The City Magazine Edition 4

Edition 4 The CiTy Magazine 1

UP THE HILLWATERFALL, HILLCREST AND KLOOF RICH IN TRADITION

GRANT PITCHERA LEGEND IN DURBAN PHOTOGRAPHY

THE COMMUNE SHARED OFFICE SPACE LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE

ediTion 4 distributed to the communities of Durban North, Morningside, Musgrave, Berea, Glenwood, Cowies Hill, Westville, Pinetown, Waterfall, Hillcrest and Kloof

containerrevolutionCHECK OUT THE NEW mOBILE FOOD SPOT TREND HAPPENING AROUND DURBAN

2 The CiTy Magazine Edition 4

More comfortable cabins

More mouthwatering dining options

More leisure and entertainment attractions

More space for wellbeing and relaxation

More choices for kids and teenagers

Even before MSC Sinfonia sets sail, stepping on board is like embarking on a voyage of discovery. With its impressive array of new features and facilities, the ship is now even better equipped to satisfy every need.

Spacious new cabins with balconies delight with superb panoramic views. Enlarged restaurant and buffet areas serve up an even greater variety of culinary treats. A new lounge area to fill with music and dancing. An enhanced MSC Aurea Spa with more space for massages.

All this is just a taste of what a cruise on MSC Sinfonia can offer. There’s a world of new experiences to discover on board, day after day, moment after moment. MSC Sinfonia is the ship that suits you.

Comfort that suits youThe renewed MSC Sinfonia takes comfort to a new level. From the new carpets, reupholstered seating and repainted ceilings in the Reception and other public spaces to the redecorated corridors and stairways, the entire ship feels brand new. Every cabin has been refurbished with new carpets, fabrics and features including flat screen televisions. The 94 new balcony cabins are a gift to our sea-loving guests, affording exhilarating ocean views and allowing them to breathe in the unique atmosphere of each new destination.

Dining that suits youWith an extra 600 m² dedicated to dining on deck 5, there is more space than ever before for MSC Sinfonia’s chefs to tempt our guests with a mouthwatering choice of dishes every day.

The Il Galeone and Il Covo restaurants and La Terrazza Buffet offer three different identities to give our guests more choice all day long, making food the star of the cruise.

The enhanced buffet is open 20 hours a day, serving everything from juicy burgers, pizza and fresh pasta.

Entertainment that suits youGuests on MSC Sinfonia can enjoy 20 captivating hours of entertainment every day, ranging from spectacular stage shows, live music and parties to activities and courses for guests of all ages and all tastes.

For a more rewarding cruise experience, the onboard entertainment programme also includes a series of special themed events. Themed nights including the Tropical Sail Away party and Italian night are the ideal excuse to don fancy dress and have lots of fun.

Wellness that suits youAt MSC Cruises, we are focused on giving guests the opportunity to relax in all kinds of different ways.

The MSC Aurea Spa now boasts more space for pampering and relaxation, thanks to three new massage rooms for individuals and couples.

With two restyled open-air swimming pools, two whirlpool baths and a power walking track of 200 metres among its recreation facilities, the renewed MSC Sinfonia offers countless ways to stay in shape.

The renewed MSC Sinfonia is the second ship to take part in MSC Cruises’ journey of innovation

The MSC Renaissance Programme iscreating ships that suit you

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Everyone feels like a kid when they’re having fun. Maybe that’s how we’ve developed such a

good understanding of what children really enjoy. And now we’ve combined our experience with the know-how of world-famous partners to create new play areas, new activities and new facilities for 5 different age groups.

For the � rst time, there’s a dedicated area for babies, designed in partnership with Chicco. For the Mini and Juniors Clubs, there are two brand new LEGO® play areas - something you won’t � nd on any other cruise ship.

Another new development is separate

areas for the Young and Teens clubs, including a Virtual Arcade created in partnership with Namco®, the company behind some of the world’s best loved video games.

So whatever age your kids are, they can look forward to having more fun than ever before.

Prestigious partners like Chicco, LEGO® and Namco®, have helped to create fabulous new play areas for children of all ages, starting with an exciting spray park packed with fun water features.

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Juniors Club(7-11 years) by LEGO®

Young Club (12-14 years)

Top 13 - Exclusive Solarium

SportsCentre

Baby Club (under 3 years) by Chicco®

Mini Club (3-6 years) by LEGO®

Teen’s Club(15-17 years)

Virtual ArcadeTeens arcade by NAMCO

Outdoor Buffet Restaurant

Il Caffè del Mare

Sinfonia Lounge & Library

Shopping AreaPhoto Gallery

Sanremo Casino

Doremi Spray Park

Reception-Guest Services

MSC Business Centre

Shore Excursions Office

Pool Area

Cabins & Suites

Inside*Ocean view*Balcony*Suites

Ambassador

Cigar room, lounge

Pasha Club Disco

Restaurants

Il CovoIl Galeone

MSC Aurea Spa

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NEW

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Sinfonia@Caffé San Carlo Theatre

MSC Sinfonia New areas, new comforts, new attractions

Bars

Buddha Bar*Café le Baroque*Manhattan Bar*Shelagh’s House*Capri Bar*

Buffet Restaurant

La Terrazza

Entertainment that suits kids and teenagers

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061115 - 285 x 420 mm - DPS - City Mag.indd 2 2015/10/21 01:30:12 PM


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We spent a day checking out a few of the latest mobile

spots. Restaurants in containers, who knew?

e d i t i o n 4

Food writer Shirley Berko is making her mark as she boasts

about Durban’s growing foodie revolution

26

The Commune is a gathering of makers

and brands offering a collection of apparel,

home goods and design.

