Crossley & Webb Launching Automotive Investment Showroom

Crossley & Webb is set to become Cape Town’s premier automotive investment destination with the upcoming launch of their 1400 square meter showroom facility in the trendy Wembley Square precinct.

Launching this October the historic red-brick building is currently being transformed into a world class investment grade auto-trading and lifestyle centre. The masterminds behind this unique venture are experienced motoring enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, Gareth Crossley and Bryan Webb, both of whom bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of Supercar and classic car investments to local and international investors.

“Crossley & Webb originated from of our joint experience and passion for investment motoring and desire to offer our clients as well as other investors a destination venue to access the ever increasing opportunities available in the market for classic and collectable vehicles as an alternative form of investment,” says co-founder Gareth Crossley.

With over 15 years’ experience in the Premium Motoring sector, Gareth has previously held senior positions at BMW, Maserati and Ferrari, while Bryan is an acclaimed engineer and enthusiastic collector who brings his experience and business acumen to the workshop and restoration side of the business. The designer venue will house Crossley & Webb’s four aligned business units to provide a unique turn-key solution for motoring enthusiasts including procurement, sales, valuation, restoration and advice on fleet management from daily drivers to investment classics.

The sales department will offer carefully selected investment grade classics, sports cars and Super cars traded both locally and internationally, as well as assistance on structuring the acquisitions, insurance and warranty products. The personal nature of the classic and investment vehicle business has resulted in Crossley & Webb aligning themselves with a team of industry specialists able to offer technical advice, conduct historical research and thorough valuations thereby offering a comprehensive platform to make the most informed decision when investing in a classic or sports car.

“International trends, matched to our experience have shown that there is a rapidly growing local and international demand for selected classic cars, resulting in meaningful capital gains for our clients. Acquiring a classic can often be a passionate decision because the buyer just has to have it, however if the right car is bought and maintained, it will not only offer many hours of motoring pleasure but act as a real investment alternative. The detailed knowledge and reach of our team allows us to present specific propositions so that our clients can truly experience the joy of motoring,” comments Bryan.

Professional storage of investment grade vehicles has also become a critical element in retaining asset value, Crossley & Webb has designed unique state of the art de-humidified glass storage vaults available for monthly hire. This bespoke service will be offered to all serious collectors, especially along the Atlantic Seaboard functioning as a crowd puller and social talking point. This convenient offering includes routine maintenance services, professional valets, all insurances as well as complimentary transportation for the client and vehicle for the duration of the contract.

With so much dazzling hardware on display, expect the Crossley & Webb showroom and classic car clinic to quickly become the hub for sports car and investment car enthusiasts. “The clinic will offer modern upgrades and restorations for sought after classics as well as routine servicing for sports cars and Supercars out of warranty,” concludes Bryan.

“To elegantly cater for the lifestyle requirements of our clients and allow them to spend time with their prized possessions, we will also offer a state of the art boardroom and meeting facilities, not to mention a designer Truth coffee bar, serving up the best coffee in town,” says Gareth.

Housed within the building will also be the local offices of international Supercar timeshare franchise - Écurie 25. “The decision to secure the South African franchise of Écurie 25 was taken in order to balance Crossley & Webb’s overall product offering with a financially intelligent means of enjoying modern Supercars,” comments Gareth.

Founded in London in 2005, Écurie 25 is the world’s premier Supercar timeshare company with eight offices worldwide, including the UK, US, Australia and now Cape Town. Membership to this elite community is restricted so as to ensure availability of the vehicles to members at all times whilst also offering a variety of lifestyle benefits. Plus access to a collection of more than 50 of the most desirable vehicles in the world ranging from a Lamborghini Aventador to Rolls Royce’s and e-Type Jags.

Maintenance and running costs of Supercars and sports cars are well documented, and as a result are normally aligned to significant depreciation, and this is where E25 presents a viable alternative. The financial, lifestyle and subsequent networking benefits of a membership are many considering the fact that an annual membership is positioned at less than a year’s depreciation for a top end Supercar.

An Écurie 25 membership also offers more than just access to a bevy of Supercars it includes reciprocal access to any E25 club worldwide, as well as invitations to social events, driving tours and VIP hospitality at local and international automotive events worldwide.

