#TsogoWine presents #ChampagneDay

It's one week until we get to pop the corks with Tsogo Sun for the annual #ChampagneDay celebrations!

And to make it an even bigger & better celebration this year, Tsogo Sun is celebrating their 50th anniversary, whilst 2019 marks the 150th anniversary for Moët & Chandon Impérial.

And you guessed it right! The #ChampagneDay celebrations will be happening from 18 October through to 31 October at Tsogo Sun Hotels.  With incredible (not-to-be-missed) Champagne & MCC special offers on a variety of bottles of bubbles. 

Moët & Chandon Impérial - R549

Moët & Chandon Nectar - R599

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label - R549

Veuve Clicquot Rosé - R740

Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel - R160 (Brut, Satin Nectar & Satin Nectar Rosé)

These prices are literally cost price that you could bag these bottles for out in stores. But why would you want to buy one in store & drink it at home, when you can enjoy #ChampagneDay at one of Tsogo Sun Hotels?

#SSHydePark - JHB

#SSCullinan - CPT

Sandton Sun - JHB

If you are in JHB, head to Sandton Sun, The Palazzo at Montecasino, Holiday Inn Sandton, Southern Sun Hyde Park, Southern Sun Montecasino & Café Cru.

Down in CPT, you're off to Southern Sun Cape Sun, Southern Sun The Cullinan & Southern Sun Waterfront. 

Or in & around DBN, make your way to Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, Durban & Beverly Hills Hotel.

In my, & group sommelier of Tsogo Sun Hotels: Miguel Chan's, opinion - if you've never enjoyed Moët & Chandon at one of their hotels, then you have not really celebrated #ChampagneDay! They truly have a wide variety of excellent Champagnes & MCC's, at real affordable prices. So why not join us for a proper #ChampagneDay celebration?

Get to Sandton Sun San Deck or Southern Sun Hyde Park on Friday 18 October between 4pm & 10pm to join in on the festivities & create your very own #MoëtMoment with your friends. We will also be in the presence of Moët & Chandon winemaker - Amine Ghanem. (That is rather exciting for me to be honest! I can not wait!)

So come pop a bottle of bubbly with #TsogoWine in celebration of #ChampagneDay in association with Moët & Chandon to create your very own #MoëtMoment!

Check out some of my favourite #ChampagneDay memories over the years here. 

Still not convinced, check out more info here. And join in on the online conversation using #TsogoWine, #ChampagneDay & #MoëtMoment

#SteenbergGardenParty

Just around the corner. Are you all ready for the Steenberg Garden Party? It's coming back to Joburg again this year.

So head on out to The Kitchen - L'antico Giardino, The Forum Company out in Lanseria on Saturday 5 October between 12:00 & 17:00 to sip on some of the best wine to come out of Constantia.

You'll have the opportunity to stroll through the magical gardens of The Kitchen - L'antico Giardino, The Forum Company in Lanseria whilst sipping on bubblies & wines from Steenberg Vineyards at the all-inclusive outdoor experience. 

Tuck into a harvest table that is laden with the freshest culinary delights & listen to the laid back live music in a relaxed al fresco lounge area at what has always been a stylish afternoon. 

Some of the wines that will be on offer for the afternoon include their ultra-elegant MCC, their crisp & refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. But if you're up for some more serious reds, you'll have be able to delve into those too. Be adventurous in your journey of discovery with Steenberg's signature cool climate wines. 

For only R600 per person, you'll have unlimited wine tastings, food & live entertainment. The day is all about enjoying delicious wines, relaxing with friends & discovering Steenberg Vineyards. So round up a group of friends, arrange that Uber van & get those ticket from Webtickets here now. 

Hope to see you at the #SteenbergGardenParty.

The Wade Bales Cap Classique & Gin Affair

Guys! What better way to celebrate the start of the festive season & a fabulous weekend other than sipping on some incredible bubbly & gin that's available in SA, at the bar that has been voted as Joburg's Best Sundowners with a View in the latest Best of Joburg awards?

Well, we are in luck! The Wade Bales Cap Classique & Gin Affair is setting up at the Southern Sun in Hyde Park's Rooftop Terrace Bar. It's bound to be a day of epic bubbly proportions in my opinion as we have to look forward to over 60 of SA's premium MCC's, including the likes of Graham Beck, Steenberg, Anthonij Rupert, Tanzanite & Boschendal. 

