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Top line-up for White Mountain Festival

Posted in Entertainment,Festivals,KwaZulu Natal by SA Blog Editor, 1 September 2011.

A number of top artists from around the country are set to perform at this year’s White Mountain Festival, which is coming up from September 29 to October 2 and once again promises a weekend of great live music in an awesome setting.

Included on the bill for this gem of a festival held at White Mountain Lodge near Giant’s Castle in the scenic Central Drakensberg are melodic rockers aKING, the platinum-selling Jesse Clegg Band, Plush frontman Rory Eliot and SAMA-nominated singer-songwriter Josie Field.

Other must-see acts include Habit To, Margaret’s Daughter, Allan John Band, Naming James, Shotgun Tori, Rooibaardt, The Hinds Brothers, Nate Maingard, Holly, Nosi and The Zulus, The Kickstands, Asleep in Transit, Kaiti Faul, as well as 2010 SA Idols finalist Jess Yallup, among others.

A special treat for guitar enthusiasts is that acoustic fingerstyle guru Guy Buttery and blues maestro Dan Patlansky will also join forces in a rare unplugged collaboration, combining their contrasting styles in what is sure to be a showcase of true guitar wizardry!

Also on offer are fun outdoor activities for the whole family, arts and crafts, assorted food outlets and a beer market featuring several local breweries.  Festival-goers can also make full use of the lodge’s facilities, including a restaurant, rustic 150-year-old pub, children’s playground, swimming pool and satellite TV.

Now in its sixth year, White Mountain is KwaZulu-Natal’s only acoustic music festival and is known for its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, plentiful amenities and beautiful surroundings.  Situated less than 200km from Durban, 400km from Johannesburg and only 25km off the N3 on tarred roads, it makes for the ideal weekend getaway and also provides easy access to a number of nearby tourist attractions, including the Midlands Meander.

Tickets cost R500 at Computicket and include camping for the entire festival.  For more information, visit http://www.whitemountain.co.za or contact 031 563 0824.

Need a place to stay? Find accommodation in the Drakensberg for this event!

Cape Town powers up for Night Vision

Posted in Cape Town,Entertainment,Events by SA Blog Editor, 17 February 2011.

The Cape Town Festival’s (CTF) multi-dimensional street festival Night Vision is back by popular demand on Saturday, 12 March from 6pm till midnight.

It will take place at the newly revamped Cape Town Station Forecourt, extending festivities into Adderley Street between Strand Street and the fountain. The CTF, incorporating the One City, Many Cultures (1CMC) Project, is supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF).

After a three-year break, Cape Town’s nocturnal urban street festival, Night Vision, is back with a bang, only this time bigger and better than ever before! Night Vision promises to dominate the city night life with a party-thumping arts and entertainment extravaganza. The event will lead up to a climax of explosive live on-stage performances by iconic bands such as High Voltage Collective featuring EJ Von LYRIK, Theba Shumba and D.form; 340ml; The Dirty Skirts and headline act, 2010 SAMA Award Winners, Big NUZ who will take the party well into midnight. (more…)

Chinese New Year Celebration at Brightwater

Posted in Entertainment,Events,Festivals,Gauteng by SA Blog Editor, 1 February 2011.

The Brightwater Commons, in conjunction with the Chinese Embassy in South Africa will be hosting a celebration of the Chinese New Year on Saturday 12th February 2011. To start at 11am, this event will feature a variety of vibrant cultural performances as well as colourful exhibitions that will allow visitors to experience the beauty and diversity of the Chinese culture.

Whilst the exhibitions and stalls will open at 11am, the entertainment programme will begin at 1pm with an official opening ceremony. This will be followed by the ever popular and spectacular Lion and Dragon dances. Other performances that will dazzle and delight visitors will include an acrobatics, contortion and fire act; traditional Umbrella and Fan dancing, as well as demonstrations of martial arts.

The event’s highlight will be a set of acts by the talented Yunnan Arts Troupe originating from Yunnan, which is regarded as China’s most culturally diverse province. The professional 14 member troupe will reflect the colour and culture of the province through the dances of the region’s different ethnic minorities. They will also present a delightful magic show and Tibetan songs.

