Twenty-seventh Edition // December 2013
Featuring Aleit Wedding Coordination Aleit Events
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THE OPENING TWENTY-SEVENTH EDITION – DECEMBER 2013
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EVENTS & WEDDINGS CHAMPAGNE FESTIVAL IMN DINNER
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GUSTAAF BOSHOFF INTERVIEW WITH THE HEAD CHEF OF STIR FOOD
ACTION CRICKET RIA & NADEEM
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FEATURES CLARE WIESE’S CHRISTMAS
GIFT GUIDE
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IN CLOSING
TO END IT OF
INDEX // 3
OPENING //
THE OPENING Twenty-seventh Edition – December 2013
This year has been one incredible year once again. The passing of late former president, Nelson Mandela, brought not only the country, but the world to a standstill. Giving a moment of respect in silence to him, I remembered William Ernest Henley’s poem as quoted from the movie, Invictus:
“Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeoning’s of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”
I hope we all will gain from this, the inspiration and courage to tackle yet another year and make it your own. Wishing everyone a great festive season.
Hans Roosenschoon Director - The Aleit Group
Photographer : Joe Photography
THE OPENING // 5
Photographer : aMedia
EMPLOYEE |GUSTAAF BOSHOFF //
FEATURING GUSTAAF BOShOfF On a lovely sunny day we had the chance to sit down and have a chat with the charismatic head chef of Stir Food, Gustaaf Boshoff. As the head chef of one of SA’s top catering companies it is always a challenge to find a few free minutes in Gustaaf’s schedule but he granted us some time. Glass of wine in hand, we chatted to him to see what makes him tick. What made you decide to pursue a career as a chef? A love for cooking at a young age with both my Mother and late Grandmother, being brilliant cooks themselves. I grew up licking out the chocolate cake mixing bowls while standing on my little chair next to my Mother in the kitchen. Not to mention a great passion for travel and adventure. Before joining Stir Food you travelled quite extensively, tell us a bit about your previous culinary adventures. They started at the Michelin starred Bohemia in Jersey, Channel Islands. Working alongside French chefs and sommeliers I secured a position at Byblos Hotel in St Tropez, although this was short lived, as travelling on the beloved ‘green mamba’ (South African passport) is never a breeze. Not wanting to accept defeat and return home, with my adventures only starting, I managed to muscle my way into Dubai at the peak of its boom which made for many interesting encounters and experiences. After gaining experience in private cheffing on the superyachts, travelling the world to exotic locations became my ‘norm’. These were the most invaluable life and cheffing experiences I could have ever dreamed of; Visiting fresh food markets, haggling over prices for fresh fish and lobster with the locals, picking fresh vanilla pods in Tahiti and me and my Yemeni taxi driver eating fish and rice with our hands. I consider myself very lucky to have visited 6 continents, cooking and learning more about my passion for food and life. What is your favourite recipe/ dish for this time of year? Lets start with my favourite cocktail, for those who don’t know me, I love a drink! Crushed watermelon
and Grey Goose Vodka with a hint of mint. Summer time means seafood and tropical notes for me. Fresh crayfish dusted with masala, roasted on open coals at the beach with a refreshing mango salsa and salad. A glass of cold Iona Sauvignon Blanc 2012 pairs with this dish brilliantly. What have been some of your highlights at Stir Food? This years’ highlight would have to have been the Nederburg Auction as it is such a prestigious event and we got to show off true ‘Stir style’ with our live food stations. Another favourite is the Annual Champagne Festival at Summerplace in Gauteng. Although the breathtaking Aleit Weddings with 7 course degustation menus are always a highlight. You are incredibly busy with Stir Food, especially now with the season starting. What do you do in the little spare time you have? Any spare time I get, I spend with my beautiful daughter Briah and my better half, Kylie. If you weren’t an award winning Chef, what career would you see yourself in? Porn star, for sure. Or a professional surfer. You are well known as one of South Africa’s top chefs, do you find yourself cooking at home as well or do you leave that to your beautiful other half, Kylie? Kylie definitely does most of the cooking. After cooking and tasting hundreds of different ingredients it’s so nice to come home to a simple, tasty home cooked meal.