Not sold yet? You'll also get to not only taste, but to celebrate the fastest growing spirit in the world; Gin. Especially since there will be up to 50 craft & international gins to sample from. With the local producers present to share knowledge & unique insight into their gin. 

Dates:

Saturday - 24 Nov (15:00-19:00)

Sunday - 25 Nov (13:00-17:00)

Tickets are only R350. This includes a Champagne glass; unlimited tastings of all bubbly & gin on show; as well as 6 fresh oysters to enjoy. (Lets be honest, this is a bargain.)

So head on over to Quicket here to get your tickets now, before they sell out!

Follow the fun on social media:

#BubblyGinAffair

Calum Scott - Only Human SA Tour

Ladies & Gents... New news just in!

Calum Scott is coming! To South Africa... The Britain's Got Talent finalist will embark on his 'Only Human' SA tour in November. Having his hit 'Dancing On My Own' reach 3 X Platinum in South Africa, I think it's about time that we get a piece of him. 

The first show in Durban is at the Durban Botanic Gardens on 9 Nov. The show was added after local fans had social media buzzing with requests to add a Durban date. Joining him on state will be Cape Town trio; Opposite The Other.

Cape Town on 10 Nov, where Ben Dey & The Concrete Lions are the local support acts to join him on stage at the ICC. 

Finally he ends the tour in Johannesburg on 11 Nov at Marks Park in Emmarentia, where Majozi, Opposite The Other, & Ben Dey & The Concrete Lions are joining him to entertain local fans. 

Get your tickets here. 

Top Model - South Africa 2018

What is fast growing into one of the biggest (and prestigious) modelling competitions in the country, the Top Model SA 2018 Grand Finale took place at the Carnival City - Big Top Arena. And are we impressed? Yes!

Top Model SA is part of Top Model Worldwide, which is one of the leading international, professional model search competitions, with a proven history of discovering some of the best new model talent there is. (Remember guys, this is not a pageant. It is a modeling competition.)

So back to the Grand Finale. So thousands of guests attended the incredible production led by the renowned Choreographer & Producer: Willie Venter. That sure is one thing that I must say, even with a few missed cues & models crossing paths at the wrong moment, the production was done incredibly well. Adding to that, you do need to know that most of 80 contestants have never walked on a ramp before, nevermind doing that in front of thousands of people & whilst it is being broadcast worldwide live via AfriLive.

Melissa Magiera (22) from Cape Town & Alexander Jenkinson (18) from Cullinan walked away with the title of Top Model SA 2018 winners.

"Always believe in yourself, no matter what. Hard work & determination will always get you what you want." - Melissa Magiera 

"The harder I worked, the luckier I got. It's still so unreal." - Alexander Jenkinson

"It took a lot of self discipline & hard work. But it all paid off. This is life changing." - Jayme Scott

The Fresh Face category is for the ladies who don't qualify for the international model height requirements. And this year, the stunner; Jayme Scott (19) from Roodepoort walked away with the title.

Congratulations to the entire Top Model South Africa team on what was truly a wonderful event. Check out #TMSA18 on social media to see who was posting what!

Katy Perry heads to Joburg

Image: Kevin Mazur - Getty

Well now... Look who's calling guys! Fresh off the line & this news just in. Katy Perry has finally announced that she will be performing in SA for the very first time. Johannesburg is set to be wowed on the 18th & 20th of July 2018, when Katy Perry hits the stage at the Ticketpro Dome as part of her WITNESS: The Tour.

Tickets will be on sale as from 9 AM on 26th of January via www.bigconcerts.co.za.

So a bit about this tour. Katy finds liberation. Not only in the changes in her own life, but also in the world around her. All by performing songs that have inspired thought & movement alike. Get ready for an imaginative trip from outer-space to inner-space. From the planets to the bottom of our oceans. This is set to be a musical journey through all her biggest milestones & mega-hits. A little birdy dropped a note to say that there isn't a bad seat in the house. With the dramatically original staging & the entire band & dancers, we are in for a show with all the bells & whistles.

Image: Kevin Mazur - Getty

So, from just that, I already can't wait! Best you get your tickets now, before they sell out. (Which I have a feeling they will!)