Visitors can also see a variety of cultural exhibitions, from arts and crafts all the way to clothing; and enjoy lunch on the commons as there will be numerous food stalls specializing in different kinds of delicious Chinese cuisine ranging from stir-fried dishes to sweet treats. The celebrations will close at 5pm.

According to the Chinese Zodiac calendar, 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit. To the Chinese people, speed, strength and kindness of heart are traits associated with the rabbit. They therefore believe that those born in the Year of the Rabbit are clever, romantic, modest and merciful. The rabbit is the 4th animal on the calendar, which dates back to more than 2000 years ago. There are 12 animals on the calendar which works in 12 year cycles. The Chinese believe that these animals appeared before Buddha or the Jade Emperor. The animals are listed on the calendar in their order of arrival, starting with the rat and followed by the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

For more information on the Chinese New Year Celebrations at The Brightwater Commons contact Francois on 011 789 5052.

See Randburg Accommodation to find a place to stay for this event.

Splashy Fen announces smoking hot line-up

Posted in Concerts Events,Entertainment,KwaZulu Natal by SA Blog Editor, 23 February 2010.

Supported by Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Splashy Fen will mark its coming of age this Easter from 1-5 April with its most exciting line-up yet, rumours of which have been causing a stir around the country for the last couple of months. Many of the faces who have helped to make Splashy a world-class festival will be there, joined by the cream of South Africa’s rising new talent as over 80 artists play on two stages.

Splashy’s line-up this year is set to raise the bar in its breadth and variety, with the likes of all-girl vamp-rock band Cortina Whiplash, the show-stealing progressive Celtic fusion outfit Haggis and Bong (bagpipes and all), and Joburg rockers The Shadowclub performing on the Grant Erskine Marquee stage. Other acts to look out for are Straatligkinders, the multi-award winning rock powerhouse from Potchefstroom, as well as Indie pop sensations New Holland, ska-punk veterans Hog Hoggidy Hog and fellow Capetonian skankers, Captain Stu.

A must-see is one of Splashy’s favourite sons, world-renowned folk guitarist Syd Kitchen, who was honoured last year for performing at every Splashy since the fest’s inception in 1990. In contrast, Afrikaans comedic rapper Jack Parow, the moustached godfather of zef from Bellville in the Cape whose hit single “Cooler as Ekke” has taken YouTube by storm, will be making his much-anticipated Splashy debut. Also hailing from Bellville and pushing the boundaries of Afrikaans music to new limits are the notorious Fokofpolisiekar and electro-rock outfit Die Heuwels Fantasties, both of which are sure to make their mark on this year’s festival.

For fans of African-influenced roots music, there is plenty on offer as revered Jozi reggae-rock stalwarts Tidal Waves stir it up, and Capetonians Hot Water bring their cross-cultural fusion of funky, bluesy Afro-rock and a dynamic stage show. David Jenkins, hailing from Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal, plays a fusion of maskandi and bluegrass, and Bongeziwe and The Fridge offers urban folk music diversely influenced by soul, hip hop and mbaqanga. Splashy also presents the Underberg Community Showcase, featuring local choirs and dancers from the Kwa Sani area.

Tree Houses On The Sea (T.H.O.T.S.) from Durban will also be making an appearance with their engaging experimental hip hop, while acclaimed singer/songwriter Ard Matthews will perform a rare solo set. Also not to be missed are heavyweights Prime Circle, melodic rockers Plush, featuring the talents of front man Rory Eliot and the boys, as well as the wildly popular dance trio Goodluck, who will debut their fusion of sounds at Splashy in a late-night set.

For those who love a bit of blues in their rock, get ready: the Redhand Blues Band, PE’s Jack Rabbit Slims, the Albert Frost Trio and Dan Patlansky will be on hand with some smoking blues to get you grooving. There won’t be any rest for the wicked though, because Southern Gypsy Queen, one of the hardest-working bands in the country, will also be treating the audience to their signature style of rock.