We take a look at the deep history as well as

the newest development and growth happening up the hill in Hillcrest,

Waterfall and Kloof

14

Grant is one of Durbans best photographers is our latested profiled photographer in the

mag

22

6FROM THE

EDITOR

8feedback Socials

See what’s been happening socially in and around the City.

12Fab Stuff

Gadgets and things shared by resident Durban Geek Guy,

Marc Forrest.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

We visit Lupa in Hillcrest for the best

food!

10 46

20

30

Two moms and daughters headed off to Indigo fields for a little pampering. They share

their experience

40

14

26

30

Durban Cuizine

Up the Hill

Grant Pitcher

The Commune

Container Revolution

Indigo Fields

40


Durban is not a sleepy hollow. Recently I’ve heard a few references to how our city isn’t vibrant or energetic or doesn’t have the buzz of some of the world’s big cities or the thriving economy of Jo’burg. Perception is a bitch, isn’t it?

It’s all about what you see every day and what you use to model your perception of this growing, dynamic place we call home. For me Durban isn’t just the inner city, which has it challenges, its make up includes many places and suburbs that have the most amazing history, lifestyle and energy. Right from the colorful suburb of the Bluff to the rolling hills of Hillcrest and Kloof, Durban spans a diversity that many of us are blind to or maybe just don’t realize. We need to awaken our senses once again and celebrate the nooks and crannies that are our city. The energy of our unique ways of life are rich and abundant throughout Durban and believe it or not our economy is ticking over, rated higher than Cape Town, and up there with the top cities in Africa. We are on the map and we contribute.

We can argue all the negative stuff, and there is negative stuff, or the basis of economic assessments but when all is said and done this place, Durban, is where you and I have chosen to call home. I can’t speak for you but I prefer to think that the place I call home is great, has potential, its people are special, its heart is genuine and there is so much here to experience, it would take a lifetime to get through it all. We just need to reopen our eyes...Durban is vibrant and energetic and has a buzz about it, it’s time we started telling people about our home.

In this edition we unpack just a little of what is great about Durban. We focus on Hillcrest, Kloof and Waterfall in our area feature plus we’ve interviewed local food writer Shirley Berko who is a proud supporter of Durban cuisine and the exploding food revolution happening here. This is another bumper edition and we’ve included a review of Jo’burg based hotel, St Andrews, for those of you travelling upcountry every now and then.

We trust you’ll enjoy this edition and look forward to chatting to you again soon.

Till we meet againGod Bless

Justin Scott, Editoremail me | [email protected]

follow us | instagram @fabmagazines

@thecitymag

the City Magazine is independently owned and focuses on life in and around the greater durban areas. We distribute

our magazine to readers in durban north, Musgrave, Berea, Glenwood, Westville,

Cowies Hill, Pinetown, Hillcrest and Kloof. in addition to the 10,000 copies that are

distributed around 3,000 people read the online edition and interact with the digital

magazine. if you share our passion for durban please get in touch, share your

stories or pictures and help us build your magazine!


Model Price Deposit Interest rate GFV Total cost PeriodR312 500 10% 8.33% linked R163 000 R237 954 54 months

Find MINI South Africa on:


PUBLISHERFabMags Publishing

EDITORJustin Scott | [email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGNERSDaniel Rambaly | [email protected] Ebrahim | [email protected]

SALESLucille Wendler| [email protected] Nagapah | [email protected] Odayar | [email protected] Scott | [email protected]

IN HOUSE JOURNALISTJodi van Wyk | [email protected]

ADMIN & ACCOUNTSSharlene Odayar | [email protected] 946 3187

OFFICE NUMBER032 946 0357

FAX NUMBER086 605 0098

[email protected]

EDITORIAL ADDRESSSuite 104, San Hall Office ParkKirsty Close | Ballito, KZN

FRONT PAGEAlbizia House, Grant Pitcherwww.grantpitcher.com

PRINTINGDNA Print (Pty) Ltd

CONNECT SOCIALLYwww.facebook.com/thedurbancitymagInstagram @thecitymagTwitter @thecitymagSA

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents Fab Mags Publications cannot be held responsible for any omission or errors, or for any misfortune, injury or damages that may arise therefrom. The City Magazine is published by FabMags CC Suite 104, San Hall Office Park, Kirsty Close, Ballito, South Africa 4418.

Copyright The City Magazine & FabMags Publications. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or any part is prohibited without prior permission of the publisher. All products and services featured in this publication are subject to availability and are not stocked by FabMags.

Read the mag online!

Feedback

The cover of the City Magazine performed excellently on Facebook!

We got 47 likes #rockingFBVIA FACEBOOK

The cover page of our

third edition was a hit on

social media – thanks to our

gorgeous cover girl, Sansha

Lambert, we saw it pop up

on Facebook, Instagram

and Twitter. We got a reach

of 2000, with 99 clicks

and 96 shares on our cover

image #SanshaRocksFB

Our #Fab sales team, from left Kubashni, Sharlene

and Lucille, spent the day in Hillcrest recently…but they had time for a selfie. The beauties got 199 views on Facebook!

facebook

Justin attended the launch of the Big Easy at the Hilton Hotel in Durban. This image got 11 double taps.

instagram

Our piece on the rich heritage and future

plans for Florida Road, one of Durban’s most iconic strips, got 361 views on Facebook.


