Authentic Indian Dining is about to Enter a New and Exciting Era in Durban

The launch of Jeera at Tsogo Sun’s Suncoast Towers hotel, will allow guests to explore a flavourful array of delectable authentic Indian dishes from all corners of India.

Jeera's name reflects the restaurant’s dishes distinctive flavour and aroma; and a sophisticated and appealing approach to food. The skilful cooking style, complimented by the chef’s signature blend of spices and sauces, will give each dish its own distinct regional influence and flavour ...

Sous Chef Sandren Govender

With months of consultation and testing, sous chef, Sandren Govender has created his own special blend of condiments that will meet the standards of authentic Indian cuisine connoisseurs.

Priya Naidoo, Alan Khan and Deena Naidoo

The secret of the restaurant’s kitchen is the romance of combining ancient recipes, some dating back to the 1800s, with modern delectable dishes and blend of spices, such as jeera (cumin), black pepper, cinnamon, coriander, cloves, among others. The end result is exquisite recipes — boasting stylish and wonderful flavours — that give guests a unique opportunity to explore a fusion between ancient authentic recipes and a blend of signature spices.

Jeera's  Indian-inspired main dishes boast a specially prepared and deboned lamb curry served with potatoes. All dishes are served with Jeera's  signature sambals and archer.

Kaliq Essop, Mike Jackson & Sandren Govender

Situated on the lower ground floor of Suncoast Towers hotel, a landmark deluxe property on Durban’s Golden Mile, the restaurant’s muted Indian-inspired interior sets a tranquil theme throughout. Guests are invited to unwind in the evenings amidst a tranquil environment.

Celebrate Spring with Oysters & Bubbly

Oysters and Bubbly … a timeless taste combination that can’t be beaten, leaving you feeling indulgent and filled with ‘joie de vivre’. And what better place to enjoy it than on the deck or in the lounge of an elegant restaurant in the electric atmosphere that is Montecasino ...

Courtesy of a limited promotion through Tsogo Sun and JC Le Roux, lovers of the classic combination of oysters and bubbly can enjoy their favourite indulgence in one of four top restaurants at Montecasino, up until 13 October.

For just R69, you can enjoy six plump oysters with an ice-cold glass of JC Le Roux. If a mouthful leaves you wanting more, just R29 will buy you an additional glass of the sparkling bubbles, or R129 for a bottle.

Choose your favourite spot to enjoy this luxurious treat or try them all – the palatial and opulent Palazzo hotel, the romantic deck at the Southern Sun Montecasino, the vibrant Aarya or @Monte Restaurant & Wine Bar on the Montecasino Piazza or the trendy 3SIXTY° Liquid Lounge.

Offer is valid until 13 October 2013 from 11:00 to 22:00 daily.

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

MasterChef Judge Scores With Boktown Inspired Menu

Benny Masekwameng with his ABSA Boktown, Montecasino inspired dishes

Season 2 of MasterChef SA is in full swing and in the spirit of a MasterChef Invention Test, Montecasino challenged Tsogo Sun Celebrity Chef and MasterChef SA judge, Benny Masekwameng to create a two course menu inspired by ABSA Boktown at Montecasino — the Home of the Official True Supporters’ Village ...

Jacques Heath (GM SunSquare Hotel), Benny Masekwameng (Tsogo Sun Celebrity Chef) and Tamerine Jardine (Miss Earth)

Benny’s Boktown inspired menu featured a truly South African steak roll consisting of grilled Cajun-spiced and BBQ basted sirloin steak slices on baby rocket leaves topped with Chakalaka and Peppadews, and wrapped with a herbed ciabatta roll, served with a Greek side salad and baked crispy potatoes, and for dessert, a traditional apple crumble served with mixed berry compote and Crème Anglaise. On arrival guests were served a green Martini. 

Tsogo Sun Celebrity Chef, Benny Masekwameng and Miss Earth, Tamerine Jardine

The final clash in the Castle Lager Incoming Tour takes place this Saturday, 22 June and sees our Boys take on Samoa. Voted the BEST place to watch the big game, ABSA Boktown Montecasino will come alive with Springbok fans enjoying all the tries, triumphs and great moments of the game. Complete with live entertainment, Springbok-themed prizes, boerie rolls and beverage offerings, best dressed competitions, Springbok ambassador appearances and more - there is no limit to the amount of fun, laughs and good times to be had! 

