Sip back and relax
2022 is Joburg’s year of wine. Two Johannesburg restaurants snagged Gold Stars at Star Wine List of the Year South Africa, qualifying them for the international final in June 2023. The awards’ seven categories recognise great wine lists and the teams behind them. This year Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa took gold for best wines by the glass, and Embarc in Parkhurst won the Special Jury Prize for an out-of-the-ordinary wine list.
Next, WineX is finally back! It’s the best place to discover new wines in a fun, relaxed atmosphere – no grapespeak required, but if you are keen to learn, check out this handy guide. Along with the regular award-winning brands and boutique winery favourites, WineX 2022 welcomes newcomers like Haus sparkling wine and South African-French collaboration Le Chant. WineX runs from October 26-28, and tickets are selling out fast. Book now on Webtickets.
If you’re in the mood for a more intimate wine tasting, The Bioscope wine tastings in collaboration with Voisin Bread & Wine are back at 44 Stanley. On Nov 2 Craig Wessels from Restless River winery is pouring and explaining the finer details behind his new vintages of chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon. To compliment your cabernet, Voisin Bread & Wine is preparing a harvest table of moreish bread, dips and snacks. Book your ticket here.
Small plates on the terrace
A superb way to end a day in Joburg this summer is at the Bocodillo pop-up at Glenda's restaurant where Glenda Lederle has teamed up with atist and supreme cook Kevin Collins (you might recognise him from an episode of Come Dine with Me, or because you mistook him for Stephen Fry). The Bocodillo festive tapas experience happens on the restaurant terrace from 16:00-20:00, Wed to Sat until early December. Booking is absolutely essential. The small plates are delicious – we were invited for a late lunch and feasted on sardines, hunks of manchego cheese, superb pickles of every variety, salmon fishcakes, meatballs, calamari and so much more. Kevin has also decorated the tables in his unique style and his beautiful hand-painted ceramic tapas plates are for sale. Booking details here.
The Halaal Goods Market heads back to the city
The Halaal Goods Market returns to Fox Street Precinct December 2-4 with vendors selling everything from clothing and jewellery to churros and fusion cuisine. Market founder Fehmida Jordaan was inspired to start her own market after constant frustration about the lack of halaal food options while visiting local markets. The Halaal Goods Market is the first artisanal halaal food and design market in Southern Africa with a curated selection of locally sourced halaal offerings. Tickets aren’t on sale yet but we suggest you look out for them on social media.
Organic at your doorstep
After an initial demand for food boxes during the pandemic, fresh veggie deliveries slowly fell out of favour, but online orders of farm fresh produce are making a comeback. Ganico Organic Estate offers organic farm boxes filled with a selection of seasonal fruit and veg, with the option to add on a dozen GMO free eggs or foraged Italian salt. Delivery days are Tuesday and Thursday.
Abundance Wholesome Food sources from various small, sustainable organic farms just outside Joburg. Their online shop has fresh organic veggies you wouldn’t find in woolies like morogo and blood sorrel, and pantry staples like jugo beans, red sorghum, and cow peas. Deliveries are on Fridays.
Also in the news…
Ba-Pita Sunday Sessions
Norwood hotspot Ba-Pita has a newly renovated upper deck available for private and corporate functions. Every first Sunday of the month, Ba-Pita hosts the Sunday Sessions with free entrance. Dance to a different local DJ each month and feast on their delicious Middle Eastern inspired menu. Email info@ba-pita.co.za to book a table.
Vitality HealthyFood Studio
Vitality HealthyFood Studio is the best place to go if you're looking to up your cooking skills, treat someone to a night of great food or host your next team building event. Located on the roof of the 1 Discovery Place in Sandton Vitality HealthyFood Studio has fantastic views, even better chefs and a host of cooking courses. Book now for their Braai the Weber Way course and Supper Club event.
Dinner and a show at Eclipse Restaurant
Sandton Sky’s Eclipse debuts an experiential dinner menu with a musical ‘Warrior Moon’ and menu from new head chef Ken Phuduhudu – previously of The Test Kitchen, The Greenhouse, Terroir and Glenda’s.
A first of its kind at Jasmine Fusion
Fine dining restaurant Jasmine Fusion in Morningside launches a fully halaal tasting menu with decadent mains of spicy pulled lamb cannoli, lobster thermidor, and truffle risotto. See the full menu here
Gogo Magic Family Eatery
Gogo Magic at Fourways Farmers Market is serving delicious local dishes with a twist. You can expect comforting favourites like amadombolo with mogodu, sticky chicken wings, dunked amagwinya and amasi smoothies.
Fond farewell
Morning Glory in Parkwood has closed but a new kid on the block, Green Dot Café, is soon opening in that spot.Buns Out in Linden shut their doors after a tough battle with loadshedding. Luckily, you can still get your buns out at the Prison Break Market.
Braamfontein eateries Mangrove and Open Slice have called it quits but we’re looking forward to what they do next.
Patisserie The Tea Room closes at the end of October. Make sure to indulge in a French high tea experience before then, or find them online.
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