MENS & LADIES VERSACE RANGE NOW INSTORE

Sita: 083 353 1560031 566 2269 | [email protected]

www.thestylenetwork.co.za

SPICE UP

MOMENTTHE

Embark on a journey to vibrant India, in the comfort and luxury of OSA Restaurant. The eclectic array of food combines the fragrant, flavoursome cuisine of India with local signature dishes to bring you a taste of both the new and familiar.

Fairmont Zimbali Resor t • +27 (0)32 538 5000 fairmont.com/zimbali -resor t

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attic

rush


After leaving his morning radio show at the country’s

biggest radio station over a year ago, Gareth Cliff went

out and started his own station called Cliff Central.

The concept of listening to online radio in South

Africa was still in its infancy. Now 18 months later the

team has launched their first iOS and Android apps,

called CliffCentral. The app is pretty simple in terms of

functionality, but it allows you to listen to live streaming

of the shows, as well as catchup on the podcasts of

each show that has been aired. This makes it simple to

listen, on the go at your convenience.

apptastic There seems to be a new wave of apps hitting the world at the moment, all seemingly making our lives a lot easier in the digital world around us. in this edition, we take a look at three awesome

apps making waves in South africa

zomato

Wumdrop

Ever been on the hunt for the perfect restaurant in an

area you aren’t familiar with? Or looking for a specific

cuisine and don’t know where to find it?

Enter Zomato…Zomato is your one stop app for all

things food, allowing you search for restaurants in

specific areas. You also have the ability to rate and

review the restaurant, and read previous reviews to see

how other people have rated it. There is also the ability

to bookmark places you have found to re-visit later.

Recently crowned as the South African App of the

year 2015, Wumdrop is your Uber for deliveries. The

service allows you to select pick up and drop off

points and within a few minutes, a driver will arrive

to collect your package and deliver it. You then are

automatically charged according to the distance of

the delivery. The app is solely developed in South

Africa, and is only currently available in Jo’burg and

Cape Town, but Durban (and surrounds) is on the

cards very soon!

CliffCentral.com

By Marc Forrest | www.MarcForrest.coM

You can snap the QR codes of each app to download them

fRom the Respective app stoRes


[email protected] 467 9997Cell:

Unpretentious, yet sophisticated, the Big Easy Winebar & Grill at Hilton Durban, brings together all the elements that make a restaurant more than just a venue.

Great food, amazing décor and a laid-back vibe… Big Easy-style.

Inspired by Ernie Els’ sporting passion and his love of Africa and our commitment

to a farm-to-table delivery, our menu is a taste sensation from across the nation,

delivered to perfection.

Food & Wine Events I Live Jazz Corporate Entertaining I Great Grills

Open Kitchen I Private Dining I Chef’s Table Wine Bar & Sommelier Experience

Open daily. Tel: 031 336 8166

www.bigeasydurban.co.za


7 8

We’LL CoVeR iTHaving a launch, event or

something social you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected]

Been spotted? Email us and we’ll send you a complimentary copy of your photo or check out our Facebook page thedurbancitymag

Carnival Kaleidoscope high TeaGreyville Exhibition

1. Alice Leah, Malca Louw & Stephanie Berry2. Carol Clark, Alice Leah & Jane Linley-Thomas3. Carol-Lea Hulett & Anna Kelly4. Julie Russell, Tarryn Livsey & Mia Jacobs5. Fatima Randeree & Shivanie Naidoo6. Alice Leah, Karen Monk-Klijnstra, Lisa Bobbert & Stephanie Berry7. Karen Fann & Adrienne Brown8. Jane Linley Thomas, Liesl Coppin, Carol Clark, Lisa Bobbert & Marion Loudon

The SceneThe 10th Annual Mum’s Mail High Tea in Association with The Sunflower Fund was held at the Greyville Exhibition and Events Company.

A total of R206 000 was raised – this will go to The Sunflower Fund for the tissue typing of potential bone marrow stem cell donors.

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eCR’s Womens BreakfastICC Durban

1. Charmaine Nel, Heidi Germishuizen & Kathy Venter2. Elicia Smit, Kerusha Pillay & Alison Nel3. Brenda Kayton & Fenella Rivalland4. Karen Leppan & Bernice Love 5. Sharall Smith & Chantal Mare6. Derosha Govender & Chantal Padayachee7. Xoli Dlamini & Kantha Naidoo

The SceneEach year, FNB and East Coast Radio bring together women from all walks of life for a morning of inspiration and encouragement. This year’s businesswomen’s breakfast was all that, and more, with talks from Zelda Le Grange and Lorna Maseko, among others.

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Area Feature


Durban is a vast city, with no shortage of attractions: our iconic stadium, the beaches, world-class shopping malls…we could go on. But discovering every nook, cranny and crevice of South Africa’s ‘Miami’, as Durban is often called, is where the magic truly lies. In this edition, we took a stroll Up The Hill – trawling Hillcrest, Kloof and Waterfall; areas rich in history and brimming with promise.

