It may well be a coincidence but I wish to entertain the idea that my President decided to give himself a very important birthday present this year. He opened the country to all international travellers. And after the severity of the past few months, it is a very welcome present indeed. Thank you Matamela!
“Welcome back to South Africa world. We have missed you."
In light of this, I am happy to pen my first few words on this platform to further celebrate this much-needed present by highlighting some of my favourite things when it comes to the idea of eat, drink, stay, buy and support. All very proudly South African. It is my hope that these pages will become a useful corner for many of you to come and be informed, amused, bemused or simply to kill time in between your zoom calls.
It's no secret to many that I love food. I love eating. I love cooking. I love it! Do you hear me? I love it. So as a dabbler in the hospitality industry, I have always kept an interested eye in what's going on in the restaurant world here in the Mother City. A lot of time has been spent around many a table of some of the established, accomplished and polished eateries. But my simple taste dictates who I really choose to champion time and again.
Eat
My dear friend Matt Manning has been very busy over the last couple of years establishing Grub & Vine. His dream of owning his own bistro in the food capital of Africa has indeed been realised. Not only has his sweet little spot become a firm favourite with locals, he enjoyed great support from internationals before Covid made it's unwelcome visit to our shores.
Every visit to this buzzy, well proportioned and beautiful little restaurant makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside because the people are so genuinely hospitable. The food unpretentious and modern but classically inspired. His small menu has something for everyone and the wine list truly South African and inspired. Table number one is my spot, so let's meet you there one day.
Some hundreds of restaurants have come and gone in my decade here in the Mother City. That's how it goes in this industry. It is no wonder then, that I can often be seen enjoying my mushroom risotto and Sauvignon Blanc at a bistro that has been going strong for 17 years. Societi Bistro is truly an institution to those that appreciate simplicity and great service. My dear friend Peter has such a passion for the industry that I doubt he sleeps more than a handful of hours a day when he could be working. This little gem of a place is right in the heart of the city but more than that, it should be the heart of the city. Expect Mediterranean influences, sprinkled with South African themes in between. And there's no better value for your buck anywhere in this city.
I can say without any doubt in my mind that Liam Tomlin is the best chef in South Africa. End of story. It is so and evidenced by the number of chefs that dine at his now many establishments. Chefs Warehouse & Canteen in Bree Street is where the heart of the empire is and what a glorious few years they've enjoyed there. The tapas King has never cooked one bad dish in all my visits there. If excellence is what you're after, this is the place where you go enjoy it in a fuss-free but carefully curated space.
Liam has not only emerged as the king of chefs but he has also proved that his passion for this industry has no bounds. His leadership during the hard lockdown is now legendary. He galvanized the industry against a confused Government policy and long may this fact be remembered. His food is however reason enough to visit any of his establishments and treat yourself to world-class cooking!
Drink
There is no doubt that the South African wine industry has been through somewhat of a revolution over the past decade or so. This revolution has manifested itself in the growing interest of black South Africans in their own wine.
One of the young pioneers of the black winemaking class of post-apartheid South Africa is Ntsiki Biyela, owner and winemaker of Aslina Wines. This formidable Zulu maiden went against all odds to become one of our shining stars. Her wines are laced with history, character, beauty and an "I told you so" attitude. Her Sauvignon Blanc time and again shows complexity and great character. I simply love it. You'll definitely find something for your palate between her Cabebert Sauvignon, the Chardonnay or the Umsasane (a complex and regal red blend). This great winemaker gets both thumbs up from me. Keep flying the flag high my sister.
I've no idea when it started but it will never end - my love affair with Sauvignon Blanc. There simply isn't a finer grape. South Africa, rightly so, produces heaps and heaps of this liquid gold and much joy it brings to so many of us devotees. Groote Post currently has the spot closest to my heart. This humble giant of a winery has managed to encapsulate all that I love in a wine in one bottle. Case after case! The sunshine, the finesse, the brightness and allure are what you will find in every bottle or every vintage. It's the sort of wine I offer to people who profess to dislike this varietal. I've yet to fail in converting them. So let the whole country enjoy Sauvignon Blanc, the Queen of grapes.
There's something very South African about this unsung hero of a wine estate, Hartenberg. It's South Africaness lies in the understated nature of the whole estate. Beautiful setting but low key and not a monument to an ego. The wines speak for themselves. They are the kind of wines you can present to your biggest fundis, at the same time wines for everyday enjoyment. Classic elegance and timeless richness is what you get from this Bottelary Hills estate in Stellenbosch. Their Shiraz is without doubt the shining star but who knew chardonnay could be so appealing! Winemaker Carl Schultz has been making the Mackenzie family (owners) and the nation proud since 1994.
With all this eating and drinking, perhaps a little sleep would be needed and why not visit some of my favourite little spots anywhere in the world.
