Cape Town Blog

August 28, 2009

Black is the new black

Filed under: Food and Wine — Charl Norman @ 10:37 am

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From fashion and cars to design and décor, there is nothing as stylish and classy as black. Its simple sophistication sets the aesthetic tone for good taste, and never as emphatically as with the introduction of Jose Cuervo Black to the discerning palates of South Africans in August 2009.

We are all familiar with Jose Cuervo’s siblings Especial (Gold) and Clasico (Silver) and no doubt have spent many nights in their company in our younger days. But although sooner or later we all grow up, we certainly don’t grow old. As we mature into successful and confident adults we naturally gravitate towards a drink that matches our maturing palates but without compromising our inherent sense of adventure. We still want that deliciously familiar taste of Tequila, but as our palates become more refined, we seek out something smoother, richer and more flavourful.

“We are extremely proud and excited to welcome the new member of the Jose Cuervo family to South Africa, Don Jose Cuervo Black” said Vonne Lombard, Jose Cuervo Brand Manager, brandhouse. “Drawing on centuries of experience, Jose Cuervo has blended this signature Tequila specifically to appeal to the person who has forged a relationship with Tequila and is ready to take it to the next level. Jose Cuervo Black has an edge that comes with age, with a twist of untamed youth that will never be lost.”

Jose Cuervo Black is aged in charred white American oak barrels for 18 months which softens the agave notes and introduces consumers to a more full bodied Tequila reminiscent of an aged bourbon. Its time in the barrels imparts a deep amber hue to the liquid and aromas of toasted oak, cinnamon, red apple, cocoa and coffee. The taste is thus slightly sweeter than you’d expect but without distracting from the subtle agave notes associated with Tequila. The finish is warm and smooth.

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Jose Cuervo Black can still be enjoyed as a shot, of course, but it’s infinitely better suited to slow sipping over rocks, or even with a mixer.

The bottle retains the Jose Cuervo familiarity so it will be easy to spot on the shelves of the bottle store, or behind the bar, but it is slightly shorter and wider to indicate its position in Tequila hierarchy. Quality and family heritage dating back to 1795 is emphasised with the embossed family crest, Fundada en 1795, and Hecho en Mexico.

As our drinking tastes have evolved, so too has our approach to having fun; it hasn’t diminished in any way but we demand certain levels of comfort. This is why Jose Cuervo chose to introduce this prestigious member of his Mexican Familia in the luxurious setting of a private VIP party at South Africa’s premiere rock festival. Oppikoppi is legendary in music circles, and for most people it means a weekend of paying the price with dusty camping while enjoying the best local musicians on multiple stages. Not so for the guests of Jose Cuervo, who enjoyed a VIP experience including four-star hotel accommodation and an exclusive party on the specially designed Jose Cuervo deck overlooking the main stage. Besides Jose Cuervo Especial and Clasico, gourmet food, special musical performances by well known artists and gift bags, guests were the first to be introduced to Jose Cuervo Black.

Jose Cuervo, the world’s number one selling Tequila, is committed to responsible drinking.

Not For Sale To Persons Under The Age Of 18. Drink Responsibly.

April 8, 2009

The Opal Lounge

Filed under: Food and Wine — Tags: — Charl Norman @ 2:30 pm

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Cape Town’s most beautiful restaurant; styled with passion and attention to detail to give you an extraordinary dining experience. Sophisticated yet very homely, The Opal Lounge is situated in a 111 year old Victorian villa near the centre of Cape Town. Two stylish dining rooms, a glass enclosed Verandah, a stunning bar lounge, and garden deck, each one differently designed, provide a unique encounter each time you visit.

The Oriental Lounge is an elegantly styled room displaying Chinese antiques, an enormous chandelier and other interesting Chinese works of art. The working fireplace further enhances the room’s ambience when dining on cold or rainy days.