Words Jodi van Wyk

UPthe Hill

Area Feature


The rain started bucketing as soon as we

hit the freeway. Jackets, beanies and

mittens (some of us were extra prepared)

appeared, and we chatted about when last

we had visited this part of Durban. The

weather may have been dreary but that took nothing

away from the crystal-like beauty of Kloof, which we

drove into first. The leafy suburb derived its name

from the Afrikaans word for ‘gorge’ or ‘steep hill’;

named for the famous Kloof Gorge in the Krantzkloof

Nature Reserve. Extending from the top of Field’s

Hill, Kloof was still pretty much in that delicious

mid-morning sleep in when we arrived. Kloof was

founded in 1927 and has retained much of the charm

of yesteryear…tree-lined streets and lofty, winding

roads.

Much of the activity in Kloof during the early 1900’s

was centred around the town’s railway station. The

current station building is a replacement of the

original building in 1896 and, today, is the popular bar

and restaurant: Stoker’s. It is also the main terminus

for the Umgeni Steam Train, which runs over the

weekends, to Inchanga and back. The train passes

through the Valley of 1000 hills, another breath

taking facet of the area. On that particular morning,

the Valley was preposterously gorgeous; the rolling,

seemingly unending hills tumbled on either side

of us, prompting one of the team to compare the

scenery to what one might find in the KwaZulu-Natal

Midlands.

Area Feature

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VALERIE McGREAL

KAREN DAVIDSON

We were, by this point, thoroughly enjoying our

trawl. It led us to the oxford Village Market, formerly

known as The Heritage Market. It was a place I

visited often as a child and, though the market has

changed significantly since my younger days, it still

has a stunning mix of those shops you would not find

anywhere else – bakeries, restaurants, craft shops, a

dedicated ballet outlet!

Just over the hill, we stopped for a cup of something

warm – our fingers were beginning to turn blue – and

were drawn to the quaint Pot and Kettle. The vintage

décor and friendly staff instantly warmed us up,

as did our conversation around one of their round

tables, overlooking the (yes, I’m mentioning it again)

amazing Valley! The Pot and Kettle has been around

for more than 15 years and their experience shows:


home-style cooking and a legendary cake table.

Food is a major part of our mini-meander – with

restaurants like Piggly Wiggly, Bellavue Café, La

Strada Ristorante, Papa giovanni’s and aubergine

and andreaotti’s, the Upper Highway area is a

fusion of tastes, flavours and style. (We enjoyed a

delectable lunch at Lupa osteria in Hillcrest! (see

our review on page 46)

The Upper Highway area is home to some of the

country’s most prestigious private and boarding

schools: St. Mary's diocesan School for girls and

Thomas More College in Kloof and the renowned

Kearsney College in Botha’s Hill. Kearsney’s

marketing director Robert Carpenter told us the

school was founded in 1921 on the North Coast and

was moved to its present campus in 1939. Through

its various community initiatives and continued

production of strong men of society, Kearsney

remains one of the best schools within the area.

Our meander continued, and this time we were

looking for something specific: the greensleaves

Medieval Kingdom. Had I known there was a

castle – yes, a castle – in Hillcrest, I would have

visited ages ago! Set on the prestigious Camelot

Estate, the castle is perfectly authentic. We felt as

though we had popped out of Durban and hopped

back a few hundred years, into the Medieval Era.

Turrets, manicured lakes and lush gardens make

for an English country paradise. Walking through

the stone-lined walls of the castle, I expected King

Henry himself to stride out and greet us.

As our meander wound down we found ourselves

on the road to Waterfall, where we encountered

exciting development. With the new Watercrest

Mall spearheading the building of a larger, more

efficient interchange the area is very clearly

experiencing the benefits of a growth spurt. Estates

like Le domain and Cotswold downs are also

beginning to burgeon. This view is supported by

Seeff Properties Hillcrest and Kloof director Michele

Wilson, who added that the area has changed with

the migration of major retailers ‘up the hill’. “You

don’t have to leave the village for your shopping

ideas, but yet still enjoy the ‘farming, out of town’

feel, with an extremely pleasant and cool climate.”

She mentioned newer developments, including 101

on Acutt and Clifton Hill Estate, and the sought

after Rob Roy Retirement Lifestyle Village, each of

which caters for a specific niche within the market.

Area Feature


“Most exciting to us, too, is the completion of the

most welcomed Hillcrest Private Hospital, which will

encourage professionals and staff, who will become

our purchaser’s future sellers and rental market.”

Michele says the upgrading of Inanda Road, which

accommodates the necessary increase in volumes,

is another gem. “It has opened up an ease of traffic

to our fast developing Waterfall area, which has just

enjoyed a major facelift.”

Area Feature


Durban CuizineShirley Berko loves good food, especially when it’s local and she’s writing all about it!Shirley Berko is a real treat: she bounds up for our interview wearing an enormous smile and immediately starts up a steady stream of chatter. It is this - her bubbly disposition with liberal lashings of wit - that makes her anything but your run-of-the-mill blogger.

Food Feature

Words Jodi van Wyk


slightly oversaturated – everyone with a laptop,

internet access and decent photography skills can

blog. I have found that people do not just want

to read about you. It’s about your experiences

and the spin you put on something, someone else

might deem ordinary.”

The blog, as Shirley put it, has exploded; this

has paralleled with the burgeoning of the local

food industry. A large part of Cuizine’s appeal is

its uniqueness – Shirley puts her distinct touch

on each post. And she is not facetious in her

opinions, either. “My first post was of my feet!”