The match will be screened on Montecasino’s huge Outdoor Piazza screen. Gates open at 16:00 and the game kicks off at 17:00. Tickets cost R30 and include a free beverage (local beer, cider, soft drink or mineral water). There are only 1600 seats available, so book your tickets now on montecasino.co.za

For more info about Absa Boktown at Montecasino or the various other exciting events, promotions and special offers just waiting for you to enjoy at Montecasino, visit www.montecasino.co.za or join the official Montecasino Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/montecasino. You can also follow Montecasino on Twitter at @MontecasinoZA - #MonteBoktown 

The Deliciousness of Yogoorus ...

Yogoorus (pronounced yo-gurus) has launched at Melrose Arch — bringing with it a whole new frozen yogurt taste experience in an exciting selection of 40 flavours and 70 toppings ...

Yogoorus opened its first store in December 2012 at Cedar Square in Fourways where it captivated the young at heart with its ‘serve yourself’, ‘weigh and pay’ concept and delicious product. “Yogoorus is more than mouth-watering magic, it exudes fun too. Customers love the experience of using the machines that dispense swirls of frozen yoghurt and choosing from the vast range of toppings. The selection is then weighed – and priced accordingly,” explains Ruben Schoeman, one of 4 entrepreneurial gurus behind this development, along with partners Manny, Carlos and Joe Pestana.

The flavours range from exotic ‘fruity tooties’ such as watermelon, pomegranate and mango & pine, to ‘wacky ‘n wicked’, which includes Turkish delight, liquorice, white chocolate, and nutty toffee. The toppings include nuts and muesli, daily prepared fresh fruit, chocolate and sweet and sour treats.

Some of the Yummy Toppings ♥

Added to the array of taste sensations available from Yogoorus is a real health benefit. Yogoorus is a healthy treat as the frozen yoghurts are 98% fat-free, they contain live probiotic yoghurt cultures, natural fruit purées, preservative-free flavourings, and premium quality, fresh milk — all of which is sourced locally.

My choice of Yogoorus — Coconut, Peanut Butter & Honey and Watermelon!

Adding further to the fun factor is the appealing retro-slick branding, interior design furnishings, together with large plasma screens featuring music DVDs and high profile sporting events.

[via]

Comments Joe Pestana, “Two of the strongest consumer trends globally are health and indulgence; usually the two don’t go together – but with our frozen yoghurt offering they do. Already the stores are exceeding expectations as customers come back again and again, either to try a new selection or to have another helping of their favourite combination.”

And I will be coming back for the Watermelon Froyo ♥

The Melrose Arch store opened on Saturday 4 May to an unprecedented performance by 1st Project (who are just EPIC) and the pounding sound of Drum Machine, South Africa's only Percussive Performance DJ, with Shannon Ellinas as the man behind the machine. Using a 55-inch transparent Holoscreen, accompanied by 13 light drums and cymbals, he combines the latest in music, technology and percussive showmanship to rock dance floors around the world — dazzling the invited guests at the Yogoorus official launch event.

Photo-booth Fun from the Yogoorus Event with my friend Emma

Yogoorus can be found at:

Cedar Square (Upper Level), 

Shop U3.11, 

Cedar Avenue, 

Fourways 

Melrose Arch Galleria Mall, 

Shop SL31, 

The Piazza, 

Melrose Arch 

Trading hours: 

9:00 to 18:00 from Monday to Thursday, Sundays and public holidays

9:00 to 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Follow Yogoorus on Facebook and Twitter #YogoorusMA.

HQ — The Best Sirloin Steak!

On Friday Night I visited an Awesome Restaurant named Headquarters (HQ) in Sandton. The most interesting thing about the restaurant is that it offers a single, straightforward menu: Salad, Sirloin & Chips ...

It opened in Cape Town in December 2008 and Sandton in February 2011, Headquarters is loosely based on the famous Parisian restaurant, Le Relais de L’Entrecote, in its homage to meat. 

The Menu is simply stamped onto the Brown Paper Table Cloth and you can leave your details to receive info on what's happening at HQ.

The Salad Starter:

A delicious, classic composition of cos and iceberg lettuce, topped with toasted pine nuts and parmesan shavings, drizzled with a divine mustard vinaigrette dressing. This is the perfect combination to prepare your palate for the succulent sirloin and crispy fries which follow.

The Sirloin and Chips:

My Delicious Portion on Sirloin and Fries with an Awesome Bottle of Red Wine

The free range sirloin, sourced from Namibia and Botswana, is perfectly grilled to your taste and lightly covered with their signature Café de Paris butter created from 18 ingredients.