EVENTS |CHAMPAGNE FESTIVAL //
CHAMPAGNE FESTIVAL The Champagne Festival is one event that the whole events team always really look forward to. This is the event where all your favourite things get together to create the perfect event. Glamorous décor, stylish guests and lots and lots of French Champagne. The recipe for the event of the year. This was the 14th annual Champagne Festival, but was the first one to be held in the evening… A night under the stars. Guests were received with a red carpet welcome, where all the event essentials were given, most important, your first glass of French bubbles. Upon entering the venue, a paparazzi wall with a million flashes welcomed guests into this star studded event. As guests entered the tasting area, 26 of France’s best champagne houses offered their little piece of heaven to each guest. The official champagne presentation ceremony took place with trumpets announcing the opening of the festival. Jo-Ann Strauss did the official opening as the MC of the event, informing guests about the magic of the evening ahead. Canapés and bowl food added mouthwatering aromas as they circulated under the bedouin tent where guests relaxed with their personal favourite glass of champagne. Canapés included: Foie Gras Parfait served in mini cornets with Champagne & Apricot Relish; Pear & Roquefort Cheese Spring Rolls with Green Fig Preserve; Duck Terrine with Cherry Compote and Gruyere Choux Buns with a Smoked Salmon Mousse just to name a few. Stir food’s ‘braai’ station consisting of Chateaubriand served with pomme pont neuf, truffle aioli, béarnaise & watercress, had guests coming back for more. As the event drew to a close, guests left with a feeling of satisfaction, with the last bubbles still lingering in their mouths. EVENTS // 11
EVENTS |IMN DINNER //
IMN DINNER The IMN dinner is the dinner where the events team get to take the leading trends of the year and incorporate them into the décor of this exclusive dinner. This year the dinner was held at the most expensive property in South Africa, The Pentagon. With breathtaking ocean views on the one side and majestic mountain views on the other, this venue ticked all the boxes. With emerald green being the pantone colour of the year, we decided to use it as an accent colour to the dinner. Gold is huge this year, so after seeing the larger than life gold BASSA portrait of Nelson Mandela on the wall, we knew that that was going to be the inspiration for the décor. Guests arrived via shuttle where they were greeted by a Jazz Trio, who kept them entertained as they waited for the lift. Upon exiting the lift, they were welcomed by a Champagne tasting on the mountain facing lawn underneath a bedouin tent. With bubbly in hand, guests made their way to the poolside veranda overlooking the dramatic clouds hanging over the ocean view. Guests were then treated to a culinary ensemble with a champagne pairing. Starters consisted of West Coast Rock Lobster and Scallop Ceviche with Avocado Sorbet, Pineapple and Vanilla perfectly paired with Gosset NV Brut . The Main course that had everyone asking for more was Lamb Nicoise with Broad Beans, Tomato, Provencal Veg and Rosemary Jus complimented by Ruinart Millesime Brut Rosé NV. To end of the feast the Chocolate Beet Cake consisting of Candied Beet, Raspberries, Lime Parfait, Plums, Grape Soup and Gooseberries went down just as well as the Taittinger Nocture (Sec) that was paired with it.
EVENTS // 19
EVENTS | ACTION CRICKET //
ACTION CRICKET Indoor cricket is a fast and action paced version of the original game, and this year’s Annual Action Cricket event was just that! Over 200 players and their spectators joined in on an evening of high speed bowling, hits and misses and even a little ducking here and there. The 20 teams, each aptly named after their departments such as “The Treasurey Executioners” and “Legal Bombers”, played each other over a series of 52 games on the night, eliminating each other until one team came up on top. In between all the action, the energetic Blue Bulls Cheerleaders created hype with courtside cheers and dances, while the cool and suave DJ MacGyver from Highveld Stereo played upbeat tunes from the DJ booth overlooking the arena. From the outdoor area, delicious and tempting smells were wafting throughout the venue and Chef Franz and his team from Franz Catering delighted all when he served a scrumptious spit-braai alongside mouthwatering side dishes. Thank you to the lovely husband-and-wife team from Creative Emporium who were there – literally inside the nets – to shoot every hit, every bounce and every catch in high speed.
EVENTS // 25
WEDDINGS | RIA & NADEEM //
RIA & NADEEM THE CONSERVATORY How did you experience your wedding day? The wedding day was amazing! One can never fully enjoy their own wedding day as much as the guests do, but having looked at the videos and photos, you realise that there were a lot of things that we did not see, yet our guests experienced. The attention to detail was impressive and the threat of rain and cold did not stop the Aleit team from putting together an event that will never be forgotten. Absolutely fantastic! How did you meet? We met at a social event in the United Arab Emirates What was your best moment of the day? Walking into our reception dinner and seeing how beautifully it had been set up was absolutely awe inspiring. Something good or great about us :) The fact that you can deliver the perfect wedding that is different from what the rest of the wedding planners out there deliver. An event which is royal, playful, chic, young, old‌ one that caters for everyone. What advice would you give to other Bridal couples tying the knot soon ? Planning a wedding is not easy, it can be quite stressful and as you get closer to your wedding day a lot of plans change. Work with these changes, it makes the planning process more enjoyable. Or better yet‌just leave it to your wedding planners to organise the entire event.