Shirley throws her head back in a fit of laughter.

“I’m not one for pretence. I write honestly about

my experiences and hope people will enjoy what I

have to say.”

She might fancy eating out all over Durban, but

Shirley calls herself a ‘good cook, terrible baker’.

She shivers as she recounts her first attempt at

a chocolate cake: “I was trying to caramelise the

tip of the meringue under the grill I nearly set fire

to our kitchen. I also make exceptional chocolate

bricks!” Well, her baking skills aside, Shirley’s blog

is a veritable treat.

Connect with her on www.cuizine.co.za.

PhoToSMain LeFT Shirley’s food photography is considered to be one of the best in KZN ToP RighT Another great food shot BoTToM Shirley Berko, KZN’s new and dynamic food writer

Mayfair Café seems the perfect spot to

meet Shirley; the eatery is a delightful

spot with a view of Durban North traffic

as it whizzes by. Places like this are

the reason Shirley started Cuizine, her

food blog, in 2013. “I found that Durban needed an

avenue to explore the food industry. I was, and still

am, extremely inspired by fresh, local products. But it

shocked me, and made me somewhat ashamed, that

nobody else talks about how amazing the Durban food

scene is.”

Before she started the blog, Shirley had spent 11 years

working in advertising. “It was a loveless marriage,”

she rolls her eyes as she stirs her cappuccino. “During

the last two years, I started working on food brands

and that,” Shirley smiles again. “That was like finding

The One. You know, that moment when you find your

calling? I knew then that I had been called to worship

at the altar of food.”

Cuisine is Shirley’s boulevard to shouting out about

the food revolution in Durban. She cites the food

and restaurant culture in Cape Town: “yes, the food

in Cape Town is awesome. Nobody denies that…but

there is an explosion of talent right here in Durban. It

irked me that some overlook that, and choose to focus

outside of our city. I made it my mission to prove that

Durban is beyond the bunny chow.”

Though Shirley is au fait with being called a blogger,

she prefers the term ‘food writer’. And, she adds,

neither label is one she should deliberately choose. “I

will admit, in the beginning I struggled to get respect

under the label of blogger. Additionally, the market is


In our fourth photographer profile, we speak to Grant Pitcher, an established photographer who captures the heart and essence of structures like few others can. The international, award-winning photographer specialises in architectural images and the hospitality industry. His goal is to become one of South Africa’s most respected photographers.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’ve been married to Melanie since 2002 and we

have a beautiful nine-year-old daughter, Nasia. My

wife is my greatest supporter and inspiration! I love

the great outdoors, being an avid mountain biker

and the Drakensberg is my special place where

I lead multi-day hiking expeditions each year to

the high peaks of South Africa - often in Winter,

always with a bit of extra load in carrying my DSLR

camera and tripod up to 3000m above sea level!

As a family we love to travel and it’s a treat to visit

my parents every three years or so in Vancouver,

Canada and get to experience the bigger world

in which we live. Vancouver is an architectural

photographer’s paradise.

how long have you been a photographer?

I started charging for my work in 2005 but it wasn’t

until mid-2010, when I closed down my website

development business, that I focused almost

entirely on photography.

What or who got you started in photography? did

you study?

I’d always had a keen eye for photography and

took loads of photos when

travelling Europe in the late 90’s. But the website

business needed photographs for our client

websites and often they didn’t have many, so

I offered this service initially as a value-add to

City Photographer to look out for

CITY MAG PROFILE

GrantPitcher



our development service. I have

never studied anything related to

photography so I’ve learnt all I know

via trial and error and researching

plenty on the internet.

What type of photography do you

specialise in?

I am an architectural photographer,

specialising in high impact and

dramatic, lowlight imagery of

beautiful structures. This genre has

immense diversity, ranging from large

corporate and commercial venues

to massive 50000m²+ warehouses,

aerial photography, high value

residential homes and resorts and

hotels. Additionally, due to my love of

coffee and being an aspiring amateur

cook, I enjoy promoting my food

photography skillset.

how would you describe your style?

I feel my style is documentative, as I

capture what is presented in front of

the camera…but in all my imagery I

attempt to show the structure as the

eye sees it and create the necessary

emotive elements that the architect

would have liked to convey in the

structural design.

What type of cameras do you shoot

with?

I chose Canon at the beginning of

my career and have been loyal to

the brand ever since, building on the

equipment range as budget allowed.

Canon makes the best lenses for

architecture; I use their 17mm Tilt Shift

L series lens for almost all my exterior

shots. I combine this with the 5D

MarkIII body for high impact results.

Why did you choose to specialise in

this photographic genre?

I believe that I see shape and form

really well. Throughout my website

development days, I always described

myself as a layout designer rather

than a graphic designer. I visualise the

important key elevations of a building

just as if it were being seen through

the eyes of the architect. I get rather

excited in being able to achieve ‘the

hero shot’!

Who is your idol in the industry

how has he helped shape your

photographic style?

I don’t feel any one person has shaped

my style. I do however, owe massive

gratitude to Nigel Tarboton from

Metropole Architects, who inspired


A brilliant photo is one that evokes emotion - makes the viewer go WOW. One that beckons

the question ‘how did he achieve that?

me and trusted in my ability from

the early years. We still have a great

working relationship to this day and

their architecture is so enjoyable to

showcase. Then it’s friends like

Dennis Guichard whose sensational

fine art representation of architecture

is so inspirational and Cape Town

photographer Adam Letch, who

has an incredible way of showing

the expansive, rectilinear viewpoint.