With Cape Town set to celebrate its recognition as The Design Capital of the World in 2014, the Crossley & Webb showroom will be a visual and acoustic highlight on everyone’s agenda, establishing itself as the Supercar and classic car investment hub of South Africa.

The Big Bottle Festival

Now in its third year, the Big Bottle Festival is the Western Cape’s grandest annual wine tasting extravaganza and celebrates South Africa’s finest “Big Bottle” masterpieces during a weekend-long festival. 

Unique in concept and execution, the event brings together South Africa’s foremost winemakers and chefs de cuisine and it all happens next weekend 23rd to 25th August 2013.

The renowned five-star Cellars-Hohenort Hotel will once again be the backdrop for this sophisticated weekend of fine wine and culinary delights coming together with the sumptuous Gourmand Five-Course Dinner Experience prepared and presented by renowned sommelier and wine consultant Jörg Pfützner and award-winning chef Peter Tempelhoff on Friday evening as well as a Rare Champagne Tasting.

Spearheaded by Tempelhoff, from the Liz McGrath’s collection of hotels, the third annual Big Bottle Festival will showcase a panoply of culinary stars such as Edgar Osojnik head chef at Buitenverwachting, Harald Bresselschmidt celebrated chef from Aubergine Restaurant, Roland Gorgosilich of Bosman's Restaurant at the Grand Roche Hotel in Paarl, Gregory Czarnecki renowned for his work at the Waterkloof Estate and Brad Ball, Executive Chef of the world class Bistro Sixteen82 amongst others.

The five courses will be accompanied by exclusively selected wines from classic international regions such as Bordeaux with the tasting of an iconic 1983 Chateau Gruaud-Larose as well new cult wine Ladredo from re-emerging regions like Ribeira Sacra.

Other wines which will be served on the evening include the 2011 Soalheiro Alvarinho Dócil, 2003 Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs from England, 1994 Quinta de Bágeiras from Portugal, 2006 Schloss Gobelsburg Grüner Veltliner Tradition Kremstal from Austria, 1983 Chateau Gruaud Larose from Bordeaux France and 1998 Niepoort Colheita Port most of which will be served from rare Magnums, Imperials and Methuselah.

In keeping with the connoisseur element the Champagne Tasting will centre around extremely rare champagnes not easily found locally with eight notable 2002 vintage cuvees from Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, Dom Pérignon, Louis Roederer Cristal, Jacques Selosse Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru Brut Millesime and Egly-Ouriet Pere et Fils Brut Grand Cru. As an offering of some of the best Champagne vintages of the last 10 years, the tasting will be presented by Hendrik Snyman, one of the most knowledgeable and entertaining Champagne importers and MCC producers in South Africa.

The Big Bottle walk-about and tasting on Saturday and Sunday the 24th and 25th  August allows food and
wine lovers to experience the various wines from a select group of farms. Sunday kicks off with a 3-course Champagne Breakfast. Focusing on the few wineries and estates in South Africa who are able to bottle wines in large bottle formats. All wines will be poured from big bottles during the Walk-About.

These wine farms bottle in large formats, usually only for special occasions and limited releases, to showcase outstanding vintages either to mark a winery’s anniversary or for charitable purposes. These magnificent bottles are synonymous with celebration, extravagance, enjoyment and invoke a feeling of delightful, social decadence.

Some forty of SA’s top wine producers and importers are serving their best wines at this not to be missed event. Participation is strictly by invitation only with estates including Bouchard Finlayson, Hamilton-Russell, Iona, Delaire Graff Estate, Buitenverwachting, Neil Ellis, Jordan, Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Tokara and Klein Constantia.

Tickets for the Big Bottle Festival are available through Webtickets (webtickets.co.za) with the Walk-Around Day Pass priced at R400 (this includes food and wine), the Gourmand Dinner Experience priced at R1,980 and the 2002 Prestige Champagne Tasting priced at R2,300 per person.

Special hotel packages have been arranged or guests traveling to the Festival.

