KWV The Centenary - SA’s most exclusive brandy

Fresh off celebrating its centennial year in 2018. In honour of this milestone, KWV has also introduced an upgrade to its brandy range, ringing in the next 100 years. 

A SOUTH AFRICAN FIRST 

Its CEO, Boyce Lloyd, has promised to continue to delight the consumer with bold and refreshing innovations that reflect the treasured brand value of KWV and continuing its 100-year-old trailblazing tradition. 

In its most recent display of innovation, KWV has released SA’s most exclusive brandy: KWV The Centenary. This special blend includes its rarest and best brandies spanning the company and SA’s brandy-making history. 

Guarded and entrusted by many generations of brandy masters, The Centenary includes some of the very first brandy made by KWV back in 1926, along with brandy from the only barrel rescued from a fire that razed KWV’s historic cellars in 1942. The balance is completed with KWV’s rarest brandies, averaging 42 years of age. 

LIMITED EDITION BUYERS' PACKAGE 

Only 100 bottles of this extraordinary blend have been produced for release, and at R100,000 a bottle, KWV is hoping to invest in the future of brandy making. 

“Recognising the need for sustainable growth in the industry, KWV has committed to donate R20,000 per bottle sold to a bursary fund to invest in the future of brandy making,” says Nuno Fernandes, spirits marketing executive at KWV. 

The Cape Grace hotel's Signal restaurant

In honour of this investment, KWV – in partnership with the five-star luxury Cape Grace hotel – is also offering an exclusive buyers’ package: business-class flights; a one-night stay at the premium Cape Grace property situated on a private quay between Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront and the serene yacht marina; VIP chauffeur services; and an exclusive tasting with De Bod where buyers will sample KWV’s premium potstill range, including the KWV Nexus and The Centenary. 

A PROUD PEDIGREE 

Master distiller Pieter de Bod is decidedly proud of KWV’s The Centenary - the pinnacle of 100 years distilling “craftmanship, dedication, patience and trust”. Meticulously blended by KWV’s internationally acclaimed distilling team, it has the pedigree of the KWV stable – a global reputation of consistent quality. 

It carries titles for Brandy/Cognac Producer of the Year from the International Spirits Challenge and the Worldwide Best Brandy Producer Trophy title from the International Wine and Spirit Competition – a strong foundation that makes the launch of a product as exclusive as The Centenary a solid investment. 

KWV has been at the centre of innovation and development in the spirits and wine industry for the past 100 years, and its latest gem, The Centenary, is more than just an investment in your cabinet. 

KWV The Centenary Limited Edition

To order, contact KWV Emporium on 021-807-3007/8 or wineemporium@kwv.co.za. 

• Terms and conditions apply. 

Diane Von Furstenberg and Evian® CELEBRATE LIFE

evian® Natural Mineral Water continues its celebration of youth and purity with the release of the latest addition to its limited edition bottle collection by iconic American designer, Diane von Furstenberg.

The first female designer to be appointed for this bottle design collaboration, Von Furstenberg drew inspiration from her personal relationship with evian® water and her own love of life. The result is a unique design that combines evian's commitment to purity with DVF's youthful and optimistic philosophy.

Printed in organic ink, the bottle features the designer's ubiquitous heart DVF logo and iconic mantra, "Water is Life is Love is Life is Water is…," in her distinct handwriting. The bottle, composed of 100 per cent recyclable packaging, is sealed with evian's new screw cap design.

"I am so excited about this collaboration because I have always loved evian® and I think drinking water is one of the most important things we can do to love ourselves and love is life! To me, it is all about living life to the fullest and I am so proud to work with evian® to spread such an important message," said Diane Von Furstenberg.

The evian® limited edition bottle by Diane Von Furstenberg is available at selected retail outlets at R59.95 while stocks last.

For more information on evian®, please visit www.evian.com

 

Cape Town's Iconic Gold Restaurant

The new venue is spread out over a number of floors; from the ground floor Ashanti Room, ascending into the Timbuktu and Kenyan rooms, and up to the Gallery, (featuring a collection of authentic African pieces) and the Kente room, so called thanks to its extensive use of the traditional cloth. The secluded rooftop garden has an evocative Moroccan theme.