Internationally, one of the world’s

foremost architectural photographers

I follow, is Gerry O’Leary who has shot

a substantial volume of work in the

Middle East.

What do you think is the trickiest

thing to photograph?

Massive structures with no place to

recede to capture the whole site in the

image - that’s always a challenge and

it’s wonderful when, somehow, I can

achieve this. Oh, and photographing

in very contrasting light: I find this

really challenging, especially when

my favourite time is dusk or dawn.

I’ve termed my own saying about this

time: It’s the ‘equalisation of light’

for dramatic image capture whereby

the strength and quality of the light

is the same inside and outside of

the building. This is when the most

impactful shots are possible but this

really only occurs for about 10 - 15

minutes and photographers call this

‘the blue hour’ - it’s a magical time!

What, in your mind, makes a brilliant

photo?

One that evokes emotion - makes the

viewer go WOW. One that beckons

the question ‘how did he achieve that?’

Good cameras are so readily available

and affordable these days, which

has led to so many people taking

photographs so, as professionals in the

industry, we need to make sure we’re

always achieving the best possible

results and making that extra effort to

take a better image than anyone else.

CELL | 083 324 7509EMAIL | [email protected]

WEB | www.grantpitcher.com

Grant’s photo of Eden Rock Aloe Ridge

highlights his skill at shooting real estate.

The Vancouver skyline is another one of

Grant’s power shots


‘The Commune is a gathering of makers and brands offering a collection of apparel, home goods and design. We are a collaborative inspired by slow living taking design back to the foundations of comfort and utility. In The Commune tools, space and ideas are shared.’

A Collaborative Effort

Places to check out

Words Jodi van Wyk


There is a trend in Durban; one

that has seen a surge in local

EVERYTHING – design, artisan

food, artists – staking their

claim on the city. They seem

unwilling to allow international brands and

fads from other countries – provinces, even

– to captivate the people of Durban. It is

refreshing to see spaces crop up where local

designers and makers collaborate: spaces

like The Design Space, in Station Drive. The

Commune is a light, airy floor in The Design

Space, where creative juices literally drip

from the stark white walls. What was once a

bare floor in an old factory now hums with

promise and passion.


The idea of The Commune had bounced

around in Amy Venter’s head for a while,

before it materialised. The owner of

popular artisan clothing label Jane Sews

had already set up operations on the

fourth floor of The Design Space, so she

was familiar with the area. “I had my eye

on the floor The Commune now occupies.

I wanted more space for Jane Sews, to

incorporate manufacturing and retail so

our customers could see the process of

making the garments.” But the space

was too large for Jane Sews to occupy

solely. “I started thinking of how we could

collaborate with other makers and brands

who were in a situation similar to ours.”

Jane Sews occupies a large portion of

The Commune, where the factory is set

up, fronted by a streamlined reception

area where racks of Amy’s stunning

designs hang. The range focuses on

key pieces within a woman’s wardrobe,

each garment made from natural-based

materials of the best quality. Amy says

the growth of her brand and the others

who have joined her, has been organic.

“There is a wonderful sense of urban

renewal, a sense of community among

the local creatives. In The Commune,

we feed off each other’s energy and

encourage and promote each other.”

Kerry Baker, who owns Kraft eyewear

with her husband, is another maker

based at The Commune. The Bakers

work in tandem to create functional

art – their eyewear is made from exotic

hardwoods sourced predominantly from

off cuts and repurposed salvaged pieces;

each pair is hand crafted, hand cut and

hand sanded, making them completely

unique. Kerry believes spaces like The

Commune are desperately needed in

the local creative circles. “We aren’t

recognised as being creatives. If we start

to support each other, then surely the

city will follow.” Since basing themselves

at The Commune, Kraft Eyewear has

seen their brand recognition increase.

“Our customers can come in here and

see how everything is made, before

they buy it. Our brands can now grow,

so our locals are not forced to rely on

international brands. It turns out that

people from abroad are now recognising

our brands.” Michelle Stewart of Michelle

Robyn Jewellery (MRJ) has been at The

Commune since it opened in March.

“It feels like we’ve always been here,

though it’s only been eight months,” she

says. “My dream was to have a space I

could start up my brand in and set it up

to be a functional and happy place to

PhoToSLeFT Kraft eyewear owners Kerry and Rhett Baker oPPoSiTe LeFT Jewellery Designers Michelle Stewart and Christy-Anne oPPoSiTe BoTToM The Janes Sews factory sapce

Places to check out


create jewellery. The Commune is just

an amazing place to work in and to be a

part of. Being around other designers and

makers can only enhance you as a maker

and designer.” Secretly designing pieces

for herself and later adding them to her

range is Michelle’s modus opperandi;

working at The Commune has allowed

her to form friendships and support other

local designers, which she is passionate

about. “Running your own business

comes with its great advantages and its

challenges and it is great to be alongside

others who are doing a similar thing and

experiencing similar things.”

Michelle shares a workshop with her good

friend Christy-Anne, of Christy-anne

Jewellery – a brand that specialises in

customised, bespoke pieces and a trend

line. Like most, Christy-Anne loves the

idea of like-minded, creative people

sharing a space. “I had previously been

working alone from home and was

looking for a space where I could be

involved in a bigger picture. The energy

and vibe of working around people who

are all trying to make a creative mark to

improve our city and country, is amazing.

