Joburg Style Issue 33

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Design THE

ISSUE

JOBURG DEFINED Fashion, flavours, sights & sounds

... AND BEYOND. GERT-JOHAN COETZEE WAS ALWAYS DESTINED TO BE MORE ELABORATE THAN HIS LITTLE BEIGE HOME TOWN

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Contents Features 18

The GJC Effect Julia Rice chats to Gert-Johan Coetzee about expecting the unexpected, breaking free and his love of bubbly

22

Downtown Design We take a look at some great local design creations hand-painted on Joburg’s storefronts from Ontdekkers Road to the city centre

33

World, meet Africa Local design, in all its shapes and forms, is causing a positive ruckus overseas. Anne Dolinschek explores some local brands

38

Little Mogadishu Joburg’s Little Mogadishu in Mayfair is just four blocks wide and six time-worn blocks long, but, for the local Somali community, it’s a whole world

50

On Harleys in heels Leather and glamour dominate the fashion for the female bikers of Joburg

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28 73 60 56

Regulars 14 16 28 44 56 60 69 73 78 84

Editor’s letter and contributor’s page RSVP Essential Fashion MaXhosa MaDesign What better way to celebrate design than by showcasing the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa?

Cool District Joburg aficionado Jo Buitendach uncovers some of Melville’s best bars, eateries, party spots and retail spaces Décor What the flush? In today’s modern homes, the bathroom – in particular the master bathroom – is transitioning into a sanctuary Food 4 Chefs + 4 Dishes = 8 Joburg Originals JBar Bubbly & Beer International Travel Get ready for the roller coaster ride of your life in Las Vegas Local Travel The Big Hole forms but a small part of the Northern Cape’s intrigue Travel Snippets Wine, dine, stay and play

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JList 89 95 99 102 107 111 115 119 123 127 128

Diary What to look forward to in Joburg over the winter months Gauteng Day Trips A trio of very different shopping options as well as some exciting places to visit Designer Stores Live Wi-Fi Spots Fireplace Dining Chic Shebeens Seafood & Sushi Winter Markets Kids The Last Word 10 Minutes With Alexander Fine Attire

SANDTON

Tel 087 940 3880 / 011 884 8888, sandton@signaturerestaurant.co.za Morningside Shopping Centre, Rivonia Rd BROOKLYN

Tel 012 941 1277, brooklyn@signaturerestaurant.co.za 570 Fehrsen Street, Brooklyn Bridge

www.signaturerestaurant.co.za

EDITOR Julia Rice | julia@ballyhoomedia.co.za SENIOR DESIGNER: ART DIRECTION Justine Kerr | justine@ballyhoomedia.co.za JUNIOR DESIGNER Lucy Nkosi | design@ballyhoomedia.co.za COPY EDITING & PROOF READING Lynne Yates & Loren Shirley-Carr FOOD EDITOR Leila Saffarian CONTRIBUTORS Anne Dolinschek, David Gillson, Graeme Wyllie, Jenna Ungar, Jessica Hunkin, Jo Buitendach, Jono Wood, Oratile Mashazi, Paul Westgate, Salym Fayad, Sharon Preston, Steven Macbeth, Sulaiman Philip, Tim Hulme, Zara Briner COVER & FEATURE DESIGN Steven Macbeth PHOTOGRAPHY Tim Hulme MAKE-UP Jenna Ungar COVER STAR Gert-Johan Coetzee PUBLISHER Gina Borthwick | gina@ballyhoomedia.co.za ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Janine Borthwick | janine@ballyhoomedia.co.za MANAGING DIRECTOR Eric Bornman

SALES Clinton Thomas, Mbali Radebe, Siyabonga Mbonambi, Vhula Bamuza FINANCIAL MANAGER Anup Govan DISTRIBUTION ON THE DOT | Mashudu Mufhadi PUBLISHER Ballyhoo Media: A division of Ballyhoo Trading Company Reg No 2007/207595/23 14 Sixth Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2193 PO Box 3125, Parklands, 2121 Tel: 086 111 4626 Fax: 086 670 6429 PRINTED BY CREDA

Joburg Style is published quarterly by Ballyhoo Media. Opinions expressed in Joburg Style are not necessarily those of Ballyhoo Media. No responsibility can be accepted for errors, as all information is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. Copyright subsists in all work in this magazine. Any reproduction or adaptation, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publishers is strictly prohibited and is an act of copyright infringement that may, in certain circumstances, constitute a criminal offence.

GOLD 2014

GOLD 2014

Editor’s Letter

C

offee. Deadline’s warm, confident, pick-you-up-when-you’re-down friend. I only recently acquired a taste for coffee; by recently, I mean about six months ago. Before then, I’d have a decaf every now and then (cue in shock and horror from coffee connoisseurs). But now my coffee game is on point (okay, I like my weak single lattes, thank you very much) and early mornings are so blasé; I mean I could get up at 4.30am if I had the urge.

So, welcome to our Design Issue. I really love this issue. Why? Well firstly, we’ve bulked it up a bit with some extra pages because we like to treat you every now and then, and secondly, the design and

creative talent we have in this country is phenomenal, starting with our cover star Gert-Johan Coetzee. From small town tailor to big time fashion designer extraordinaire, Gert is a force to be reckoned with (oh, and his cover star cat Ella is pretty regal, too).

For our Photo Essay, Jessica Hunkin takes us on a tour of Joburg’s locally designed, hand-painted storefronts and our Fashion focuses on the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa, Laduma Ngxokolo’s black and white unisex knit shawl. Writer Anne Dolinschek explores local design talents who’ve made it big internationally for our Big Read feature.

Melville is on the up and up, says Jo Buitendach in this issue’s Cool District and we go deep into Joburg’s Somali community living in Mayfair in our Kulcha piece. Photographer Jono Wood is our eye into the world of Soweto’s female bikers in our Subculture feature.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas… right? International travel is a non-stop roller coaster ride through party capital Las Vegas (where coffee is essential, by the way) and, back home, the Northern Cape has many a gem to offer. Intrigued yet? JList is bursting at the seams yet again with where to go, what to do, what to eat and where to play in this fabulous city of ours. Here’s a taste: Free Wi-Fi spots to eat at and work in all day, chic shebeens, designer stores, sushi

and seafood, what to do with the kids, live music and entertainment, and cosy dining at restaurants with fireplaces.

It’s been another incredible team effort. So, till next time, keep warm; it’s going to be a very chilly one.

Like us on Facebook Joburg-Style, follow us on Twitter @joburgstyle and Instagram @joburgstyle

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CONTRIBUTORS

Food stylist, writer, food editor and blogger Pages 60 – 67 Leila spends her days styling for both editorial and advertising shoots, cookbooks and saying lots of things related to food on her blog. A former Capetonian who’s very proud to say she’s been adopted by Joburg, she produced and styled our food feature.

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SALYM FAYAD

Reporter and photographer Pages 38 – 41 From Bogota, Colombia, but based in Joburg, Salym has worked in sub-Saharan Africa covering music and popular culture, migration and human rights, and the management of cultural exchange projects. He shot our Kulcha feature on Joburg’s Somali community.

STEVEN MACBETH

Creative director Cover & cover feature Steve is a freelance creative who believes in engineering and finessing each work until it achieves not a ‘yes,’ but a ‘WOW’. This is often best done as a collaboration or after a surf on the Cape coast. He designed our amazing Gert-Johan Coetzee cover and cover feature.

Editor’s picture Channay Harvey

LEILA SAFFARIAN

JS Scene

From left Beverley Clark, Krynauw Nel

RSVP ESSENTIAL WHAT RSVP PRIVATE MEMBERS CLUB WHERE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL THE WESTCLIFF WHO JOBURG’S ELITE

Joburg Style recently had the pleasure of joining RSVP Essential Members Club for a private dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff.

We dined at the Cellar Door, one of the most intimate private dining experiences in the city, and the perfect backdrop to RSVP’s purpose; building good old-fashioned relationships in business, one meaningful conversation at a time. The Club was founded last year by Louise Mowbray to deliver a relaxed, intimate platform for people at the top of their game in business, politics, the arts, entertainment and philanthropy. The club hosts quarterly private events for members and invited guests.

From left Louise Mowbray, Lee Den Hond

To attend a dinner or to join the club, contact Louise directly louise@rsvpessential.com From left Greg Goeller, Mpho Mosimane, Mark Kalil

From left Veronica King, Lumka Gallant

Themba Mthombeni

www.jhafrika.co.za - JStyle 06/2016

Design THE

ISSUE

THE

Cover Profile

Small town boy. Big dreams.

Growing up in off-the-beatentrack town Koster fuelled fashion designer extraordinaire Gert-Johan Coetzee’s desire to succeed, something we’ve seen with Benoni-born Charlize Theron, too. Julia Rice chatted to him about expecting the unexpected, breaking free and his love of bubbly

EFFECT hile waiting to chat to Gert-Johan, his assistant brings me water in a champagne glass served on a silver tray. “Oh, that’s fancy!” I remark. “Yes, we like to add a bit of swag here,” she replies, setting the tone for the next couple of hours. Gert is dressed in a casual jacket with a baseball cap covering his famous locks. “People often tend to think I’m very serious, but I’m no Mugatu from Zoolander, I’m actually really down to earth.”

What was it like growing up in a small town?

Growing up in an Afrikaans farming community, I was always the colourful one, and I remember having more things in common with the tannies who were sewing, the tannies who were baking and flower arranging, than I did with my own friends.

Growing up in a small town preserves you a little bit longer, it doesn’t expose you to as much as growing up in a big city would.

Where did your love for fashion come from?

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love fashion. I’d play with my sister’s dolls, dress them up and I’d even dress my pencils up in tissue paper. I remember going to weddings and being in awe of the bride and the whole drama and glamour that came with it. I didn’t know what a fashion designer was; I thought I wanted to become a seamstress because I wanted to make clothes. And then, when I was about 12, I realised there was such a thing as fashion design. Getting me to this point 19 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

Cover Profile was a whole community project. I remember running down the street asking this lady this sewing tip and that lady that sewing tip. My parents got to a point where they realised that if they weren’t going to buy me a sewing machine or fabric, then I was going to cut up a curtain.

I was seven years old when I got my first sewing machine. My dad took me to a fabric shop and I made my mom the most hideous navy dress – she didn’t wear it, but she loved it.

I started sewing clothes for my sister’s dolls, sewing things for my teddy bears, to a point where I was so much more into my hobby than I was into school. And it was when I was in Grade 6 that my parents decided to homeschool me.

‘IN A SEA OF BEIGE, I WAS ’ By age 16 I had my own business. I designed matric dance dresses for girls in the community. Back then, I had to bribe people to wear my dresses. It was during this time that my family and I questioned whether I should finish matric or go straight on to study fashion, because it was so clear I wanted to do this and, by then, I’d already been entering competitions on a school level, winning most of them. We decided on the latter and I headed to the North West School of Design, where they accepted me despite my age. As soon as I got there, I started winning competitions; best first year, best second year.

Then I won a couple of bigger competitions in the country, which led me to Sandy Ngema, the host of Strictly Come Dancing.

Sandy needed a designer for season four and five of the show and told me to pitch for the job because she really loved my work. I got it, and Rapid Blue and Strictly Come Dancing became my family. Sandy was amazing, she really launched me into the industry.

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Did you ever think about changing your name? For many years I was in two minds about it. However, before I could change it, I was already known. I think using my real name has been a blessing; it kind of makes me seem exotic to overseas people.

How have your designs managed to cross age and race barriers? Growing up I didn’t know the English or African markets. All I knew, and had, was my little Afrikaans box.

Then the English market and Sandy Ngema scooped me up, and they celebrated my design style. Having that crossover is something I have to thank my international design style for. When I design, I always try and take African fashion to the next level and really get it on a level to compete internationally.

I’ve travelled the world and I’ve seen what it takes to compete, and having that in mind is what’s giving me that crossover, and I love it.

When it comes to international designers, who inspires you? I am not really inspired by their clothes or what they put on the runway as such because we all get the same trends and work off trend reports. The advantages they have internationally, though, are the fabrics; they have fabrics we can only dream of. If I had to look up to somebody, I really love what Zac Posen does. I love how he started his business and what he stands for. I also think Vera Wang has a very good business ethic and I admire how she’s built her brand.

You’re only 27 and you’ve achieved what most people can only dream of. How does this feel? I don’t know how else it could feel. I’ve had this success from a very young age, so I kind of grew up with it. But also, I can’t comprehend being otherwise.

It’s my dream job. What brings you straight back down to earth is your family and close friends. I tell myself I’m doing this in Africa, in South Africa, and there’s the rest of the world out there.

Who would you love to dress? Charlize Theron. I think that would be the biggest and best South African collaboration to date. I’ve mentioned so many times how desperate I am to dress her. So here I go again: I want to dress you. Please contact me. Hint, hint.

What was your favourite colour growing up? Pink. I think it was a lot to do with growing up in a small town and trying to rebel against it, to show my true colours. In a sea of beige, I was pink Tell us about your hair. The big hair, blue hair in particular, came from the restrictions I had growing up, and then finally being able to find my feet and show the world who I

was. Growing up, when I closed my eyes and pictured myself, it was always elaborate. I love how my personal style has developed over the years. This is the third time I’ve done such a radical change. The hair definitely helped a lot in launching me into the industry.

I remember growing up watching E! Entertainment and this glamorous industry and just wishing and dreaming I could be part of it. I want people of the world to wear my clothes. I won’t stop until I get that right.

Growing up in a small town and having so many odds against you, having dyslexia, being gay, all those things fuelled my fire, my motivation to break free and do it. You live once and you really have to make the best of this lifetime.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do? Seeing a smile on the person’s face.

To see their spike in confidence when they put on one of my designs spikes my dopamine levels. I love making people feel good and look good – that’s my reward.

Do you ever think, ‘Am I good enough?’

Everybody worries whether they’re good enough. You have those days when you doubt yourself, and then you just try harder to outdo yourself again. I always worry about how I’m going to top what I’ve done. How will I be better?

When will you feel like you’ve made it? The day I’m better and bigger than Dior will be the day I’ll be able to say I’ve made it. As long as you have a healthy mind, you’ll never run out of ideas and things to do.

How do you stay ‘on’ all the time? Every morning when I wake up, I think, ‘how can I be the best possible version of myself today?’ It’s like training a muscle. It’s about always trying to be positive and, damn, it’s difficult to be positive. It gets easier though.

I try taking each day and making the best of it, and to be excited about things. If I’m having a bad day and my client has waited for months for an appointment, then they shouldn’t be disappointed. I always give the best of myself.

Where to from here? I’m launching my men’s underwear range in August. I’ve been working on it for three years. I also want to continue to have my brand accessible in stores and online.

I love how people in Pofadder can buy GJC online and have it delivered to their door. For the next five years I’ll be working on getting the product into more international hands.