The multiple award-winning, African–inspired GOLD Restaurant, has moved from its previous Strand Street premises to Greenpoint’s Bennet Street Venue. Previously home to Trinity nightclub, this new venue is a multi- functional space, close to The Foundry, and the Victoria Junction Hotel.

The moody, softly lit rooms juxtapose raw building elements such as exposed brick and timber beams with slick contemporary finishes and subtle architectural details, resulting in a dramatic backdrop for the ‘new’ GOLD Restaurant.

Says co-owner Jan van Huyssteen, “Our lease at our old premises was coming to an end and the venue had felt limiting for a while now, so when this opportunity come up we grabbed the chance to reinvent ourselves.” The result is a sexier, moodier GOLD Restaurant that is as impressive to whimsical locals as it is to travelers looking for a trusted authentic African experience in the middle of Cape Town.

GOLD is one of the few Cape Town restaurants that can accommodate small, intimate functions in its various dining areas, but can also accommodate 250 seated. With the use of the adjoining Bennett Street space, this number can be increased to 550 (seated), and 1000 cocktail style. As such, GOLD is a favourite with FI.T.’s (foreign independent travelers), hotel concierges, guest houses, event organizers, incentive houses, tour operators and corporate clients.

Despite no longer sharing premises with the Gold of Africa Museum, the GOLD Restaurant has a treasure trove of collectables that forms part of the décor experience. Unusual items include a multi-coloured beaded tunic from Chad, Fulani earrings from Mali, original Kenyan beaded collars and Nigerian bronze and cuffs, an Ashanti stool, gold-leafed Fulani calabash lights and Dogon doors.

From the commencement of the evening with interactive Djembe drumming, to the ritual hand-washing and a multi-course gourmet feast, guests journey through a menu of African sounds, sights and flavours. Cuisine ranges from Cape Malay to North African with many influences in between. The evening also features authentic live entertainment in the form of dancing Malian puppets, singers, dancers and musicians that perform in each dining area. A final performance by the entertainers and staff lets one feel the African heartbeat.

GOLD employs upward of 55 staff, and is proudly affirmative. Says co-owner Cindy Muller; “We involve everyone in the business decisions so all our staff feel accountable for doing their bit. Our management approach is inclusive and non-discriminatory but we demand the best of the best and focus on exacting attention to detail.”

It’s a philosophy that has made GOLD a thriving host over the years, entertaining celebrities, politicians, dignitaries and countless international visitors. But it’s also an absorbing experience for locals, especially as the food is Halaal. The new venue further extends the opportunity to utilize the experience for company gatherings, celebrations and corporate launches but is also at ease for a memorable dinner for two.

GOLD RESTAURANT HIGHLIGHTS

• Four times American Express Fine Dining Award winners (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
• Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award 2012
• On the Top 10 recommended restaurants list at most leading hotels in Cape Town.
• Chosen venue to launch the Timbuktu Manuscripts
• Host of the World Design Capital selection committee gala dinner in 2011
• Powered by an all-woman kitchen
• Subject of a Cooked in Africa episode with Justin Bonello on BBC Lifestyle - 2011 

 

GOLD Restaurant

15 Bennett Street, Greenpoint, Cape Town

021 421 4653 

www.GOLDrestaurant.co.za

Hennessy VSOP Kyrios

MEET A LEGEND

This year, Hennessy Cognac is proud to announce the launch of the new collector edition bottle, Kyrios, the key to unlock the codes of the legendary world of Hennessy V.SO.P. As a tribute to the brands history and origin in 1817, the V.S.O.P bottle is presented with a stylish new matte carbon covering and unique codes which tell its rich story.

Every aspect of this exceptional collector’s bottle has a significant connotation – starting with the 3D label, adorned with 1817, giving the impression that the date is inside the bottle, an integral component of its beginning. A beginning which dates back centuries when a request was made by the future king of England, George IV for ‘Very Superior Old Pale Cognac’.

