Long Time No Write....

So yes..... it has been a ridiculous amount of time since I last wrote here! *Bad Aimee*

In fairness, I have had two children in the interim....so whilst I may not be completely exempt from blame, I may be partly excused :)

So Christmas is around the corner...again. I have to pull the handbrake up every now and then and take stock of where the year has gone, and what I've accomplished.
This year, has been full of triumphs and tragedies for me, having my second baby as I mentioned, but also losing a close family friend and the death of Madiba, a loss to the entire world. Christmas is a time of reflection for me, to review the year as I said, but also to take a breath and appreciate my family and friends. 
It can be stressful having to cater a lunch or dinner for the whole family - I know, I've done it many times. But this year, we have decided to go to the Johannesburg Country Club for their Christmas Lunch - yes, it's a bit elitist as it's a members only thing but it is very nice and I'm looking rather forward to it. You arrive, eat, drink and generally be merry, and then pay your bill and go home to hibernate on the couch for the next day and a half. Brilliant.

There are a number of other places celebrating Christmas this year, and I've picked my favourites to share here:

1. Clico Boutique Hotel - 011 252 3300
This little boutique hotel has become well-known for their fine dining. They're offering Christmas Lunch this year at R450.00 per person for "an elaborate tasting menu excluding wines". The menu sounds inspired and it would be on the top of my list if I wasn't going to the Country Club.

2. Hyatt Hotel Rosebank - 011 280 1234
Enjoy an extensive Christmas buffet and a glass of Moet et Chandon on arrival at the Hyatt's Christmas lunch. R575 per person

3. Moyo Melrose Arch - 011 684 1477
A must if you have any foreigners spending Christmas with you this year. Moyo's has a truly African feel to it's decor and food. R320 per adult, R140 for children under 12 and children under 5 are free.

4. Roots at Forum Homini - 011 668 7000
For a real spoil, try Roots. It is slightly out of Joburg, but thats also quite nice. You can enjoy their 6-course Christmas lunch for R650 per person

And don't forget to have yourselves a merry little Christmas.

Mother's Day - 13 May 2012

So the first quarter of 2012 is pretty much done and dusted - as insane as that may be.
There is certainly a "nip" in the air and I think we have officially said goodbye to Summer - Autumn is definitely here...
Seeing as this is going to be my first Mother's Day, I've decided to do a post on a few suggestions for the day :)
Go on, spoil your mum!

1. Goldfish in the Park
Goldfish are playing at the Joburg Country Club's Auckland Park venue on the lawns - should be incredible. Tickets available at G&G Productions and the Country Club
Adults: R150
Children u/13: R75
Parking: R50
Order tickets from partyinthepark@ccj.co.za 

2. Lipizzaner's Performance

Cheesy? Yes. But Mom's love cheese. Bring on the cheese.

They have 2 performances (at 10:30 and 2:30) on Sunday and tickets are R130.00. The horses are incredibly beautiful animals to watch and you help to fund the Lipizzaners in South Africa by watching them :)

Take your mom for lunch out in the country afterwards.

Tickets available on Computicket

3. Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra

Playing at the ZK Matthews Great Hall at Unisa in Pretoria on Mother's Day, this is sure to be a wonderful performance to take your mom to, especially if she likes classical music. Performance starts at 3:00pm and last for around 2 hours.

Tickets start at R150, available on Computicket.

4. Day at a Spa

Visit Verona Day Spa together with your mom or just send her to one of the leading spas in Joburg. They have a number of specials, or you can create your own package. Try the pedicure, manicure, massage and facial for R872.00 - takes 2.5 hours. 

HINT: For all the Mom's-To-Be, they have great pregnancy packages too....

www.veronadayspa.co.za

011  880 0067

If you're not able to be with your mom on Mother's Day - visit Netflorist, they have some great specials that you can send in your absence.

Love is in the air

Happy New Year! I can't believe it's 2012. And January is already almost finished...leading us into February, the month of love.
Valentines Day is one of those days that you either relish or can't stand. You either love all the red, hearts and flowers or you find it a commercial money-making ploy.

Personally, I love it. Yes, I don't really need an excuse to tell my husband that I love him, but I like the fact that once a year, I get to be really cheesy and romantic and no one can say anything :)

So with love being in the air and all, here are some ideas of things to do with your special someone this Valentines Day. Oh, if you haven't already, book soon...