Single Options - One person all inclusive

• Walk-about-ticket & 1 night accommodation in Luxury Room R2950.00
• Gourmand Dinner, walk-about-ticket & one night accommodation in Luxury room R4999.00
• Prestige champagne tasting, walk-about-ticket & one night accommodation in Luxury room R5500.00
• Dinner, prestige champagne tasting, walk-about-ticket & one night accommodation in Luxury Room R7900.00
• The Full Monty Big Bottle Festival Weekend - Gourmand Dinner, prestige Champagne tasting, 2 night accommodation Luxury Double with Verandah and walk-about tasting R9999.00

Double Options - Two persons all inclusive

• Walk-about-tickets for two & one night luxury room R3999.00
• Gourmand dinner for 2, walk-about-tickets & one night luxury room R8299.00
• Champagne tasting for two, walk-about-tickets & one night accommodation R8900.00
• Gourmand dinner, champagne tasting, walk-about-tickets for 2 & one night accommodation R13750.00
• The Full Monty Big Bottle Festival Weekend - Gourmand Dinner, prestige Champagne tasting, walk-about tasting and 2 night Luxury Double room with Verandah. R14999.00

For more information please visit the Big Bottle Festival website: www.bigbottle.co.za, follow them on Facebook Facebook.com/BigBottleFestival or follow them on Twitter: @BigBottleSA 

 

Reed Travel Exhibitions Launching Africa Travel Week in 2014

Global leader Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) set to launch ‘Africa Travel Week’ at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from April 28th to May 3rd 2014.

Following the successful launch of ILTMAfrica in April earlier this year, the decision to create an all-encompassing travel week will ensure Africa Travel Week is the leading global event for Africa’s travel industry.

Comprising three co-located shows in one venue encompassing Africa’s inbound and outbound markets for general leisure travel, luxury tourism, and the MICE/business travel sector under RTE’s established portfolios of WTM (World Travel Market), ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) and IBTM (Incentives, Business Travel & Meetings).

Richard Mortimore, Managing Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions commented:
“Reed has been exploring opportunities in Africa for sometime and the success of our first launch event, ILTM Africa, has given us the platform to now introduce two more of our global industry brands to create ‘Africa Travel Week’ and make it the leading global event for the continent’s travel industry.

“Because of the sheer size of the continent and diversity of its travel offering, all three brands will help bring the world to Africa and promote Africa to the world’s leading source markets. RTE is committed to the African continent and its future as a global player in the leisure, business and luxury tourism sectors.”

WTM Africa will attract exhibitors from all categories of the leisure travel industry within sub-Sahara Africa as well as North African destinations, aligning itself with sister events, WTM, WTM Latin America, Arabian Travel Market and International French Travel Market – TopResa.

All shows will have a table-top format IBTM Africa will be in the West Ballroom, adjacent to the exhibition hall in the CTICC. Targetting the inbound and outbound meetings, events, incentives and business travel sectors of sub-Sahara Africa.

With suppliers from the MICE sector including hotels, venues, convention bureaus, DMCs, technology providers and suppliers of services. Reflecting the brand values of its sister events CIBTM (China), EIBTM (Europe), GIBTM (Middle East), AIME (Australia), AIBTM (US), IBTM India.

The East Ballroom will host ILTM Africa in its second edition after its successful launch focussing on Africa’s inbound luxury travel market. ILTM Africa is part of a global portfolio of luxury travel events that include ILTM (Cannes), ILTM Americas, ILTM Asia, ILTM Japan and ILTM Spa.

Both ILTM Africa and IBTM Africa will operate with a pre-qualified Hosted Buyer programme and a pre-scheduled appointment system. WTM Africa will combine a Hosted Buyer and appointment system with a trade visitor programme.



Africa Travel Week will be supported by Thebe Exhibitions Group, based out of Johannesburg. "We will be working with Thebe as our local management services contractor to provide logistics, operations and local sales and marketing services," added Mortimore.

Arthur Gillis, CEO of the Protea Hospitality Group, the largest hotel group on the African continent with some 130 hotels in 10 countries said:

“Africa Travel Week is the sort of event that exposes the best of the continent to a global audience that covers the entire travel spectrum from leisure to luxury, business to conferencing. Cape Town, arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world, will be the perfect backdrop to a travel showcase of this magnitude.

The Protea Hospitality Group firmly supports collaborative efforts of this nature in which tourism players work together for the greater good of growing travel and investment in Africa by creating infrastructure and permanent jobs in a market sector that I believe will continue to show steady growth in the long term.”

Dates for the events are:

ILTM Africa: April 28th – 30th

IBTM Africa: April 28th – 30th

WTM Africa: May 2nd – 3rd

www.africatravelweek.com

IBTM Africa will be the second major African meetings industry trade show. Meetings Africa, which attracted 350 buyers this year, will be held between 24-26 February next year in Gauteng.