I live by this quote by Maya Angelou: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude”

www.jhafrika.co.za - JStyle 06/2016

Available at GERI Mall of Africa & La Martina Mandela Square Sandton www.lamartina.eu

DO Design THE

ISSUE

WN

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TO WN DESIGN When art, design and advertising come together, the results are quirky and colourful. We take a look at local creations hand-painted on Joburg’s storefronts from Ontdekkers Road to the city centre Words & photographs Jessica Hunkin

Photo Essay

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Photo Essay

Driving along Ontdekkers Road and into the heart of Joburg’s CBD, you’ll pass numerous spaza shops (general convenience stores), car dealerships, barbers, butchers and restaurants adorned with their very own brand of art.

Outside spaza shops, in particular, the semi-realistic paintings depict popular items

that can be found within, like Lucky Star pilchards, Coca-Cola, Tastic rice and Sunlight dishwashing liquid.

Roadside barbers showcase the slick styles on offer, and outside an everything-cum-fishingsupply store, a grinning goldfish greets customers.

It gets stranger still. Outside a butcher

Photo Essay

towards the end of Ontdekkers, there’s a nononsense chicken standing proudly with its wings folded across its chest. Painted on the door of Funchal Cafe is a burger encased in a pasty bun with sauce oozing down the sides.

In Braamfontein, a woman painted on the wall of a hair salon (doubling up as an Internet

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cafe) has been given a voice by a passer-by at some stage, and now asks, “My G, where is my motor?” in black ballpoint pen.

Some of these photos originally appeared on the South African arts and culture website, Between 10and5

Stockist Enquiries: (011) 448 2210 www.titanwatches.co.za

Fashion

MaXhosa

MaDesign

Design THE

ISSUE

What better way to celebrate design than by showcasing the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa? Laduma Ngxokolo, founder and designer behind MaXhosa, earned the title at this year’s Design Indaba for his black and white unisex knit shawl boasting the characteristic Xhosa aesthetic the designer is known for. The shawl was designed as a part of his Autumn/Winter 2016 collection www.joburgstyle.co.za | 29

Fashion

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Fashion

Unmistakably ostrich.

Definitely Lorenzi.

Unquestionably you.

Big Read

Design THE

ISSUE

WORLD MEET From high end fashion to one-of-a-kind art and furniture pieces, local design, in all its shapes and forms, is causing a positive ruckus overseas. Anne Dolinschek explores some local brands

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ore often than not, when we think of the best and most luxurious brands worldwide, we seldom consider our own local talent. In truth, we have many international gems living among us and their products are making global waves, even being favoured by many celebrities and royals. Let us stand up. Look up. Take notice.

David Tlale

Many fashionistas covet the beautiful designs of David Tlale as they eye the carefully crafted pieces on local and international runways every season. David was awarded Fashion Designer of the Year in 2009 and was the first South African designer to showcase solo at the MercedesBenz New York Fashion Week in 2012.

As a child growing up in the township of Vosloorus, David was constantly surrounded by a community full of stylish people. “Everyone looked impeccable, especially on Sundays. Every week I looked forward to seeing what family, neigbours and the rest of the community would wear to church – I would admire their style.” Despite his obvious love for fashion, when David left high school, he enrolled for Internal Auditing at the Vaal University of Technology. The envy of seeing the fashion students around

campus became too much for him, and he eventually made the switch. I think I speak for everyone when I say we are glad he did.

In 2003, he won the Elle New Talent Search and his brand was formally established. This was just the start of his illustrious career, with many awards to follow, including The African Icon of Hope Award 2014 and Most Influential Designer in Africa 2015.

When asked to describe his label, David says, “It’s couture that embodies beauty without pretence and shuns harshness for poise, answering the call of today’s men and women for design that is young, bold and elegant.”

He is, however, not just about making beautiful things, but is also an ambassador for Change4ever, an initiative that aims to improve the poverty crisis we currently face in South Africa.

Pierre Cronje Fine Furniture

In the heart of the Western Cape, you’ll find the wonder that is Pierre Cronje Fine Furniture: bespoke, hand-crafted furniture.

Born in Graaff-Reinet, Pierre found woodwork fulfilling and continued with this hobby while studying Computer Science at the University of Cape Town. When he left university, he didn’t last long in the corporate world (10 days to be exact), and went back to study Civil Engineering – thinking he should have a conventional career. During this time his hobby evolved into restoring old Cape furniture and selling it at auctions.

He worked for four years as an engineer and finally decided to give it up and open his own business doing what he loved. That was 30 years ago.

His business started off small, like most do, with him restoring and making furniture. As Pierre worked with the materials, he got to know and to appreciate the proportions, patina and workmanship of antiques and eventually started

designing and making his own furniture.

Pierre Cronje Fine Furniture is known for its high quality products and the company’s strength lies in incorporating South African heritage into new designs to fit ever-changing modern lifestyles. In addition to this, he also offers hand-crafted custom architectural fittings and full-scope project management to his clients; this has also attracted local and international clients.

Today, Pierre employs 178 people, many of which are skilled craftsmen trained by him personally.

“Our biggest challenge is finding learners who have the potential to become artisans. Part of the problem is that woodwork is no longer taught as a main subject in schools. We go out of our way to find passionate designers and artisans who can meet our standards,” says Pierre when asked about recruiting.

One of the many things he is proud of is preserving the ancient skill of carpentry and passing this on to the younger generation.

Big Read

Zambezi Grace

Stuart and Deborah Brand are the couple behind the prestigious Zambezi Grace label.

With both having luxury hotel experience, they truly know how to provide indulgence to their consumers.

To understand why Zambezi Grace started, we need to go back to the 1960s, when the Binga Crocodile Farm was opened in Zimbabwe to re-establish crocodile populations in the wild. Hatchlings were brought up on the farm and released into the wild when they were six months old and able to fend for themselves. More than 10,000 crocodiles have been returned to their natural habitat to date and the population has increased fivefold. The farm is not only focused on conservation but also provides fair trade employment for over 400 families from the local communities.

A tannery was the natural next step for the couple, and was established in 2001 in Bulawayo. It is still flourishing as a worldclass tannery and supplies customers in Italy, Japan, China and America.

The Zambezi Grace brand followed hot on the heels of the tannery’s success, coming into existence in 2013. “We’re involved in every detail at every stage of production, giving us the ability to create something special. We were quite shocked that people www.joburgstyle.co.za | 35

loved our products when we started out and were willing to spend lots of money on it,” says Deborah.

The entire range is exclusively made from Nile crocodile, with leather lining made from other African game such as wildebeest. Nile crocodile is lightweight yet durable material, which makes Zambezi Grace items exquisite heirloom pieces.

From a rocky start getting their brand known amongst high end consumers, they now have impressive retail partners such as Charles Greig, Cape Grace and Out of Africa, to name a few.

Ardmore Ceramics

Ardmore Ceramics is the brainchild of Fée Halsted and came into being when she met and mentored Bonnie Ntshalintshali, daughter of their housekeeper, in 1985.

In 1990 Standard Bank awarded Fée and Bonnie jointly with the Young Artist of the Year Award in recognition of their artistic partnership. Receiving the award created a demand for their ceramics and Fée invited other local women to train at Ardmore. She imparted her artistic skills, which would in turn lead to them earning an income.

WE KNEW WE’D MADE IT WHEN CHRISTIE'S AUCTIONS COMMENDED ARDMORE ARTWORKS AS MODERN DAY COLLECTABLES Ardmore Ceramics is famous for its lively, exotic style and, at the time, it was ahead of the curve with its fired terracotta clay painted with materials such as boot polish and oven blackeners, among others.

In 2003, Fée established the Bonnie Ntshalintshali Museum in honour of her coartist, who sadly died in 1999.

With their 25th anniversary in 2010 came the launch of the Ardmore Design Collection, which included ceramic and non-ceramic products in the form of dinnerware, tapestries, furniture and fabrics for soft furnishing.

The artists at Ardmore Ceramics are given extensive training, materials, a studio and a guaranteed market for their work. They also have the support of a marketing and administrative team.

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Big Read

Artists from the studio have many awards to their names and some of the works not only have exhibited locally but also internationally at the likes of the Museum of Arts and Design in New York and the Museum of Cultures in Basel, Switzerland.

“We knew we’d made it when Christie's Auctions commended Ardmore artworks as modern day collectables. This was another step towards making the rest of the world aware of us, says Fée.

One of the brand's biggest achievements to date is when high end design house Hermés decided to collaborate on a design for one of their scarves.

Klein Karoo International Leather It is not just one person, or even a family, behind the Klein Karoo International Leather brand, but an entire community.

It originated when a farmer’s co-operative was established in the early 1900s to revive and rescue an almost extinct local ostrich industry. The ostrich trade soon saw a boom, which earned Oudshoorn the title ‘Ostrich Capital of the World’, but unfortunately there was a big slump again soon after. In 1945, more than a hundred local ostrich producers decided to establish the Klein Karoo Agricultural Co-operative. The ‘50s saw the ostrich market steadily recover and local producers soon realised their products were worth quite a bit and investigated the opportunity of supplying the world with more than meat, but also ostrich hide. It took a couple of years to find a professional tanner and convince potential buyers to take a risk on the fairly unknown material, but eventually they succeeded.

Klein Karoo International Leather grew from strength to strength and has been known to be used by a range of luxury brands including Hermès, Nina Ricci and Christian Dior. Ostrich leather is unique in appearance and strength, and is only available in small quantities. Not to mention that the material is also comfortable, durable and exotic. Although the brand turned 70 last year, its blue ostrich trademark is turning 22 this year and is an internationally recognised symbol of quality.

At the moment Klein Karoo International Leather offers a range of more than 50 colours and over 20 finishes. It is used for an array of products, including fashion garments and accessories, furniture, car upholstery, luxury luggage, brief cases, stationery and even golf bags.

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Little

Mogadishu Joburg’s Little Mogadishu in Mayfair is just four blocks wide and six time-worn blocks long, but, for the local Somali community, it’s a whole world. Familiar and strange Words Sulaiman Philip Photographs Salym Fayad

T

he name may evoke dust and lawlessness, but streets here are alive. “The only time you hear any disagreement,” says Ebrahim Ali, “is when my customers are arguing about who has earned the pleasure of paying the bill. It’s usually the first one to have sat down; everyone else is his guest in the argument.”

Hospitality is important in Somali culture, Mohammed, or Qaxwo, as he is better known, explains. He is owner of the Qaxwo Coffee Shop on Somerset Street and an elder in the Somali community.

Outside his coffee shop home-made stools offer respite from the bustle. Friends and associates gather through the day drinking strong Somali coffee (qaxwo) and talking.

Ebrahim speaks energetically in a sonorous voice. His clipped phrasing is reminiscent of Arabic and coloured with gauzy nostalgia. Surrounded by mementos and photographs of a stable Somali past, he talks about the importance of preserving the history for his children, all born outside Somalia. He talks of the shared history of the Somali and South African people. Of the country’s opposition to apartheid and support for liberation movements. In 1991, as South Africa was taking strides towards

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democracy, Somalia collapsed into civil war.

“All our history, our culture, it is being destroyed. It’s important to remember.

We were a nation of traders, of artists and craftsmen.” He dreams that his nation – he has not been home since 2000 – will one day put itself together again. “Sometimes I close my eyes to rest,” he laughs, “and my homesickness is there.” He takes a sip of qaxwo, strong and dark and bitter, “Home always lives on in your heart.”

Joburg has always been a city of migrants.

Cultures that have brought with them their regional cuisine and their enigmatic dialects.

Little Mogadishu is no different. The people pepper their tea and spice their food with familiar herbs. Somali cuisine is a familiar medley of flavours and influences. You will recognise Indian and Italian, Arabian and African flavours in meals served at restaurants like Kismayo, with names you have never heard of.

Like most restaurants here, it’s more

canteen than restaurant. The tables, few as there are, become communal by default.

At meals you will get drawn into lively conversations and asked to share and defend your stand. Stay. Have a cup of shaah – tea flavoured with cardamom, cloves and ginger – and enjoy the boisterous disagreements and eat the banana that comes with every Somali meal.

Kismayo is in the centre of Amal, the Somali shopping centre. Two floors of small businesses offering tastes of home or the opportunity to travel. The shops, uniformly cramped and run by women, hawk spices, incense, tea and coffee and oils. Best of all is the different varieties of Alindi fabric on show. The striped and brightly coloured handwoven Somali fabrics are displayed on racks and adorn the women. Amal is soundtracked by voices. The sound of marketplace haggling and laughter. Leave it behind. Turn right on 8th Avenue and you are strolling along the main drag of Little Mogadishu. The sound changes. Somali

JOBURG HAS ALWAYS BEEN A CITY OF MIGRANTS. CULTURES THAT HAVE BROUGHT WITH THEM THEIR REGIONAL CUISINE AND THEIR ENIGMATIC DIALECTS. LITTLE MOGADISHU IS NO DIFFERENT. THE PEOPLE PEPPER THEIR TEA

Kulcha

40 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

Kulcha

music, like its food and culture, is a fusion of traditional sounds and jazz and maqam (Arabic), Afrobeat and reggae. At this store, Sahra Halgan or Hodan Gabo is piped through tinny speakers, the next Walinja.

It’s difficult to argue that the Somali people are entrepreneurial as you walk along 8th Avenue. The street is lined with small stores offering travel, money transfers, clothing and snacks. Bright hoardings advertise the wares on sale inside each store. And the streets are clean – the Somali shopkeepers pay to have them cleared. Mohammed Jama watches the parade of neighbours stroll by, dodging erratic drivers, stopping to greet friends. His supermarket, Tawakal 2 – in Arabic, it means ‘trusting in God’s plan’ – is tightly stocked with dates from Saudi Arabia, Italian pasta and rice from India and Pakistan. Shelves creak under the weight of familiar products with unfamiliar names.

Mohammed is 29 and has been in South Africa since 2009. The oldest son, the breadwinner, he left Somalia to save his life and give his mother and siblings – still in Somalia – hope. “For dying there is a date and you can’t escape it. You can only live well.”

“There is freedom in South Africa. And safety to do business. This is why we love South Africa. And why we must learn from South Africans and teach.” Looking out on Little Mogadishu, he sees more than the geography. In the greetings, the scents and the colours of this street in Mayfair, he sees the echoes of his homeland. When he closes his eyes and recalls Somalia, Mohammed remembers stability. “Some days I stand here and I can imagine I am still at home.”

OPENING PAGE A busy Saturday afternoon in Hell Street LEFT Mayfair night and business life THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP A restaurant in Mayfair’s busy shopping centre, Amal • Mohamed Ali Abdallah, a communications officer under the government of Mohamed Siad Barre, spent several years in jail after the president’s overthrow in 1991 • A Somali family living in a shared room in Mayfair

Kulcha THINGS TO DO: • Visit the former Mayfair Bowling Club, which is now the soccer field for Little Mogadishu’s three youth football clubs.