The codes extend to the grapes, a symbol of the vineyards and grandeur of the House of Hennessy – clearly illustrating the ancestral savoir-faire, elaborate craftsmanship and the extreme care which is taken in the creation of this high-quality product.

Along with the new silhouette, launched last year by esteemed automobile designer, Chris Bangle, the appearance of this limited edition bottle takes on two dimensions with its startling carbon-grey colour. First of which is the technical dimension, currently used in the automobile industry for fast concept cars and secondly an artistic dimension.

The copper appearance used in the label design is a reminder of the pot stills, a deep tint which evokes centuries of distillation, adding more elegance and style to the carafe. Lastly, the emblematic ‘bras armé’ reflects the long history of Hennessy, an essential part of the seal for more than two centuries. Now engraved in the glass, it highlights the constant search of quality.

Within the sophisticated Kyrios bottle, the Hennessy V.S.O.P Cognac has remained unchanged. Recognised for its harmonious and well-structured blend, it is characterised by its gradual blend of about 60 eaux-de-vie taken from the four best growing areas in the Cognac region, slowly matured in old barrels from which most of the tannin has been extracted.

With well-loved aromas, balance and long lasting finish, Hennessy V.S.O.P easily matches every tasting occasion, either enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a refined cocktail. 

http://www.facebook.com/Hennessy

http://www.hennessy.com/hennessy-vsop

Stellar Cuisine at Shimmy Beach Club

STELLAR SHIMMY CUISINE

From the kitchen of Chef Seelan Sundoo

On the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in Cape Town, from the kitchen of celebrated culinary master, Seelan Sundoo, Shimmy Beach Club’s menu presents a stellar array of gastronomic offerings set to delight the most discerning of pallets.

With a fun dining approach to food and a wide selection of fresh seafood, tender steaks and high quality meat options, as well as mouthwatering sushi and gourmet, wood-fired pizzas, Shimmy not only caters for groups of friends with eclectic tastes but is also the perfect venue for an intimate lunch or sumptuous dinner for two. 

Over the years, Seelan Sundoo’s name has become synonymous with quality dining in Cape Town, having learnt how to cook in his mother’s kitchen and then perfecting his craft in some of the city’s most renowned restaurants.

Using fresh, locally produced and organic ingredients, the dishes on Shimmy Beach Club’s menu are comfortable yet sophisticated and create the perfect balance between simple & and elaborate with Seelan’s signature dose of Italian, French and Asian influences expertly combined with the flavours of the Cape.

“We decided to offer a large menu with a lot of different choices to accommodate all tastes, making Shimmy Beach Club a venue where you can try something new each time and enjoy long lunches as well as lavish dinners with friends,” says chef Seelan Sundoo.

In turn, Shimmy offers the freshest and most decadent seafood including extraordinary platters, oysters, langoustines, giant tiger prawns, a variety of line-fish and Seelan’s storied prawn curry. Fresh combinations of ginger, chilli, lemon, coconut cream and garlic flawlessly compliment the flavours of the seafood.

Selecting only the highest grade cuts of dry-aged beef, a refrigeration process which leaves the meat incredibly tender and concentrates the flavour of the beef, Shimmy’s steaks are grilled to perfection and served with a choice of thoughtfully combined herbs, truffle mayo, chimichurri, tagliata or a delectable smokey black pepper sauce.

For patrons looking for something out of the ordinary, Shimmy offers a variety of exotic dishes including duck ravioli with a delicately-balanced orange and ginger sauce, a perlemoen starter, delicious salads and top cuts of veal or springbok, flawlessly complimented by sides of sweet potato chips or fresh organic vegetables.

A highlight at Shimmy is the phenomenal sushi from the hands of master sushi chef, Yasuhiro Yoshimura who has spearheaded sushi at some of South Africa’s top sushi restaurants. A personal friend of Nobu Matsuhisa and consultant to Sol Kerzner’s restaurants, Yoshimura ensures that each order of sushi is expertly prepared using top quality ingredients.