About Reed Travel Exhibitions

The world’s leading provider of exhibitions in the travel and tourism industry. Its wide-ranging portfolio of events around the globe covers leisure travel, luxury travel, meetings, incentives and business travel, as well as golf, ski and spa travel. 

In 2012 Reed brought together seven million active event participants from around the world, generating billions of dollars in business with over 500 events in 39 countries.Today events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa and organized by 33 fully staffed offices. Serving 44 industry sectors with trade and consumer events and is part of the Reed Elsevier Group plc, a world-leading publisher and information provider and a FTSE 100 company. www.reedexpo.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

Gucci Women’s Autumn/Winter Collection

The Gucci woman seduces with a dangerous femininity.  Juxtaposing a demure silhouette inspired by couture, with a subversive undertone. Elegant shapes, outlined in strong, signature Gucci materials, are contrasted with accessories inspired by the fetish aesthetics of Allen Jones. A noir atmosphere saturated by colour, envisioned on exclusive textiles and details.

“She is steely yet sexy – defining her discipline with femme fatale vices.” explains Creative Director Frida Giannini. “She wears sculpted dresses with pure graphics, all the while alluding to devious touches.” The models and makeup are reminiscent of Luc Besson's The Fifth Element complementing Gucci's extraordinary accessories in an out of this world collection.

The silhouette is constructed, while the perfection of couture lines is applied to ready-to-wear. Powerful and body conscious, the new tailleur with skirt was introduced. Jackets are caban style or small, either with softly egg-shaped shoulders or definition. The pencil skirt is meticulously below the knee but reveals an unexpected slit. Worn high for a new, delicate take on the waistline.

The little black dress inspires new interpretations, up to the neck or open to show the collar bone. Either embracing the body and employing strategic leather inserts or cut on the bias for languid lines in shiny satin. The coat takes on the form-fitting shapes of a bustier, recalling a robe-manteau.

The oversized overcoat is the only nod to the male wardrobe in a self-indulgingly ladylike collection. Even pants are feminine with tapering and short lengths. Sexy, irreverent touches finish each look: from t-shirts in leather and python to gloves and the collection’s leitmotif, fishnet tights with a back seam on every look.

The colour palette is purple wine, rust, moss green and cerulean blue tainting black. A wise and novel use of materials and treatments makes each piece precious; leather, both smooth and cracklé, patent, python, pony skin, Astrakhan, silk, bouclé, lace and wool, reworkings of pied de poule and Prince of Wales with shading and even lurex threading.

Evoking chinoiserie, tapestry effects with three-dimensional fern leaves see woven metallics interrupting the black dresses, tailleur and outerwear. A cape in goat hair with shading from black to green embellishes an Astrakhan skirt suit.

Every facet of evening, from the t-shirt and skirt to the pairing of pants and tops, through to cocktail dresses and evening gowns are cinematic. A black-out of lace followed by an outburst of color. Ethereal looks with netting and satin, embroidered with feathers, studding, and sequins – intersecting punk with couture.

The accessories are femme fatale. Shiny calfskin and exotic skins. Python and crocodile. Black or monochromatic. Structured bags with archival luggage locks for a retro hint. The iconic Bamboo handle characterizes a new style in two proportions. Booties, boots and sandals, all with sharp high heels, for a touch of fetish. By day, necklaces recalling willow leaves, along with leather lock cuffs. For evening, cuffs adorned with colorful stones evoking the nuances of the embroideries.

Gucci is available exclusively at GUCCI Boutiques in Cape Town and Johannesburg in Southern Africa. For further information please contact their stores on 021-421 8800 (V&A Waterfront, Cape Town) or 011-784 2597 (Nelson Mandela Square, Johannesburg) or visit www.gucci.com

The First Ever International Luxury Travel Market Africa

The launch of the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Africa, Cape Town, the first event of its kind on the African continent kicks off with the ILTM Africa Opening Forum – a live debate led by some of Africa’s leading industry figures who will discuss the rise of luxury travel, the issues that this has brought to the continent, and how safari tourism has moved upmarket.

