Taste of Joburg 2013

Last night, the Pick Pay Taste of Joburg in association with Orbit Sugarfree Chewing Gum returned: BIGGER AND BETTER than EVER before!! It will be running from 26–29 September 2013 at the Montecasino Outdoor Event Area where 12 of Joburg’s top restaurants  will attend with their fashioned special menus of starter sized dishes for the occasion! ...

Risotto Spring Rolls from La Cucina di Ciro (left) and a Blue Dissolve Cocktail from the Consol Mixology Stand (right)

You will most definitely have a feast for your senses (I totally did)! Amongst the excitement there are boutique exhibitors, artisan producers, premium drink brands and award-winning wineries which provide a bounty of the country’s finest food and drink on offer, ensuring that you can sample and shop for a range of produce in the laid back atmosphere of a Boutique Food Market. 

The world class restaurants, chefs and produce, available will bring out the "Foodie" in anyone and I most definitely enjoyed sampling the variety of different dishes from the various restaurants on offer.

Masala Dosa from Thava (left) and a Gourmet Burger Beefcakes (right)
(The Burger is a MUST-HAVE! ♥)

Below is a list of all the available dishes from the participating Restaurants at Taste of Joburg 2013:

On top of that, you can also choose to attend live demonstrations by top chefs in the Pick n Pay Chef’s Theatre or learn how to create and pair simple, stylish and utterly delicious canapés with a wide range of fine wine to complement the balance of flavours in the Pick n Pay Wine and Canapé Experience.

Being a bit of a "Foodie" myself, I loved the unique collaboration of Joburg’s finest eateries, chefs and producers which made Taste of Joburg 2013! It is definitely a MUST-attend event on the city’s food and social calendar! For more info, visit www.tasteofjoburg.com.

Me and my Boyfriend at Taste of Joburg 2013

Thought of the Day ...

Helena Christensen for Kipling

International luggage and lifestyle brand, Kipling has paired with renowned, global icon, Helena Christensen for an exciting, new collection: Helena Christensen for Kipling ...

Kipling prides themselves on doing collaborations that are the perfect fit and Helena is no exception. With her diverse lifestyle juggling family life, her supermodel and photography work and goodwill, Helena ties in well with Kipling's passion, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. 

"Kipling is a brand that I have used for so many years; it's a part of my travel. Working with the design team has been a great eye-opener, understanding and appreciate all of the elements to consider in order to make a bag durable and long lasting whilst having true credentials in style and being fashion led." said Helena. 

Helena’s Kipling collection is inspired by her life and captured through her eyes; from a snapshot taken of a pink rose in spring or the leather of an antique chair. The medium rose bag is the focus of the collection, with the elegant photo-print design taken from one of her personal favourite shots. 

The vintage feel and dusky pink shade represent Helena’s passion for capturing unique beauty, whilst the trademark Kipling structure ensures a tote that is as timelessly practical as it is striking. The collection also includes designs that show Helena’s feel for vintage fabrics with touches of lace print alongside classic tan leather. 

The Helena Christensen for Kipling Collection will be available in South Africa in October 2013.

Designer Collection by Busby Leather

Renowned South African Brand, Busby, introduces its new Designer Collection, set to launch in November 2013 in all Fraser stores and leading Luggage Retailers. This exclusive range is a selection of premium leather handbags and purses ...

Built on the Busby Heritage of 80 years of the finest quality leather pieces, and based on key international designs, the new collection is supreme in both form and function. Two variations of the finest cow hide leather are used in the meticulous craftsmanship of each collection piece. Extremely soft leather is taken from the first leather of cow hide and harder, more structured leather, called Suffiano Leather is used from the second layer of the skin. In silhouettes inspired by global trends, the collection includes 9 unique designs in timeless, striking shades of black, blue, stone, and deep pink. Each Piece is complete with gold signature branding and features zinc hardware.

The Designer Collection by Busby Leather range launches with a Campaign, shot by local photographers from "I See A Different You". Communicating the chic, city-ctyle design of the product, the images engage with the modern, global woman

First 466/64 Store Pops Up for Spring

Just in time for Spring comes the first-ever 466/64 Pop Up Store, bringing the vibrant fashion brand right into the heart of Nelson Mandela Square, Johannesburg ...

South Africa’s first global fashion brand, renowned for reflecting the different hues, textures and incredible energy of Africa in its seasonal collections, makes its pop up debut on 4 September 2013. 