And what better side to a sirloin steak than some delicious double fried French Fries,  which are delightfully crispy and perfectly salted.

Once you order how you want your steak grilled the waiter marks your tablecloth with your choice, I prefer my meat Medium Rare, so I got "MR" on my side of the tablecloth

For all those Vegetarians out there, HQ even has a vegetarian option consisting of Halloumi and Mediterranean Vegetable Skewers with a Basil Infused Vinagrette. The Vegetarian Option also starts with the HQ salad and is also accompanied by crispy chips. (I haven't tried this yet, but on my next visit I'll give you feedback on this dish)

This single-minded restaurant is genuinely a breath of fresh air when compared to the numerous restaurants that offer a variety of items on their menus. The best part is, that as they specialise in only one dish, you can be certain that it will be the BEST SIRLOIN STEAK  AND FRIES YOU WILL EVER EAT!

So to book a table at Headquarters, click here,

or call them on +27 11 783 0924

ADDRESS:

24 Central,

6 Gwen Lane,

Sandton,

Johannesburg

Map

OPENING TIMES:

Open Monday - Saturday

Kitchen serving 11h30 - 22h30

Bar open till late

3SIXTY˚ Liquid Lounge

Montecasino has expanded its robust Entertainment offering and is setting New Restaurant Trends (which are DELICIOUS) with the recent launch of 3SIXTY˚ Liquid Lounge — a concept venue that promises to take patrons on a 360 degree sensory journey ...

Fast attracting Gauteng’s over-21 socialites and the elite; 3SIXTY˚ Liquid Lounge encompasses a restaurant and bistro, cigar & cognac lounge and cheese & wine room. Patrons can also choose to be seated in front of the show kitchen to witness the flair, expertise and plating techniques of the highly qualified chefs. 

The Show Kitchen

All these elements are brought to life by the spectacular circular frost-top bar, the venues stylish design, décor and distant buzz from the casino floor. 

“Montecasino prides itself in being positioned as Gauteng’s premier entertainment destination, by doing this, we constantly research new features that add to the experience and appeal to the broad spectrum of visitors to Montecasino.” says Glenn Joseph, General Manager of Montecasino. 

The 3SIXTY˚ Liquid Lounge menus ensure a wide variety of food and beverage items to choose from including several ‘design it yourself’ options. 

“The menus have been created to ensure a different offering for guests who may come back again and again for another unique experience. The fresh and ‘one of a kind’ appeal of this innovative venue comes through in all the menu offerings from gastronomically-enhanced dishes to the ultimate in palate-pleasing beverages”, says Chef, Rylan Ramsamy. 

Top Left: Oven Baked Duck with Baby Potatoes, Pan seared Vegetables, Bacon and Toasted Pine Nuts.
Bottom Left: Duck Spring Roll, Chicken Money Bag and Fashion Salmon Sandwiches.
Top Right: Aged Karak Beef Fillet with Shimiji Mushroom, Carrot Purée, Stir-fried Vegetables, Shoestring Chips and Beef Jus. It is AMAZING!!!
Bottom: Brandy Snap and Chocolate Ice-cream, Passion Fruit Macaroon, Crispy Phyllo Pastry with White and Dark Chocolate Mouse

Shooters are served in test tubes with popping candy, peppermint crisp chips, candy floss, and other signature drinks such as the BullMeister where Jagermeister magically floats on Red Bull. 

Candyfloss Test Tube Shooter ... My Favourite of their Shooter Menu so far :)

“We have also included platters for sharing such as sushi, dim sum baskets, meze, cheeses, mini burgers, gourmet nibbles and more, for groups or even couples who enjoy the growing preference for sharing smaller tasting portions of different dishes,” says Ramsamy. 

“Our 3SIXTY˚ Liquid Lounge adds a unique touch to Montecasino’s entertainment offering. It’s certainly a venue with a difference, designed to tantalise and entice all five senses and the perfect addition to Montecasino’s dynamic line up,” concludes Montecasino General Manager Glenn Joseph 

This is definitely a place that I will be visiting frequently for Dinner with Friends and Girls Night's Out! It is sure to become the Hottest Hangout in Jo'burg!! So see you all there!! ♥

For further information on 3SIXTY˚ Liquid Lounge or for bookings please contact 011 510 7341 alternatively for more info, and to look at their menues visit their website.