1. The Marion Restaurant, Marion on Nicol Hotel, 011 783 7816
Valentine's Day Dinner consisting of canapes and champagne on arrival, followed by a 5 course meal.
Starts 18:30 for 19:00
R420 per person

2. Hertford Hotel, Lanseria, 011 023 7080
Valentine's Day dinner on Saturday 11th Feb at 18:30
This is a gorgeous country hotel 45 minutes away from Joburg. Dinner consists of a delicious candlelit 3 course meal with a bottle of wine and chocolates. Accommodation is available.
R540 per COUPLE for dinner only, R1150 per COUPLE for dinner, bed and breakfast.

3. al Fiume, Riverplace Hotel, Lanseria, 071 682 9750
The restaurant is UNBELIEVABLY romantic, situated right on the Hennops River, expect loads of candles, the sound of the river and dinner under the stars if you're sitting on the deck.
Dinner consists of a delectable 3 course meal. Accommodation is also available, should you wish to make it an overnight excursion.
R395 per person

4. The Cradle Restaurant, Cradle of Humankind, 011 659 1622
Valentine's Day dinner starts  from 18:00.
Share a stunning romantic picnic dinner under lanterns and 800 year old trees in the bush. Guests will be transported to the picnic site in open game drive vehicles. A buffet dinner will be served from 19:00.

5. Clico Boutique Hotel, Rosebank, 011 252 3300
Have a romantic 4 course candlelit dinner in the heart of Joburg without having to drive far to enjoy it.
R350 per person.

6. Moyo Zoo Lake, Parkview, 011
Enjoy Valentine's Day african style with Moyo's Zoo Lake. A set menu with live entertainment, a gift and a welcome drink.
R275 per person

7. The Westcliff Hotel, Parkview, 011 481 6074
Valentine's Day package at the Westcliff includes:
Luxury Accommodation
Romantic Dinner at La Belle Terrasse with complimentary champagne
Full English Breakfast in La Belle Terrasse
Contact the Hotel for prices

8. The Planetarium, 011 717 1390
For something a little different, why not make a trip to the Planetarium on Valentine's Day? Take a tour of our night skies, particularly the more romantic scenes seen by astronomers, accompanied by music.
Shows at 6pm and 8pm.Adults pay R34, arrive 30 mins before the show. For an extra R70, you can write your loved one a message in the stars. Must be sent in by 8th Feb.

Tis the season for...Christmas Feasts

Seeing as Christmas is around the corner (can you believe it....) everyone is hopefully in good spirits and the restaurant specials are plentiful. I thought that I'd dedicate this post to Christmas Feasts....particularly those on Christmas Day - more and more people are going out for Christmas Lunch rather than cooking themselves. And who can blame them? You don't have to do the grocery shopping, the cooking, the preparation and decor, the hosting and most importantly, the clean up afterwards....

So here are a few places that have graciously opened their restaurants to make Christmas an even more magical affair for you :) (If you are considering eating out on Christmas, I'd make my booking fairly soon if I were you)

1. March - Melrose Arch, 011 214 6666

The main restaurant in the Melrose Arch Hotel is offering a wonderful African Inspired menu for their Christmas Lunch.
Price: R450 per person
Includes:

Amuse bouche - Champagne knysna oysters served with fennel and chardonnay salsa  potato and coriander fritter with a chilli konfyt  Starter - Cape Malay pickled Kingklip terrine  (traditional battered and pickled fish, served with a date and prune bread colonial style)  or  Springbok Carpaccio  (smoked springbok carpaccio with grilled peach salad and fynbos honey dressing) or  Bloukrans and Quinoa Salad  (salad of blue cheese, fresh figs, toasted pumpkin seeds, olives, organic quinoa, micro herbs and a citrus dressing) Mango and Mampoer Sorbet Main Course  Walnut crusted Saddle of Lamb  (braised saddle of lamb, crusted and crisped with walnuts, served with a parsnip puree, asparagus and a pinotage jus) or  Turkey Galantine  (traditional rolled turkey with apricot and thyme accompanied with potato dauphinoise and baby vegetables) or  Butternut and Bean Tomato Bredie  (slow cooked butternut and broad bean tomato bredie served with a kalahari truffle samp risotto)  Dessert  Summer Christmas Trifle  (a layered trifle, with sherry sponge, vanilla cream and an splash of rooibos syrup jelly and tangy summer berries) or  Cape Brandy Pudding  (served with a cardamom custard, candied naartjies and Amarula-peanut brittle ice cream) or  Christmas Pudding ice cream  (silky ice cream with traditional christmas pudding bits and an eggnog sauce)  2. The Cradle Restaurant, Cradle of Humankind, 011 659 1622 For a real "lunch-in-the-country" experience, try the Cradle Restaurant. You have a choice of a 5 course sit down Christmas meal at the restaurant, or for something a bit different, they're also offering a colonial picnic lunch under the trees. With items like Cranberry and Camembert Salad, Caramelized Leek and Onion Tart, Merguez Sausage with Saffron Caramelized Onions,  Venison Carpaccio, Lamb Loin wrapped in Potatoe Rosti, Spinach and Feta Canneloni, Chicken Breast stuffed with Cognac Prunes and Pistachios and a buffet of desserts, one can't really go wrong. Please contact the establishment for prices. 3. Maximillien Brasserie, Sandton Square, 011 292 7111 This restaurant is wonderful - I've been there a few times myself. Black and white checked floors, brass bar, pressed ceilings, it's the epitome of old school brasserie chique. They are offering a fabulous Christmas lunch at the reasonable price of R385.00 per person. 4. Avianto, Muldersdrift, 011 668 3000 Avianto is also having a Christmas Lunch, which might be nice for a lazy Sunday drive into the country, followed by a sumptuous lunch. Prices are R375.00 per person, R155 for kids under 12 and babies under 2 are free. The menu is too large to detail everything here, so please contact them for more info - it looks really yummy though :) 5. Aurelia's, Emperor's Palace, 011 928 1908 Needless to say, doing Christmas lunch in a casino doesn't exactly scream class to me, but there may be people out there who have loads of family and may require a larger booking.... so this one would be for you. Also, whilst Aurelia's is technically part of the Casino, it's more in the hotel area so it's not bad at all. Price is R345.00 per person, kids under 12 are R140 and those under 3 are free. Their menu is also huge, so I've trimmed it down to give you a few examples: Freshly opened oysters on crushed ice with black pepper, Tabasco and lime Steamed salted prawn tower with a trio of dips and lime cheeks  Smoked turkey on grilled pineapple wedges with home made Peppadew chutney  Mussels Rockefeller tossed with crispy bacon, leek and mini rye bread croutons  Clove Studded Gammon with Pineapple and Apricot Glaze served with apple sauce and mustards Citrus Marmalade Basted Roast Turkey with Savoury chestnut stuffing served with Cranberry Jelly Pepper rubbed roast Strip loin with caramelized onion served with horseradish cream and mustards Rolled leg of Lamb with Rosemary, Garlic Honey Brush served with Mint Sauce Individual Christmas pudding with Cinnamon Custard, Festive Fruit Platter with Creamy Vanilla Ice-cream, Raspberry cream in chocolate cups, Vanilla poached pears, Chocolate almond cake, Choc dipped meringue fingers, Croquembouche, Assorted Fruit Tartlets, Baked Cheesecake with poached fruit There is PLENTY to choose from. 6. Fairlawns Boutique Hotel, Sandton, 011 804 2540/1/2/3 The restaurant at Fairlawns guarantees a very elegant and sophisticated affair. They are offering a Christmas Day buffet lunch on the Terrace at R450.00 per person. It includes the following, to mention only a few: Mosaic of tomato and fennel with Goats cheese, Calamari, Roast Leg of Lamb, Honey-glazed Gammon, Sage and Chestnut Turkey, Butternut Tortellini, Apple Crumble, Chocolate Log Pudding, Pecan Pie, truffles and tea & coffee. 7. Byzance, Lonehill Shopping Centre, 011 465 5735 Another one of my personal favourite restaurants. They don't have a special menu for the day, but their regular one is so good, it really doesn't matter. It's a la carte for Christmas at Byzance and that is awesome. Expect delicious mediterranean cuisine.

Tis the season for...Christmas Markets

Yup...it's that time of year again. You know that when the shopping centres hang their decorations and put up their trees that Christmas is just around the corner. In my opinion, Joburg is the best kept secret around Christmas time. Everyone goes away and leave us with empty streets, gorgeous weather and plenty of merry cheer.

With that in mind, a few of my upcoming posts will be Christmas-related and for this one, I thought I'd give you an alternative to Christmas shopping in busy crowded malls and let you know of a few Christmas Markets that are coming up.

1. Hazel Food Christmas Market
When: Thurs 10 Nov - Sat 12 Nov
Where: Greenlyn Village Centre, Menlo Park, Pretoria
Enjoy incredible food and wine and browse over 80 stalls offering delicious food products as well as unique gifts and handmade Christmas decorations. This evening market is sure to put the Christmas spirit in everyone!