The 400 square metre 466/64 Pop Up Store will open for a limited time only until end January 2014, and will launch with the brand’s latest summer season range, a 466/64 kids range section, and a limited selection of favourite items. The 466/64 Pop Up Store will also offer some hot spring and summer value deals, as well as specials over the festive season, giving individuals the chance to celebrate the end of the year wrapped in the bold colours and patterns that are integral to 466/64’s much-loved signature style. 

“We have been looking for the perfect time and space to give our customers an opportunity to enjoy a broader and more dedicated brand experience,” says Wayne Bebb, CEO of Brand ID, the license holder and custodian of the 466/64 fashion brand. 

Since 466/64's inception, the design team has been known for creatively weaving the iconic inspiration of Nelson Mandela into the clothing. “We are a fashion brand with a purpose and part of that purpose is to take forward Nelson Mandela’s humanitarian legacy,” says Chris Vogelpoel, Creative Director for 466/64. 

“The response to the brand has been exceptionally positive both locally and internationally and we’re looking forward to a busy and successful phase ahead,” continued Bebb. 

Image from 466/64 Summer 'Freedom' campaign shoot
(Totally LOVE the Variety of Prints)

“Over and above our Spring Pop Up we have plans for a stand-alone store in South Africa for 2014, and, together with our international partners, are finalising the plans for the launch of 466/64 in Brazil, Europe and the UK in early 2014”.

Image from 466/64 Summer 'Freedom' campaign shoot

Bows, Jewels and Lace ♥

Lace Top: Forever New

Bow Skirt: Forever New

Shoes: A Store in Barcelona

Bag: Guess

Necklace: Sass Diva

Bangles: Assortment from Jewels and Lace and Mr Price

Rings and Midi-Rings: Assortment from Lovisa

~ ♥ ~

Go Big at the MTN Festival at Montecasino

Jozi’s biggest festival is back! From food to movies to live music, theatre, gaming, street entertainment, comedy, children’s activities and more, the MTN Festival at Montecasino runs from 18 September to 13 October 2013 and gives visitors every reason to PLAY BIG, APPLAUD BIG, LAUGH BIG, SING BIG, EAT BIG, ROCK BIG, SHOUT BIG and PARTY BIG with a huge variety of events and entertainment options for each and every member of the family ...


Brian Gouldie, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN SA says “MTN is big on creating unforgettable experiences for our customers. The MTN Festival offers various entertainment options to experience and is an illustration of our passion about creating platforms which enhance our consumer’s lives.” 

“We have included a variety of unique, diverse and world-class entertainment that appeals to all visitors across all demographics – giving everyone the opportunity to create their own festival and go big,” says Montecasino General Manager Glenn Joseph. 

WIN BIG 

Get in the fast lane and stand the chance to win your share of over R8 Million in cash and one of 12 Audis in Montecasino’s REVVVED UP gaming promotion. Simply sign up to the Montecasino Rewards Programme and play any slots machine and/or table game to earn points into the monthly draws. Full details on draw dates and times, and the number of points required per draw can be found at montecasino.co.za. 

APPLAUD BIG

World-class performances await you at the MTN Festival, giving you every reason to APPLAUD BIG. The beautiful and immensely talented Welsh songstress KATHERINE JENKINS will grace the Teatro at Montecasino stage in concert, as she returns to South Africa for two shows as part of the MTN Festival on 18 and 19 September 2013. Best known for her unique interpretations of popular songs and operatic arias and hymns, Katherine Jenkins, who has performed with operatic legends like Andrea Bocelli, Plácido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, will be accompanied by a 24-piece orchestra in this not-to-be-missed show! Tickets from R300 on montecasino.co.za or through Computicket. 

From Wales to Italy as Italian singing sensation, and one of the world`s most exciting baritone crooners, PATRIZIO BUANNE sets the Teatro at Montecasino stage alight with two concerts on 21 and 22 September as part of the MTN Festival at Montecasino. The prestigious and intimate Teatro at Montecasino is the perfect romantic setting for the dynamic and engaging live performer’s following of adoring fans to enjoy an up-close and personal experience. Patrizio will charm and entertain in his usual inimitable style, performing all the best-loved songs which received international recognition in America, Australia, Europe and the Far East, and made him a household name in South Africa. Certain to sell out, tickets start from R250 at Computicket. Get yours now! 

The ever-popular contemporary gospel group, MTN JOYOUS CELEBRATION has entertained fans nationally for many years. Now, as a key MTN Festival event, this gospel phenomenon will share their joyful sounds at the Teatro at Montecasino with two performances only on 27 and 28 September. Keep an eye on montecasino.co.za for all the details. 