• Go enjoy a weekend afternoon of amateur football and enjoy the passion of the Somali community, who love football as much as they do life.

• Enjoy the Doolshe – sponge cake richly spiced with cardammon – and a strong Somali espresso at Kismayo.

• Enjoy freshly squeezed fruit or vegetable juice (cucumber or carrot) at Qaxwo Coffee Shop on Somerset Street. Or sit in the shade of a traditional Somali tent and take it all in.

THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Memories. Pieces of Somalia wrapped in the cellophane sleeves of a pocket photo album • Travel agencies cater for Somali travellers, migrants and businesspeople moving back and forth between Joburg and East African cities • A Somali bride on her wedding day with the traditional henna on her arms and hands

These photos are part of a project called Metropolitan Nomads: a Journey Through Joburg’s Little Mogadishu, by Salym Fayad and Nereida RiperoMuñiz, supported by the African Centre for Migration and Society (ACMS).

42 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

Cool District

Joburg aficionado Jo Buitendach uncovers some of Melville’s best bars, eateries, party spots and retail spaces

Photographs Paul Westgate

M

elville has been at the epicentre of quirky Joburg for decades.

Known for its cool restaurants, bars and eclectic stores, many a Joburg resident has spent an afternoon idling the time away at one of the area’s street cafés, sundowner in hand. After a few rowdy years, this culturally vibrant area has recently cleaned up its raucous reputation, and is coming back with a bang, all the while holding on to its bohemian edge. With a number of new spots mixed in with some old favourites, it’s definitely time to pay Melville a visit.

If you’re looking for some revelry and to indulge in delicious fare, then Café Mexicho is definitely worth a visit. This fun spot is Joburg’s answer to a cantina, with brightly coloured walls, murals of Frida Kahlo, lots of tequila and some of the best icy margaritas in town. Café Mexicho offers some delicious favourites like ludicrously cheesy quesadilla, crunchy tacos and devilishly good chilli poppers.

80 4th Avenue | 074 775 9758

44 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

It may be a relatively new kid on the Melville block, but Turkish Shawarma and Grill is already making waves. This little slice of Turkey, set right in the heart of Joburg, is a great place to sample a large array of delicious delicacies: yummy meze from the sizeable meze bar, doner shawarma and iskender. Try some real Turkish coffee and sugary sweet baklava.

Cnr 7th Street and 3rd Avenue | 087 550 4036 Melville’s ‘it’ party places are sister venues and neighbours Hell’s Kitchen and La Santa Muerte. A little bit rockabilly, part hipster and totally cool, they are run by the folks who brought us the legendary Tokyo Star and Carfax, so they definitely know what they are doing. Restaurant by day, drinking hole by night; if you haven’t tried them yet, what are you waiting for?

Hell’s Kitchen | Shop 4 7th Street |www.hellskitchen.co.za La Santa Muerte | Shop 2 7th Street | 076 609 0383

Café Mexicho

Bookdealers Bookdealers is unquestionably a Melville institution. Famous for its array of second-hand books, this is a must visit for any bibliophile. There is a large selection of books to suit any taste, from fiction to cookery books and everything in-between.

You could definitely spend an hour or two searching for a favourite tome amongst the crowded shelves.

12 7th Street | www.bookdealers.co.za Café De La Crème is Melville’s answer to an old-fashioned tea room; a large, sun-filled corner shop with delightful cottage-style décor. It’s the kind of place where you can meet your mom for tea and a heart-to-heart. It serves some great light meals and breakfast, but really shine on the cookies and cake front. The baked cheesecake can be described in one word as amazing and the lemon polenta cake is completely scrumptious. Or, if you are in a rush, why not pop in to select an array of the homemade cookies to take home?

Corner 4th Avenue and 7th Street | 011 726 7716

AFTER A FEW ROWDY YEARS, THIS CULTURALLY VIBRANT AREA HAS RECENTLY CLEANED UP ITS RAUCOUS REPUTATION The Melville cool kids are flocking in their droves to Freedom Hair, an old school, barber type set-up www.joburgstyle.co.za | 45

Freedom Hair

Cool District

La Santa Muerte

The Countess

The Leopard

on 7th Street. This quirky spot does two things damn well: hair and coffee. The idea is that you get a trendy cut, style or colour, while enjoying a kick-ass cup of coffee. And for the guys looking to cultivate a sizeable beard, this should be your first port of call for advice, whiskercentric products and a trim.

Shop 2 | 7th Street | 082 339 2087

it’s pretty difficult to miss. Made entirely from used shipping containers, this unusual space is home to a few delightful boutiques, galleries and stores, and is the perfect place to pick up a gift for that special someone. A favourite is The Countess, an industrial steampunk inspired eatery. A great spot to grab a lazy breakfast on a Sunday; we recommend the eggs Benedict and a freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.

75 4th Avenue | www.27boxes.co.za

27 Boxes is the newest addition to the Melville landscape, and

www.joburgstyle.co.za | 47

Cool District

Cnr of 4th & 7th Street The Bamboo Centre is off the main Melville drag, but is definitely worth a visit. Service Station, a well-loved Melville restaurant, is crisp and bright, and serves some delicious breakfasts, lunches and tea time treats. It also offers a selection of gourmet foodstuffs from local providers. Located upstairs with a lovely view is the Great Eastern Food Bar. The food is fresh and original, and best enjoyed shared among a group of friends. The steamed buns and scallion pancakes must be tasted.

Corner Rustenberg and 9th Street Service Station | www.servicestationcafe.co.za, Great Eastern Food Bar | 011 482 2910 Many a Joburg epicurean can be found tasting the delights of The Leopard. Everything is freshly prepared and the menu changes according to seasonal availability. They take the provenance of their ingredients seriously; we are talking grain fed beef, free range poultry and sustainable seafood. If you know your food and are looking to have your taste buds tantalised, check it out ASAP. 63A 4th Avenue | www.leapordfoodcompany.com We may love living in the concrete jungle that is Joburg, but that doesn’t mean we don’t crave a little bit of nature every now and again, and Melville Koppies, situated right on the doorstep of lucky Melville residents, provides this much needed green lung. The Friends of Melville Koppies offer fantastic weekend hikes that take in rare indigenous plants, geology that dates back three billion years and some beautiful views. And for the dog lovers out there, they offer pooch specific hikes on the first Saturday of every month.

Melville Koppies Nature Reserve | www.mk.org.za 48 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

Café De La Crème

Hell’s Kitchen

www.jhafrika.co.za - JStyle 06/2016

Available at AERONAUTICA MILITARE: Protea Court Sandton City • Morningside Sandton GERI: Melrose Arch • Mandela Square Legacy Corner • Menlyn Pretoria • V&A Waterfront Cape Town www.geri.co.za

Subculture

Mzansi THE

ISSUE

50 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

R A LEY H N S O IN HEELS Leather and glamour dominate the fashion for the female bikers of Joburg. The City of Gold is not an archaic trope; it’s a disposition as these women offer a traditionally macho pastime a beautiful new face Words Oratile Mashazi Photographs Jono Wood

THIS PAGE Nelisiwe aka Star Lady is part of Soweto's Hoodratz MCC

Subculture

THIS PAGE Nail art and bling are all part of the biker world RIGHT PAGE FROM TOP The Hoodratz draw crowds wherever they go • Star Lady touching up her make-up • Busisiwe Sithole, aka Twin B, also forms part of Soweto's Hoodratz MCC 52 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

ngels on Bikes is a collective of all-women riders formed to build a sisterhood of female bikers. Most of the women belong to regional motorcycle clubs such as Soweto’s Hoodratz MCC. These strong women grace Joburg’s streets on their superbikes and cruisers, offering a refreshing reflection of the growing economic independence of urban African women and the diversity of experience available to women in the city.

Motorcycles are exhilarating, and bikers are a striking mixture of courage and composure.

While the impetus for biking varies among the ladies, the freedom of the open air and road drives them all.

“I am a biker for life, it’s my therapy,” says Star Lady, aka Nelisiwe. The Hoodratz MCC secretary fell in love with bikes over a weekend spent riding Harleys with her best friend on a trip to Bloemfontein in 2010.

“Biking is where I experienced true sisterhood. I remember a trip to Nelspruit I thought I might miss because I was a bit cash strapped and the ladies came together and sorted me out,” she adds, while reflecting on camaraderie in the female biking community.

Riding with the ladies is awe-inspiring; they obliterate expectation and misconceptions, their power capturing the attention of gobsmacked pedestrians who immediately begin to clap or blow kisses. My own prejudices about motorcycles were relegated the moment I mounted one and felt the speed, the adrenaline and the crisp wind; such sweet, scintillating liberation. Terror gripped me for a moment as I stepped up, but excitement and pure thrill followed. The open air and speed is totally addictive. It’s the most refreshing experience, and the leather pants and boots make it all the more potent.

The public perception around biking is shifting.

Subculture

While traditionally it was the stronghold of aged, bearded masculinity, it has become a part of modern celebrations and an inspiration to Joburgers, who respond with curiosity and excitement at the sight and sounds of the bikers. The positive response to the women on bikes from other women is heartwarming.

Twin B, aka Busisiwe Sithole, recalls a moment she had with an older lady who told her how she wished she had been a biker when she was younger, but time and circumstance did not allow. Twin B is a member of Soweto’s Hoodratz MCC and lost her husband, Barry, in a motorcycle accident in 2015, yet she continues to ride because it reconnects her with him. It may seem counter-intuitive that she would get back on the bike after such tragedy, but she met Barry at Hoodratz and the love of superbikes and speed is something they shared. “I was scared to ride after Barry passed, but I had to. I feel him with me when I ride,” she says peacefully.

Entering Busi and Nelisiwe’s homes offers a warmer perspective of Twin B and Star Lady respectively. Both women are mothers, and their biking is integrated into their social and community lives. “I’ve met so many different people through my riding and gained a community and better riding skills as well,” says Busi. “My neighbours

hate the noise, though,” she adds.

Nelisiwe is throwing her son a biker themed first birthday party and graciously invites me to the party, where she expects many from her club in attendance, just as support, “Bikers take care of each other; we don’t drive past a stuck biker and, if you’re hurt, the community will circulate a message to your family and do their best to ensure you get immediate medical attention”, she says.

THESE WOMEN FUEL THE ASPIRATIONS OF OTHER YOUNG WOMEN TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN INDEPENDENCE Women riding motorcycles in a society pervaded by inequality is a result of the political and economic agency gained by African women in Joburg.

These women fuel the aspirations of other young women to establish their own independence. And the sisterhood is growing and debunking myths of feminine fragility with every rally and ride. The skill and self-possession required to manage a motorcycle is handled with grace and elegance by these ladies, representing confidence and empowerment to all lucky enough to witness them.

For more pictures, visit

www.joburgstyle.co.za THIS PAGE FROM TOP Star Lady and her badges of honour • Trawling social media during one of their bike rallies

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Design THE

ISSUE

What the flush?

In today’s modern homes, the bathroom – in particular the master bathroom – is transitioning into a sanctuary. Therefore, design, comfort and quality play an important role. Make a splash with these top trends

THIS PAGE - GEBERIT Curbless showers blend into the bathroom configuration seamlessly

56 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

Décor

W

hether you’re a long, lazy bath lover or more of a quick in and out shower kind of person, the bathroom really is the one room in the house where you can enjoy some me time. Bathroom remodelling is trendy at the moment, and many homeowners are redoing their bathrooms to make improvements. A necessity, which has in turn become a trend, is water efficiency.

Geberit concealed cisterns are regarded as classic modern bathroom installations and have been installed a million times over around the world for over 50 years.

They are known for their Swiss quality and reliability. The Geberit Sigma concealed cistern has been re-engineered and is now more ergonomically designed, compact and easier to install due to its clever brackets. As a result of the multiple flushing volume options, it is water saving and carries the WELL label, catering for improved flush performance.

For those who don’t want to give up their baths, free-standing soaking tubs are the preferred bath of choice among 2016’s trendsetters. When it comes to colour, grey comes out on top. If plain grey or a combination of grey and white doesn’t excite you much, remember that grey can take on any other colour as an undertone. As a result, if you’re careful in contemplating the undertones of the specific paint colours you’ll be using in your colour scheme, you can combine grey with just about any other colour you might want to use in your bathroom.

Squares are a hot commodity in home décor, and they’re particularly well suited for use in bathroom décor; they are versatile shapes that work well in modern, contemporary and transitional bathrooms.

Geometric inspired square taps and fixtures are finding their way into master and guest bathrooms. Angular designs are making appearances in a variety of bath elements, including baths, showerheads and soap dishes.

It’s chic and trendy to roll up soft, colourful, luxurious bath towels and display them on open shelves in the bathroom. However, there are plenty of other things you can put on those open shelves if you prefer. Move over mosaics and slender subways, and make way for oversized tiles. Large format tiles have the benefit of creating a seamless spatial illusion, and they make cleaning a breeze with few or no grout lines. A trough sink is an extra long sink that’s big enough to serve both you and a significant other if you should both happen to be trying to

Photograph Coutesy of USM Modular Furniture

THIS PAGE - USM MODULAR FURNITURE Display towels and accessories on open shelves in the bathroom RIGHT Free-standing soaking tubs are the preferred bath of choice among 2016’s trendsetters

Décor get ready to go somewhere at the same time.

The latest trough sinks are styled to appeal to contemporary consumers and they offer outstanding style and functionality.

Nobody wants to trip over something on their way into the shower. Some of the latest shower designs eliminate built-in tripping hazards for a safer shower experience. In the past, it was typical to have your showerhead installed right over the bath, and you had to step over the side of the bathtub to enter the shower. While there’s still plenty of interest in this configuration, there are many homeowners who’ve abandoned this type of design in favour of curbless showers.

How about something completely different?

Add a piece of USM Modular Furniture to give your bathroom that quirky yet sophisticated edge. Modular furniture in timeless design; that’s the principle behind USM since its inception about half a century ago. USM offers furniture for home and office environments that is created from just a few basic elements.

It’s a tailor-made solution that can be expanded or reconfigured at any time. Each piece of furniture allows room for individual versatility and creativity. USM Furniture is available directly from Magicode in Joburg. www.geberit.co.za | www.magicode.co.za

e h f c s 4 h s i e d s 4 u b r o g j 8originals Joburg’s food scene has gone through a culinary revolution in the past few years.

Sourcing fresh and local produce from the ever-expanding food markets means Joburgers not only want good food, they expect it. You want it, we’ve got it Styling Leila Saffarian Photography Graeme Wyllie

Gareth Jordaan

CHEF 1

Design THE

ISSUE

Food

Micro herbs

and vegetables will provide an elegant feel to the finished plate

Gareth Jordaan, Executive Sous Chef The Medeo Restaurant at the Palazzo Gareth Jordaan places his own stamp on the food being served up at Medeo Restaurant.