WEDDINGS // 35
Three days of detailed execution, four venues and one special couple culminated in one of the most memorable wedding experiences. The celebrations commenced with a festive pre-wedding braai hosted in the gardens of the beautiful La Cle de Montagne in Franschhoek. Guests were entertained by the vibrant sounds of Manouche while enjoying a traditional lamb spit braai. The wedding day followed, with a gentle spring drizzle creating an intimate mist around the ceremony. The ceremony took place in the manor house garden of the gorgeous Grande Provence, with a crisp white Bedouin tent framing the beautiful white floral covered gazebo. Pre-dinner followed inside the gallery, where guests enjoyed the stunning art on display whilst indulging their senses in the mouth watering canapés. Guests were then shuttled to The Conservatory, where an opulent dinner awaited them, dressed beautifully in flowing floral décor, gorgeous fabrics, and a spectacular cheese cake display. After an incredible dinner guests partied into the night, dancing into the early hours of the morning. After all the celebrations came to an end, guests returned to their residences to prepare for the post-wedding event – another exciting post wedding barbeque, this time in the manor gardens of La Cle de Montagne. Guests socialized deep into the night once again, bringing an end to a beautiful wedding.
WEDDINGS // 35
FEATURES
...and now for a little Christmas shopping
Photographer : aMedia
FEATURES | CLARE WIESE’S CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE //
CLARE WIESE’S CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
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We asked the well-traveled Clare Wiese, owner of luxury online store Sloane & Madison (www.sloaneandmadison.com) and lifestyle blogger at The Global Critic (www.theglobalcritic.com), to inspire us with gorgeous gift ideas and stylish stocking fillers.
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The Rachel Zane Necklace: This best-selling necklace by Sloane & Madison Fine Jewellery consists of a delicate cognac diamond pendant and a hammered gold vermeil disc on 9ct gold chains. It adds easy glamour to any outfit, day or night, and it’s one of my personal favourites. Price: R3, 750.00. Stockist: sloaneandmadison.com
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Personalised Diamond Necklace: Nothing is more intimate or romantic than receiving a personalized piece of jewellery. Have your other half’s favourite lyrics or your children’s names engraved onto this gorgeous Rose Gold Vermeil & Diamond Necklace by Sloane & Madison Fine Jewellery. Price: R4, 995.00. Stockist: sloaneandmadison.com
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Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Diffuser: This particular scent is absolutely intoxicating and lends a fresh yet warm ambience to any space, and the packaging is to die for. Price: From R700.00 Stockist: Jo Malone stores (Cape Town & Johannesburg)
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A Professional Makeup Lesson: It’s no secret that a girl feels her best when she looks her best! Spoil her by buying her a tailor-made makeup lesson by Gorgeous2Go, the fabulous new mobile makeup company consisting of top international makeup artists including Renee De Wit and Daleen Stewart. Price: R650.00 Contact: gorgeous2go.co.za
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Bobbi Brown’s Shimmerbrick Bronzer: This must-have makeup product has been my go-to highlighting bronzer for years. Every girl looks better with a bit of colour on her cheeks and this Bobbi Brown gem adds shimmer in just the right places. Price: Approximately R600.00 Stockist: Edgars
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Eva Solo Orchid Pot: I love this orchid pot for being both pretty and practical, making having orchids in your home a charm, not a chore. Price: R745. Stockist: yuppiechef.com
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A Vix Bikini: Add luxury to lazy days spent soaking up the sun by spoiling her with a designer bikini by this Brazilian brand, stocked on Net-a-porter.com. Price: R2, 999.00 Stockist: Periquita, 206A Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
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A Luxury Christmas Cake By Catherine Schmolke: I simply love the culinary traditions of Christmas. This year, treat her to an artisanal fruit cake, doused with vintage brandy and wrapped in traditional cheesecloth by chef Catherine Schmolke of Cucina Magica, formerly of awardwinning London restaurant, J Sheekey. From 275.00 for small cakes Stockist: Superette, 66 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, Enmasse (enmasse.co.za) or email cmschmolke@gmail.com to order.
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Kiehl’s Crème De Corps: There’s a reason why this legendary body cream has been used by A-listers and high society for decades. No other body moisturizer softens skin like this product does! Price: Approximately R240.00 Stockist: Edgars
Bespoke Jewellery: If you’re planning a serious spoil this year, bedazzle her with dramatic chandelier diamond earrings or a contemporary rose gold and diamond eternity ring, made exclusively for her by Sloane & Madison Bespoke. Email customercare@sloaneandmadison.com for a complimentary design consultation and quote.