2. Parkview Christmas Market
When: Friday 25 Nov - Sunday 27 Nov
Where: George Hay Park, Parkview
Entrance: R30
There are over 70 stands to visit, with something for the young and old alike. Plenty of food stalls, produce stalls, live music, kids entertainment.

3. Nickel Christmas Market
When: Friday 25 Nov - Sunday 11 Dec
Where: Paul Jungnickel Home, Plot 214 Zwavelpoort, Lynwood Rd, Pretoria
The Nickel Christmas Market's aim is to raise funds for the home, but it's also a great job creation project for unemployed women and youth. It's now one of the largest Christmas Markets in the area with over 300 exhibitions under one roof. Only handmade items are for sale here. Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00. Come shop around and have a cup of tea in the Teagarden.

4. Neighbourgoods Market
When: Every Saturday in December
Where: 73 Juta Street, Braamfontein
Highly recommended for self-proclaimed foodies, anyone interested in artisan goods and interesting jewelery, accessories and design goods. This market is very trendy and it's a great way to spend a Saturday morning or afternoon. 09:00 - 15:00

5. Irene Christmas Market
When: 10 December 2011, 09:00 - 14:00

Where: Jan Smuts Ave, Irene, Pretoria
Named as one of the best markets in South Africa, the Irene Christmas Market has earned wide acclaim as both a superb outdoor shopping venue and as a great way to unwind from urban life for a little while.
Products on offer are so varied that it would be impossible to list, but there is an incredible selection of goods and food.


Happy Gift Hunting!!

Picnics in Joburg!

I haven't been a very good "blogger" of late - I've been so wrapped up in getting baby stuff ready and work , but hopefully this post will make up for it with a few nice ideas :)

So I thought that seeing as the weather has been so fabulous over the last while, it would be really nice to mention something "outdoorsy". If you're anything like my husband (who is an IT geek and practically breaks out in hives at the mere mention of going into nature and leaving civilization behind), please keep your panties on... I'm talking about picnics of course.....

As Joburgers, we have access to some of the most beautiful spots and I think that having a casual picnic with friends or a more romantic affair with your partner is a great idea, especially since the weather is so nice at the moment.

Here are a few ideas - hope you enjoy!!

1. The Cradle Restaurant - 011 659 1622
Have your picnic along the Motsetse stream. Your basket will include a 3 course meal with foods like freshly baked bread, rare roast beef, leg of lamb, Italian sausages, tomato pies, salads, tiramisu and fresh fruit.
R280 per person

2. Tres Jolie - 011 794 2473
Situated just off Beyers Naude in Northern Joburg, Tres Jolie offers patrons the chance to sit and relax on blankets and cushions under umbrellas whilst taking in the beautiful gardens and enjoying delicious food. Your Mediterranean picnic basket will include things like beef and chicken kebabs, homemade breads, smoked salmon and cream cheese, antipasta's, olives, dips, fruit kebabs with chocolate and cheese platters with crackers and preserves.
R125 per person

3. Lethabo Estate - 082 654 1690
Lethabo Estate has stunning scenery, being situated in the Cradle of Humankind.
They have 3 different options when it comes to their picnics.
 - Romantic Picnic @ R400 per person; enjoy the lazy river bank on blankets and cushions with a    
                               gourmet picnic basket
 - Luxury Picnic @ R750 per person; enjoy a private and secluded picnic under a thatched gazebo
                               with a double bed and cushioned spot for lounging around and being lazy. Eat your
                               gourmet picnic at a table infront of a secluded stretch of river.
 - Boudoir Picnic @ R 1325 per person; enjoy Lethabo's romantic boudoir style picnic venue on a
                               completely private stretch of river. Roses,  petals and luxurious carpets and double
                               bed make this area special. You might like to try swimming behind the waterfall
                               infront of your picnic table. A bottle of Method Cap Classique is included in this
                               package too.

4. Toadbury Hall Country House - 079 512 0554
Depending on the day that you book for, your picnic could take place in the hotel's beautiful gardens or along the Crocodile River banks. Romantic private picnics can also be arranged.
Your basket is packed full of decadent gourmet foods and includes a bottle of wine. Expect items like homemade Quiche Lorraine, biltong, Bobotie Springrolls with Apple Chutney, Chicken kebabs with BBQ sauce, Chocolate brownies and Vanilla Fudge.
R295 per person

5. Dial-a-Picnic - 081 329 7538 or 083 601 7135
From over the top feasts to simple snacks - from a romantic dinner for two to a decadent meal with family and friends, Dial-a-picnic is the perfect answer to an outdoors event.
You can make it as complicated, detailed or simple as you like. They can do themed evenings, plan, set up and arrange everything so you just need to arrive, or simply pack you a picnic basket that you collect and enjoy. Similarly their menus can be simple or decadent.
www.dialapicnic.co.za
Romantic Picnics start from R700 per couple and increase from there.