Mediterranean flavours run deep throughout the menu, a style of cooking that Gareth himself loves. Bold, rich and complex flavours are what form part of the cooking style at Medeo, and Gareth is a big believer in that. Diners expect dishes to be well balanced, but enjoying a meal counts on more than just flavour – the dish has to look the part, too. Clearly, Gareth knows a thing or two about plating, as is evident in the gorgeous Braised Lamb Neck with Sweet Potato Purée, Butternut Salsa, Turnips and Carrots. A hearty winter meal never looked this good.

Plating a hearty dish with ease • Be organised, keep elements separate.

• Achieving a professional finish to a plated dish doesn’t have to be that hard: Ensure a clean smear of different purees by using the back of a spoon – creating beautiful, elegant and clean lines.

www.joburgstyle.co.za | 61

Marthinus Ferreira

CHEF 2

Food

dark colours

Plate food on a dark serving dish to make colours stand out and pop.

Marthinus Ferreira, Chef and Owner of dw eleven-13

Marthinus is no stranger to Joburg’s fine dining food scene. The restaurant is a reflection of Marthinus’s food philosophy and style – elegant, fresh, local and beautiful. Marthinus is known to run a tight kitchen and this reflects in the beauty and quality of the finished dish. Clearly

creativity runs in the family, as Marthinus tells us the painting hanging behind him for his portrait image was painted by his mother, using spring onion bulbs as the paintbrush. Could there be a more appropriate backdrop for our chef to pose in front of for our Design Issue? Marthinus was quick to wow us with his gorgeous dish – the epitome of local food design.

His Woodview Wagyu Beef with Peas, Artisanal Baby Carrots, Radish and Crispy Onion Rings can only be described as a

showstopper. Please, Marthinus, may we have some more?

How to create your own restaurant-savvy dish

• Source fresh, sustainable produce such as the wagyu beef Marthinus used in his dish.

• Keep the plate fresh and simple.

• Adding an element of crunch, such as the mini onion rings, gives a dish complexity and texture. www.joburgstyle.co.za | 63

James Diack

CHEF 3

Food

suppliers

Get to your know local and artisanal suppliers – butchers, bakers, fruit and veg suppliers.

James Diack, Chef and Owner of The National Joburgers in The Parks are no stranger to James Diack and his food philosophy.

The National has been keeping locals happy since it opened late last year – and we can tell why. With most of the ingredients being sourced from James’s family farm, Brightside, situated in the

Magaliesberg, the flavours are bold and pack a punch. The gorgeous interior of The National follows the philosophy of the food – clean, simple and fresh. James is well known for serving up incredible pork dishes and he didn’t disappoint us with his incredible dish.

How to get the most out of your ingredients and learn about the

provenance of your food

• Learn where your food comes from.

Ask how and where it was grown – as James says, “You have the right to know what you are eating and if the ingredients were treated with respect.”

• Take the time to learn about and understand the different cooking techniques for different types of food – it will make the world of difference to the finished dish. www.joburgstyle.co.za | 65

Martine Christian

CHEF 4

Food

Martine Christian, Executive Chef of Escondido Escondido has turned into one of those food spots that has customers returning week after week for its ever-changing tapas offerings. The generous tapas selection, craft beer, a wine cellar and a rustic, wooden interior all make for a dream food combination. Martine’s food philosophy is easy, “Keep it simple, keep it fresh and make sure it’s beautiful and delicious.” Martine tempted us with a selection of gorgeous tapas. The gravadlax salmon had us at hello…

Use Martine’s tips to help you create your own gorgeous Beetroot Cured Salmon Gravadlax Tapas

• Combine salt, castor sugar and grated beetroot.

• Place the beetroot mixture over a fillet of salmon. Rub over the entire fish.

• Place the salmon fillet in a non-metallic container, cover well with cling film and cure in the refrigerator for two days to ensure an even colour.

• Slice the gravadlax and serve with plenty of fresh micro herbs.

co

ns

mbinatio

Combine salt, castor sugar and grated beetroot

The wining & dining doyenne

It’s time to charge your glasses as the much-fêted Juliet Cullinan Standard Bank Wine Festival returns for the 26th year with talks, tastings and some of the industry’s biggest names from 12 to 14 July at Summer Place.

The eponymous Juliet Cullinan handpicked just 55 producers to showcase their best vintages at the most exclusive, longest running wine event in the country.

Juliet, recognised as the Contessa of Cultivars, created this unique marketing platform to recognise and acknowledge the skills of talented individual winemakers.

What’s more, we’re thrilled to announce this member of fine dining royalty will be our guest Food Editor in the next issue of Joburg Style. Juliet expects this year’s event to be the best yet. www.joburgstyle.co.za | 67

JBar

BUBBLY

&

BEER Locally made bubbly and designer Belgian beers to rival the absolute best in the world

1

It’s winter, so even more reason to warm the cockles of your heart with a tall glass of sparkling bubbles or mug of blonde, dark, pale, you name it, ale.

BLACK ELEPHANT VINTNERS BRUT MCC A Robben Island native, an ex stock broker and an elephant walk into a bar… What do you get? Black Elephant Vintners & Co. These seriously fun winemakers, based in Franschhoek, launched their first bubbly, Black Elephant Vintners Brut MCC, last year. “MCC is becoming quite a force in this valley,” says co-founder, former Joburg finance guy, Kevin Swart. “It’s a dark horse in this valley that we’re not pushing enough.”

Kevin explains their MCC making process: Our Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut MCC is made from two vineyards growing in the Franschhoek valley. The blend comprises 75 percent Chardonnay and 25 percent Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes are harvested on the same day and chilled overnight in our cold room. All our fruit is hand-picked in the early morning and handled reductively to preserve the integrity of the fruit. A light

whole bunch pressing according to the traditional champagne method is followed by two days of cold settling to clarify the juice. A maximum of 500l/ton is recovered at this stage. The juice is inoculated with selected champagne yeast to enhance freshness and elegance in the base wine.

Fermentation lasts for 14 days at 15°C. One year of full lees contact is allowed post fermentation to add richness and texture to the wine. After 12 months in the tank, the base wine is stabilised and bottled for second fermentation under crown cap.

This fine wine spent 16 months in bottle before disgorging.

The tasting notes are a classic blend of Chardonnay (75 percent) contributing fruit and elegance and Pinot Noir (25 percent) for complexity and length of flavour. There are light yeasty aromas and tones of citrus, fresh picked red apples with rich creamy complexity and cherries on the palate.

The exceptionally fine mousse contributes freshness and finesse. www.joburgstyle.co.za | 69

GRAHAM BECK CUVÉE CLIVE What’s the secret to making good sparkling wine? “Whole bunch pressing is essential,” says winemaker Pieter Ferreira. “It is pivotal to the success of MCC.” It produces juice with lower levels of phenolic compounds, which aren’t desirable in sparkling wine base wines. The top wine in the range is the Cuvée Clive.

Each year they start with 65-85 parcels, then select down. The best ones are considered for Cuvée Clive, the next best go to vintage and then the remainder goes to the rest of the range. This bubbly combines 80 percent Chardonnay and 20 percent Pinot Noir. It has a tight, citrusy, limey nose.

BON COURAGE JACQUES BRUÉRE BRUT RESERVE

3

FUN FACT President Barack Obama specifically requested Graham Beck Cuvée Clive as his bubbly of choice for his official inauguration celebration.

Located in the heart of the beautiful Robertson valley – a valley of wines and roses – lies Bon Courage Estate with its fine wines recognised both locally and internationally for their exceptional quality.

This bubbly is fruit driven and beautifully poised. It offers aromas with peaceful hints of citrus and rich, creamy flavours with a lively mousse, which awakens the palate. Noble Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes provide the ingredients for this classy Cap Classique wine, styled on the classic champagne wines. The palate has both intensity and delicacy.

Excellent to enjoy with food, an aperitif or with fresh oysters.

4 SARONSBERG BRUT MCC 2012

2

70 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

Despite the modern nature of the cellar’s facilities and its progressive approach to winemaking, Saronsberg is an inextricable part of the deep history of the Tulbagh valley. The valley is flanked on all sides by mountains in the Upper Breede River Valley and is unique in its topography and natural beauty. The deliciously crisp Saronsberg Brut MCC 2012 has a translucent colour with a slight green edge and a prominent mousse. The delicate flavours of toasted biscuit, creamy lees and fresh apple end with a long, elegant, dry finish.

5

CAP CLASSIQUE COLMANT SEC RESERVE This bubbly has a subtle pale gold colour in line with a very delicate and elegant nose.

The aroma has a gentle spicy toastiness with a lemony and yeasty perfume, followed by more mature fruit. There is plenty of freshness and crispness on the palate with good acidity that perfectly balances the yeasty depth, bready flavours and ample structure. The finish is long and smooth, and will develop nicely over time.

DRINKING TIPS Divine as an aperitif, it also goes perfectly with oysters, sushi or any delicate seafood.

JBar The Belgian Beer Company, based in Cape Town, brings a range of exciting premium Belgian brands to South Africa. The company ensures that people who enjoy various flavours and qualities in a beer will have their palates satisfied.

Here are a few of our favourites

DUVEL

LIEFMANS

Duvel is a 100 percent pure and natural beer, with no additives or preservatives. Its surprisingly high alcohol content (8.5 percent), huge, creamy head, delicate effervescence and silky smooth mouth feel are what distinguishes Duvel from other Belgian beers. After bottling, the beer continues to ferment for a fortnight in the warm cellars of the brewery.

Finally, the beer is chilled for six weeks in the cold cellars. This extra long maturing process is unique and contributes to its exquisite flavour and pure aroma. After the 90-day brewing process, the beer is released. It is a beer brewed with the utmost patience and passion. Drink it with love.

Liefmans has been producing beers of distinctive flavour since 1679. A process of mixed fermentation in open vessels, blending young and old beers and bottle aging in the cellars at the Oudenaarde Brewery is their secret. Liefmans Fruitesse is a unique, fresh beer blend, maturing for 18 months on cherries in the Liefmans cellars. The fruit base is then blended with fresh, natural fruit juices of strawberry, raspberry, cherry, elderberry and bilberry. The result is a summery, refreshing fruit beer that is delightfully sweet, with the sparkle of champagne and the freshness of a beautifully chilled glass of wine.

Liefmans On The Rocks offers you a whole new beer experience with Liefmans Fruitesse served over ice, highlighting to perfection the notes of the fruits.

7

8

6 LA CHOUFFE Brasserie D‘Achouffe is nestled in the rolling green hills in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes Mountains, a location rumoured to be the mystical home of the Chouffe gnomes.

Founded in 1982, the specialty beers of Achouffe have gained acclaim and passionate loyalty in many countries worldwide. The flagship product is La Chouffe, a hazy, golden-blonde ale with a distinctive flavour of fresh fruits and beguiling hoppiness.

www.joburgstyle.co.za | 71

International Travel

What happens in Vegas?

Get ready for the roller coaster ride of your life! Just returned from Las Vegas, David Gillson spills the beans on where to go and what to do in a city known for its excess and eccentricity

T

hrow away your clock, because when you get to Vegas, you will lose all concept of time and age. Here, you’re never too old and it’s never too late. Las Vegas is the centre of the world when it comes to gambling, entertainment, glitz and glam. Life here is a never-ending string of fun and frenzy. It’s like living in the midst of a wild and wacky movie, where the speed has been escalated, the fantasy is full tilt and the action never stops.

Long known as a centre of decadence and delight, Vegas has recently added a luxury element. These days, it offers some of the best restaurants in the world, a new crop of luxurious hotels and some of the best designer shopping on the planet in a series of magical

mega malls. Keeping up with the new and the outrageous is just one part of the story; the city is still a haven for gamblers, but now the hotels offering casinos also offer every other type of entertainment, too, from theme parks to circuses and everything else in-between. You can dine out on different cuisines every night, go shopping, see shows, dance till dawn and ride a roller coaster, without leaving your hotel!

No wonder time loses all meaning in Vegas. Whether it’s 2am or just after lunch, the party's just started, the roulette wheels are spinning and The Strip, home to most of these legendary hotels, all emporiums of delight, is filled to the brim with weird and wonderful characters.

STAY

When in Vegas, go big! The bigger the hotel, the better! My choices: Aria Resort & Casino Right on the Las Vegas Strip, this luxury resort boasts 16 restaurants, seven bars, a wide selection of entertainment and a huge casino.

There are 4,004 rooms, all offering floor-toceiling windows with magnificent city views, a one-touch control system to personalise lighting and temperature, and plush en suite bathrooms. Facilities include a choice of three outdoor pools, three Jacuzzis, a spa with 62 treatment rooms and a health centre with personal trainers and group fitness classes. www.joburgstyle.co.za | 73

The Vegas Strip

During the high season, the adults-only Liquid Pool Lounge features DJ entertainment, a restaurant and bar. Guests can also rent out cabanas at the lounge. www.aria.com The Cosmopolitan This stunning resort hotel and casino offers the quintessential luxury experience which includes everything from world-class dining in a choice of excellent restaurants to an eclectic mix of designer boutiques, a spa, hammam, three swimming pools and vibrant night-time entertainment (there’s a huge casino and the famous Marquee Nightclub and Dayclub).

Known for being quite unique, the hotel offers spacious guest rooms with private terraces and breathtaking city views. Some of my favourite dining experiences were enjoyed here. www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

The Shops at Crystals

MUST DO

VISIT

High Roller Located at The LINQ’s outdoor shopping and entertainment area at Caesar’s Palace, it is the largest observation Ferris wheel on earth. The views are particularly breathtaking at night. www.caesars.com The Bellagio The Bellagio is worth visiting whether you stay there or not. It offers 15 restaurants, an enormous casino with 2,000 slot machines, over 100 table games and numerous electronic games, a famous fine art gallery and a huge glass-enclosed shopping mall with some of the best designer stores in the world. The Bellagio is also famous for its free Bellagio Fountain shows, held during the afternoons and evenings. And the nightclub Hyde is legendary. www.thebellagio.com 74 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

The Strip Take a walk down The Strip and soak up the sights, including all sorts of interesting characters you find along the way, who look as if they stepped out of a movie set.

Estiatorio Milos

Marquee Dayclub at The Bellagio By night, the Marquee is split into three separate areas (The Boom Box Room, Library and the Main Room). During the day, it has a completely different personality; the Dayclub is located outdoors, full of bathing beauties dancing up a storm. With an unequalled sound system and state-of-the-art audiovisual stage, the Dayclub also features three storeys of bungalow lofts, with cabanas, infinity pools and a party deck on top. www.bellagio.com

International Travel

High Roller

Skyline terrace suite at The Bellagio

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Enjoy a helicopter ride to and from Vegas and the Grand Canyon. En route, savour some champagne and then soak up the spectacular view from a bird’s perspective. There are fullday excursions to the Grand Canyon by both land or air. Whether you spend the day here, or longer, it’s unforgettable. www.grandcanyon.com See the best shows Before you arrive in Vegas, book shows online.