Stay
There's something about arriving at a truly great hotel that makes you breathe a little deeper as you take the first moments in. You almost close your eyes in prayer as you are welcomed "home" and invited to lose yourself momentarily at the reception hall whilst all the world's worries are signed away for the next few days.
If there is a favourite country hotel that has all the above in pillowcase-loads, it's Hartford House Hotel in the rolling hills of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands. Set amongst some of the most picturesque gardens and farmland, this ranks as one of our national treasures. I remember fondly my family visits for my birthdays during my school years. It really has remained a home away from home for me.
Staying with the countryside, one of my most recent discoveries is Galenia Estate right here in the Western Cape. This truly magnificent estate in the thriving metropolis of Montagu is surely set to be one of the most special hideaways. Exuding Cape hospitality, all freely embraced by its British owners, this is a place for getting away from it all. The dramatic setting at the foothills of the rugged mountains is what postcards are made of. A little birdie tells me that it's set to become a producer of the country's best olive oils in the very near future. What a treat. And here we all thought Montagu was only good at dried fruit!
A quick hop back to that home province of mine and we land on the shores of the Indian Ocean where an icon boats pride of place in front of the splendid lighthouse in Umhlanga Rocks. The Oyster Box Hotel is a national monument to hospitality. This Tollman family property has been there forever and seems to only get better with age. The striking red and white stripes are now a thing of legends. However, it's the staff that make you feel at home. Some of whom have been there for over fifty glorious years. South Africa is indeed lucky to have a global icon on its shores. And it also happens to be a great place to have the best Durban curry.
It would be amiss to skip Gauteng's warm hospitality. Nowhere else in Johannesburg will one be received more warmly than at the charming Peech Hotel. It really is "the most inspiring place to stay." This beautiful former family residence has grown from the original manor house to a variety of suites and rooms throughout the two acres of prime Melrose real estate. With over sixteen years of warm hospitality, you will be amazed at how peaceful and tranquil Joburg can be. It's a great place for a business traveller or simply to escape in one's own city. Because it has two restaurant offerings, you never need to leave the estate during your stay!
With Christmas being around the corner, I know you'll all be thinking of the perfect gifts. Here are one or two ideas that might just be right up your tree.
Buy
They say that charity starts at home. My business partners at Vula Afrika have been hard at work putting together sumptuous hampers to suit all tastes for both the corporate and private clientele. The hampers include a little something sweet, and little something to quench your thirst and all the festive nibbles you need. Julie Killias (julie@vulaafrika.com) is ready to make your Christmas and corporate gifting that much easier.
There's something magical about watching a brand grow from the first sketches to fully formed designer item. Having known Sally Chapman of Chapman Collection since childhood, I know the passion that goes into all she does. Now producing the finest silk scarves and a variety of other linen products. She's the one to watch and certainly get in there whilst the demand is still steady. From wall papers to cushions, to silk scarves and designer handbags; Sally will have it for you. Local really is lekker!
Is there anything more beautiful than a well made ceramic jug, or plate, or vase? I'm a firm believer that Colin Braye of Vorster & Braye Ceramic Design is one our heroes of the city. His talent is colossal and his designs modern and stunningly beautiful. These ceramic pieces are works of art that you can use. Long Street has never had it so good.
Most of us have never heard of the Scherpenheuvel Valley. And that's forgivable. However, as a keen cook, I make it my point to preach the virtues of decent olive oil. One of our very best is Rio Largo. Nestled between Robertson and Worcester, lies the home of one of the most beautiful products. Award winning, and great value is what you can expect from Brenda and her team. The beautiful packaging makes it even more attractive as the perfect gift that will travel well.
Support
We all love giving. It's what makes most of us truly happy. And as we give thanks to our president for opening the country to the world again. And as we explore this country as tourists, there's a little we can do to make a difference.
I'm sure most of us have seen the little yellow and white cards on tables in restaurants around the country. StreetSmart is one of those charities that truly does good with so little. By adding a few rands to your bill at the end of your meal, you help feed a hungry fellow South African, educate a street child and provide skills and training. So next time you see the sign, give a little. (www.streetsmartsa.org.za)
Another organisation that is close to my heart is one which most will not have heard of but one which day in and day out is reaching out to a community deep in the township of Fairylands in Paarl. Butterfly House is a beacon of hope where the community centres around it's precious children. Education, nutrition, health and general wellbeing of the little ones is what drives the founders and team of this community resource centre. Read their story and pledge your support. (www.butterflyhouse.co.za)
You might be left wondering why I spent so much time suggesting places for international travelers to visit on their next stop in South Africa. In all honesty, I did this all for you the South African traveller. These are places and brands I hope you will embrace. That you will cherish so that when your international friends come to our shores, you will be able to lead them there. It's all for you South Africa. All for you. Now don't disappoint me. Click away and make your bookings and support local. It's our time to shine right here at home. You're welcome!
Yours,
AN
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