An exciting development at this year’s festival is the expansion of the second stage, dubbed the Splashy Fen Stage, which will now also be covered with a marquee and offer more space for bands and fans. In addition to hosting a selection of musicians’ clubs from around the country during the day, the evenings will offer a blistering line-up that includes Zoe, Sheep Down, funk ‘n soul monsters Voodoo Child, the hard rocking Catlike Thieves, Dimeshift, and pop-punkers Holly and The Woods.

Definitely not to be missed is California-based rock outfit, Horse the Band, performing on Sunday, 4 April as part of their upcoming Reigns in Africa tour. Other bands to watch out for are Dead Cat Bounce, Kissed by Katie, True To Adopted, Nonchalant, Outbreak, and Joburg indie-pop stars The Sick Leaves, hot on the heels of the release of their new album.

Held on a farm near Underberg in KZN, Splashy Fen is geared up to present one of its strongest and most diverse line-ups to date. In addition to awesome music, a wide variety of food and drink outlets, arts and crafts, and a range of outdoor activities for the whole family, it will also feature an Eco Village powered by the elements – all in the midst of the breathtaking natural beauty which makes Splashy Fen so unique. To find a place to stay why not see Drakensberg Accommodation, for those of you who are not into camping.

Tickets cost R425 at Computicket and selected Game stores or R550 at the gate. The price includes camping for the entire festival. For more information, visit www.splashyfen.co.za or contact 031 563 0824.

Festival of White Lights

Posted in Cape Town,Entertainment,Festivals by SA Blog Editor, 24 November 2009.

A spectacle of lights and artistic performances at Spier!

Spier will celebrate the festive season with a dazzling display of lights and a diverse collection of artistic performances in the Festival of White Lights on 4 December 2009. The festival will be a journey across the estate led by an ‘Angel of Light’ on stilts and a penny-whistler.

Before the procession, festival-goers will enjoy award-winning Spier wines and a picnic on the lawns next to the Eerste Rivier to the soothing gospel and Christmas songs of the Abgondisi Brothers (Brothers of Understanding), a ten-member acapella-style music group established in the township of Kayamandi near Stellenbosch.

The journey through the estate will reveal numerous light installations with highlights including a dance piece choreographed by the renowned Jay Pather, a burning sculpture, and a display by FireTribe—a group of spectacular fire-dancers (in)famous for their gatherings on Clifton Beach in Cape Town.

Along the way, each participant will be given a balloon with a light inside it and a piece of paper tied to it. Festival-goers will be encouraged to write a message of goodwill and all the balloons will be released together, creating a spectacular effect, and spreading positive vibes around the area. The Festival of White Light is an annual event, and Spier’s way of celebrating the essence of the festive season.

Venue: Spier Wine Estate
Time: 20h00 – 22h00
When: Friday, 04 December 2009
Bookings: Computicket
Cost R100 for adults (includes glass of Spier wine), R60 for children, under the age of 12
Accommodation: Stellenbosch Accommodation

Herolds Bay Beach Festival

Posted in Entertainment,Festivals,Garden Route by SA Blog Editor, 19 November 2009.

Come along and be a part of the 21st edition of this jam packed, hot and action filled adventure in George this Summer. Some of the fun sporting activities that everyone can be a part of are beach soccer, touch rugby, surfing and flag sprinting. There will also be children’s competitions, promotions and dancers as well as an after party. And if you are feeling bikini confident why not take part in their Miss Bikini pagent?

Venue: George’s Main Beach
When: Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Contact: Terra Firma Events on +27 (0)44 874-2015 for more information
Accommodation: George Accommodation, Herolds Bay Accommodation

Durbanville Summer Festival

Posted in Cape Town,Entertainment,Events by SA Blog Editor, 19 November 2009.

Come and join us at the Durbanville Race Course for a fabulous Summer Festival. Summer is here and what better way to celebrate than to join in the fun. So come on down to the Race Course to celebrate the beginning of a new season. There will be water slides for the adults as well as kids, jumping castles, clowns, live music, food and other stalls such as craft and great food and fun ideas for summer.