For classical music lovers, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s magnificent musical SUNSET BOULEVARD takes to the stage at the Pieter Toerien Main Theatre for the duration of the MTN Festival - 18 September to 13 October. Starring Angela Killian and Jonathan Roxmouth, Sunset Boulevard - set in the Hollywood of the early fifties and is based on Billy Wilder’s classic film - is a compelling story of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition that has won seven prestigious Tony Awards. With one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most memorable and haunting scores Sunset Boulevard has played to standing ovations and won critical acclaim across the globe and now it’s waiting for you to enjoy. Tickets through Computicket. 

PLAY BIG 

Giving the kiddies their chance to PLAY BIG, the MONTECASINO KIDS PLAYGROUND at the Montecasino Bird Gardens and surrounding area is the place to be from Saturday 21 to Tuesday 24 September - 10:00 to 16:00 daily. The ‘Playground’ will offer a world of excitement, from family-friendly favourites to a number of exciting attractions, including sand art, face-painting, stilt-walkers, magicians, ceramic painting, a number of games, giveaways and more - all providing hours of entertainment. Entry into the Montecasino Bird Gardens over the long weekend will be at an amazing rate of R20 for kids, R35 for adults and R20 for pensioners. 

For more PLAY BIG fun, Montecasino and the MTN Festival present THE BIG BAD MUSICAL. Join other fairytale lovers in the enchanted Montecasino Ballroom and be part of live Court TV, where you will decide the outcome of the biggest trial ever in the fairytale world – against the notorious Big Bad Wolf. Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs and everyone else the Big Bad Wolf has wronged will be there. Will you? Date show and times: Friday 11 October at 13:00 and 15:00, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00, tickets, R50. For more information please visit Montecasino.co.za 

BIG STARS 

For the very best in family entertainment, the MTN Festival at Montecasino brings you MOVIES ON THE PIAZZA on 21 September and again on 04 October. Come along for a free outdoor screening of Rio and Mamma Mia! (Saturday 21 September) and Despicable Me and Grease (Friday 04 October) on Montecasino’s huge screen and enjoy star-studded movies under the stars. Snacks and drinks will be available to purchase. 

LAUGH BIG 

TREVOR NOAH, who has been through six countries since his last wildly successful tour of South Africa, returns to take to the Teatro at Montecasino stage as part of the MTN Festival from 30 September to 13 October 2013. With all new material in his new show 'IT'S MY CULTURE', allow Trevor to take you with him on his travels from New Zealand to Zambia, New York and London, before returning to his favourite place – home – where you will definitely LAUGH BIG! Tickets from R120 at montecasino.co.za. 

SING BIG 

For music lovers, Montecasino and the MTN Festival are proud to bring you MUSIC ON THE PIAZZA featuring six of SA’s finest local music sensations performing live on the Montecasino Outdoor Piazza stage EVERY Sunday throughout the Festival. Catch ELVIS BLUE and DAN PATLANSKY (22 September at 12:30), LOUISE CARVER and MI CASA (29 September at 13:00), WATERSHED (06 October at 12:30), and GOOD LUCK (13 October at 12:30). Entrance is free - just another exciting element of the MTN Festival at Montecasino that will not set you back a penny! Space is limited, so be sure to get there early. Snacks and drinks will be available to purchase. 

ROCK BIG 

PIAZZA ROCKS – a live music concert featuring Prime Circle, Lloyd Cele and the Soweto String Quartet, will have MTN Festival visitors rocking on Saturday 12 October. For only R100 you can enjoy unique collaborations of rock, pop and classical jazz at this exclusive MTN Festival spectacular. Ticket includes a free drink (T’s & C’s apply). Book at montecasino.co.za. Gates open at 18:00 and food and beverage will be available to purchase. 

EAT BIG 

The Pick ‘n Pay TASTE OF JOBURG in association with Orbit Sugarfree Chewing Gum returns to the Montecasino Outdoor Event Area for the MTN Festival from 26 to 29 September. Enjoy a feast for the senses as 12 of Joburg’s top restaurants create special menus of starter-sized dishes for the occasion, including signature dishes created by featured chefs designed to reflect their philosophy and showcase seasonal and premium ingredients. Featuring boutique exhibitors, artisan producers, gourmet street food, premium drink brands and award-winning wineries, The Pick ‘n Pay Taste of Joburg is your chance to EAT BIG. Tickets range from R80 and are available now at itickets.co.za. 

Don’t forget to purchase your CROWNS once you have your ticket. This is the festival currency used at Taste Festivals to purchase food and drinks from the restaurants, bars and exhibitors. CROWNS can be pre-purchased with Premium or Taste Club House tickets or at the event using cash or credit card from the Taste Bank or from roaming Crown sellers dressed in green. Each CROWN is worth R5 and prices range from 4 to 8 CROWNS per dish. Change is offered in CROWNS only. For more information visit tasteofjoburg.com. 

