WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?
A survivor’s go-to list to safely guide you through Valentine’s Day 2020
JOHANNESBURG:
CAFÉ DEL SOL BOTANICO: Get your best love game on at Café del Sol Botanico. Prosecco on arrival followed by a delish 4-course menu priced at R850 per person. An a la carte menu will also be available featuring specials of the day. For bookings call (011) 463 0207; e-mail to bookings@cdsbotanico.co.za; or visithttps://www.cafedelsol.co.za/ #cafedelsolsa
FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG: Head for the hills to Four Seasons The Westcliff where the hotel is indulging an entire weekend to Valentine’s Day. The culinary teams from both View and Flames restaurants have crafted special menus to delight the romantic in all of us. From brunch, sunset cocktails to dinner, Four Seasons has you covered. To book, call (011) 481 6000, email reservations.johannesburg@fourseasons.com; or visit www.viewrestaurant.co.za. #FSJohannesburg #View #Flames
THE PEECH BOUTIQUE HOTEL AND BASALT RESTAURANT: Chef Freddie Dias brings Mediterranean passion to the new Basalt at The Peech. It’s a sure win! For bookings call (011) 537 9797 or send an email to reservations@thepeech.co.za or visit https://thepeech.co.za/#thepeechhotel #basalt
CAPE TOWN:
BOCCA: Serving authentic easy Italian cuisine this owner run eatery is famous for its delectable dishes bursting with flavour and indulgent cocktails. Try the Pasta alla Norma’ – eggplant, tomato sauce, basil, mint and Cacioricotta cheese as you enjoy the sultry buzz of the city and la dolce vita with your loved one. For bookings call (021) 422 0188 or send an email to info@bocca.co.za or visit https://bocca.co.za/ #BOCCA
BLANKO: Ensconced in the verdant gardens of The Alphen Boutique Hotel in Constantia, enjoy a 3-course menu crafted by smart Chef Amber May Deetlefs. Priced at R320 per person. Insiders Tip: Why not start celebrating your love with cocktails in the intimate setting at Incognito Cocktail Lounge. For bookings call (021) 795 6313; send an email events@alphen.co.za or visit https://www.blanko.co.za/ #blanko
BOBO’S: This down to earth eatery on Beach Road, Mouille point where everyone knows your name is casual coastal chic. Get down to business by ordering a svelte 3-course menu including oysters and beef carpaccio for Starters to grilled prawns, white fish nicoise and Parisian dumpolings for Mains and yum’licious dessert options, Priced at R320 per person. For bookings call (021) 439 9027; email to info@bobosbrasserie.co.za or visit www.bobosbrasserie.co.za #bobos
FIREFISH: With a glorious vista of Cape Town’s picture postcard Waterfront and Table Mountain, Firefish makes for a lovely waterside setting. They’ve crafted a delish 3-course menu priced at R320 per person. For bookings call (021) 286 4933; send an email to info@firefishrestaurant.co.za or visit https://www.firefishrestaurant.co.za/#firefish
THE ALPHEN BOUTIQUE HOTEL : Situated in the heart of Constantia, set on what is locally known as a “17th-century historical treasure” The Alphen is a luxury boutique hotel in one of the world’s most spectacular cities, Cape Town. Book a night away to spoil your special someone during the month of February and fall in love all over again. The special rate of R3,650 per room per night includes dinner at Blanko, breakfast at la Belle , and a complimentary upgrade to the next room type (subject to availability) and a romantic turn-down. For bookings call +27 (0) 21 795 6300; send an email to reception@alphen.co.za or visit https://www.alphen.co.za/ #thealphen
THE SHORTMARKET CLUB: This quintessential city centre address is the go-to option for the smart and the furious. It’s a vibe of London gentlemen’s club meets New York City speakeasy and the cuisine is downright sexy. For bookings call 072 382 8664; send an e-mail to info@theshortmarketclub.co.za; or visit http://theshortmarketclub.co.za/home/. #theshortmarketclub
THE POT LUCK CLUB: Overlooking the slopes of Table Mountain and the city lights this rocking eatery is set loftily on top of the silo at The Old Biscuit Mill. Chef Jason Kosmas knows how to mastermind the best dishes in the country to share! For bookings call (021) 447 0804; send an e-mail to reservations@thepotluckclub.co.za; or visithttp://thepotluckclub.co.za/home/ #thepotluckclub
CAPE WINELANDS:
ALLÉE BLEUE WINE ESTATE: Clinch a chicnic basket, the estate’s answer to a farm picnic with a sprinkling of chic and spoil your honey at this historic Franschhoek estate. Priced at R385 for 2 persons sharing, inclusive of a bottle of Allée Bleue Wine. For bookings call (021) 874 1021; send an e-mail to Info@alleebleue.com. ; or visitwww.alleebleue.com.