Don’t forget to carry your swimming gear and sun block for some fun in the sun.

Venue: Durbanville Rugby Stadium
When: Saturday, 05 December 2009 to Sunday, 06 December 2009
Times: Friday 12h00 to 20h00, Saturday 09h00 to 20h00 and Sunday 09h00 to 19h00
Cost: R5 per person, children under 5 years are free of charge
More info: Telephone Natasha on +27 (0)78 700-6815
Accommodation: Durbanville Accommodation

Ficksburg Cherry Festival

Posted in Entertainment,Festivals,Free State by SA Blog Editor, 18 November 2009.

Ficksburg is known throughout the country as the Cherry Town, and the two have become synonymous with each other. The Ficksburg Cherry Festival takes place during the third week in November. This is the oldest crop festival in South Africa having celebrated its 41st anniversary in 2008.

Every year, festival activities include cherry tours, a golf classic, a half marathon, cherry product competitions, veteran vehicle displays, equestrian events and beer fests. New exhibitions on the list include a food and wine fiesta. A ‘ready, steady, bake’ competition is always a firm favourite to watch as is the making of cherry mampoer (a South African moonshine).

Well-known South African artists provide live entertainment and the festival itself is usually hosted by a national celebrity. Highlights of recent festivals include an appearance by the Soweto String Quartet and the Lipizzaner horses from Johannesburg.

For a first hand review of the Cherry Festival see: It’s the Ficksburg Festival, my cherry!

When: Thursday, 19 November 2009 to Saturday, 21 November 2009
Where: Ficksburg
Categories: Annual Festivals / Food & Wine
Accommodation: Ficksburg Accommodation

uShaka Marine World Body Art competition

Posted in Entertainment,Events by SA Blog Editor, 13 August 2009.

It’s time to get creative again at the fourth uShaka Marine World Body Art competition. It all happens at uShaka Village Walk on Saturday September 12. The theme is “Dangerous Creatures” and artists are encouraged to pull out all the stops as they take their inspiration from uShaka’s Dangerous Creatures Exhibition featuring a variety of scary snakes, spiders, scorpions and frogs.

Artists will be competing for the cash prize of R5000 and the chance to go into the uShaka’s hall of fame. Entrants must submit an A4 storyboard illustrating their idea using a medium of their choice with an 80-word concept explanation to uShaka Marine World Management Offices by September 7 at 2pm.

There will be loads of entertainment on the day as well as great prizes to be won and fun for the whole family. And all guests visiting the park on the day sporting a tattoo will get an uShaka Marine World combo ticket for only R10.

For more information contact Merle Bateman at:
mbateman@ushakamarineworld.co.za or 031 328 8013

Escape to White Mountain

Posted in Entertainment,Events,Festivals by SA Blog Editor, 4 August 2009.

If you want to escape the city and chill out in a superb mountain setting while listening to acoustic performances by some of the country’s top artists, then look no further than the annual White Mountain Folk Festival.

Coinciding with Heritage Day and the start of the school holidays, this intimate, family-friendly festival runs over four days from September 24 to 27 and is held at White Mountain Lodge near Giant’s Castle in the beautiful Central Drakensberg region of KwaZulu-Natal, only 200km from Durban and 430km from Johannesburg on tarred roads.

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Featured acts include Rambling Bones, the alter ego of Jay Bones, frontman for popular ska/punk band Fuzigish; Wonderboom’s Cito, performing songs from his soon-to-be released debut solo album; as well as a rare, acoustic solo performance by Bertie Coetzee, lead vocalist for Afrikaans folk rock outfit Zinkplaat.

Also on the bill are Farryl Purkiss, Josie Field, Larry Amos, Gary Thomas, Laurie Levine, Redhand Blues Band, Joshua Grierson, Andra, Barry Thomson, Flowing Water Band and Catlike Thieves, to name but a few.