Meanwhile, the wood-fired pizza oven cooks thin crusted gourmet pizzas to perfection and the small plate menu offers a collection of hamburgers and light meals.

For the calorie-conscious, Shimmy Beach Club has put together their “Skinny Liscious” menu which is available between 17h00 and 19h30 daily. The menu combines elements of the existing menu but allows patrons to stay within their calorie “budget” by stating how many calories are contained in each meal. Along with the sushi and pizza menu, the dishes on the “Skinny Liscious” menu can be ordered from the luxury of one of the Shimmy Beach Loungers.

Shimmy also caters for the younger generation with a set “Kids” menu and dedicated children’s play area complete with child minders, ensuring that everyone is catered for. In addition, Shimmy Beach Club also offers decadent desserts with hints of luxuriant chocolate, fresh cream, fruit and hints of spice as the ideal conclusion to any meal.

The panache does not however end on the plate, as located in the working harbour of the V&A Waterfront, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Shimmy Beach Club offers a fusion of fun, elegant dining and beach chic.

“We have created Shimmy as a venue with an emphasis on fun dining – combining playful elements with the more traditional and elegant,” says chef Seelan Sundoo. “All in all, we cater for everyone and encourage people to come to Shimmy to enjoy themselves, relax and eat delicious, well constructed food.”

Influenced by some of the world’s most glamorous and fabulous entertainment venues, along with a spectacular location, private beach and expansive outside deck, Shimmy Beach Club is Cape Town’s newest, premier dining and lifestyle destination.

Shimmy Beach Club is located in South Arm Road, V&A Harbour Waterfront, Cape Town

www.facebook.com/ShimmyBeachClub

Exclusive Dom Pérignon Tasting Menu at The Greenhouse

The Greenhouse at The Cellars-Hohenort, one of South Africa’s top restaurants and home of Relais & Chateaux Grand Chef Peter Tempelhoff, is delighted to launch an exclusive Dom Pérignon tasting menu. 

What better way to showcase one of the world’s best champagnes than pair it with the progressive African cuisine of The Greenhouse. Instead of breaking the champagne down into flavour profiles and fruit nuances, Peter Tempelhoff decided to take the ‘Virtues of Dom Pérignon’ and paired them up with ingredients with similar virtues.

Sensuality is one of Dom Perignon’s most recognisable virtues; with this course Peter has paired two different dishes which include lobster and oyster. The Complex virtue is matched with a dish that marries Quail, bacon, parsnip, hanepoot grapes and chamomile.

Other virtues include Precise, Vibrant, Fresh and Rhythmic – to name but a few.

This extravagant and multifaceted menu will be found in a stylish black menu which sets it aside from The Greenhouse’s normal menu. The Virtues of Dom Pérignon Tasting Menu is priced at R3200 per couple. The menu is only available for 2 people, or multiples of 2 with a maximum of 12 people in a party. This exclusive dining experience needs to be pre-booked at least 24 hours in advance.

“I am really excited about this partnership with Dom Pérignon and have created a menu that I believe works really well with the amazing flavours of this world renowned champagne. We hope to create a very unique and special experience for the guests who book to do this tasting menu.

Two carefully researched glasses have been selected to serve the champagnes depending whether the Champagne is served chilled or at room temperature and with what course” ” says Peter Tempelhoff.

To book The Virtues of Dom Pérignon Tasting Menu 

contact: 021 794 2137.

 

www.cellarshohenort.com

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.

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

Bisquit Cognac

Bisquit Cognac now available in stylish Christmas gift sets

Matured in fine French oak, Bisquit Cognac brings to life an exceptional bouquet of aromas and flavours that have won favour with world leaders such as King George IV and Winston Churchill. It owes its award-winning smooth and supple taste to the fact that it is distilled longer than any other cognac in the world.