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The Persian Lounge is the largest room with long, tall lounge couches, and beautiful Persian rugs and ancient saddle bags adorning the walls. Candle-light flickers from within the Persian copper lanterns, whilst Byzantine lamps glow in front of the bay windows. The working fireplace gives this room an even warmer feel during cold days.

Furnished with crisp white and cream fabric chairs, the Verandah offers smokers or non-smokers a unique dining experience whereby they not only get a view of the garden deck with wonderful aspects of Table Mountain but also glimpses of the Oriental and Persian Lounges. An enormous deep red Afghan kilim adorns the main wall and smaller Afghan kilims lay scattered on the floors. On warm days, the sliding doors open up this area to the wonderful deck below.

The Bar Lounge is a dramatic pre- or post-dinner area to enjoy a drink – the perfect place to start savouring mouth-watering cocktails such as the Opal Chill or Peanut Butter Dream. The original pressed ceilings are meticulously hand-painted in black and gold, whilst the vaulted pressed ceiling is lit, taking ones eye to the hand-painted patterns of the craftsmanship of a bygone era. French, Louis XV chairs and beautiful sofas complete the look.

The Colonial Lounge is The Opal Lounge’s cosy smoking bar. Decorated in antiques, fabrics and paintings from deepest Africa, it houses some of the collection from the owner’s travels through the continent. Deep, comfy chairs and a huge suede sofa will make you want to savour that cigar for a while.

The Garden Deck is a wonderful area for a pre- or post-dinner drink and will become the area for lunches on hot summer days and lazy Sunday morning brunches.

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March 26, 2009

221 WATERFRONT

Filed under: Food and Wine — Charl Norman @ 2:20 pm

221 WATERFRONT is an exciting contemporary international restaurant and cocktail bar located at the site of what was Morton’s on the Wharf, the most exclusive address at the V & A Waterfront.

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The designers have created an unparalleled ambience, revealing breathtaking views of both Table Mountain and the working harbour from every table in the restaurant. A soulful feel has been created featuring fireplaces that will during the winter months, create a warm welcoming environment.

The menu is a result of extensive research and development by Executive Chef Katerina Alexandris and her team which include two international Sushi Chefs. It features a fusion of foods from across the globe. The accent is on flavour and the presentation, awe inspiring. The menu has a variety of interesting unique dishes and will satisfy a diversity of tastes.

I’ve been to the restaurant a couple times and have always enjoyed myself. The sushi is delicious, the steak is scrumpteous and the service delightful, I would recommend this place to anyone. Although not cheap, it’s worth every penny, whilst you sit and look out towards the docks and the sea.

Fe and I went through on Saturday night, starting with some sushi, followed by peppered steak and then a couple drinks in the lounge area, the night was most delightful.

Live the life style!

Posted by Chris Mills

August 16, 2007

Durbanville Wine Valley Association

Filed under: Food and Wine, Future Events — Tags: — Charl Norman @ 3:47 pm

Durbanville Wine Valley AssociationThe Durbanville Wine Valley Association (DWVA) charms the country and visitors of the Cape between 14 and 16 September with an annual festival celebrating exceptional wines produced in this region.

Season of Sauvignon – a weekend-long celebration of festivities showcases the very best of country life, arts, food, live entertainment and outdoor activities in honor of the award-winning and world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc wines produced by Altydgedacht, Bloemendal, D’Aria, De Grendel, De Diemersdal, Durbanville Hills, Hillcrest, Meerendal and Nitida.

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June 15, 2007

Become a Chef for a Week in Cape Town

Filed under: Food and Wine, Future Events — Charl Norman @ 1:44 pm

Capsicum Culinary Studio Chef for a Week
Capsicum Culinary Studio Chef for a Week Cape Town

Always dreamed of being a Chef? Then join us in our week-long workshop that will introduce you to the basics of becoming a Professional Chef. It’s a bit of fun and a GREAT learning experience!

The course will run from
Monday, 2nd July to Friday 6th July, from 9:00 to 13:00.

The cost is R1,000 per person and includes all course material, cooking ingredients, Professional Chef Lecturers and the exclusive use of our facilities.