Check out what’s showing and make your reservations well in advance. Watch out for the new headliners, like J.Lo or Britney Spears who may be in town. And check out which bands and DJs are playing. One brilliant show is O, a Cirque du Soleil fantasy at The Bellagio.

It’s apparently the most expensive set ever built, and the show is phenomenal. With a water theme, it features swimming and diving. www.ticketmaster.com

Marquee Dayclub at The Bellagio

EAT

Breakfast Nobody goes out for breakfast in Vegas, so make sure to order room service!

Lunch and dinner STK This modern establishment is a steakhouse on another level. Located within the Cosmopolitan Hotel, it offers the most tender steak dishes in Vegas. STK offers a bustling bar and relaxed dining setting. The menu is flavoursome and modern, courtesy of Top Chef contestant Stephen Hopcraft. The restaurant has branches in Miami, LA and New York, and has become a celebrity hotspot in Vegas. www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

Burgers at STK

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International Travel

Bardot Brasserie at Aria Resort & Casino

Estiatorio Milos Another fabulous dining experience at The Cosmopolitan, Milos is one of the world's finest Mediterranean seafood restaurants, with establishments in New York, Montreal, Athens, Miami and London as well as Las Vegas.

This glorious Greek restaurant offers a menu filled with Mediterranean delights, especially seafood. Ask for a table on the terrace outside, which offers a spectacular view. www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com Hakkasan Known as the place to party, Hakkasan boasts a five-storey mega-nightclub. Located in the MGM Grand, the club is the playground of some of the world’s best DJs including Steve Aoki and Deadmau5. The numerous bars offer stunning cocktails. Book a table here and you get automatic entrance to the club, which is a sight to behold, with an enormous dance floor and floor-to-ceiling LED screens. www.mgmgrand.com

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour

designer stores include Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tom Ford, Versace, Prada and Fendi. www.simon.com Try your hand at gambling

SHOP

Vegas is known for its great shopping, with some of the best international designer stores, as well as less expensive options at factory outlets. It's comparable to the likes of London and New York.

The Shops at Crystals Located on The Strip and connecting to the Aria Resort and Casino, The Shops at Crystals is a luxurious, contemporary mall with elaborate water and ice displays, lush floral décor and iconic elements that include a 21.3m-tall tree house. Its 10 flagship exclusive 76 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

The Miracle Mile Located in the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, this shopping complex boasts 170 retail stores, including French Connection, True Religion Jeans, MAC cosmetics, H&M and more. There are also 15 restaurants and various live entertainment venues. www.miraclemileshopslv.com

How to get there

Cracked wheat fettuccine at Aria Resort & Casino

The shortest route to Las Vegas involves just one stop. You can either fly from Johannesburg to London and onto Las Vegas with British Airways, or fly to New York on SAA and then via Jet Blue to Las Vegas. For more information, contact Thompsons Holidays 011 770 7726

T H E N O R T H E R N L I G H T S The Big Hole forms but a small part of the Northern Cape’s intrigue. So head on down to the place where flowers bloom, spectacular red sand dunes dot the desert, star-filled skies light up the untouched landscape and adrenalin activities abound

Local Travel

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ncompassing the raw natural beauty of the Kalahari Desert and the mighty Orange River, the Northern Cape is a destination where travellers can get back to the wild, experience family adventures and immerse themselves in culture and history.

ADVENTURE

A nature lover’s utopia, travellers can stargaze in Sutherland, hunt for fossils in the Karoo or admire San rock art in the caves of the Diamond Fields. Plus, there are camping and bush experiences, including seeing the wildlife of the green Kalahari’s Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and its famed blackmaned lion. The rugged mountains, endless flatlands and rippling dunes make the Northern Cape the perfect spot for a four-wheel drive adventure, with diverse scenery, lush plants and plentiful game.

Elsewhere, swim in the hot pools of Riemvasmaak, explore

villages, shop at craft markets, sample delicious regional cuisine and be transported back in time through campfire storytelling and dancing.

CULTURE

Despite being sparsely populated, the Northern Cape is rich in culture, thanks to its multitude of distinct cultural groups. Peppered with national and provincial heritage sites, the region boasts an impressive early human historical record, including rock engravings that date all the way back to the Stone Age. In the dramatic surroundings of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, visitors can unlock the secrets of the bush in the company of the Khomani San people, with nature walks and medicinal plant tours, or learn how to fire a bow and arrow.

OPENING PAGE Stargazing in the Northern Cape THIS PAGE Doorn River Waterfall • Oma Miemie's Farmstall ADRENALIN JUNKIE? Fly down steep hills at breakneck speed in the emerging new sport of sandboarding, or take to the clear blue skies in a paragliding session.

FAMILY

The Northern Cape is widely considered to be a family-friendly www.joburgstyle.co.za | 79

Photograph Mike Turner Photography

Local Travel

THIS PAGE FROM TOP Afrikaburn happens annually in the Karoo desert • Each spring the spectacular Namakwa flowers come into bloom • A local bakery in Pofadder

destination. Its mix of culture, adventure, wildlife and wide accommodation choices provides a family experience that can be both entertaining and educational. The province’s selection of national parks and rivers makes it the ideal place for family activities, from game safaris, birdwatching and canoeing down the Orange River to museum visits and mountain biking.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK For something a little out of the ordinary, how about a traditional ride in a donkey cart or on a camel?

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The amazing floral display of the Namakwa region has earned itself a place as a global botanical wonder. Each spring, the arid winter plains of the Northern Cape’s Namakwa region are transformed into vibrant floral displays. The colourful wild flowers, which famously include the white and burnt orange Namaqualand daisies, carpet the otherwise barren lands in a spectrum of vivid shades, becoming a seasonal attraction that appeals to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Hotspots include Goegap Nature Reserve, Concordia, Namaqua National Park, Nieuwoudtville and the Hantam National Botanical Garden, Garies, Okiep, Kamieskroon,

Photograph Courtesy of SA Tourism

FLOWERS OF NAMAKWA

Local Travel

THIS PAGE FROM TOP Tswalu Motse Lodge • The Big Hole in Kimberley • Roosterbrood

NATURE AND WILDLIFE

The largest province of South Africa, the Northern Cape is abundant in wildlife, flora and fauna. The remote nature of the province allows travellers to reconnect with nature in a peaceful location that delivers both seclusion and opulence. From luxurious appointed camps in the heart of the Kalahari to camping along the mighty Orange River, the wide open spaces of the Northern Cape effortlessly lend themselves to escaping the hustle and bustle of modern life and getting back to nature on a truly epic scale.

The Northern Cape’s natural beauty is further enhanced by its wildlife rich population, which finds homes in the sweeping plains of the province’s six national parks, as well as its six provincial nature reserves, two of South Africa’s largest rivers and three deserts, plus private game reserves and two transfrontier parks

that stretch out to Namibia and Botswana.

The Big Five can all be spotted in the national parks, along with baboons and an impressive array of birdlife that includes the black eagle. Walking, horseback safaris and four-wheel drive off-road expeditions are all available, enabling travellers to have close encounters with the wildlife.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

With its majestic deserts, rivers, beaches and mountains, the Northern Cape is fast becoming one of the world’s most soughtafter special occasion hotspots. Combined with the spectacular setting is a range of superb facilities and an extensive choice of accommodation, delectable cuisine and professional event planners. www.experiencenortherncape.com

Photograph Courtesy of SA Tourism

DIARISE THIS During August and September, the northwest region of Namakwa bursts into a magical kaleidoscope of colour with 4,000 species of spring flowers illuminating the barren plains. Flower Hotline 072 760 6019

Springbok, Steinkopf and Akkerendam Nature Reserve near Calvinia.

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An extrAordinAry South AfricAn holidAy experience

Winter purSuitS in the northern cApe Experience a world of wilderness. Be one with Africa’s animal kingdom out in the vast desert sands. Celebrate, dance and feast with the First People. Gasp at the night-time skies and listen to ancient wisdoms around dancing fires. Fall into step on the Nama riel at the Williston Winter Festival. Sift through the shipwrecks on the Diamond Coast. Dance with the daisies in the early spring. And people so real, you will feel the vibration of Mother Nature when they shake your hand. this is the Northern Cape. Now come and experience it for yourselves ...

Five reasons why you should choose the Northern Cape to be your South African Winter Holiday Destination..

1. GAlACtiC ENCouNtErS At SutHErlAND AND CArNAvoN

Silver sands hiking trail, taking this guided, five-day, 55km hike along the wild coastline of Namaqualand is a wonderful way to appreciate the bizarre geology, marine life and spring flower displays in this inhospitable, remote section of corner of South Africa.

Klipspringer Hiking Trail, named after the cute little antelope that’s often seen along the way, this rugged, three-day, 33km trail through the Northern Cape’s starkly beautiful Augrabies Falls National Park, reveals the dramatic landscapes and bizarre flora of this semi-desert region in all its glory.

3. rivEr SAFAriS

As a stargazing destination, the Northern Cape is unsurpassed as the size of the province and lack of pollution makes the skies come alive in a breath-taking galactic display. The Northern Cape is a truly remarkable holiday destination that allows visitors to relax and distress, while enjoying the company of loved ones.

This is the Northern Cape and it is a very different place from the monochromatic desert that most first-time visitors expect. Even the most arid spaces will astound - if you take the time to look beyond the apparently minimalist tableau that greets you at first glance. Miniscule desert flowers and brightly coloured beetles glint like lost gems amidst the rocks and sand and at night a miasma of glowing stars shimmer within a psychedelic night sky.

2. HikiNG HEAvEN

4. WoNDErFul WilDliFE

The natural beauty of the province is only enhanced by its abundant wildlife. From the small five to the big five, watching wild animals at close range is something truly unforgettable.

Add a walking, horseback, little five, 4x4 and other safaris to your itinerary to get up close and personal with the animals of Africa.

5. GrEAt WEAtHEr

Take a walk on the wild side and go paddling on the Orange River. South Africa’s longest river presents a perfect playground for family paddlers, whether in a kayak, river raft or canoe.

The river provides a sharp contrast against the surrounding arid landscape and you can spot an abundance of birdlife and even startle some antelope coming to drink. Spend star-lit nights in the open on the river bank before continuing your journey downstream. There are several river operators offering day trips and overnight river adventures along the Orange through the Richtersveld National Park.

For more information do visit www.experiencenortherncape.com or email: marketing@experiencenortherncape.com

Northern Cape Tourism

@NorthernCapeSA

northerncapetourism

northerncapetourism

Escape the Highveld and Cape winters! The mild temperatures of the months of April to July are perfect to visit the Northern Cape and enjoy the vast array of family outdoor experiences.

Wine, dine, stay and play Grahamstown National Arts Festival

Africa’s largest and most colourful cultural event offers a choice of the very best of both indigenous and imported talent from 30 June to 10 July. The festival offers more than 500 shows from opera, cabaret, drama and jazz to standup comics and folk music. From theatre to dance, opera to cabaret, fine art to craft art, classical music to jazz, poetry readings to lectures, every art form imaginable is represented in one of the most diverse festivals in the world. www.nationalartsfestival.co.za STAY One of Grahamstown’s best loved landmarks, The Cock House, offers you country home comfort and elegant dining. Opened as a guest house and restaurant in 1991, it has been lovingly restored and is a declared National Monument.

Knysna Oyster Festival

Taking place from 1 to 10 July, the festival celebrates the good life as well as sport.

The festival is spread across two weekends that promise constant fun and activities for the whole family. The sport aspect of the Oyster Festival has evolved into two major sporting events – the Pick n Pay Cape Times Forest Marathon (half marathon) and the Pick n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Cycle Tour, now a two-day event that is the biggest of its kind in the country. The stars of the show are the oysters, served naked, cooked or garnished at over 30 local Tabasco Hotspots throughout the festival. www.oysterfestival.co.za STAY The Turbine Hotel & Spa on Thesen Island offers luxurious accommodation options, exceptional cuisine, stunning panoramas and world-class facilities.

Plett MAD Festival Vodacom Durban July

Africa’s greatest horse racing event takes place on 2 July.

The excitement surpasses that of any other event on the African continent with 56,000 people expected at Greyville to witness South Africa’s best thoroughbreds storm down the home straight. www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za STAY Do yourself a favour and stay at the award winning Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga.

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Calling all music fundies, art lovers, movie zealots, drama queens and gastronomists to Plett from 24 June to 18 July. A three-week celebration of the arts, the Plett MAD Festival brings productions, art demonstrations and exhibitions, performances and international food movies to the neighbourhood of Plettenberg Bay for a one-of-a-kind art revolution in the area. If you have an appetite for foodie films and sumptuous cuisine, the Plett Food Film Festival has a ticket for you. www.plett-tourism.co.za STAY Synonymous with Plett and great family holidays, the Beacon Island Resort offers luxury, comfort, great entertainment and its own beach.

Travel Snippets

Franschhoek Bastille Festival

South Africa’s gourmet capital will once again celebrate its centuries-old French Huguenot heritage with a wonderful feast of food, wine and entertainment at its annual Bastille Festival on 16 and 17 July. Enjoy this gastronomic affair in style as chefs and winemakers showcase Franschhoek’s crème de la crème. Frequent all the galleries, boutiques, crafts shops and food emporiums, dressed up to the nines and draped in French apparel. www.franschhoekbastille.co.za STAY The Franschhoek Boutique Hotel is an eclectic mix of oldworld sophistication and contemporary design.

The Eastern Cape Wine Show

The second FNB Eastern Cape Wine Show takes place at the Boardwalk Convention Centre on 28 and 29 July. Engage with winemakers while tasting an array of more than 150 of South Africa’s best wines – all available for both sampling and purchase via Shop@Show. The exhibitors will represent some of the A to Z of top South African wineries, reflecting a diversity of wines spanning many different South African regions.

011 482 5936 STAY Perfectly central, the Garden Court Kings Beach hotel presents an affordable and welcoming destination for visitors to one of South Africa’s largest historic coastal cities.

Diary Day Trips Designer Stores Live Wi-Fi Spots Fireplace Dining Chic Shebeens Seafood & Sushi Winter Markets Children

HENRI MATISSE: RHYTHM & MEANING STANDARD BANK GALLERY

13 July – 17 August Henri Matisse is a global reference for Modernist art, and this is a much-anticipated first exhibition of his work in South Africa. The focus is on 20 prints from his book Jazz, but art lovers will also be able to experience a feast of other original works. www.standardbankarts.com www.joburgstyle.co.za | 81

WON BEST CATERER AWARD FOR 16 YEARS IN THE LEISURE OPTIONS BEST OF JOBURG COMPETITION

BY WORD OF MOUTH

Tel: 011 553 7600, 5 Gemini Street, Linbro Park, Sandton

Diary

JUNE

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1 June – 31 July

Gateway to Space: The Exhibition It’s time to discover, learn and experience.