If you're not into the outdoors, but are keen on a picnic, here is something a little different:

6. Picnic in the Sky - 079 567 0997
Started by a company called "Main St Walks JHB", the idea is simple. You are provided with a basket, eating utensils and basic picnic items. You are then given 30 mins to peruse the nearby market to buy whatever foods you like (at your own cost) to pack into your basket. After that, everyone catches the lift up to the 50th floor of the Carlton Centre, and you enjoy the picnic and view from up above.
It happens on the first Sunday of every month.
R220 per adult, R50 per child under 16

Festivals of Food (and wine....)

Yay for September and Spring!
Aside from being my birthday month, I love September because it really does close the curtain on Winter. I'm sooo ready for Spring this year it's not even funny. Spring in Joburg is a particularly special event...all the blossom-flecked bushes, the green buds on all the trees, thunder showers, smells of freshly mown grass...
Yes, I know I sound like a hippy, but it's true. Spring is awesome. Good-bye jerseys and boots, hello dresses, skirts and sandals :)

There is also so much to do now and everyone is finally happy to venture out of their warm cosy homes and seek sun, good food and WINE!

Here are a few festivals coming up that will make a great day (or night) out with friends and family:

1. Taste of Joburg, Montecasino - www.tasteofjoburg.com
Starting on Thursday 15 September until Sunday 18 September, the Taste of Joburg offers an incredible line up of "star" chefs from the best restaurants in Joburg. You will be able to try signature dishes, meet award-winning chefs and sample amazing food and wine.
You'll discover a mouth-watering array of gourmet food suppliers and be able to browse the stalls and try the delicious speciality food and ingredients to either eat there or take home.
Some of the award-winning featured restaurants include Piccolo Mondo (Michaelangelo Hotel), DW-Eleven, La Belle Terrasse (The Westcliff), Roots (Forum Homini) and The Saxon Hotel.

On the drinks side, if Whiskey is your thing, be sure to head to the House of Johnny Walker. Featured wine estates include Boschendal, Beyerskloof, Diemersdal, Graham Beck and Pongraz, to name a few.

Normal tickets are R70 per adult, but there are more exclusive tickets available.
Long and the short of it? I won't be missing this one for anything in the world!!

2. Robertson Wine Valley Festival, Kloofzicht Lodge - http://www.robertsonwinevalley.com/gauteng/kloofzicht_festival.html

Starting on Saturday 17 September to Sunday 18 September and hosted at the stunning Kloofzicht Lodge in Muldersdrift, festivals like this make me REALLY miss wine...only another 3 1/2 months to go!!
Tickets are R130 per day or R210 for the whole weekend, kids under 18 are free. Gates open at 10:00 and close at 17:00.

This festival will allow you to spend a fabulous day in the country, drinking gorgeous wine and meeting the wine-makers, owners and personalities of the Robertson Wine Valley.
Free wine tasting will obviously take place, guys can take their fishing rods and fish in one of the numerous dams on site and there will be plenty of activities for kids.

So bring your picnic blanket and enjoy a day in the Robertson Wine Valley.

3.Good Food and Wine Show, Coca Cola Dome - www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za
Publish Post
Starting on Thursday 22 September running until Sunday 25 September at the Coca Cola Dome, tickets start at R80 to get in and if you want to see any of the celebrity chefs in the "Chefs in Action Theatre", go to Computicket to book seats there.

I'm particularly excited about this show...just because of the incredible chefs that will be under the same roof as me! From the one and only Gordon Ramsey, Masterchef winner Adam Liaw, Masterchef favourite Alvin and many many more, this is another show that I will certainly not be missing.

There will be hundreds of stalls to go around and sample/buy ingredients and delicious food, a Lindt Chocolate AppreciationTheatre (girls, if you need more convincing than this, there's a problem), Huletts Baking Theatre (Queen of Tarts, Tina Bester will be hosting), The Amarula Outdoor Experience (think braai's, chilled out entertainment and music).

For Kids, there will be a CBeeBies Little Cooks Zone where "Sid" will be there to host your little ones while they enjoy hands on cooking classes.

Bring on the food and bring on the wine (sadly, only for my husband)!