Ticket prices: R575 - R1,535 (Plus there are a few VIP & Hospitality Packages available that can be booked through Computicket.)

Image: Kevin Mazur - Getty

Just a note regarding the Golden Circle & some restrictions.

No under 12's & no person under 1,2m.

If you are one or both of the above, you will not be allowed into the Golden Circle area & you may not be lucky enough to be reallocated or reseated. (So, don't try your luck on this one, I know that they are very strict.)

Image: Kevin Mazur - Getty

UPDATE: 27/02/2018

I told you guys that these tickets were going to fly like hotcakes. Due to the exceptional demand, additional seated tickets have been added for the show on 18th of July! And the 20th of July show is officially SOLD OUT! So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to www.bigconcerts.co.za to get your tickets now.

UPDATE: 14/03/2018

Oh, you guys are lucky! Due to the crazy demand to see Katy Perry live in concert in Johannesburg, a third & final date has been added to the WITNESS: The Tour schedule for July 21st! So, really, if you haven't gotten your tickets yet, best you go & get one now to avoid any disappointment. 

Image: Rony Alwin

Angus & Julia Stone ft. at Parklife Festivals

Australian duo Angus & Julia Stone announced their 1st tour to South Africa today. Heading to Cape Town, Johannesburg & Durban in January.

1st up to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town on Thursday 25 January.

Next Jo'burg will see them at the 7th annual Parklife Festival at Marks Park in Emmerentia on Saturday 27 January.

Last, but not least, at the 2nd annual Parklife Festival at the Durban Botanic Gardens on Sunday 28 January.

A career of over 10 years has seen Angus & Julia Stone release countless hits since first performing together back in 2006. And finally it is South Africa's turn & fans can look forward to seeing their favourite songs, including Big Jet Plane, Just a Boy, Heart Beats Slow, A Heartbreak, Mango Tree & Paper Aeroplane.

Their brand new & 4th studio album 'SNOW,' features 12 tracks that have been penned by the duo together & a little birdy has spoken that we are in for a treat & will be getting to hear some of these tracks as well. 

"It's exciting to share new music with people for sure... but to be honest, it's not why I got into writing music," says Angus. "Fore me it's always just been an expression... but it's a great feeling if people are digging it."

Tickets go on sale 30 November.

Starting from R495.

Available here.

Rock of Ages @ Gold Reef City

Are you ready for a high-energy, sing-along, dancing in the aisle, feel good smash hit musical stage production? Then you best get ready to visit the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City between 17 Novmeber & 10 December. Rock of Ages, is set to rock your socks off.

The multi Tony award nominated Broadway musical that will take you on a journey back to the 80's & a good laugh & dance is guaranteed. Great Tunes. Amazing Effects. Star-studded ALL South African Cast.

Think shoulder pads, lycra, stone-washed denim, tight leather pants, bright colours, permed hair & mullets... (Excited yet?)

Off we go to the West Hollywood club - the Bourbon Room, in 1987 & this is where you will find Rock of Ages. Run by former rock impresario, Dennis Dupree & his assistant, Lonny make this place the epitome of Rock 'n Roll.

A small-town girl, wanting to make it as an actress arrives in town & when the young hopeful Sherrie Christian bumps into Drew, the busboy at the Bourbon Room, it is a love match made in Rock 'n Roll heaven. But the stakes are raised when the Mayor announces his intention to demolish the club...

Featuring an impressive set list of 28 songs, performed by a live band & lead by Musical Director, Wessel Odendaal, you know the characters like Drew (Josh Ansley), Sherrie (Claire Taylor), Lonny (Zak Hendrikz), Dennis Dupree (Craig Urbani), Stacee Jaxx (Andrew Webster), Regina (Natasha van der Merwe), and Justice (Mpumelelo Mayiyane) are going to be amazing.

Running Monday to Friday at 20:00 and Saturdays & Sundays at 15:00 & 20:00.

Ticket prices are from R160 to R300 & are available through GoldReefCity.co.za, the Gold Reef City Box Office & Computicket.

Now if you have managed to read this far. You are in luck.

It's time to win. I have 3 sets of double tickets up for grabs for the show on 18 November 2017 at 20:00.