Too many designers keep to themselves

don’t realise that by working together,

you grow the design industry as a whole.”

The Commune also houses a host of

other local makers and designers,

including Saviour Brand, glass garden

and Journey Man. The space is open

to the public during the week. First

Thursdays is another concept unique

to The Commune, where they host live

music, poetry and other forms of art

and makers open their workshops to the

public.

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Expressions of InterestFiona Crago: 082 551 2607

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Office: 032 946 1439 Fax: 086 607 [email protected]

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I love to eat. And, here at FabMags, it’s almost a

prerequisite for being part of our awesome team.

But ordering the same thing at the same restaurants

can totally suck the joy out of eating out. So,

imagine my abject euphoria when I discovered that

it does not have to be so! The Durban food industry

or, more specifically, the way in which we eat, is

undergoing a metamorphosis. Here begins the trend

of container food – setting up shop in an old shipping

container and attracting all manner of people to your

unconventional eatery. We rallied a few of the troops

and set aside a day to eat our way through Durban,

starting at…

Words Jodi van Wyk

Something Unique



Freedom Cafe

Afro’s Chicken. If you are

from these parts, chances are

you have already heard of – or

sampled – the insanity that is

Afro’s. One of the earlier ‘container

restaurants’, Afro’s is characterised

by its obscure, bright yellow container

plonked on the South Beach Promenade.

Their simple menu is what catches me: chicken

strips or a chicken burger with tjips. Not chips, Tjips. But don’t

let the simplicity fool you; this grub has earned legendary

status on the streets. Kevin Boyd says he had had his eye on

the container – which is actually a building designed to look like

a container - since it was installed, just before the 2010 Soccer

World Cup. “I used to run passed it and dream of using it. It

has an interesting setting, almost sitting on the cusp between

all walks of life in Durban: those who use the promenade

and those who work or live on South Beach.” Though he

acknowledges that it is ‘ridiculously small’ inside the yellow

box, he is amazed at how wildly popular Afro’s has become –

the brand has a restaurant in Churchill Road. “After choosing

both sites there was a fair amount of: eish, what have we done?

But both have worked out the way they were intended, and

then some!” He is thrilled with the city’s container revolution,

though he believes it’s just getting started. Kevin says what’s

great about being in Durban is “that when you do something a

little different, you stand out that little bit more than you might

in other SA cities. It’s exciting times!”

So, back into the car we get (pumping up the aircon because

it is a beaut of a day) and head about 10 minutes west, to

Freedom Café. I heard more than a few whistles and wows

when we stopped off – and, with good reason. This jaunty spot

is built around a fire engine red container. The best way to

describe Freedom Café would be an oasis: obscurely placed

in the bustle of Durban is a glass-walled sanctuary of, simply

put, freedom. Lush gardens surround the café, housing two

milky pink flamingos and a few outdoor tables, if you feel like

immersing yourself in nature. We chatted to X on our way in,

who took us on a quick tour of the eclectic café; the bright

yellows and reds have an odd way of simultaneously exciting

and relaxing you. “It was the first container in the area,” X tells

us proudly. “Have you seen our hotel?” He asks casually, over

his shoulder as he leads the way to a line of unassuming white

containers. The Concierge is an extension of Freedom Café, but

by no means the ugly stepsister. Cosy rooms with inimitable

décor and a host of special, quirky touches that instantly take

you on a mental journey from the streets of Durban to Miami.

I assure you, a morning or afternoon at the Freedom Café will

ease away stress and worry from your aching shoulders. But we

didn’t stay in the hip spot too long, because dessert was about

to be had.

Afro’s Chicken


Dessert before lunch…yes,

we did. You might consider us

slightly unhinged, but when I tell

you about Scoop Me S’More,

you will completely understand our motives. Scoop

Me S’More has taken Durban and surrounds by storm,

selling traditional ice-cream ‘sammiches’ out of its old-

school caravan called the Scoop Mobile. Although the

Scoop Mobile is only around on weekends, our team

was not going back to the office without sampling a

legendary ice cream sammich. We found a Scoop Me

S’More outlet in Overport, where we sat down to three

different sammiches – bubble gum ice cream squished

between two Astro cookies, vanilla ice cream between

choc chip cookies and chocolate ice cream being hugged

by a chocolate brownie and double chocolate cookie.

Each recipe is a winner, and this is what Fatima Seedat

believes contributes to their success: “I was frustrated

at the lack of delicious, fun, affordable ice cream options

that were available. We simply filled a gap in the market.”

Since launching at the Good Food and Wine Show earlier

this year, Scoop Me S’More has become a phenomenon.

Fatima believes the food truck trend, which already

works well in Cape Town and Johannesburg, is just

catching on in Durban. “When Scoop me

Scoop Me

VB’s Café

This trip opened our eyes (and the top buttons of our jeans, but we didn’t mind) to an alternate dining experience. If you are tired of visiting the same eateries time and again, do yourself a favour and hop in your car to try anyone of these unique places.

Trust me. You will be a richer person for it.

S’More began, quality food truck vendors were few and

far between, but now customers can pick and choose.