Going for stay-at-home vibes? Allée Bleue has you covered with their simply beautiful Brut Rosé 2014. This fresh and lively MCC is filled with delicate flavours of strawberries, rose petals and candyfloss. Available online at R151 per bottle, this is the perfect bubbly for those special moments in life. #alleebleue #alleebleuewines
CAVALLI ESTATE: Cavalli Restaurant by Chef Michael Deg takes full advantage of this Stellenbosch estate’s extraordinary setting. It’s a space bathed in natural light, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening out to a spacious terrace. Beyond the tables the views spill out across the farm dam, vineyards and paddocks; a scene framed by views of the distant Helderberg Mountains. Offering a 6-course set menu for dinner at R950 per person. Romantic plant eaters are catered for too, Chef Michael offers a 6-course vegetarian menu priced at R700 per person. For bookings call 021 855 3218; send an e-mail to info@cavalliestate.com; or visit https://cavalliestate.com/. For bookings call (021) 880 8167; send an e-mail restaurant@cavalliestate.com
Alternatively, giddy up with a bottle of the Cavalli Pink Pony. A fragrant Grenache Rosé with summer fruits on the nose leading into a dry, full bodied wine on the pallet. With highlights of juicy red currant, raspberry and honeysuckle mid-palate, the Pink Pony 2019 is made in a Provence style and is the perfect accompaniment to light salads, light pasta and rice dishes, especially with seafood, raw and lightly cooked shellfish and grilled fish and goats’ cheeses. The wine is available at R80 per bottle from the estate. #cavalli
DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE: Indulge at either Indochine or Delaire Graff Restaurant at this jewel of the Cape winelands. Why not add a wine tasting or spa experience and make a beautiful day of it? For bookings call (021) 885 8160; send an e-mail to info@delaire.co.za; or visit https://www.delaire.co.za/. #delaire
HAUTE CABRIÈRE: This Valentine’s Day, guests to the newly renovated Haute Cabriere will be welcomed to the restaurant with a glass of MCC. Enjoy a romantic lunch or dinner in the restaurant or at the recently launched all-glass outdoor tasting room/restaurant, while gazing at the views of the stunning Franschhoek Valley. For bookings call (021) 876 8500; send an e-mail to restaurant@cabriere.co.za; or visit www.cabriere.co.za
Haute Cabrière’s Pierre Jourdan Méthode Cap Classique celebratory wines from Franschhoek are an ever-constant win. Try the Pierre Jourdan Blanc de Blanc, a rich and full bodied MCC that pairs beautifully with creamy seafood dishes including mussels and salmon. Purchase online at R335 per bottle. #hautecabriere
KLEINE ZALZE WINE ESTATE AND TERROIR RESTAURANT: A visit to Stellenbosch with at least a wine tasting at Kleine Zalze and if you’re clever, a lunch or dinner at Terroir is nothing short of a necessity this Valentine’s Day. Since opening in 2004, Terroir restaurant – considered modest, in comparison to many of its more glamorous peers – has been honoured no less than nine times with a Top 10 award at the annual Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards. This is a significant achievement, considering Cape Town’s global reputation for high-quality, cutting edge food, and attests to Chef Michael Broughton and his team’s consistency and attention to detail. For bookings call (021) 880 8167; send an email to restaurant@kleinezalze.co.za
The Kleine Zalze Methode Cap Classique Non-Vintage Brut Rosé is nothing short of a show stopper! It’s fun, flirtatious and with flair that delights the palate as much as the eye. Pair this wine with duck breast served with roasted vegetables. Available at selected specialist wine outlets nationwide, and at the cellar, at R128 per bottle. #kleinezalze