How to enter:

On Facebook:

1. Like Rock of Ages South Africa & As Seen By Lloyd Facebook pages.

2. Share the competition post.

3. Comment using the #RockTheCity &#RockOfAgesSA & Tag a friend that you will be bringing along to the show.

OR 

On Twitter:

1. Follow @GoldReefCitySA & @Lloydi_Boy on Twitter.

2. Retweet the competition tweet.

3. Tag a friend & Tell us who you are bringing with to the show & rememeber to use #RockTheCity &#RockOfAgesSA.

Wade Bales Cap Classique & Gin Affair

Right, so lets be honest with each other quick. Can you seriously think of a better way to start off the summer holiday other than sipping on the best bubbly in the land & testing out some of the most innovative craft gins?

I think not.

This is why I have some exciting news for you. Wade Bales Fine Wine & Spirits dropped me some news early this morning.

Imagine 50 of SA's premium MCC's.

Imagine more than 20 craft gins.

Imagine a rooftop bar & watching the sunset.

Well, on 25 & 26 November, you best get yourself to the Roof Top Terrace Bar, Southern Sun in Hyde Park. You will get to enjoy some MMC's to the likes of Graham Beck, Steenberg, Krone, Simonsig & many more.

Oh, and the gin. Lets not forget the gin. Some local producers will be present to share their knowledge & insight into why their gin making abilities are the best. 

Wade Bales emphasized that they want to showcase the best that SA has to offer & to recognise the world-class quality bubbly & gin that is produced locally. He also added: "This is the right time, the right place & the right people - and is going to be a celebration you don't want to miss!"

For those eager beavers. Until Monday, 30th of October, there are some early bird tickets available via Quicket at only R230 each. Thereafter they will be going for R290 each.

What this gets you is a complimentary champagne glass, UNLIMITED access to all MCC & Gin products, as well as 6 fresh oysters. (Sounds great doesn't it?) For those who are always hungry, the hotel has a great menu to feed any appetite. 

Saturday - 25 November: 3-7pm

Sunday - 26 November: 1-5pm

Remember to share your experiences online so that I can check up & see who joined in on the fun.

Twitter - @WadeBales

Instagram - @wade.bales

Facebook - Wade Bales Wine Society

...and DON'T forget the #BubblyGinAffair.

Pinotage & Biltong Festival

I can remember, when I started drinking wine, the very 1st wine I had was a 2002 Simonsvlei Ja-Mocha. (Which, for those of you who don't know, is a Pinotage.) So it is safe to say, that is where my adventure into the world of wine started about 12 years ago. 

If you are a wine lover & a Pinotage enthusiast, then you need to diarise 14 & 15 October & set your GPS towards the Leriba Hotel in Centurion, because from 11 to 5, you will be attending the very 1st Pinotage & Biltong Festival. 

According to festival organiser Cobie van Oort, not only will you be blown away by some of the best Pinotage's in SA, but you will have the opportunity to dig into some great alternatives such as Rosé's, Bubblies, Blends, Dessert Wines & White Pinotage. 

On the day you will be able to enjoy & purchase over 60 wines, that have been paired with a wide variety of biltong types & flavours that have been sourced from Billa'B & Co - Biltong Deli.
Included in the list of wineries are: Altydgedacht, Delheim, Flagstone, Kaapzicht, La Couronne, Lanzerac, Overhex/Balance wines, Slanghoek, Simonsvlei & Vriesenhof.

Live jazz, meals from one of the on site restaurants with casual seating under the trees next to the river. That sounds like the best way to spend a day out with the family. And to spend that same day sipping on some Pinotage is just the cherry on the cake.

Dressing in Purple & White means you could walk away with a prize on the day after you visited the SelfiePro stand, snapped a pic & entered on social media. 

For those adults with kids, if you are not arranging a babysitter, or leaving your kids with your parents for the day, you can drop them off in the Kidz Zone which is organised by Montagu Dried Fruit & Nuts, and the R75  per child then is donated to The Pebbles Project. (Naturally, all under 18's get to come into the venue for free, they are just not allowed to drink, as the festival is committed to the responsible consumption of alcohol.)

So head on over to here or here to get your tickets now. (They are R220 each, which includes your glass & a pairing card. You save R30 a ticket, because on the day, they are R250 at the gates.)