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FEATURES // 43
IN CLOSING //
TO END IT OFF I think anyone working within The Aleit Group definitely has a high craving for adrenalin, and judging by our team there is no shortage this season. As we are coming to the close of this very successful yet challenging year our event coordinators are slowly winding down after executing the prestigious year ends. These impressive events are hosted all over South Africa with our team flying to Port Elizabeth, Durban, Bloemfontein as well as Cape Town. The biggest yearend, our Johannesburg stop was postponed this year due to the incredibly sad passing of Madiba. We at the Aleit Group mourn the loss of our great leader and we strive to embody his incredible example in all we do. The wedding team are not resting on their laurels, they are busy hosting rehearsals, confirming rehearsal dinners, organizing various pre- and post wedding celebrations and of course, the wedding celebration itself. There will be no holiday for the project managers of Aleit Wedding Coordination…and they wouldn’t have it any other way! The Aleit Academy students are going on their summer leave shortly. Placements have been confirmed for next year, and there are quite a few international placements. What a joy and honour to be able to send such a dynamic and trendsetting bunch into the worldwide event industry. They will be enjoying their time with their families and friends as their year is now coming to a close. I will be quite sad not to have capable hands and creativity available for the next two months. Before their departure their biggest project ever was the coordination of The Aleit Groups’ annual year end celebration, the highlight on the Cape Town events calendar. I am sure you have all seen the photo’s shared all over Facebook, the entire evening was a runaway success. Well done guys, I was beaming on the night like a proud father! A Place interior and lifestyle situated on the picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate, the latest division the The Aleit Group is going from strength to strength. Without wanting to sound pessimistic, I am slightly concerned that our stock levels are at the lower end. My colleagues from A Place are flying all over to source new and exciting stock, not readily available throughout South Africa. The Interior section is also doing exceptionally well, Jacob Crafford-Burger is currently redoing five trendy apartments in De Waterkant, Somerset West, Midrand and all over the country. As for myself, as always I am embracing the festive season…my favourite time of year! I will be hosting my annual Christmas celebration at my home, setting a table for 40 guests…a celebration of note with my closest friends and family. I wish all our loyal readers a blessed festive season, be thankful, enjoy it to the fullest extent, and be safe. Kindest Regards,
Aleit Swanepoel CEO / Founder - The Aleit Group
Merry Christmas!
Photographer : FotoBros.
THE CLOSING // 41
SERVICE PROFESSIONALS EVENTS CHAMPAGNE FESTIVAL Cooling Trucks Decor & Furniture Bedouin Tent Sound & Lighting Hiring Venue & Waiters Videography Registration Stationery Photography Waiters & Champagne Pourers Master of Ceremonies Catering
Chilling Affairs A Place Nomadik Presentation Staging Gideon’s Summerplace aMedia A-Tek aMedia Creative Emporium Black Jack Jo-Ann Strauss Stir Food
IMN DINNER Chefs Sound & Lighting Registration Coffee Station Flowers & Decor Jazz Trio Hiring Videography Shuttles Bar & Staffing
Stir Food Presentation Staging A-Tek CoffeeRight Floral Affairs Gary Deacon Top Table aMedia MK Exotics Shake n Serve
ACTION CRICKET Venue Catering Hiring Photography DJ Sound & Lighting Cheerleaders Staffing Safety & Security
Sandton Action Sports Franz Catering Funxion Fusion Table Cloth Hiring Creative Emporium DJ MacGyver DNGPS Blue Bulls Girls - NB Dance Black Jack Events Eyethu Events
SERVICE PROFESSIONALS WEDDINGS RIA & NADEEM Floral DĂŠcor Wedding Cake Bar & Staffing Catering Reception Venue Pre- & Post-Event Venue AV, SOund & Lighting Decorative Lighting Hiring Tablecloths Hiring Hiring Hiring Stationery Minister DJ Photographer Videographer Music Jazz Duo Band Hair & Make-Up Bedouin Tent
Elle Fleur Nelle Cakes Shake & Serve Stir The Conservatory Grande Provence La Cle da Montagne DNG Presentation Staging Tope Table Tablecloth Hiring Co Exclusive Hire Classy Hire La Maison Secrect Diary Rev Kevin Piet Joe Photography Missing Piece Productions Aleit Music Gary Deacon Manouche Alicia Buckle Nomadik