With overwhelming support from luxury travel experiences across the African continent and fully booked with 70 participants, all of whom represent the most authentic and diverse range of elite travel products and services. Many of these participants will be exhibiting at a trade show for the first time and will join Hosted Buyers who also have not attended an event of this kind in Africa before – 37% of these will attend an ILTM event for the first time.

Visit Africa Travel Week in 2014

The Forum, facilitated by international African Travel Writer, Graham Boynton will take place before the show opens on Monday 8th April at the Mount Nelson Hotel, the venue for the ILTM Africa showcase. The first day of ILTM Africa 2013 culminates in a Gala Dinner hosted by the Cellars Hohenort.

The forum will be in two parts and starts with Minister Alan Winde, Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism for the Western Cape Government, who will give an insight into the infrastructure and tourism assets of his region and beyond. Followed by South African author Clem Sunter, focusing on Africa’s economic and political health.

Boynton will then facilitate a lively debate on “The Issues Facing The Luxury Travel Market” looking at perception vs reality – how the outside world sees Africa - and the impact of recent changes that have taken place in the market, plus how the luxury African product has evolved and the key issue of intra-country air connections. Taking part will be Tony Romer Lee – CEO, The Collection by Liz McGrath; Adrian Gardiner – Founder & CEO, Mantis Group and Beks Ndlovu – CEO, African Bush Camps.

ILTM’s Exhibition Director, Alison Gilmore commented: “The point of the ILTM forum concept is to kick off an event with some content and debate that gives all our participants – exhibitors and hosted buyers – real insights into trends, issues and successes of the host country as well as some thought provoking take-aways to begin their two days of business.

We are delighted to welcome Minister Alan Winde and of course such an influential line up of speakers for what is bound to be a lively and enlightening debate that will also give the audience the opportunity to ask their own questions from those that are directly involved in the industry luxury tourism”.

The inaugural ILTM Africa 2013 the first invitation only event in Africa to showcase 70 exclusively African travel experiences who will meet with 70 international Hosted Buyers, dedicated to creating and planning luxury travel inbound to Africa.

Business appointments are pre-scheduled, matching mutual requests from buyers and exhibitors alike to meet on a strict one-to-one ratio. Following the traditional ILTM format, both buyers and exhibitors must follow a strict accreditation process in order to participate.

For further information, please visit www.iltm.net/africa

 

ILTM Africa will host international VIP buyers from major markets including the USA, Europe and Brazil, each with a specialism in Africa, personally invited and verified to ensure their luxury travel credentials are of the highest standard. The event matches mutual requests from both buyers and exhibitors to meet on a one-to-one basis to build business opportunities and communities.

Muriel Minnell Falck, CEO & Executive Director of Argentina’s Sundance Tours, a specialist in Africa’s exotic destinations commented: “There are Africa luxury specialists all over the world who have long needed a dedicated forum at which to meet solely high end African product, from the established to the smaller, lesser-known brands. ILTM Africa is extremely promising and we are very much looking forward to being part of its launch in April and meet with exhibitors who would mutually benefit from forging new relationships.”

Like all other ILTM events, ILTM Africa will feature a detailed programme of social networking opportunities. In addition, the ILTM Africa Opening Forum will reflect both regional and global key luxury travel trends and issues, in a series of live interviews and debates.

Alison Gilmore, ILTM Exhibition Director said: “Our pre-event research was clearly extremely accurate - the overwhelming interest in ILTM Africa since we launched such a short time ago, shows just how much demand there is for an event that focuses exclusively on the high-end market.The global portfolio of ILTM events are about addressing the needs of both the buyers and suppliers and the response we have received will help ILTM Africa to grow in 2014.”

About ILTM

International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) and ILTM Asia are the leading annual business to business events for the global luxury travel community, bringing together the world’s most sought after destinations, ultra-luxurious accommodation, elite transportation and unique travel experiences showcased for the most discerning luxury travel buyer via an unrivalled pre-scheduled appointment system and effective networking and information opportunities.

ILTM – which invites only the most discerning buyers from across the world – takes place in Cannes, 2 - 5 December 2013; ILTM Asia – which selects buyers from across the Asia Pacific – takes place in Shanghai, 3 - 6 June 2013 and ILTM Americas – a one-to-one summit for travel agents from North, Central and South America – takes place at Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico, 30 September - 3 October 2013. A similar niche event ILTM Japan – inviting both Japanese and international buyers - launched 11 – 13 March 2013 in Kyoto; ILTM Africa will launch 8-9 April 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa profiling African product and inviting international buyers and ILTM Spa will take place in London from 30th September – 2nd October 2013.