#PinoBiltongFest
Twitter - @PinoBiltongFest

UNLOCK THE UNUSUALS WINE FESTIVAL

UNLOCK THE UNUSUALS WINE FESTIVAL

TAKES PLACE ON SEPTEMBER 7

Check out some exceptional lesser known wine varietals.

The popular Wine Menu’s Unlock the Unusuals Wine Festival is back in town to showcase SA’s lesser known varietals, & a few international examples.

This tasting of more than 80 truly exceptional wines happening at the Killarney Country Club on Thursday, September 7, visitors can try some of the finest Tempranillo, Semillon, Cinsaut, Grenache, Carignan, Tinta Barocca & many more wine varietals starting from 18:00.

Tickets at R250 are available from Webtickets & Wine Menu at the Blu Bird Shopping Centre. The price includes unlimited tasting & light snacks.

Participation in the festival by wine producers is by invitation only, ensuring that only top quality wines will be shown at the festival.

Organiser Corlien Morris from Wine Menu says that “consumers are choosing more 'unusual' grape varietals than ever before to broaden their wine experience. They are looking for something different in the marketplace. We have some fabulous product at this year’s festival.”

Wines are on sale on the night will be at less than their regular retail prices, while a number are no longer available in the general marketplace, so its bound to be a great eve for wine enthusiasts.

Book tickets on Unlock the Unusuals.

WEBSITE: www.winemenu.co.za

TWITTER: @WineMenuSA

FACEBOOK: Unlocking the Unusuals - Wine Menu

@StreetFoodZA

Best of Local Fare on the Menu at Fourth Annual Visa Street Food Festival

Festival of authentic and innovative street food keeps growing, including a new night market in Cape Town.

In September, South Africa’s culinary capitals; Cape Town and Johannesburg will play host to a celebration of street food prepared by some of the country’s best chefs and food makers. We’re talking the type of food you’ll need both hands to eat: vinegary fish and slap chips, gatsbys stuffed to capacity and the best braai, straight off the fire.

The fourth edition of the popular festival will kick off in Cape Town at the Side Street Studios in Woodstock on Saturday 2 September with the launch of the night market, and continue on Sunday 3 September with a full day of street food, live DJ’s and free talks.

A week later, on Sunday 10 September, the festival will move to Common Ground, 16 Staib Street, Maboneng in Johannesburg.

“The Visa Street Food Festival is more popular than ever,” said director Hannerie Visser. “Street food is something everyone can relate with, and South Africans have always been fans of informal dining, whether it’s pancakes at a church bazaar or bunny chow in a corner shop. With more food trucks than ever popping up, the festival will not only give visitors the chance to taste all their favourite foods, but also create a platform where food makers can educate visitors.”

“With Visa’s payWave enabled cards and connected mobile devices, this year’s festival will be the first to go cashless.  Visa’s easy-to-use and secure tap and go technology will make sampling the authentic street food easier than ever.”

Launched in Cape Town in 2014, the Street Food Festival combines a vibrant street market, where local chefs showcase the best of what South Africa’s street food has to offer, with talks by some of the country’s leading food makers.

“This year we want to close the gap between real, authentic street food that’s being served on the side of the road in townships and fine-dining restaurants,” said Fenner. “We want everyone eating everything and learning from each other. Being involved in this event is a great way for us to do that."

The Jo’burg street food menu is eclectic, from butter chicken on chips and spicy jerk chicken to footlong boerie rolls, scrumptious grilled cheese sandwiches and the best thickshakes on the continent.

Festival Times and Dates:

Cape Town Saturday market (2 September - 5pm to 9pm.), which includes the first-ever night market, is R50. 

Cape Town Sunday market (3 September - 9am to 4pm.), which includes vendors, free talks and live DJ’s, is R100. 

Johannesburg Sunday market (10 September - 9am to 4pm.), which includes vendors, free talks and live DJ’s, is R100.

Tickets:

Tickets are available at www.webtickets.co.za and if you pay with Visa Checkout, you will get a 10% discount on your ticket price. Tickets are also available at the door.

For more information on the Visa Street Food Festival visit, www.streetfoodfestival.co.za.

Facebook: @streetfoodfestivalZA

Instagram: @streetfoodZA

Twitter: @streetfoodZA