I like it when a winemaker does something left of centre. It means that he, or she, might apply the same approach to their wines or the business of selling and marketing them.
So it was with great interest I went to the Red Black & White Gallery ( a fantastic place) last night in Bosman’s [...]
It sounds too good to be true – a new healthy alternative range of soft drinks with no artificial flavourants, preservatives or colourants.
Made with the original old fashioned recipes using the finest of ingredients, InneSense have brought out a range in 275 ml bottles with label images harking back to a more nostalgic, innocent era when [...]
Yes, fondue.
There must be a few million fondue sets gathering dust in people’s attics all over the world. Big in the 1970’s, they became synonymous with suburban sophistication and took their place alongside trouser suits, big hair and bellbottoms in the annals of social history.
But they’re back! And they’re still fun. Delicious experiences await a whole [...]
80 Years old next year.
That’s the vintage of this fine South African brand.
Statesmen, Generals, Kings and a few Queens (I’m sure) have savoured it’s easy drinking style since it was first blended by the American medical doctor, Dr.W.C. Winshaw back in the 1930’s.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz, many a South African will nostalgically [...]
This is the time of year for lamb shanks.
They are not expensive, are very popular and are widely available. They are also very versatile and this is one of my favourite twists on a theme.
I cooked it during the week, and paired with a bottle of Allesverloren Shiraz. It was a meal to remember.
Here’s what [...]
Given the high alcohol levels of wines in South Africa it’s a relief to see something coming on the market that won’t have you snoozing in the afternoon.
“But how can I snooze the afternoon away unless have a decent drink at lunch?” I hear some of you ask.
Flat Roof Manor Sauvignon Blanc comes in at 9% [...]
I love this idea.
You get this kit in the post. It contains two bottles of ‘denatured’ or super young bourbon whiskey.
The colour is white, or clear, as it has not been in contact with the oak of the normal barrel – as regular ‘ready to drink’ bourbon has.
You pour the young whiskey into the barrel [...]
Posted in Niblets. 
Tags: distill, kentucky, orlin sorensen, washington state, whiskey, woodinville whiskey company 
2 Comments read more »
It’s quite a schlep south through the urban sprawl of Jo’burg to reach Fordsburg.
You drive over a huge bridge that spans the railway station and descend into what I would describe as “old Joburg”; old colonial buildings with stoeps and balconies found higgeldy piggeldy between newer huge structures of glass and concrete.
Suddenly you are in Indian [...]
Posted in Restaurants Tags: central road, dhal, dosa hut, fordsburg, hilar biller, jo'burg, kerala fish curry, sunday times No Comments » read more »
Tom Hughes is on a mission. The chef/owner of The Attic is intent on providing top quality food in a casual environment.
For food of this quality in Jo’burg it would normally be on white tablecloths, with linen napkins and fussy service. And probably in a mall.
On a freezing evening we were witness to the heroic efforts [...]
Posted in Restaurants Tags: jo'burg, johannesburg, parkhurst, The attic, tom hughes 1 Comment read more »
If you asked me what was the most significant thing that has happened to the Johannesburg restaurant and cheffing scene in recent times I would answer unequivocally; Nancy Kinchela.
I realised this even before I met her.
On hearing that we were in the restaurant at The Saxon and were commenting to William Riffel (restaurant manager and [...]
Posted in Niblets., Restaurants Tags: george cohen, johannesburg, nancy kinchela, richard corrigan, the saxon 3 Comments read more »
July 28th.
Luke has changed his mind.
He says; “After careful consideration I have decided to not to pursue a new restaurant opening in the southern suburbs later this year. I am keen to keep my eye on the ball and I have decided to focus completely on the Test Kitchen in the Biscuit Mill for the [...]
Posted in Niblets. Tags: chelsea village, luke dale roberts, southern suburbs, the test kitchen, wynberg 17 Comments read more »
Ascending from the bowels of the Gautrain station you emerge blinking at a large traffic intersection in the centre of Sandton – a mecca for shoppers, professionals, diamonds, and various business high flyers.
Across the intersection, on the corners of Rivonia Road and West Street, stands Junction Building.
On the third floor, over the shopping mall, you’ll find the reception [...]
I had heard about the Amarula Cocktail Competition and remembered a more youthful past where B52’s were part of any evening out.
I remember that using a cream liqueur in a cocktail was a tricky business as it floated on top of most spirits you mixed it with and also you had to be careful not to mix [...]
After you pick a mushroom you are not supposed to wash it it under a tap.
If you do, say the fundi’s, or should that be fungi’s, they absorb water,
which leeches into your food as you are cooking.
If you don’t wash them under water they absorb the tastes and sauces instead,
adding a more flavoursome experience to [...]
A surprise tasting experience this week with a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Sauvignon Blanc from Kleine Zalze.
When I say surprise I mean that the tasting experience wasn’t what I expected.
I expected a tannic Cabernet Sauvignon and I tasted a velvety soft wine.
I expected the 2010 Sauvignon to cut the throat off me with acidic kick, but [...]
Tashas, “a new boutique cafe experience” has opened in Constantia, and the locals can’t get enough of it.
Waiting times of 1 1/2 hours have been reported, with people happy to go off and get the car serviced, climb Table Mountain, or clean the swimming pool, and return.
Trent, the manager, is evangelical about this new eatery. [...]
Tired of all the wine competitions?
Flummoxed by the endless lists of best Sauvignons? best this, best that?.
Completely confused when you visit your local supermarket or bottle shop to buy wine?
How do you chose? Is it the label? Do you go on price? Name? The number of prize winning competition winning stickers?
Can the sales assistant help? How [...]
Actually, there are more than three reasons to visit Societi Bistro.
There’s the Snug Bar, with its roaring log fireplace, professional staff, a great winelist and a menu that changes with the seasons. Then there’s Stefan Marais, Societi Bistro’s gifted chef who has just returned from holidays.
Ask him where he went and he’ll reply innocently that [...]
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