Jenni Button Couture Summer 2013 Collection

Adding Glamour to the 2013 events season. The Jenni Button woman is sensual, strong and independent and celebrates all that is glamorous.

Focusing on sensual modern cuts and shapes to suit the strong independent woman, the Jenni woman’s insatiable love of glamour, opulence and pleasure find its ultimate expression in the Jenni Button Coutureline.

Inspired by the golden sand dunes of Morocco, white Bedouin tents, glass mosaics and soft silk curtains blowing in the breeze of a Marrakesh Summer, Jenni Button’s Summer 2013 Collection is sizzling hot. Creative Director, Warrick Gautier, uses only the finest silks, embroidery, embellishment, and beading in the range’s Couture line. French metallic laces and long flowy dresses in silk chiffon and rich satins are seen throughout.

Jenni Button, synonymous with glamour, elegance and sophistication takes the Couture Collection to exciting new heights this season, whether one-off pieces for formal evening wear occasions, beaded cocktail dresses for glamorous parties or even wedding dresses. Always reinventing, Jenni Button has become the benchmark of luxury in South Africa and are regularly flaunted by a host of A-list celebrities. 

View Jenni Button Couture at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Masters 2013

Jenni Button Couture is available at their exclusive Couture stores located in Hyde Park, Sandton City, Cavendish Square and Gateway. Selected pieces are also available in their other 9 stores nationwide. Their Cape Town Studio also provides one-on-one appointments for bespoke services. For more info, call Jenni Button’s studio on 021 461 1207.

Visit their Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/JenniButtonSA

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

The White Club presents - A Wine Lovers Dream

The White Club and Parmigiani return to South Africa to host “A Wine Lovers Dream”: An exquisite evening of excellence with Domain de la Romanée-Conti

The White Club, an international wine and champagne private members club are hosting an exquisite journey of oenological excellence in Johannesburg and Cape Town this March.
 
Their presenting partner Parmigiani, the most luxurious watch brand in the world, is preparing to treat an exclusive group of 16 guests to a “once in a lifetime” experience with Domain de la Romanée-Conti, the most expensive wine in the world. Lalique, the worlds most beautifully designed crystal, glass and art, will also be co-hosting these magnificent Events.

Guests who attend the extravagant and extraordinary evenings will experience an unparalleled journey of the rarest and most legendary wines in the world. The events are to be held at “secret locations” to provide additional excitement and mystery for those privileged enough to attend, who will be collected by private car and driven to the location.

The Johannesburg event will be held on Thursday 21 March and the Cape Town event on Saturday 23 March. Principle wines that will be served at these events include Pétrus 1947, Château Cheval Blanc 1947, Château Latour 1958, Château Lafite Rothschild 1959 and Domain de la Romanée-Conti 1989, Le Montrachet 2007 and La Tâche 1962 amongst a total of 20 wines served.

The events will also include a “Culinary Chef's Challenge” that will create a competitive edge to the evening. Celebrated chefs will team up against each other, assisted by revered Sommeliers from the Country, to create their own seven-course gastronomical feast that will be paired with the illustrious wine list.

The Teams include Chef PJ Vadas from “Camphors”, the newly opened restaurant at Vergelegen Estate, assisted by Sommelier Luvo Ntezo from The One & Only Hotel and Christiaan Campbell from Delaire Graff assisted by Sommelier Manuel Cabello from Ellerman House. The Johannesburg teams will consist of Coco Reinharz from Sel et Poivre and Leanne Roberts and Charl Whitlock from De Waterkloof.

Malene Meisner, CEO, The White Club

Malene Meisner, CEO of The White Club, comments, “We wanted to create additional excitement and theatre around the events in South Africa this year. The secret locations and the culinary chefs challenge will create these added elements of enjoyment for our guests.”

Parmigiani, the most luxurious watch brand in the world, originating from Switzerland, partners The White Club events and links in well with the lavish lifestyle that this group has to offer. Guillaume Marx of Parmigiani speaks of their partnership: “Precision work is what lies between us as watch and wine lovers. It is what defines us. These similarities combined with a passion for the lavish and exclusive things in life are what make this partnership flourish.”