Other attractions range from abseiling, paintball and helicopter flips to fishing, boating, hiking and a zip line across a nearby 100m-wide gorge. There’s also a beer market featuring several local breweries, colourful arts and crafts and a variety of food stalls catering for all tastes. Festival-goers can also make full use of the lodge’s facilities, including a restaurant, pub, games room, swimming pool and satellite TV.

Now in its fourth year, White Mountain is KZN’s only acoustic music festival and has quickly become a firm favourite on the events calendar. Tickets are available at Game stores in KZN (R400), Computicket (R450) and at the festival gate (R500). The price includes camping for the entire festival and children under 12 pay R50. For more information and programme updates, visit www.whitemountain.co.za or contact Pedro at 082 892 6176.

To find accommodation for this event see Drakensberg Accommodation.

Kick off your weekend with STERLING EQ’s sizzling performance at Marimba Restaurant

Posted in Entertainment,Western Cape by SA Blog Editor, 29 June 2009.

Cape Town’s instrumental supergroup Sterling Electric Quartet will be performing a free concert at Marimba’s Restaurant on Friday the 10th July 2009. Captivating audiences from all walks of life with their spectacular display of virtuosity and their energetic stage presence, this all-female outfit is fast-becoming one of the most sought after bands on South Africa’s entertainment and event circuits. The launch of their new album this year has catapulted Sterling into the limelight both locally and internationally with performances in Dubai and Portugal.

Sterling

Their show contains well-known hits as well as strikingly energetic, original compositions. Sterling turns Classical favourites like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony into contemporary dance hits which, together with their renditions of well-known South African songs and Latin House, Jazz and even disco chart-toppers, never fails to leave their audience wanting more!

Entrance is free and the performance commences at 5:30 PM.

For further information go to http://www.SterlingEQ.co.za
Book Cape Town Accommodation

Mr Price PRO Ballito Music Concert on July 2

Posted in Concerts Events,Entertainment,KwaZulu Natal by SA Blog Editor, 17 June 2009.

Top band Prime Circle will lead the pack of homegrown music talent at this year’s Mr Price Pro Ballito music concert which takes place at Salt Rock beach for the first time. Music has always been associated with this world-class surfing event and this year Mr Price, Kwadukuza Municipality and East Coast Radio have teamed up to present an awesome line-up of true-blue South African sound.

On July 2 once the sun sets on another action-packed day of surfing, its time for the rock and pop heroes to take over from the surfing legends who will be in action in Ballito from June 26 to July 5. The good news is that the concert, which features nine varied acts, is completely free. The beach will reverberate to the sound of music from 4.30pm through to when Prime Circle take the stage at around 10.30pm.

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It all kicks off with popular Durban band Rise (4.30pm to 4.50pm) which was launched in 2007 with a strong emphasis on vocals, guitar, catchy dance beats and uplifting songs. The song, All We Have Is Now, from their first album is currently play listed on East Coast Radio. From 5.40pm to 6pm Idols finalist Pixie Bennett takes to the stage with her band. The Pixie Bennett Band has played at various gigs in Durban and festivals around the country including Splashy Fen and White Mountain.

Next up is indie rock/disco funk outfit Gonzo Republic (6.10pm to 6.40pm) who sang their way to the top of the 5fm charts with their hit Nothing to fight about off their album I’m OK, You’re OK. Turning “up the beat” from 6.50pm to 7.20pm are the City Bowl Mizers who’ll have you on your feet with their eclectic and catchy blend of early 50s pop and upbeat rock ‘n roll.

Keeping the groove going is melodic pop-rock band aKING (7.30pm to 8.15pm) who claim the title of being “an audio diary of life and survival in the suburbs”. Their songs have already won acclaim with radio stations such as 5fm and MFM – they were rated number one on the MFM Top 10 Artists and Top 10 SA Albums of 2008. Next up is Zebra and Giraffe (8.25pm to 9.10pm), a cleverly-named act which is actually the 12-lettered pseudonym of Johannesburg music wunderkind, Greg Carlin, who is launching an assault on music charts with his album Collected Memories.