Website: www.capsicumcooking.co.za
Email: infocpt[at]capsicumcooking.co.za
For more information, contact Tamsin or Nadia at 021 531 6602

May 23, 2007

Wisky Tastings around Cape Town

Filed under: Food and Wine, Future Events — Charl Norman @ 10:00 am

Wiskeys Cape Town
Club Tasting May 29
R 150.00 p/p

Venue: The Royal Cape Yacht Club
Date: 2007/05/29
Time: 18:00

Marimba Tasting May 31
R 75.00 p/p

Venue: Marimba Cigar Bar
Date: 2007/05/31
Time: 17:30

Club Tasting June 06
R 150.00 p/p

Venue: The Famous Butchers Grill Greenmarket Square
Date: 2007/06/06
Time: 18:00

May 22, 2007

Wacky Wine Weekend 2007

Filed under: Food and Wine, Future Events — Charl Norman @ 10:00 am

Wacky Wine Weekend 2007

With over 10 000 visitors in 2006, the Wacky Wine Weekend has been firmly established as one of South Africa’s leading wine tourism events. Taking place for the 4th time, the Robertson Wine Valley is proud to present the 2007 Wacky Wine Weekend (1 – 3 June). This fun-filled weekend spans the valley and includes 40 wineries from Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Robertson with a special focus on good food, great wine and an even better time spend with friends and family.

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May 21, 2007

Grand Gourmet Gallivant 2007

Filed under: Food and Wine, Future Events — Charl Norman @ 9:00 am

Grandwest Casino Cape Town

Food, glorious food, will be the focus of the third annual GRAND GOURMET GALLIVANT .This food fest will be held at Grandwest Casino and Entertainment World on the 24thMay at 19:30.

The Gallivant offers a tempting and diverse array of food, wine, live entertainment and plenty more. Guest will be issued with Grand Gourmet Gallivant passport of vouchers to be redeemed for tastings as well as a complimentary glass of wine at each of the participating restaurants.

Cape Town Fish Market – sushi, oysters, seafood and Teppanyaki
Squires – speciality grills
Bella Gina – gourmet pizzas
Bukhara – Indian curries & nan bread
Wanghtai – Thai
Quaterdeck – Gourmet coffees and dessert

May 3, 2007

Good Food & Wine Show 2007

Filed under: Food and Wine, Future Events — Charl Norman @ 10:00 am

Cape Town Good Food and Wine Show 2007Set your taste buds talking and get ready for some first rate celebrity chefs as they bring you mouth-watering, palate-tingling culinary delights, demonstrating in no less than four state of the art Kitchen-Theatres. From gourmet greats to culinary cuisine, organic produce to specialty seafood, you won�t want to miss the edible antics of International and South African culinary masters. It�s tasting wines, beers and cocktails; gourmet shopping; wining and dining with friends; but most of all it�s a four day feast for those who enjoy the good life!

Good Food & Wine Show highlights:

� The AEG Chefs in Action Theatre in association with Pick �n Pay, BP Gas and Easylife Kitchens
� Bartender Workshops Bar in association with Havana
� The Afrox Best South African Restaurant Chefs Theatre in association with Eat Out magazine
� LG Hands-On Workshops

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April 9, 2007

Wine Festival 2007

Filed under: Food and Wine, Future Events — Tags: , , — Charl Norman @ 4:49 pm

SA Wine FestivalCape Times and V&A Waterfront Wine Festival

It’s time to “Visit the Wine Routes at the Waterfront” again! But this year’s Festival will be introducing an exciting new selection of food & wine pairings for visitors to enjoy.

The Festival now not only offers 300 of the Cape’s finest wines for tasting, but also the unique opportunity to match your favourite wines with the likes of smoked salmon, charcuterie, caviar, oysters, sushi, chocolates, local & imported cheeses, snails, gourmet crostinis, pestos, pastries and breads, organic products, olives, olive oils, and much more. Specialised items will be available for purchase.

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