The White Club, which began “The World of First Growths” project in South Africa last year, will also be presenting semi-blind flights of Pinot Noirs including Hamilton Russell, Bouchard Finlayson and Creation wines against Domain de la Romanée-Conti. Glenelly Estate wines will also be included alongside Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande.

The chosen charity this year for The White Club and World of First Growth Events is the “Make a Difference” (M.A.D) charity pioneered by Francois Pienaar. A silent auction will be held on both evenings and all proceeds will be donated. This charity, created in 2003 aims to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged academically talented young South Africans by creating exceptional educational opportunities.

For the chance to purchase one of these golden tickets the price tag is R25,000 (JHB) and R20,000 (CT). For ticket enquiries please contact Shelley Webb on +27 (072) 386 6527 / shelley@whiteroomsa.com

 

African Pride - 15 on Orange

Welcome to Cape Town’s newest Style Icon.

Set adjacent to the Cape Town Planetarium the real star is next door, five star to be exact. The epitome of urban luxury is a breath of fresh air and awash with sunlight. Designed as an alternative contemporary space to the predominantly colonial styled and somewhat stilted five star accommodations about the city. This elegant experience begins with an engineered stone “red carpet” reception set in crisp white Volakas marble it becomes clear that this is no ordinary luxury hotel.

Exploring the fine art of space and light 15 on Orange Hotel is all about personal space. Offering sensual sophistication and style by combining distinctive architecture and exquisite luxury with the renowned first-class service of African Pride Hotels. The setting is urban chic permeating throughout right down to the soothing rhythms of Africa softly playing in the background.

Unique finishes, one-of-a-kind artworks and exclusive designer touches surround 129 accentuated bedrooms and suites ranging between 40m2 and 100m2, your world just got bigger. Throughout each of the exquisitely appointed spacious rooms, a breathtaking fusion of cosmopolitan comfort and natural splendour is offered at every turn.

With the strictest of security in mind only the first and last floors are public spaces. The latter is home to the luxuriously high-tech Suntra Spa. Comprising an extravagant atrium housing Cinnamon Deli and coffee lovers can fuel their addiction with the finest coffees the world has to offer in this chic café. Indulge in your favourite delicacy from the patisserie fridge or select a cheese to enjoy after dinner. Pods alongside Cinnamon Coffee Shop offer on-the-go executives a private work station with Wi-fi access, a work desk and international plug points.



The same space also houses Savour restaurant where you can feed your soul with sumptuous local and international flavours. Experience chef Michael Meyepa’s inspired global menu in an out-of-this-world setting. Or book the private dining room free of charge the hotels most in demand location.

Cape Town evenings set in shimmering luxury right next door where local and international cognoscenti meet to relax with sundowners at the opulent Murano Bar with adjacent terrace. The bar lends its name from the exquisite Murano glass chandelier dominating the space. 18 000 individual, interlocking pieces of glass cascading from the ceiling reminiscent of the decadent bubbles to be found in Moët.

At the opposite end of the atrium unwind at the refined Judges Lounge or its spacious accompanying balcony. The Cape Town sunset transforms into vibrant nightlife when the myriad lights bring 15 on Orange Hotel alive with the sights and sounds of the night.

Downstairs business and pleasure are no longer mutually exclusive world class facilities in a truly inspiring setting takes care of business as usual. With stylish workstations to state-of -the- art executive boardrooms. A versatile multipurpose conference room, every business whim is taken care of and draped in style. I arrived to a fully booked establishment buzzing with activity as staff prepared for various events and conferences and its accompanying guests.

Strategically located in the upmarket suburb of Gardens the cultural hub at the foot of Table Mountain. On the fringe of the vibrant city centre guests are within walking distance of the National Museum, the Planetarium, the Company Gardens - the green jewel in the heart of the metropolis, in close proximity to superb golf courses and the Long Street Baths. Exclusive shopping awaits at the selection of high end retailer outlets while the world-class shopping paradise of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is merely minutes away.

AFRICAN PRIDE H O T E L S
SUPERIOR DELUXE HOTELS, LODGES AND COUNTRY HOUSES
15 on Orange Hotel, corner Grey’s Pass and Orange Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, 8000
Tel: +27 (0) 21 469 8000 Fax: +27 (0) 21 469 8001 Email: reservations@15onorangehotel.com
www.africanpridehotels.com/15onorange