expensive wines were served alongside Henri Jayer – another legendary wine producer from Burgundy. Henri Jayer treasures were served blind, four times, as Jokers for the privileged crowd and the guests were astounded by the impressive selection of twelve pre-phylloxera Domaine Romanée-Conti wines served during the weekend which totaled a mind-blowing 9727 Euros on average per bottle.

Domaine Romanée-Conti

 Guests were accommodated at the exquisite 19th Century “Haussman” style chateau 'Chateau de Mercurey' situated amongst the Vineyards in Burgundy, and experienced the most ambitious eight decade tasting of Domaine Romanée-Conti. The White Club served these exceptional wines in 'lead free' Zalto glasses and 100 point Lalique Glasses designed in partnership with James Suckling for guests to experience the ultimate tasting. A one-of-a kind luxury water was also chosen to accompany the exceptional tasting and menu, 'Gize', a unique goldfiltered water from Canada.

Within the line up, there were two wines presented from South Africa, namely Vilafonte and Epicurean, which impressed the group immensely. The Chateau owner commented that Vilafonte M was a revelation for South African wines, stating “I only drank Burgundy until now”. 

Malene Meisner, CEO of The White Club commented “In 62 hours we experienced 112 World Class Wines – what a Weekend!” 

Favourites for Malene Meisner were Romanee Conti 23, Romanee Conti 56, Romanee Conti 89, La Tache 47, Romanee Conti St Viviant 21, Petrus 47 and Margaux 29 and commented “The weekend was exceptional and will probably never again be repeated in my lifetime”
For more Information and upcoming events visit : The White Club

Aubert de Villaine and Malene Meisner

Malene Meisner, CEO of The White Club

Errol Arendz - African in Origin, International in Essence

Attention fashionista's clear some closet space because Errol Arendz is cleaning house, more specifically his Warehouse on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of February. 

The perfect opportunity to pick up women’s designer shoes, clothing, handbags and fabrics from this luxury house at seriously clear the floor prices. There will also be a large selection of unique sample items that has to go - both Winter and Summer.

This has come at a perfect time for those stylista’s who are still feeling the pinch of the silly season spending but now have the chance to get their hands on bags full of stunning new designer dresses, coats, pants and tops or a few pairs of gorgeous designer heels, flats or boots.

On offer is timeless investment pieces for your wardrobe from both the Errol Arendz and Errol Arendz DuSud (luxury ready to wear label) collections.

The Warehouse Sale commences on Friday 1 February and runs till Sunday 3 February 2013.
Roodehek House, Roodehek Street, Gardens, Cape Town

About Errol Arendz

Available at high-end boutiques from New York to Palm Beach. African in origin, International in essence: Errol Arendz and the team are renowned for their wit and talent in creating glamour with a strong focus on individuality. http://www.errolarendz.com

They breathe “fairy dust” into the fashion world with three luxury fashion labels :

Errol Arendz Studio:
Errol Arendz is the ultimate alchemist, by appointment only, he blends his own personal style with his clients’ individual tastes and personalities creating couture garments that not only heighten personal self but also epitomise the lost art of couture.

DuSud:
A haute street collection, positioned to fit in the new fashion category; affordable luxury. Fluid and sensual, DuSud is designed for women who love vibrant pieces that move easily from balmy days to starry nights. Glamorous pieces that pack a strong visual and emotional punch. The quintessential designer fix !

The Errol Arendz Cape Town Collection:
A desirable prêt range for the daring. A collection focused on making men buzz around the honey pot. Errol Arendz is the stickiest pot ! Little dress, big shoe.

Visit the Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/ErrolArendz

Bespoke African Brands - The Rising Stars of Luxury

Bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and luxury, high-end African brands are out to make a global impression. From clothing and jewellery to wine and tea, refined luxury is increasingly being packaged and sold by Africans.

The market for luxury African goods was once the preserve of rich expatriates and tourists, but as incomes soar across the continent, retailers report a growing appetite among local buyers and continental consumption is rising steadily.

Consumer spending in Africa is set to increase from $860bn in 2008 to $1.4trn in 2020 according to a report by consultancy firm McKinsey. The number of households with disposable income is due to grow by 50% over the next 10 years to 128m.

The growing number of high-net-worth individuals in Africa offers a compelling opportunity for proprietors of luxury brands seeking new markets. Read more...

 

The Wealth Report found the number of high-net-worth individuals in Africa rose to 100,000 last year. While China's economic slowdown has worried some luxury brands, others have been quick to take note of Africa's growth. Home-grown brands are taking the opportunity to establish themselves not only in Africa but on the global market.

Patrick Mavros, a Zimbabwean jewellery company, opened its flagship store in London in 2004. After 33 years of business, the company's clientele ranges from taxi drivers to film stars and heads of state. "African luxury is a rarity,"says Forbes Mavros, son of the brand's founder and head of the Mauritius atelier. "There are not many brands that have touched the international pulse and remained African in their identity."

Swaady Martin-Leke, the founder of YSWARA, a luxury tea brand with its headquarters in South Africa, also believes that it is important to maintain a country or region's heritage and culture when building a global brand. "If you look at European or Japanese luxury brands, you find the essence of the country of origin is in the detail," she says.



Euromonitor International revealed spending on luxury goods in South Africa rose from $628.5m in 2007 to more than $1bn in 2012. South Africa's global wine exports grew by nearly 40% between 2006 and 2012. Over the same period Kenya became its largest African importer of wine, buying 6.1m bottles in 2012. A prime example is Waterford Estate's "The Jem" 2007 bottles start from R680 ($80).

Martin-Leke believes that typical African luxury consumers, having travelled abroad, want products that reflect their identity. "They might want a Chanel watch, but they also want a beautiful couture ankara dress. "They have the money to buy Yves Saint Laurent, but they want African designers"

Source The Africa Report