The Allesverloren vineyards stand proudly on the imposing Kasteelberg in the scenic Riebeek Valley of the Swartland. The history of this Swartland winery dates back to around the 1700s when settlers, upon returning from Stellenbosch where they travelled to for agricultural equipment and basic necessities, found their house burnt to the ground and their farm […]
The qualities required in a sommelier or wine steward…
Penelope Horwood gives us a meticulous count down to every detail that an aspiring young Wine Steward should note and take heed of. The qualities required in a sommelier or wine steward A sommelier or wine steward is the link between a client of a restaurant and its beverage offering. Wine and food complement each […]
HEALTH TIPS FOR LOCKDOWN By Sally-Ann Creed
So here we all are – staying at home keeping safe, and that’s a good thing! I’ve noticed two main types of people during this period – the one that is bored, doesn’t do much and can’t wait to get back to the shops, and the other is the sort of person who wants to […]
‘When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change’
Garth Stroebel, a most worthy recipient of the Lannice Snyman Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, remains an icon for many of our chefs in South Africa. Executive Chef of the Mount Nelson Hotel for many years and together with Paul Hartmann they founded the South African Chefs Academy, a highly respected establishment. Today, Garth is […]
SANDY HARPER Sharing of skills, camaraderie and a platform for you!
During this time when it is difficult to travel, the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge has become an online presence offering encouragement and direction. Sandy Harper, well known international wine judge points the way forward… “My name is Sandy Harper and together with Jean-Vincent Ridon, we will be your Wine Service Judges for the Distell Inter […]
Orientation & Launch in Gauteng for the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge 2020
The Rosa at The Palazzo was the exceptionally enchanting scene for a most spectacular evening, the Launch of the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge in Gauteng 50 guests seated at the long slender table, masses of lush red roses ran the length of this unique space, walls of stone with climbing ivy and ferns, overlooking the […]
Launch of the 2020 Distell Inter Hotel Challenge in the friendly city of Durban
For the 8th consecutive year, the search is on for tomorrow’s chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, baristas, wine stewards and concierges as the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge four regional launches are underway! See more on Twitter #DistellIHC2020 #InterHotelChallenge #Showcook2020 And on Instagram #DISTELLIHC2020 #INTERHOTELCHALLENGE #showcook2020
Lancewood Best Dessert
Chocolate & Citrus Valrhona Chocolate Brownie | Macerated Orange | Lancewood Lemon Curd Zonnebloem Pinotage 2017 Chocolate Brownie: 667 g sugar6 eggs344 g chocolate344 g butter 3 egg yolks334 g cake flour Whisk sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Melt butter and chocolate together. Fold flour into egg mixture. Bake at 160ºC for 30 […]
The Concierge’s Choice
We were thrilled to announce the Top 3 for the Concierge’s Choice Category, which was introduced for the first time this year. There were quite a number of entries all had great merit but the Top 3 were outstanding. TOP 3 CONCIERGE’S LIST: Sasha-Simone van Zyl, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Masood Sadulla, Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa Bradley […]
Distell Inter Hotel Challenge 2019
Southern Sun Cape Sun was the glittering venue for the ‘Hotel Oscars’. The luminous tables reflected the rich heritage of our Winelands, the exquisite shades of a grape. From chardonnay to pinotage, the tables were a triumph of creativity.