A few Pictures from the Launch on Thursday 24 January 2013:

Huge Ice Sculptures

Festive Costumes

Candyfloss Test Tube and Black Forest Cake Shooters

Me and fellow Blogger Chris Meklis from XHRISTYLE.COM

If you're Q-rious to see what I wore to the 3SIXTY˚ Liquid Lounge Event, click here.

~ ♥ ~

Thava: The Taste of India

Last night, I was invited to experience a Fresh New Taste of India. 

Thava opened their second Indian Restaurant in Midrand. They specialise in South Indian cuisine and prides themselves on their use of the freshest local ingredients and aromatic dishes ...

Chef Philippe Frydman (left) and Mathew Abrahams (right)

The Multi-Award Winning Thava Indian Restaurants are owned by Mathew Abraham, and are under the consultancy of Chef Philippe Frydman, Chairman of the Academy of Chefs. 

Thava specialises in South Indian Cuisine, particularly from the Kerala region, which is a blend of Different Cultures and Religions — Hindu, Christian and Muslim — which reflect in the myriad flavours that make the food from this part of the world so appealing and delicious!

The making of Butter Naan Bread ... DELICIOUS!

The inviting atmosphere and unique Indian Tapas (this is a first for South Africa) sets this Indian Restaurant aside from others. Tapas Dishes are perfect for sharing and for special taste experiences and can be served in portions as a starter, or as a shared main meal — guests can select from a combination of any items straight off the set Menu or from the daily Special Menu.

The Menu includes a delectable selection of Vegetarian, Lamb, Chicken and Seafood Dishes to choose from, off a Menu that includes Curries, Briyanis, Stews and Spicy Tandoori and Masala dishes, all served with traditional breads, rice dishes, and side dishes of freshly prepared chutneys, pickles or vegetables.

The Array of Starters on the Menu — each one more scrumptious than the previous  

Thava Midrand promises to be as popular as its sister in Norwood, attracting those who know and love their Indian Cuisine, as well as new-comers to the Kerala taste experience. Add to that the warm ambiance and friendly service and you will quickly understand why Thava Indian Restaurant is the choice restaurant for Indian Cuisine ... It is definitely mine!

Address:

Thava Midrand Now Open!
Carlswald Decor Center
5th Road (Off New Road Off Ramp)
Carlswald 

or

Corner of The Avenue & Plantation Road
Norwood (Oaklands)
(Situated above Alexanders Deli)

Telephone:

011 318 1367

If you are Q-rious to find out more about Thava click here.

Coobs in Parkhurst

On Friday night, a friend from work invited me to the opening of a great restaurant, situated on the infamous 4th Avenue in Parkhurst, named Coobs... 

The place is owned by James Diack, who was previously the head chef of Pomodoro and the Mastrantonio group, so with that in mind, I expected the food to be AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS ... and it was! 

The Starter and Dessert included some interesting combinations of ingredients (I love unconventional Flavour Fusions), while the variety of main course dishes will satisfy everyone!

The Opening Dinner Menu at Coobs on 9 November 2012

I decided on the Salmon Tartar with Lime Mayo, Wasabi Crisps with Orange Fennel Salad for a Starter, followed by the Homemade Gnocchi with Treacle Sugar Roasted Butternut and Organic Goats Cheese for Mains — The Gnocchi at Coobs is exemplary! 

I also tried the Rib Eye with Herb Anchovy Butter ... which is Exquisitely Perfect and If you're a Meat-eater, this will be your go-to dish!

From Left to Right: My Starter, Main Course and Dessert

We shared 2 desserts amongst the 4 of us (the food was so Deectable that there was simply not enough room to consume a full portion) and we decided to go with the Almond Crusted Japanese Cheesecake with Pistachio Ice Cream and Orange Blossom Creme and the Churros covered in a Cinnamon icing sugar served with hot chocolate dipping Sauce. The Churros were one of the best I've had in South Africa!

 Coobs is definitely a Great addition to 4th Avenue in Parkhurst, and if you Love Good Food and a Great Ambiance, you should definitely come for Dinner here! I'll be sure to come back here to share a few meals with Good Friends and Good Wine ... See you there!

Just a small note: They don't have a Liquor License as yet, so until they get it, make sure to bring along a bottle of your favourite wine!

Address:

Coobs,

4th Avenue,

Parkhurst

(between 13th and 14th Street)

P.S. And, if you are Q-rious to know what 'Coobs' means, it is simply James' nickname.