Originating in the town of Jarnac, France’s Cognac region in 1819 under the guidance of visionary Frenchman Alexandre Bisquit. Double distilled, with a distillation time that is 15% longer than any other cognac with its soft, fresh character and fusion of vanilla, caramel and dried fruit, Bisquit Cognac is best enjoyed neat or topped with ginger ale or lemonade.

Savour the finer things in life this Christmas with an exclusive Bisquit Cognac gift box set. The awarded French cognac now offers Bisquit Classique VS and Bisquit VSOP in stylish gift sets with cognac glasses this festive season. The Bisquit Cognac gift sets cater for all cognac lovers.

The Bisquit Classique VS comes with a Cognac Balloon Glass and both the Bisquit VS and Bisquit VSOP are available in sets with two Crystal Saloma glasses. The Bisquit VSOP is also available in a set with four coasters that can be personalised with a photograph.

The Bisquit Cognac Classique VS or Bisquit VSOP Cognac gift boxes are available at Makro and selected liquor outlets.

AWARDS:

Bisquit Cognac is the only global brand that has been awarded a medal for each product in its core range – the Bisquit Classique VS, the Bisquit VSOP and the Bisquit XO Excellence – for four years in a row at the renowned International Wine and Spirit Competition held in London annually including:

• 2012 – Gold Medal Bisquit Cognac VSOP 
• 2012 – Silver Medals Bisquit Cognac VS and XO
• 2011 – Silver Medals Bisquit Cognac VS, VSOP and XO
• 2010 – Gold Medal Bisquit Cognac XO
• 2010 – Silver Medal (Best in Class) Bisquit Cognac VS and VSOP
• 2009 – Gold Medal (Best in Class) Bisquit Cognac VSOP 
• 2009 – Silver Medal Bisquit Cognac VS and XO 

For more information, please see bisquit.com

 

☺ RT @added_luxury: #Bisquit #Cognac: Bisquit Cognac now available in stylish Christmas gift sets Matured in fine… goo.gl/fb/iBwWm
— AfrikaYethu Tyulu (@AfrikaTyulu) December 17, 2012

Yswara Precious African Teas

 Introducing an inspired new AFRICAN LUXURY BRAND -

 YSWARA - Curator of precious African Teas

A new luxury company has introduced a proudly African product unlike any other. YSWARA, a unique gourmet tea company, is the first of its kind to introduce a curated experience of fine African teas. This unique company offers a collection of top quality rare tea blends, refined tea accessories and fine living goods, created exclusively by African artisans from African materials laden with epicurean inspiration.

Each tea blend is carefully hand-selected and forms part of a precious collection of 23 teas, which has been carefully composed by YSWARA’s tea masters, and many by the founder, Swaady Martin-Leke herself, who selects each note and fragrance to flow and compliment one another by tasting and testing each spice, leaf and flower until they perfectly harmonize.

YSWARA is the exercise of passion of a driven tea artisan. Every detail of YSWARA is woven together to create an exceptional experience tinged with the splendour of Africa, and infused with the passionate vision of its founder, Swaady Martin-Leke. Their signature blend “Or des Anges”, epitomizes the pure luxury of the YSWARA brand. It’s a fusion of rare peony white tea from Southern Malawi’s Satemwa Estate, blended with precious 22-carat edible gold petals - it’s an African born tea like no other.

It was founder, Cote d’Ivoire born Swaady Martin-Leke’s vision to create an African luxury tea brand that inspires people to enjoy the precious moments in life. YSWARA’s products come together to create the ultimate luxury teatime experience, intended to transport you to a timeless moment where you can enjoy the combined aromas of crisp scented tealeaves, fragrant flowers and exotic fruits of Africa. Says Swaady, “It was my dream to capture true African luxury, and produce a luxury brand that is truly African in origin, nature, and tradition.”

YSWARA has launched with a collection of 23 unique teas from 3 different collections - “The Seven Wonders of Africa”, “African Queens” and “Kingdoms of Africa” which includes their signature tea “Or des Anges” a collection of 7 scented candles (“Johari la Africa”) and tea accessories consisting of porcelain tea sets (“Sankofa”), and a set of gilded tea spoons (“Secret Garden”). This unique range of products provides consumers with the chance to engage in the moment, slow down and find greatness in the small things.