Come and walk around in a life-size 15m Mir space station core model, see a Sputnik-1 model, a full-size lunar rover model, an Orion capsule designed for future space exploration and even touch a moon rock, all happening at the Sandton Convention Centre. www.gatewaytospace.co.za

2 21

CHOC & Mowana Spa There’s nothing better than a relaxing, pampering session and contributing to the good of society, which is exactly what you’ll be doing at the African Savannah Afternoon

Ritual Pamper Journey at Mowana Spa. www.mowanaspa.co.za

entertainment and delicious food stalls. www.solsticefestival.co.za

3 24 June – 3 July

5 25 & 26

Disney On Ice: Worlds of Enchantment Disney On Ice is back and this time it will dazzle you with the Worlds of Enchantment show, including children’s favourite Disney characters. Showing at The Ticketpro Dome. www.computicket.com

4 25

Solstice Craft Beer Festival Held every year on the scenic premises of The Ale House in Hartbeespoort, the Solstice Craft Beer Festival is back for its 2016 installment, and this year promises to be bigger and better.

Look forward to a variety of local craft beers, live

Oakfield Farm Bridal Expo Meet the country’s leading wedding specialists in the beautiful and romantic gardens of this sought after wedding venue. www.bridalexpo.co.za

6 28 June – 10 July

Shaolin Martial arts fans will be happy to learn that the fabulous Shaolin Monks are returning to our shores with a new show.

Catch them on a two-week run at the Teatro Theatre, Montecasino. www.computicket.com www.joburgstyle.co.za | 89

Diary

JULY

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Nickelodeon Dora’s Pirate Adventure Dora the Explorer and friends will be visiting the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace and it’s bound to be a treat for the whole family. www.computicket.com

2 14 – 17

Coffee and Chocolate Expo 2016 Coffee and chocolate lovers will be thrilled to know that their favourite expo is finally back this year, taking place at Montecasino’s Outdoor Event Area. From chocolate flavoured alcohol and chocolate workshops to a variety of coffee flavours and coffee tastings, you’ll get to sample and taste it all. www.coffeechoc.co.za

3 14 – 17

Turbine Art Fair 2016 If you’re looking to visit a unique art show

that showcases local talent like you’ve never seen before, then the Turbine Art Fair in Newtown is for you. The show attracts a diverse crowd of visitors, ranging from established collectors to art appreciators. www.turbineartfair.co.za

4 15 – 24

Romeo and Juliet: The Ballet Relive the beautiful and tragic tale of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet this July at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein. www.joburgtheatre.com

5 23

Magic of Tomorrowland One of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world, Tomorrowland will grace our shores live at the Nasrec Expo Centre as it brings the massive festival to South Africa. Prepare for a jam-packed day

filled with music from some of the best international and local DJs. www.tomorrowland.com

6 26 July – 14 August

Slava’s Snowshow A breathtaking spectacle of beautifully crafted comic images, restoring childish wonder in people of all ages, showing at The Teatro, Montecasino. www.computicket.com

7 28 – 31

The Good Food & Wine Show The Good Food & Wine Show has attracted culinary geniuses like Buddy Valastro, Matt Preston and Masterchef Australia winner, Brent Owens, and this year is no different.

The most loved food and wine show held at the Ticketpro Dome promises to be better than ever. www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za www.joburgstyle.co.za | 91

Diary

AUGUST

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Decorex Johannesburg 2016 If you’re looking for inspiration on how to turn your home into a design haven, then this is one expo that’s sure to impress. With a huge selection of home décor styles, brands and global design trends, catch it at Gallagher Convention Centre. www.decorex.co.za

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Totalsports Women’s Race Ladies, you’ll be happy to know there’s an exciting race coming your way on Women’s Day, in celebration of all things women.

Held at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, runners will get to choose between 5km or 10km races, and all proceeds go towards breast cancer awareness. www.totalsportswomensrace.com

3 11 – 14

Earth Expo 2016 The Earth Expo, held at Montecasino, is a first of its kind, offering workshops that will teach you how to live sustainably, how to conserve energy and how to make better 92 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

choices to save our planet. www.earthexpo.co.za

the Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace. www.computicket.com

4 20

7 25

5 18 – 21 August

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Pinotage on Tap Celebrating the 12th anniversary of Pinotage On Tap, Diemersfontein will once again deliver on its promise to bring you the ultimate wine festival experience – serving nothing short of great food, great music and great wine... On Tap! www.computicket.com

Ronan Keating Performing in an intimate setting at the Teatro at Montecasino, fans can expect to hear Ronan Keating’s smash hit singles like ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’ and ‘When You Say Nothing At All’ made famous by the film, Notting Hill. www.bigconcerts.co.za

6 18 August – 25 September

Nataniël: Mannequin Singer, songwriter, author and entertainer Nataniël brings his latest stage creation to

Comedy Central Roast Battle They say laughter is the best medicine, and that’s exactly what you’ll be doing at this year’s Comedy Central Roast Battle held at Parker’s Comedy Club in Montecasino. Six local comedians will face off in one-on-one battles. www.computicket.com East Rand Beer Festival The ultimate social festival and outdoor fun fair in Kempton Park, with a live stage featuring the best acts Mzansi has to offer. www.computicket.com

8 31 August – 2 September

China Homelife Fair 2016 From fashion to accessories, furniture to lighting and computer gadgets to electronics, this fair at the Sandton Convention Centre will have everything you’re looking for and more. www.chinahomelife.co.za

SHOPPING DAZE

Day Trips

Retail therapy in Gauteng’s eclectic choice of shopping offerings is an absolute delight. These three day trips offer a trio of very different shopping options as well as some exciting places of interest worth visiting

#1 Fiery Fordsburg

Vibrant and colourful, this predominantly Muslim district offers enticing spicy flavours, lots of bold colour and bargains on every corner. You’ll find lots of great places to eat and plenty of great shopping opportunities, especially at the Oriental Plaza, a thriving bazaar with more than 350 stores offering everything imaginable from high fashion shoes and clothing to millinery, kids’ toys, homeware and haberdashery.

9am Enjoy breakfast at Home Made Delights, one of the best bakeries in Fordsburg.

Basically a small takeaway, it’s now added tables so you can enjoy coffee with a wide selection of pastries and savoury delights.

10am Time to brave the buzz at the Oriental Plaza, one of downtown Johannesburg’s greatest shopping malls, which offers an eclectic shopping experience with a multicultural mix. Here, Indians, Arabs, Chinese, Malays, Somalis and Pakistanis sell their wares shoulder to shoulder in a choice of more than 350 stores of every description.

You can bargain here, too, so compare prices before you buy.

12.30pm It’s easy to get caught up in the shopping, but make time to stop for a snack and something to drink at the Plaza’s wide choice of restaurants, cafes and fast food stalls. We recommend the popular World of

Samoosas, which is famous for its melt-inthe-mouth samoosas in a variety of flavours.

It also offers some excellent Indian dishes, including butter chicken, chicken tikka roti wrap and cheese-filled paratha.

2pm For a different type of shopping, visit the colourful Fordsburg Square flea market. Just a short walk from the Plaza, it offers dozens of stalls selling everything from clothing and DVDs to spiced chai tea, basmati rice, spices and jewellery. During the day, the square is filled with spice traders and clothing stalls, but at night it comes alive, especially on weekends, and the food stalls get busy. The buzz is palpable, with plenty of Bollywood music and lively chatter. If you’ve had lunch, then you won’t want any of the spicy Indian kebabs and tandoori chicken grilled while you wait. But you can enjoy a honey-drenched sweetmeat topped with coconut in every imaginable hue.

3.30pm In the mood for some culture?

Make your way to the Bag Factory artists studios nearby, home to some of Joburg’s top contemporary artists. Housed in an old factory, it’s one of the first collective artists’ studios in the country and is now home to 18 studios manned by some renowned local artists. There are often pop-up art exhibitions to enjoy as well as installations and cultural events.

ALSO CONSIDER The Oriental Plaza, along with Sandton City, is taking part in the Joburg Shopping Festival, which takes place this winter from 28 July to 9 August.

Both centres will be full of shop-till-youdrop sales. So don’t miss out!

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6pm There are so many excellent Indian restaurants in the area, so if you’re staying for an event at the Bag Factory, why not linger here and enjoy a bite to eat beforehand? A popular eaterie is Al Makka, a Pakistani restaurant in the heart of Fordsburg that specialises in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s famous for its local bunny chow, hollowed out loaves of bread filled with meat or vegetable curry.

Well worth sampling.

#2 Next stop Newtown

The newest kid on the block, Work Shop New Town, is the place to shop in Newtown, Joburg’s historic cultural district. The area is already renowned for being home to Museum Africa, the legendary Market Theatre, the Worker’s Museum and the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, and Work Shop New Town now offers a wealth of shopping and entertainment options, with more than 30 exciting stores selling South African clothing, jewellery, accessories and crafts. The buildings were originally the potato sheds, part of the city’s fresh produce market.

9am Head to Newtown for breakfast at Craft Coffee, renowned for its freshly roasted coffee and excellent breakfasts. Or choose from one of the stunning coffee shops in the lively square between Newton Junction shopping mall and Work Shop New Town.

11am Explore the famous, world-class SciBono Discovery Centre, the country’s largest and most visited science centre. It’s abuzz with students of every age, who come to experience science come to life in science lab experiments, or see the fascinating permanent

exhibits on display. This high-tech experience includes a science of soccer exhibit and a mining exhibition.

1pm Time for lunch in the bustling square at lively News Café, stocking up on energy to go shopping this afternoon.

2pm Work Shop New Town offers numerous great options for African crafts, fashion and accessories. For statement necklaces made from rope, head for Pichulik. Maria McCloy Accessories sells men’s and women’s shoes in colourful African prints and Verrac offers a treasure trove of goods all handmade from Chinese shopping bags. Wolf & Maiden offers quality hand-stitched leather handbags, and you can pick up some stunning jewellery at Famke. There are numerous other exciting stores to explore, so take your time.

5pm Wind down at the brand new bar and restaurant, The Potato Shed, which offers a stunning selection of wine and craft beers and great, flavoursome menu options that range

ALSO CONSIDER For an alternative cultural experience, explore Museum Africa, which promises a “fascinating rediscovery of Africa’s glorious past”. Or head for the SAB World of Beer, which focuses on the history of beer with high-tech visuals including floating holograms and 3D movies.

96 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

Day Trips

from potatoes and snacks to accompany drinks to more hearty steaks or burgers and other exciting dishes.

7.30pm Head for the vibrant live music venue, the Bassline, and find out what’s on show that evening. If you prefer something more traditional, visit Sophiatown Bar Lounge, a culturally themed bar lounge reminiscent of Sophiatown’s classical jazz. Unpretentious, noisy and full of atmosphere, it’s a great place to enjoy dinner and music.

#3 Sandton Sales

There are always sales in Sandton, but that’s not the only reason to visit this sprawling selection of shops in three interlinked malls – Sandton City, Legacy Corner and Nelson Mandela Square. Combined, they offer hundreds of shops of every description. Let’s not forget the numerous hotels, including the Michelangelo at Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton Sun and Legacy Hotels. And did we mention there’s a casino and entertainment centre at Legacy Corner, too?

It’s called Marco Polo and is great for a night on the town.

8am You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating, and there are numerous great spots for breakfast, including Deli One in Sandton City and Woolworths Café close by.

9.30am Many of the major international brands are found in Sandton City and the Diamond Walk, including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Jimmy Choo and Gucci. Sandton City is home to the more affordable H&M, Topshop and Zara, and Nelson Mandela Square boasts Forever 21, numerous jewellery, techno and luggage stores as well as toy haven, Hamleys.

1pm Force yourself to take a lunch break at one of the great spots at Sandton City’s Food Court, where you can indulge in everything from health food at Krunch or Kauai to Middle Eastern shwarmas at Anat, Portuguese delights at Nando’s, fish and chips at Ocean Basket, and that’s just a taste.

2pm If you’re not in the mood for any more shopping, you can head to Sandton City’s movie multiplex and watch a movie. Otherwise carry on enjoying the shops or browse through the books and magazines at Exclusive Books.

4pm Enjoy high tea at the Michelangelo’s Il Ritrovo Lounge. If you like, you can head for The Theatre on the Square nearby and book for a performance.

7pm Head for one of the stunning restaurants on Nelson Mandela Square.

9pm Time for a drink and a flutter at Marco Polo. www.joburgstyle.co.za | 97

You

Tube

Designer Stores

Design of the times

Exclusive designer boutique Pallu in The Zone @ Rosebank provides the most superior services possible to its clients. The store was established 20 years ago and offers an impressive selection of local and international designer evening and daywear imported from Paris, London and the USA. The boutique is as stylish and eye-catching as its clientele. The front window is a drawcard while the cream interior reflects Pallu’s upmarket clientele. The mirrors and plush dressing rooms allow customers to see themselves at their best, and while the ladies shop, their partners can relax on comfortable seats. www.pallu.co.za

CARTIER

The grandest of the grand, the exclusive Cartier boutique in The Diamond Walk, Sandton City, offers a customised and personal service. You’ll be made to feel like royalty under the expert guidance of the Maison, who’ll assist you in selecting your desired setting and the diamond that will illuminate it. Founded in 1847 in Paris, Cartier stands as one of the world’s most esteemed and respectful maisons in the luxury goods industry. www.cartier.com

CRABTREE & EVELYN

Beauty and high tea come together at Crabtree & Evelyn in the Design Quarter Shopping Centre, Fourways. The Tea Room brings to life one of the pillars of the Crabtree & Evelyn brand; the fine tradition of afternoon tea. This delightful venue, with its striking contemporary visuals, eclectic mix of antique furniture, and all the warmth and homeliness of a traditional English country kitchen, has become a favourite meeting place.

Providing a warm nook in winter and a cool escape in summer, The Tea Room offers a unique atmosphere. www.crabtree-evelyn.co.za

Photograph Paul Westgate

PALLU

LA MARTINA

The first La Martina stand-alone store in Africa opened in Nelson Mandela Square in December last year, with the entire store designed and built in Italy. It’s the first premium brand to truly be associated with polo, the sport, and captures the luxury casual market in South Africa. The store is high end, without being pretentious.

011 883 0613 www.joburgstyle.co.za | 99

Designer Stores

KISUA

THOMAS PINK

KISUA in Hyde Park Corner is a unique African fashion brand showcasing the continent’s brightest design talent to the world.