Headline act Prime Circle completes the stellar line-up from 9.20pm to 10.20pm. Bouyed by several explosive live performances, a gold-selling album, significant radio play and a prospective jump into the international arena, Prime Circle is one of the country’s leading rock bands. The band’s latest album, All or Nothing, reached gold status just six months after hitting the SA market with its key single, She Always Gets What She Wants, making its mark all over the country’s rock, all hit and adult contemporary radio stations.

Rock the night away on Thursday, July 2 with Mr Price, the KwaDukuza Municipality and East Coast Radio.
Where to Stay? See Ballito accommodation and Ballito Hotels
For Enquiries contact Brad on 031-310 8575

Cape Town Coffee Route

Posted in Cape Town,Entertainment,Restaurant Reviews by SA Blog Editor, 13 May 2009.

Compiled by an enthusiastic group of trendy Capetonians, we present the Cape Town Coffee Route. From well know and highly acclaimed Coffee Bars to off the beaten track discoveries, if you are looking for a great cuppa in Cape Town you’ll find the best of them in this list.

Cape Town Coffee Route

Cape Town’s Coffee Culture is a thriving one. Our list of favourite places to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat includes local favourites to coffee boutiques for the connoisseur. Included are perennial favourites such as Newport Deli in Mouille Point and Giovanni’s in Green Point and highly acclaimed Jardine on Bree – but the list also offers a few lesser known gems like The Daily Deli in Tamboerskloof and C’est la Vie in Kalk Bay. To view the full list see Cape Town Coffee Route.

Related Pages:
Cape Town Things to Do
Cape Town Accommodation

Special Family Friendly Restaurants in Cape Town

Posted in Cape Town,Entertainment by SA Blog Editor, 9 May 2009.

Cape Town offers some beautiful locations to spend time with your family in a relaxing and playful atmosphere. On a constant quest to find perfect family spots offering healthy child friendly food with an appetizing menu for adults, set in pleasant surrounds with play areas, here are some of the best experiences on offer.

Starting in the city, Deer Park Café in the suburb of Oranjezicht is an institution with local trendy families because of its deli style food and large play park. A healthy menu impresses parents and children alike, giving them plenty of fuel for clambering over the play obstacles and jungle gyms that fill the generous park. Set in the residential area at the foot of Table Mountain Park, with tall trees and greenery growing amongst the peaceful neighbourhood, Deer Park Café is a wonderful way to spend time with your children, while squeezing in some gourmet treats for yourself!

Shoreline Café at the Waterfront was created for pure enjoyment and is situated next to the Two Oceans Aquarium. An indoor play area makes this spot a great escape for rainy days! The kiddie’s area is lined with AstroTurf and has a big TV to entertain the older chldren, while the younger members of the family will be kept very busy on the creatively designed jungle gym and slides.

A little further out in Hout Bay, Scarecrows has been created purely for the enjoyment of the little people! Combining the magical ingredients of a huge play area and fantastic food, Scarecrows never fails in delighting the whole family. Watch your kids play in the teepees, in the sandpits and on the junglegyms while you have a well deserved cappacino and slice of cheesecake.

The Cape Farmhouse Restaurant in Red Hill, en route to Cape Point, is the place to go for an unforgettable family day out. An old farmhouse turned restaurant creates a beautiful space to savour a long lunch, under the vines. Geese roam around the grassy play areas which provide plenty of running space, complimented by a menu comprising of true gourmet delights. Local folk bands play live music on Saturday afternoons, so be sure to book for a truly different treat for the whole family.

Imhoff Farm, Kommetjie, is a day long experience not to be missed, making Blue Water Café the perfect venue for a family meal. A majestic farmhouse with rolling green lawns looking out onto horses grazing, sets the scene as you enjoy outstanding food. With a large jungle gym, ample space and a touch farm bordering the restaurant, your children will be entertained for hours.

The Barnyard in Tokai is the ultimate child friendly venue, complete with farm animals, several jungle gyms, swings and play areas. Homestyle cooking feeds hungry children and parents, inbetween hours of play.