YSWARA’s teas are comprised of a wide range of distinguished orthodox teas, inspired blends and herbal infusions, from the basic black, white and green teas, to the more exotic varieties, such as oolong and Pu-Erh. Held within its signature ebony and gold-copper packaging, handcrafted by African artists, you will find infusions of the rarest, handpicked leaves dried by the African sun and processed with only the most natural methods.

The Seven Wonders Collection is rich with the depth, diversity and distinction of Africa offering the seven best teas of the continent. The YSWARA African Queens Health Tea and Infusion Collection is inspired by the continent’s legacy of female leadership, concentrating on the herb, spice and flower macerated teas of Africa, whilst the fragrant and solemn Kingdoms of Africa collection offers herb and spice-laden epicurean infusions.

YSWARA’s Candle Collection, Johari la Africa, uses essential oils to create individually hand-poured candles with custom-created scents that incorporate the spices of ancient Marrakech and the urban heart of Johannesburg in one scent. The eco-friendly soy candles use aromatic oils, which are therapeutic in nature offering the possibilities of relieving stress, revitalizing and bringing a sense of clarity.

YSWARA also offers a range of luxury tea accessories to complement its exquisite blends. The Secret Garden Spoon Collection is the artwork of South African, Pamela Schroeder, who crafts her works from organic materials. She has designed YSWARA’s teaspoons around Rooibos tea bush twigs, jacaranda pods and honey dippers which combine Rooibos wicks and poppy seed pods; both gilded in a gold finish. The Sankofa Tea Set Collection by South African ceramist, Adrian Lombard, exhibits black-glazed African earthenware rimmed in extravagant gold detailing.



South Africans will be able to experience the YSWARA range of teas and luxurious accessories at their pop-up store in Hyde Park. It is also stocked amongst some of the most desirable brands in the world at The Wish Collection store in Sandton City. Also available on the Yswara online store worldwide for more information visit www.yswara.com

First Event at David Higgs’ New Restaurant 'Five Hundred'

The White Club, a private wine and champagne connoisseurs club, were honoured to hear last week that well renowned South African chef David Higgs will open 1 week early to host 'The World of First Growths' event- the very first event at his new restaurant 'Five Hundred' at the exquisite Saxon Boutique Hotel in Johannesburg.

'Five Hundred' is the brain child of David Higgs, recently appointed as Head Executive Chef at The Saxon. The newly converted Presidential Suite will feature open-kitchen-style theatre so that his privileged guests can enjoy the entertainment of constant interaction with David and his team, as he prepares his exquisite dining delights.

David had officially stated the new restaurant opening as the 1st November 2012 but was so impressed by the The White Club and The World of First Growths, he made the decision to open 1 week earlier to host this incredible impressive wine and dinner event which will be held on Thursday 25 October 2012 instead.

The World of First Growths is an awe-inspiring wine and food pairing experience that has been hosted around the globe this year and which features the best wines in the world. South Africa's events will be held in October in both Johannesburg and Cape Town and will kick off at 'Five Hundred' on Thursday 25th October, followed by an impressive lunch at the famous Delaire Graff Wine Estate in Stellenbosh on Friday 26th October and finalising with a magnificent Dinner at The TAJ Hotel in Cape Town on Saturday 27th October.

Privileged guests will be treated to the most astounding personalised paired cuisine from the Chefs to compliment rare and majestic wines such as Cheval Blanc 1947, Chateau Mouton 1928, Chateau Latour 1925, Chateau Margaux 1929 and Chateau Lafite 1961. 

The World of First Growths will also be featuring 6 South African wines chosen to represent the best of South African First Growth wines; MR de Compostella 2008, Vergelegen 'V' 2007, Vilafonte Series M 2009, Waterford Estate 'The Jem' 2007, Epicurean 2006 and Columella 2009. For more information on these events please contact shelley@whiteroomsa.com 072 3866527 or go to www.thewhiteclub.com.