It creates exclusive capsule collections in collaboration with African designers. KISUA is the only African fashion company with distribution centres on three continents – Africa, America and Europe – from where it services a global customer base. The shop window is always bright, beautiful and enticing, and the store is a joy to shop in. www.kisua.com

BURBERRY

Burberry is a 155-year-old global brand with a distinctly British attitude – synonymous with luxury, quality, innovation and timeless style, and anchored by the iconic trench coat. Under the creative vision of Christopher Bailey, the Chief Creative Officer of Burberry, every aspect of the brand has evolved with a modern and pure expression that retains the original values and heritage of the house, founded in 1856. The store exudes luxury; the perfect shopping environment. www.surteegroup.com 100 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

Thomas Pink draws on Britain’s rich tailoring heritage to deliver shirts crafted from the finest quality two-fold cotton that are immaculately cut and finished. Meticulous attention to detail, exclusive fabric and exquisite craftsmanship are hallmarks of this prestigious international brand. The opening of Thomas Pink Nelson Mandela Square at the end of last year enhances the brand’s steadily growing portfolio, which currently includes flagship stores in London’s famous Jermyn Street, Madison Avenue in New York and Rue Francois Premier, Paris. www.thomaspink.com

LINDT CHOCOLATE STUDIO

Buy, create and indulge in Swiss master chocolates at the Lindt Chocolate Studio in the Design Quarter Shopping Centre, Fourways. The store has recently undergone a revamp with customers’ favourite Lindt ball ‘pick ‘n mix’ now on offer. Their fun and literally melt-in-yourmouth classes present chocolate lovers with an opportunity to gain insight into the secret world of divine chocolate and its confections. www.chocolatestudio.co.za

THULA SINDI

Award winning designer Thula Sindi opened his first stand-alone store in The Zone @ Rosebank last year. His doors have now been open to South Africans for a year, which has helped him gain a whole new clientele. His impeccable, elegant and sophisticated pieces are super chic, ready-to-wear, feminine and classic, the designs exuding great style. His clothes are made with a woman in mind, her need to be simple and yet sophisticated at the same time. Need we say more? www.thulasindi.com

Live

On Stage

6 CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR

29 June – 24 July Johannesburg, 2016. A down-and-out theatre company that proudly specialises in putting on classic works is trying desperately to stay afloat by putting on a classic Italian play by Luigi Pirandello.

One day, in the middle of their rehearsals, six people turn up claiming to be characters who need an author to complete their story. What begins as an outrageously hilarious and laughable claim soon turns into a deeply unsettling reality as the theatre company comes to terms with the possibility that these six people really could be characters and their tragic story might just be worth putting on stage. Showing at the Market Theatre. www.computicket.com

90s MANIA

Until 10 July A celebration of this cool decade filled with a variety of pop, rock, alternative, old school and a collection of one-hit wonders.

Featuring an 11-piece cast of singers, dancers and musicians, 90s Mania is a blast from the past where we saw an emergence of new bands such as Nirvana, Counting Crows, Eagle-Eye Cherry and many more. www.barnyardtheatre.co.za 102 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

FOR COLOURED GIRLS

25 August – 3 September For Coloured Girls tells the stories of seven women who have suffered oppression in a racist, sexist society. As a choreopoem, the piece is a series of 20 separate poems choreographed to music that weave interconnected stories of love, empowerment, struggle and loss into a complex representation of sisterhood.

The cast consists of seven nameless African-American women, only identified by the colours they are assigned. They are the lady in red, lady in orange, lady in yellow, lady in green, lady in blue, lady in brown and lady in purple. Showing at the University of Johannesburg’s Con Cowan Theatre. www.computicket.com

DONOVAN GOLIATH

29 and 30 July The Live Series presents Donovan Goliath in his first one-man show at The Lyric at Gold Reef City. In this stand-up comedy special, Donovan looks back on the ups and downs of growing up in Mthatha as a white-looking, Xhosa-speaking coloured guy. Now, his stories and experiences provide a multicoloured arsenal of comedic material. www.computicket.com

SHREK THE MUSICAL

24 June – 17 July Fabulous family fun as the greatest fairy tale never told comes to life in a whole new way in this Broadway musical adaptation of DreamWorks’ hit movie Shrek. Showing at The Lyric at Gold Reef City, the show is directed by Steven Stead and designed by Greg King with the team responsible for the recent hit shows Little Shop of Horrors and Sweeney Todd. www.computicket.com

MORETELE PARK TRIBUTE CONCERT 2016 OF PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC

Saturday 3rd September 2016

Mafikizolo | Don Laka | Letta Mbuli | Jonas Gwangwa Zonke | Tshepo Tshola | Casper Nyovest | Wouter Kellerman Nathi | Emtee | Kwesta | D.J. Prince Kaybee | Puisano Artists Tshwane Development Bands | Babsie Mlangeni Venue: Moretele Park picnic resort in Mamelodi - Pretoria VIP Bookings: 011482-4973 | 074 345 9669 | 079 792 4787 Email: drakensberg1@telkomsa.net Tickets at Computicket and Shoprite Checkers outlets nationwide R250 each

Live

GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT

Until 17 July The National Children’s Theatre (NCT) is presenting another fantastic Roald Dahl classic, George’s Marvellous Medicine. It tells the story of young George, who is stuck at home and instructed to look after his grumpy grandmother, who has come to visit the family. She soon makes George’s life miserable with spiteful comments and demands for doses of her medicine. George decides to spice up his grandmother’s medicine with his own magical concoction! Directed by Francois Theron, this fast-paced production promises to keep children glued to their seats …and grown-ups too. www.nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za

FOREVER JACKSON

SCORCHED

Until 7 August Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s first mega-hit, and a firm South African favourite, is back on stage this year completely reimagined – with as much fun, cheek, exuberance, colour, music, dance, high energy, wit, gags, quirkiness and dazzle as ever, showing at the Pieter Toerien Main Theatre, Montecasino. Earl Gregory stars as Joseph, the role that launched his career in 2005 and for which he won the Naledi Award for Best Male Newcomer. www.computicket.com

Until 19 June Direct from London, visiting Joburg and South Africa for the first time and exclusively at the Joburg Theatre, Forever Jackson is set to delight Michael Jackson fans in Joburg. His dancing mirrors the legend in every detail, step for step, right down to the smallest of mannerisms. The show features electrifying choreography, superb special effects and includes an extensive catalogue of hits, from the Jackson 5’s ‘Can You Feel It’ to solo pieces such as ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Bad’, ‘Thriller’, ‘Beat It’, ‘Man In The Mirror’, ‘Smooth Criminal’ and many more. www.joburgtheatre.com 104 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

27 July – 6 August Scorched is an epic yet intimate family drama by acclaimed Lebanese-Canadian playwright Wajdi Mouawad. The play follows twins Jeanne and Simon Marwan on a riveting journey to the heart of their mother’s war-torn Middle Eastern homeland in pursuit of their tangled roots and a long-lost sibling. In this land, where civil war, massacre and revenge constitute a way of life, the twins uncover shocking secrets about their mother’s history and also about themselves and their origins. Showing at the University of Joburg’s Arts Centre. www.computicket.com

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愀 渀 搀 愀琀 攀 渀 琀 爀 愀 渀 挀 攀

Your Exquisite Dining Experience, Our Legacy...

Michelangelo Towers Mall Maude Street, opposite Sandton Convention Centre +27 (0) 11 245 4000

www.TowersMall.co.za

Pigalle Restaurant Knead Bakery The Raj VIP Lounge Parc Ferme Piccolo Mondo

+27 (0) 11 884 8899 +27 (0) 11 884 9449 +27 (0) 11 783 1521 +27 (0) 11 783 2200 +27 (0) 11 245 4846 +27 (0) 11 282 7463

Wi-Fi Spots

Wi-Fi. Work it.

MOTHERLAND COFFEE COMPANY

Motherland Coffee Company at The Zone @ Rosebank doesn’t just serve some of the best coffee in town, it’s also a great place to work from, since they offer two hours of free Wi-Fi with every

THE BUTCHER SHOP & GRILL

Visit The Butcher Shop & Grill in Nelson Mandela Square for free Wi-Fi when you order anything off the menu. There’s no power access available so make sure you charge your laptop. www.thebutchershop.co.za

order. Note: The password changes every day, so make sure you ask the waiters for the code when ordering. Munch on a chocolate brownie while you type away. www.motherlandcoffee.com

ANDICCIO 24 (VARIOUS BRANCHES)

It has both delicious pizza and free Wi-Fi. Order a drink or a scrumptious pizza and decadent red or black velvet cupcake and get free unlimited Wi-Fi. Just ask the waiter for the daily password and you’re on your way. www.andiccio24.co.za

ORIGIN COFFEE ROASTING

Origin in the Maboneng Precinct is a cute coffee spot that offers customers great coffee, delicious breakfasts and free WiFi. So, be sure to visit the next time you find yourself in the neighbourhood with a few hours to spare. www.originroasting.co.za www.joburgstyle.co.za | 107

Wi-Fi Spots

BEAN THERE COFFEE COMPANY

The minute you step into Bean There you are hit with the strong coffee aromas. This place is a haven for coffee lovers, and its comfortable couches, spacious setting and free Wi-Fi make it a cosy environment in which to work. www.beanthere.co.za

STARBUCKS

Starbucks is known for offering free Wi-Fi around the world, so don’t be surprised to see preoccupied tables of businessmen and creatives working up a storm the next time you decide to grab a quick coffee. Why not plan your next meeting at a Starbucks store near you and indulge in the speedy, uncapped Internet? www.starbucks.co.za 108 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

NAKED COFFEE

Another firm favourite amongst coffee fans, Naked Coffee in Melrose Arch prides itself on serving its customers artisan coffee and, of course, free Wi-Fi. The service is always pleasant and it offers indoor and outdoor seating for those looking to make a morning, or day, of it.

011 684 1515

SKOOBS

This bookstore and coffee bar has it all – an impressive mix of books, great coffee and bubbly. Plus, it offers free Wi-Fi to their guests, so it’s no wonder visitors, or passersby, find themselves sitting there for hours.

011 513 2800

Your Exclusive Shopping, Our Legacy...

Legacy Corner Shopping Mall Off Nelson Mandela Square, cnr Fifth and Maude Street, Sandton | (011) 292 7000

www.LegacyCorner.co.za

Fireplace Dining

Photograph Doug Hardres-Williams

For flame sake

CASALINGA MOYO

Moyo Zoo Lake might be the perfect venue to visit in summer, with its stunning views of the lake, but it’s also a great venue in winter. Thanks to the large fireplace, you can enjoy all the flavours of the finest African cuisine while still keeping warm. www.moyo.co.za

Casalinga is regarded as Joburg’s hidden gem, and for obvious reasons too. It’s situated in the beautiful countryside of Muldersdrift, and offers exceptionally tasty Italian cuisine.

Although the venue is best suited for family lunches, it’s just as enjoyable in winter, with log fires and candlelit tables creating a romantic setting. www.casalinga.co.za

HIGHER GROUND

Situated on the grounds of St Stithians College, Higher Ground Restaurant has become a firm favourite for sundowners. The venue boasts a breathtakingly beautiful view of Sandton and surrounding suburbs and also features two fireplaces indoors for the chilly winter nights. So enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the terrace or a warmer dinner inside.

011 024 3433

WINEHOUSE AT TEN BOMPAS

A large gas fireplace situated inside the restaurant will keep you warm and toasty as you enjoy a meal this winter.

A second gas fireplace is situated inside the lounge if you’d prefer a cosier surrounding. www.tenbompas-restaurant.co.za www.joburgstyle.co.za | 111

Fireplace Dining

DA VINCENZO

This fabulous venue in Kyalami boasts 15 fireplaces, seven wood burning and eight gas. A warm country atmosphere is created by the wooden window frames, stone columns and wooden bricks throughout. www.davincenzo.co.za

2 THAI 4

Delicious, hearty curries isn’t the only thing to help keep you warm at this popular Thai restaurant on Corlett Drive. With an interesting list of wines and beverages, as well as a cosy fireplace, you can kiss those cold winter nights goodbye. www.2thai4.co.za 112 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

THE BULL RUN

This pub-style restaurant can be found deep in the heart of Sandton, opposite the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Expect delicious prime cut steaks as The Bull Run boasts its very own in-house butchery and an open fireplace built in the centre of the restaurant. www.thebullrun.co.za

OLIVE ‘N TWIST

Warm up in front of the fireplace in this cosy restaurant in North Riding, or enjoy a more rustic vibe by gathering around a fire in one of the three bomas outside. www.oliventwist.co.za

tsogosun.com

Chic Shebeens

Photograph Graeme Wyllie

Sha’p sha’p

SHA’P BRAAI

SHA’P Braai in Maboneng feeds the masses daily with this South African way of eating. A shisa nyama style shack opens onto the street, and eating is kept casual with diners seated on overturned

MELI LOUNGE

Meli Lounge in Pimville is a chilled out place where people from all walks of life go when they really want to relax and enjoy the Soweto vibe with a touch of class and elegance. It was founded by Meli Morewane in 2000 and has been one of the hotspots for tourists wanting to get the Soweto experience and maintain a sense of comfort and class. It boasts a full pub-style bar area that meets international standards. Patrons get to enjoy a variety of African meals, some of which are prepared by the owner himself. www.melilounge.blogspot.co.za

crates. The daily menu is scribbled onto blackboards; pap, wors and chakalaka reign supreme, and grilled chicken wings and steak are done to perfection by master braai chef Thabiso Doctor Ndlovu.

072 810 3109

IMBIZO SHISANYAMA BUSY CORNER

Imbizo Shisanyama Busy Corner in Midrand is South Africa’s most acclaimed African cuisine restaurant celebrating authentic African culture and heritage in an environment that exudes style, class and dignity. Enjoy Africa’s Ultimate Braai Experience at a restaurant that has earned an enviable reputation over the past 18 years for its delicious authentic African cuisine, quality service and a culture that emanates the true African identity. www.imbizoshisanyama.co.za www.joburgstyle.co.za | 115

Chic Shebeens

KWA LICHABA

Located on the edge of the most famous street in South Africa (Vilakazi Street), Kwa Lichaba offers an authentic shisa nyama experience in a chilled and relaxed environment. If you can’t find your favourite drink in the bar, you are most welcome to bring your own in a cooler box as the R50 entrance fee comes with added perks. The meat is expertly prepared and kept tender and succulent by the braai masters, and is served with pap and a variety of salads and vegetables to keep the balance. For only R200, four people can share a filling meal, making it great value for money.

083 660 6944

MASAKENG RESTAURANT

Enjoy delicious pub meals and arguably the best fish and chips in Soweto in a festive setting. This is a great place to watch sporting events on big screen TVs or sit outside enjoying a cold beer.

Owners, Godfrey and Gloria, are always around to ensure you’re looked after in true Sowetan style.

A delicious traditional buffet spread is served for groups. At the end of October, Masakeng hosts the Soweto Beer Festival.

