We’re drinking…
Auchentoshan whisky (pronounced ‘OK-Ken-TO-Shan), a single malt with a twist. Triple distilled and matured solely in American bourbon casks, its all-sweet notes of vanilla and caramelized sugar, and a tiny bit of spiciness. Boasting that it’s the perfect easy-drinking Scotch for novice drinkers while complex enough for seasoned fans, you can enjoy it on the rocks, but a preferred mixed as a ‘hauf an’ a hauf’ (a whisky and ale), which is an old Scottish favourite.
Try this Auchentoshan & Ale… we love it.
Mix 35ml American Oak with 25 ml honey and 25ml fresh lemon juice. Add an Ale with citrus notes and garnish with a lemon wedge. You’ll find Auchentoshan at good bottle stores for around R349 for the American Oak and R429 for the 12 year old. Details: www.auchentoshan.com
We’re taking a macaron class…
If these delicate confectionaries really float your boat, and you’d like to take that love to the next level why take a macaron-making class. Viveshni Joseph, owner of Madame Macaron in Durban North, hosts monthly baking classes designed to help the everyday baker as well as the kitchen novice, learn how to create delectable treats in a simple way, while having fun. After a rather unfulfilling stint working in the collections department at a bank, the highly creative Viveshni took on a personal quest to create the perfect macaron after watching an episode of MasterChef Australia. And the rest, as they say, is history! She now hosts a range of classes that don’t feel like classes. From basic macarons to works of art laced with geode crystals, her classes are about three hours long, and at the end, you get to leave with at least 20 macarons you’ve made yourself! Classes start at around R670 per person and August offers the following: 3 and 17 August – Basic Macarons; 10 August – Geode Macarons and 24 August – Unicorn Macarons. To book, e-mail [email protected] or call 066 488 6265.
We’re shopping local, but online…
We love cool stuff, and when it’s locally made, we love it even more! This Is Africa Store, is an online store created by husband-and-wife team Johno and Lauren Geldenhuys. The range of canvas duffel bags, cooler bags, adult and kids caps, all pay homage to the African continent they love so much. The Duffel Bags and Cooler Bags are locally made from 100% cotton washed canvas, and are perfect for a weekend getaway or safely ferrying bottles of champagne and other essentials to picnics and joyful celebrations. Priced from R299 to R999, they’re worth the spend knowing that they are local, well-made and will last. Details: www.thisisafricastore.co.za, e-mail [email protected] or call 082 293 0586.
Tucking in to a Glamwich…
During a recent adventure down at Florida Fields (295 Florida Road) we discovered Glamwich – a chic ship crate cafe serving mouth-watering, handcrafted meals that support healthy lifestyles. There’s the Magical Eggwich – wholesome free range hardboiled egg slices with a drizzle of dijonnaise topped with sweet cocktail tomatoes, chilli flakes and fresh rocket leaves; The Bewitched Tuna – line caught Skipjack shredded tuna mixed with sweet chillinaise, served on a bed of crunchy red cabbage slaw and garnished with peppadews and mint. By far the most popular is the Bedazzled Chicken – succulent farm fresh chicken fillet strips and red peppers grilled with coconut oil on a bed of tender baby spinach leaves, and sliced jalapeños, topped with fresh avo slices, drizzled with chillinaise and garnished with sesame seeds. Another bestseller is the Elegant Smoked Salmon, with smoked Norwegian salmon ribbons on a base of smooth cream cheesed fresh rocket leaves, topped with crunchy red onions rings and spring onions. Let’s not forget the veggies with the Enchanted Mediterranean Veg – melt-in-your-mouth aubergine slices, red peppers and crispy halloumi grilled with coconut oil, on a hummus base, drizzled with balsamic dressing and garnished with fresh rocket leaves. Yumilicious! Pop in for a healthy bite to eat if you are in the area, or contact 067 840 8457.
We’re going vintage
We love our coffee, so it was thrilling to discover Pablo Honey in Hillcrest. Run by Westville Boys’ High School Old Boy, Liam Richards and Thomas More College Old Girl, Sam Taylor, this cosy space not only boasts good coffee (brewed by a gentle-natured barrister named Brilliant), but also sells a range of clothes (mostly thrifted pieces), vintage cameras and other antiques, and offers a comfortable creative space where like-minded people can gather and network. The walls are adorned with old paintings, images of fashion editorials that have been styled by the duo, as well as Liam’s illustrations. Whether you’re artsy, love thrift shopping or are just dying for a good cup of coffee in a nice place, Pablo Honey is a must-see if you’re local and well worth the drive if you aren’t! Details: Liam on 060 527 0536 or Sam on 082 719 2032.