Hailing from Stellenbosch, the ALTO ESTATE Shiraz 2016 is a full-bodied wine with a good balance between finesse and structure. Its rich, ruby red colour and bouquet of red fruit, wood spice and pepper notes make this wine the perfect partner to Mediterranean dishes. Available at retail outlets nationwide and found on many restaurant wine lists this wine, at R250 per bottle, can also be delivered to your door when purchased online. #alto
Pinot Noir is the ultimate sensual grape varietal and at the top of the pile confidently rests BOUCHARD FINLAYSON. Go forth and acquire the ultimate Valentine’s gift for your lady or gentleman. Available at fine wine shops nationwide or online via www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za. #bouchardfinlayson
The BOSJES Reserve wines are Breedevalley terroir showpieces selected by Cape Wine Master, Allan Mullins. The BOSJES Chardonnay Reserve 2018 delivers a bouquet of tangerine, peach and apricot with fruit, vanilla and a light toastiness on the creamymouth-filling palate. The finish lingers with delectable citrus notes making it a mouth-watering accompaniment to seaside dishes such as fish with citrus based sauces, shellfish, pasta or meat dishes featuring chicken, duck or veal. Available online at R290 per bottle. #bosjes
DAMASCENE is a new range of wines crafted from unique and exceptional vineyards across the Western Cape winelands. The Syrah 2018 is intensely spiced with notes of white pepper, coriander and nutmeg. Perfumed with hints of ripe red fruit, cured meat and olives, it is a wine that is strikingly elegant on the palate. With a potent core of fruit and a spice-driven finish this wine is the perfect option to woo your loved one with this Valentine’s Day. Available online at R400 per bottle. #damascenevineyards
Originating from Stellenbosch, the KWV THE MENTORS Petit Verdot 2017 is an intense, ruby red wine with notes of cranberries and sweet spice on the nose. The palate is rich and juice making it the perfect accompaniment to hearty red meat dishes. Available online at R250 per bottle. #TheMentors
For a cheeky option, gun for the FROST POPSICLES range; a first of its kind in South Africa. Comprising nine delicious flavours, six alcoholic frozen popsicles, including a Passion Fruit & Peach Margarita popsicle as well as G&T Berry Infusion popsicle, and three non-alcoholic flavours including a Pomegranate, Grapefruit & Hibiscus as well as a Vanilla Coffee – the entire Frost Popsicles range is made from all-natural ingredients, is low in calories and contains no artificial flavourants, colourants or sweeteners. With the exception of the Vanilla Coffee Popsicle, all other Frost Popsicles are also dairy-free and vegan-friendly. Customise a box of your “perfect 10” and purchase online, from R180. #frostpopsicles
SOUTH AFRICAN POTSTILL BRANDY is made to the highest production requirements. The process of making brandy excellence is a hand crafted and meticulous process that results in award winning potstill brandies with complex multi-layered aroma profiles. Surprise your Valentine with a fancy brandy cocktail, “The Brandle”, made at home. Follow this easy to make recipe:
- INGREDIENTS: 25ml Potstill Cape Brandy | 50ml Naartjie Juice | 15ml Van Der Hum | 15ml Sugar Syrup | 100ml Schweppes | Garnish with orange slices
- GLASS: Tall Cocktail
- METHOD: Build and stir over ice
Fine South African Potstill Brandies are available at most liquor retailers. For more information about South African Brandy visit www.sabrandy.co.za #LoveBrandy #SABrandy
2020 marks 20 years of Lise and Ian Manley representing the best of the best in South Africa and further afield.