082 962 6776

DANISH LOUNGE

Danish Lounge is a moderncontemporary establishment located in Soweto. It offers a unique and entertaining dining experience. At Danish Lounge, it’s all about the food, the crowd, the drinks and, most certainly, the vibe. The ambience is incredibly relaxed and for many regulars, it’s a home away from home. Sit back and enjoy the panoramic views. www.danishlounge.co.za

SEDIBENG PUB & RESTAURANT

E’ SOCIALINK SHISA NYAMA AND CAR WASH

Going to the car wash takes on an entirely new meaning in Soweto where getting your car cleaned involves socialiasing and enjoying some roasted meat on the roadside. This ‘car wash’ is a fresh chill spot combining class and an addictive weekend social vibe.

073 668 7636 116 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

Located in Meadowlands, Soweto, Sedibeng is one of the area’s finest pubs and restaurants. The contemporary menu consists of a fusion of flavours, including a few signature and traditional dishes. The trained waiters are able to match your meals with great drink suggestions from the large bar. sedibeng.za.net

Füri knives are made to be different. Füri thought of hands first – if a knife feels right in your hand, it’s right for your hand. Manufacturing with precision & quality are at the forefront of Füri. Knives have a revolutionary wedge-shaped handle, perfect weight & polished seamless finish. Blades are manufactured from high grade Japanese stainless steel. Dedication, quality & passion make a knife designed to last.

TIMELESS ELEGANCE

Taking its rich English heritage and modern sophistication of today, Stanley Rogers creates a timeless blend of traditional quality and modern appeal. Stanley Rogers understands the fine art of balancing tradition with modernity.

For more information contact Prestige Quality Housewares (Pty) Ltd A member of the FACKELMANN Group 1 Dwerg, Street, Denver, Johannesburg 011 417 6600 | info@prestigehw.co.za | www.prestigehousewares.co.za

Seafood & Sushi

Go Fish

U MAI

Based at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton, Lacuna Bistro & Bar has introduced a sushi bar called U Mai that serves some of the best sushi around. A chilled, sophisticated spot, it’s frequented by the hotel’s business clientele, however it’s great for an after work sushi and drink, too. Menu highlights include the spicy sashimi salad starter, salmon sashimi and salmon roses, Alaskan king crab California rolls and tuna sashimi zuke drizzled with truffle oil. Sushi just wouldn’t be the same without some good bubbly to wash it down, and their champagne menu is extensive. www.suninternational.com

MEZEPOLI

Mezepoli in Melrose Arch boasts a vibrant atmosphere offering no-fuss urban dining at its most chic, in the form of meze, pita and other pret a manger food. Drawn from the passionate cultures of the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Asia, Mezepoli dining is about simply loving the moment and taking time out to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail with meze – the seafood is, of course, to die for. www.mezepoli.co.za

THE BIG MOUTH SUSHI & GRILL

Located at Nelson Mandela Square, The Big Mouth is a contemporary take on the classic diner infused with culinary influences and ingredients from around the globe. The menu is divided into a grill section, serving hot dishes cooked in the unique charcoal oven, and a sushi section, serving gourmet sushi and other raw dishes from behind the marble sushi bar. Every bite offers a taste explosion. www.thebigmouth.co.za

FISHMONGER

Located at The Firs in Rosebank, Fishmonger offers a dining experience extraordinaire. Offering a variety of fresh oysters to a mouth-watering selection of fish dishes, the restaurant guarantees the taste of the sea in every meal. Fishmonger offers a piled-high platter of sea delicacies to delight and master chefs will prepare fresh sushi on site. www.fishmongerrosebank.co.za www.joburgstyle.co.za | 119

Flawless

Ci Series For music or movies, your installation needs to deliver the flawlessly accurate three-dimensional sound you’d expect from the best conventional speakers – startlingly clear and breathtakingly realistic. And that’s exactly what our Ci range does.

From our Reference THX-certified flagships to our Classic Series, there’s a Ci model for every application, from tiny ceiling speakers the size of downlights to motorised super-premium home theatre speakers that glide into place at the touch of a button. All are ruggedised for harsh environments such as bathrooms or boats.

By combining radically innovative engineering with sophisticated design technologies, the Ci range achieves what used to be thought impossible: compact custom installation speakers that sound as compelling as an audiophile quality hi-fi system, no matter where you sit.

Sky Audio. Tel: (012) 665-2932. info@skyaudio.co.za. www.skyaudio.co.za

Seafood & Sushi

JIMMY’S KILLER PRAWNS

Located in The Zone @ Rosebank, Jimmy’s Killer Prawns is a seafood sit-down and takeaway institution, with prawns the star of the show, of course. Jimmy’s first opened in Germiston way back in 1990 and its specialty prawns are delicious and moreish. Jimmy’s passion for quality seafood, serving people and making them happy is what’s made these restaurants legendary. www.jimmyskillerprawns.com

WILLOUGHBY & CO.

Willoughby’s in Hyde Park is a perennial favourite for quick seafood and sushi, and it’s always bursting at the seams on weekend nights. The seafood menu is extensive and includes great calamari, prawn curries and line fish served in copper pans. They make some of the city’s best fat chips.

011 325 5107

BELLAGIO HASHI

Calamari, crispy chicken, prawn tempura, avocado, cream cheese and even strawberries have all found their way onto the menu at this Venezuelan-owned fusion sushi and seafood restaurant.

Stand-out items include the dragon prawn tempura, ‘sushi pizza’ (salmon on a toasted rice base drizzled with Hashi’s own special sauce) and deep fried ice cream. Based in Linden. www.hashi.co.za

YAMATO

The much awarded Yamato in Illovo serves elegant and traditional Japanese food with great service. The superior sushi and sashimi menu is more than a few cuts above your average conveyor belt, and other highlights include the perfect gyoza dumplings and light tempura dishes. What a combination of flavours! www.yamato.co.za

Bellagio in Illovo manages to pull off an almost completely seafood-focused menu with finesse. The flavours are fresh and modern. Start with wonderfully plump Namibian oysters, salmon carpaccio, tuna tartare, grilled sardines, Mediterranean fish soup or a selection of salads. Mains follow with oven roasted baby kingklip; seared salmon with asparagus, roast cherry tomatoes and salsa verde; homemade fish pie with dill and an excellent selection of sushi.

011 268 0869 www.joburgstyle.co.za | 121

Winter Markets

Under wraps at the city’s favourite markets

MARKET ON MAIN

Thanks to the bustling Market on Main held on Sundays, Maboneng precinct is alive and well and here to stay. Situated inside the Arts on Main building in downtown Joburg, the market offers visitors a range of food, design and arts stalls.

Expect delicious cakes, vintage clothing, china stalls and photography exhibitions. Plus, they also host a night market every month, so keep an eye on their Facebook page and website for more information. www.marketonmain.co.za

JOZI REAL FOOD MARKET

Situated at the Pirates Sports Club in Greenside, the Jozi Real Food Market is an outdoor artisans’ market with the main focus on fresh food. Parents will also be pleased to know the market offers kids an outdoor entertainment area and sports fans can watch their favourite sports games on the pub’s TV screens. Be sure to visit this market every Saturday from 8:30am to 1:30pm for some fun in the winter sun. www.jozifoodmarket.co.za

NEIGHBOURGOODS MARKET

Probably the first market of its kind in Joburg, Neighbourgoods has become the most popular place to spend a Saturday morning or afternoon, where you’ll get to indulge in gourmet snacks, yummy sweets and a variety of craft beers. And, once you’ve feasted on all the food the market has to offer, make your way to the rooftop and enjoy the live music with friends. www.neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za

ROSEBANK SUNDAY MARKET

The Rosebank Rooftop Market is bigger and better than ever before and is home to some of the best craft stalls and gourmet food traders in the country. Visitors can look forward to arts, electronics and locally sourced products, as well as tasty treats, unusual antiques and vintage clothing, all while enjoying exceptional views of the Joburg skyline. www.rosebanksundaymarket.co.za www.joburgstyle.co.za | 123

Winter Markets

BOULEVARD LIVING NIGHT MARKET BRYANSTON ORGANIC MARKET

Open every Thursday to Saturday from 9am to 3pm, the Bryanston Organic Market has been a firm favourite for market-goers. Not only is there a selection of organic and natural food stands, but there’s also an array of arts and crafts to choose from, with everything handmade, produced or manufactured locally. www.bryanstonorganicmarket.co.za

HAZEL FOOD MARKET

Pretoria’s very own ‘Neighbourgoods’ market is open every Saturday in the Greenlyn Village Centre and is home to some of the freshest produce the city has to offer. The market includes stalls for artisan coffee, Persian pastries, Belgian waffles and French crêpes and tons of delicious cuisine from all around the world. What more could you ask for? www.hazelfoodmarket.co.za 124 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

The recently revamped The Zone @ Rosebank hosts this monthly night market on the last Thursday of every month. The Boulevard Living Market is organised in conjunction with the popular Rosebank Sunday Market and focuses on selling high quality local crafts and other artisanal products, with live music bringing a vibrant atmosphere. Many of The Zone’s most popular stores stay open late as part of the market. The market takes place on the last Thursday of every month from 3pm to 9pm. www.thezoneatrosebank.co.za

FOURWAYS FARMERS MARKET

If for whatever reason you’ve missed Neighbourgoods on a Saturday, then don’t fret, because the Fourways Farmers Market on Sundays features the same food stalls.

So dress warmly and get there before noon as this market fills up quickly. It also offers tons of entertainment for families and kids.

The market has extended its hours from 9am to 4pm every Sunday. www.ffmarket.co.za

BLUBIRD FOOD MARKET

The Blubird Whole Food Market features an intimate gathering of vendors at the Blubird Shopping Centre in Birnam, north of Joburg.

From mouthwatering pastries to homemade jams, imported cheeses to olive oils and exotic sweets to spicy appetizers, you’re bound to find something delicious to take home with you at this food market. www.blubird.co.za

THE CRESTA FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT COURT NOW OPEN! AQUARIUM OPENING END JULY. www.crestacentre.co.za Cnr Beyers Naudé Dr & Weltevreden Rd, Cresta, Randburg

Children

Kids

EMMA O’BRIEN PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

A professional photographer who specialises in shooting portraits of children, dogs, families and couples. In 2015, Emma won the Admired in Africa Newborn Gold Award and is proud to be a Nikon South Africa brand ambassador.

Please quote ‘Joburg Style’ to enjoy a complimentary A3 print with your next photo shoot booking. www.emmaobrien.com

MIKE’S KITCHEN

Kids love Mike’s Kitchen in The Zone @ Rosebank. The Mike’s Kitchen birthday offer includes the choice of a Cheezy Roni, a Margi Pizza, a Mikey Burger or a Hot Dog, as well as a fizzy soda, a balloon, a party pack and a Mikey ice cream. Invite 10 kids to enjoy a free 20cm cake. If you have your birthday at Mike’s Kitchen, you’ll get a free kids meal, cold drink, balloon and a special gift. www.mikeskitchensa.co.za

RUNNIN’ REBELS SOCCER

Based at Sandton Sports Club, Zoo Lake Sports Club and Fairmount Sports Club, Runnin’ Rebels Soccer’s mission is to inspire, encourage and empower youth through participation in worldclass soccer events. Your kids can enjoy their very own soccer birthday party, too, including a ‘World Cup tournament’, jumping castles, slides and more. www.runninrebels.co.za

UNDER THE OAK TREE

An exclusive party venue suitable for kids ages one to 10. This mother-daughter team is passionate about creating the perfect event for your birthday boy or girl.

Two venues aim to provide life-size fantasy and sensory play. On offer are pony rides, jumping castles, décor, face painting, balloon art, candy tables, catering, cakes, cupcakes, popcorn machine, candy floss machine, snow cone machine, piñata and so much more. www.undertheoaktreepartyvenue.com

GOMES ZONE

If you’re looking for entertainment for all age groups, then Gomes Zone in Mulbarton is the place to be. From a state-of-the-art modular play gym, fantasy play area, arts and crafts to a gaming section offering foosball, table tennis, a pool table and PlayStation, they have it all to keep everyone entertained.

Plus, Gomes Zone also has a coffee shop for the parents’ enjoyment. www.gomeszone.co.za

ROLLEGOLI

RollEgoli came about as a result of a lack of safe skating facilities for suburban Joburg folks. The super smooth cement floor rink is located on a residential stand in the heart of Bryanston, with a roof semiopen on both sides. The rest of the facility consists of a treed garden overlooking a wooden jungle gym and trampoline and surrounded by a rubberised scooter track. There’s a pizza restaurant with four party rooms on the top floor. www.rollegoli.co.za www.joburgstyle.co.za | 127

The Last Word

10 MINUTES

WITH PHILIPP DREYER We know what needs to be done to make garments fit. Many men have difficulties finding their wardrobe off the rack because they experience a mismatch between what fits as a jacket versus what fits as trousers. We develop a working pattern combination for them, i.e. jacket and trousers sold separately.

Different body postures, such as square or rounded shoulders, can be considered with little effort, but it will add so much value and comfort in contrast to an off-the-rack garment.

Technology helps us. Since the patterns are stored digitally we can replicate each pattern as many times as needed. On top of that we have our digital style-toolbox’, so that our customers can toggle the styles with each outfit, while the size stays constant.

And even if one has put on some kilos, we can still refer to the last pattern while adding the lunch to it!

Picture Suné Marais

We are a bespoke production, but not tailors... We deliver bespoke suits made in a boutique production line using state-of-the-art equipment. The advantage is that the product is finished off perfectly every single time, especially when it comes to the pressing. The reason why I use the word ‘tailor’ very carefully: There is only a small number of tailoring houses worldwide who can finish an entire suit interior by hand. I would really like to own one myself; the problem is that it would set me back at least R40,000, never mind the travelling cost for three or more fittings. I see more value in producing semi-canvassed or fully canvassed suits that are made to spec in a high-end production line, something that is affordable and adds tons of value.

PHILIPP DREYER JOBURG STYLE SPOKE TO PHILIPP DREYER, OWNER OF JOBURG-BASED MADE-TO-MEASURE MENSWEAR SPECIALIST FIRM ALEXANDER FINE ATTIRE, TO FIND OUT WHAT SETS HIS BUSINESS APART

128 | www.joburgstyle.co.za

We use the best quality fabrics and train our customers to keep their garments happy... A lot of people cherish the ‘Super something’ number on their supposedly woollen cloth, but this is only a small indicator of the actual quality of the cloth. Origin, blend and weaving techniques make more out of a cloth than one might think. We successfully work together with four very reputable companies in Italy and advise our customers on their choice of fabrics, the kind of weave and weight. At the end, hopping in and out of office chairs, taxis or airplanes should require something different than going to a ceremony, right?

It started with a suit for graduation. We started off with Alexander Fine Attire after I went through the process of looking for a graduation suit in 2009. As you probably already guessed, my search was cumbersome, hence the business start.

It is, I must say, a great pleasure to do this type of work here in South Africa, specifically in Johannesburg.

Elegance is an attitude Simon Baker

The Longines Master Collection