BIG VALUE 

The Festival’s non-stop entertainment also includes the best restaurant specials: 

Thursdays: 200gr Sirloin or Rump with chips or veggies for R60 at Coco Bongo, Montexo Spur, Donatella’s, Verdicchio, Cantare, Gourmet Garage, Beira Alt, La Scala, Cobblestone Pub and Ciao Baby (terms and conditions apply) 

Tuesdays: 30cm Pizza with three toppings (two vegetable and one meat, no seafood) for R60 lunch and dinner at Donatella’s, Debonairs, Col’Cacchio and Mio Col’Cacchio (terms and conditions apply) 

BIG SHOTS 

Wednesdays: R10 for BIG Shots at 3SIXTY° Liquid Lounge, @Monte Restaurant and Cobblestone Pub on selected shooters only. 

SHOUT BIG 

On 28 September and 05 October Absa BOKTOWN at Montecasino will once again be the ONLY place to be if you can’t be at the game! Join thousands of other die-hard Springboks fans and SHOUT BIG as our boys bring out all the big hits on the huge Montecasino Outdoor Piazza screen. R30 gets you entrance and one free beverage (local beer, cider, soft drink or mineral water), plus access to all the live entertainment, a merchandise stall, giveaways and more! Gates open at 16:00, kick-off is at 17:00. Tickets at montecasino.co.za

PARTY BIG 

For the third year in a row the MTN Festival will feature the TOPS at SPAR BIERFEST. Bringing the best of Bavaria to the Montecasino Outdoor Event Area from 10 to 13 October 2013, TOPS at SPAR BIERFEST will feature a recreation of the Bavarian beer festivals of old, complete with bier halls, wooden bier benches, Fräuleins, mouth-watering Bavarian treats, Bavarian accessories to add to the fun, plus world-class entertainment, including a live Oompah band. This is your chance to PARTY BIG! Ticket prices start at R100 at bierfest.co.za. Hospitality packages are available. 

The MTN Festival is your Festival and offers you the chance to GO BIG as every corner of Montecasino comes alive with the sights and sounds that only MTN and South Africa’s premier leisure and lifestyle destination can present. Be sure to get down to Montecasino between 18 September and 13 October and enjoy the festivities! 

Events and entertainment run throughout the week but heighten from Thursdays to Sundays. There is no entry or general access fee into the festival however more information on bookings and cost for select ticketed events, please visit montecasino.co.za, computicket.co.za, itickets.co.za or bierfest.co.za. Standard parking tariffs and entry fees to Montecasino venues apply. 

For full details on these and other events, activities and special offers forming part of the 2013 MTN Festival at Montecasino, visit montecasino.co.za, like Montecasino on Facebook (facebook.com/montecasino) or follow @MontecasinoZA on Twitter. 

All images via montecasino.co.za

Coca-Cola light® Brings Sparkle to the Wedding Expo®

This year saw 15 000 visitors come through the doors of The Wedding Expo® at the Coca-Cola Dome. Visitors also had a chance to witness the Coca-Cola light® Fashion Spectaculars, enjoy the limited edition 330ml Coca-Cola light® Sparkling Together with Marc Jacobs collection, and got a chance to enter the Coca-Cola light® competition, with a grand prize of a weekend shopping trip to London with R 50 000 in spending money to splash out on Marc Jacobs clothing and accessories ...

The Coca-Cola light® Fashion Spectaculars at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm were on Saturday and Sunday, showcasing couture designers and ready-to-wear labels that filled the runway with elegant, and often vintage inspired wedding gowns featuring sparkling details such as diamante and sequins, floral embellishment and layers of tulle and lace. For grooms, the overriding look was smart and sophisticated.

The highlight of The Wedding Expo® was Charlotte Potgieter walking away with the coveted Coca-Cola light® grand prize of a fabulous Marc Jacobs Shopping spree in London.

“Winning this prize makes my dreams more real and perfect. Words can't describe how I feel right now as I’ve never been to London before. I would like to thank all the sponsors and everybody involved in this amazing prize,” said excited Charlotte.

“We are thrilled and delighted with the partnership with Coca-Cola light®,” said Managing Director of The Wedding Expo®, Amanda Cunningham. “The fashion spectacular shows were a huge success with between 800 and 1 000 visitors coming through to each show.”

The Coca-Cola light® Sparkling Together with Marc Jacobs limited edition collection is still available in stores nationwide.

Via Brand Ambassadors