Treat the whole family to a morning at the Porter’s Estate Market in Tokai for a gourmet organic experience of food, drinks and handmade goods. Set amongst the trees of the Tokai forest, not only will you experience a day of chocolate filled pancakes and fairy cakes, your children will also have the time of their lives playing in the special kiddie’s entertainment area.

Café Roux at the Noordhoek Farm Village is the haunt of food lovers everywhere and with a beautiful playground bordering the alfresco style restaurant, it is a welcoming space for families. Along with all the other family friendly restaurants on this list, Café Roux is an upmarket space that impresses with its relaxed gourmet menu. Watch your children play to their hearts’ content on the tractor or inside the wendy house while you sample fresh food made with dedication and passion.

For lots more Family Friendly Entertainment in the Cape Town area see Cape Town Family Friendly Things to Do or to find a place to stay for your next holiday in Cape Town see Cape Town accommodation or Western Cape accommodation.

Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa unveils … Magnolia Restaurant

Posted in Entertainment,Restaurant Reviews by SA Blog Editor, 22 August 2008.

The luxurious Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa in Somerset West is proud to announce the unveiling of Magnolia Restaurant, serving contemporary local cuisine with a twist. This sophisticated restaurant, draped in bold décor, creates a striking setting for patrons to wine and dine away the evenings or lazy Sunday lunches. The inspiration for the name ‘Magnolia’ comes from the spectacular flowering magnolia trees on the hotel grounds, which also inspired the regal décor of the restaurant.

Magnolia Restaurant at Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa

I am delighted with the ambiance of Magnolia,” comments Craig Seaman, Managing Director of Louis Group Hotels, Spas & Vineyards. “The rich silk drapes, chandeliers and original magnolia paintings, which were commissioned for the restaurant, have amalgamated into a dining experience reminiscent of a bye-gone era … but with a definite contemporary twist,” he adds.

Magnolia’s menu offers a variety of mouth-watering combinations across many cultural influences, creating a melting pot of flavours to cater for every craving. “It’s all about simplicity,” says executive chef Michael Bridgeman. “Magnolia’s menu is about fresh, clean, uncomplicated food. And because we source African spices from Egypt and other exotic regions of the continent, our food has a distinct, unique taste and flavour – we stand out from the crowd,” he says confidently.

Michael worked closely with his younger (“and better looking,” he adds in good humour) sous chef, Shaun Bruce, to create the delectably diverse Magnolia menu. For starters, patrons may order from a selection that includes local mussels from Saldanha Bay, tossed with wild mushrooms and finished in a white wine and saffron reduction. For a main course, patrons have a variety of choice that includes seafood, Karoo lamb and mild masala. ‘Contemporary local cuisine with a twist’ doesn’t come much better than a char grilled beef fillet and biltong flavoured potato gratin, drizzled with a Buchu infused Jus. And a mampoer margarita or traditional Cape malva pudding will put the finishing touch to a scrumptious meal.

Michael Bridgeman completed his chef training at a four-star hotel in Perth, Australia. He worked in London, UK for two years before coming to South Africa in 1995, where he served a one-year stint at the Lord Charles in Somerset West. Michael has been bustling about the Erinvale kitchen for the past ten years, but claims he’s never bored. The executive chef’s philosophy of cooking – namely, fresh, clean, uncomplicated food sourced locally – perfectly compliments the ‘distinctive and captivating hospitality’ ethos of Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa.

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Michael and his brigade are a dream team with a passion for creating memorable food,” says Jean Paul van As, General Manager of Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa.

Other dining options at Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa include:
* The popular Irish-styled Skelligs Pub, which is open daily for lunches and light dinners. The pub offers a relaxed, informal setting in which to enjoy a pint of tapped Guinness or a hearty meal.
* The intimate De Jongh Room can seat a maximum of 14 guests and is perfect for private dining. It also houses the hotel’s breakfast buffet every morning.
* Erinvale also has a number of stylish banqueting venues, which can cater for gourmet breakfasts, buffet luncheons, conferences, cocktail parties, wedding receptions or formal dinner dances.

For more information:
Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa
Telephone: 021 847 1160
Website: www.erinvale.co.za