It’s fantastic. We will still gravitate towards big brand

eateries every now and again, but foodie experiences

are such fun…and yummy, of course!” We had one

more stop before the day wound to a sumptuous close:

VB’s Café on Virginia Beach. If you have not been

down that side of the world for a while, you would be

pleasantly surprised to find the black and yellow VB’s

container set up just metres from the waves. Ryan

Delaney says VB’s was born out of frustration from

Durban Northers: “there was nowhere to grab a bite to

eat while watching the waves, with the sand between

your toes. The decision to do something about it came

after a few drinks at a dodgy little pub in Parkhurst,

in November 2014.” With Virginia Beach being

upgraded, Ryan and John McNamara decided to

jump in and re-introduce the beach to residents,

providing a quintessentially Durban experience

right on their doorsteps. They opened the

day after they got the go ahead from the City

council, frantically trawling Gumtree for a

food trailer. “We found one for sale in Stanger

and promptly drove there to buy it. We had

it cleaned and vinyl wrapped overnight. Initially

with no electricity, toilets that were not working

and an inexperienced team it was hard work but we

have managed to get to the point where we can offer

patrons a tasty consistent offering, albeit simple beach

grub, in a great setting.” Our team certainly felt the

authentic Durban vibe as we savoured our burgers with

the salty tang of sea air on our lips. Ryan summed up

the experience aptly, mentioning how novel it is to be

able to enjoy a dining experience away from the “bricks

and mortar of a typical restaurant”.


Investec International

The Investec International Rugby

Academy, headed up by former

Springbok, Dick Muir, is an initiative

offering rugby players and coaches high

performance rugby tuition by former

international and SA rugby icons.

The next academy will take place in

December at St Charles College in

Pietermaritzburg and will offer the academy’s

highly sought after, level specific courses for

players and coaches.

An opportunity to be coached by the Best

The academy’s December course will feature

former Rugby World Cup players Marius

Hurter, Werner Swanepoel, Louis Koen and

Butch James, former Scottish player John

Allan, along with former national coaches

Andy Keast (British Lions), Braam van

Straaten (Wallabies), Gary Gold (former

Springbok assistant coach) and Nico le Roux

(All Blacks technical advisor), as well as

provincial coaches Grant Bashford and Brad

Mcleod-Henderson. Players can look forward

to learning from former Springboks Gcobani

Bobo, Ian MacDonald and Brent Russell as

well as most capped provincial player in SA

Jacques Botes.

Rugby stalwarts Peter de Villiers, Nick Mallet,

Mark Lawrence and Murray Mexted (Director

of the International Rugby Academy of New

Zealand) and specialists Mark Steele (former

Springbok conditioning coach), Dr Peet du

Toit (Neurological and Physiological testing),

and Tim Goodenough (meta-coach)are also

part of the line-up.

The Investec International Rugby Academy

provides players with lectures and practical

sessions in skills, mental toughness,

nutrition, supplementation, conditioning and

professionalism in the game. In addition,

former professionals and players are matched

by position, allowing players to work closely

with and learn expert knowledge from these

professionals, in the academy’s Position

Specific coaching and analysis sessions.

At the baseline of rugby, the academy offers

a three day Prestige Player’s course (ages

8 to 11) and a four day Intermediate Player’s

course (ages 12 to 15). These courses are

designed to provide a solid foundation for

all aspects of the game. The academy also

offers a more intensive week-long course, for

players wanting to improve their game within

their school or for those hoping to build

a career in rugby. The Advanced Player’s

course (ages 16 to 18) covers all aspects of

the game.

The Investec International Rugby Academy

aims to improve SA’s talent base, not only

through player development, but also

through coaching structures. The academy

offers a four day Prestige Coaches course

and an Advanced Coaches course, which

runs concurrently with the Advanced Players

course, for those wanting to learn more about

the game or wanting to keep up-to-date with

the latest international trends.

The academy also offers Customised School

courses throughout the year, which allow

players from each age group an opportunity

to learn from specialists within their team and

school environment.

Players and coaches are invited to partake in

the Investec International Rugby Academy’s

highly sought after player and coach courses

which will commence from 10 to 16 December

at St Charles College in Pietermaritzburg.

TEL | 031 940 5565EMAIL | [email protected] | www.investecacademy.com

Rugby Academy

* Player and coaches courses 10-16 December


An opportunity to be coached by the Best


Cancer Conquering CoutureIt has been said, more times than anyone could count, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While

overuse has the tendency to make the sentiment clichéd, a local businesswoman has unlocked its truest meaning. Aldytha Da Silva launched a unique project that celebrates beauty in its purest form

and we celebrate the women putting faces to the fight against cancer.

CM

Words Jodi van Wyk

Photo Credit Sally Blackman

Adelle Botes (43)Stage 2 Breast Cancer diagnosed at age 32 Treated and 11 years cancer free


Ingrid Hatton (42)Diagnosed with stage 2 Breast cancer in March 2015. Currently undergoing treatment including lumpectomy, chemo and radiation


Alexis Yapp (34)Diagnosed with non-hogkins lymphoma at age 23. Treated and

10 years all clear


Aldytha, the newly crowned

Mrs South Africa first

princess 2016, certainly

knows a thing or two about

beauty. The 40-year-old

beauty owns Make-up Your Mind, KZN’s

leading hair and make-up agency and has

enjoyed a 22-year career in the industry.

Through her journey as a finalist in the

Mrs South Africa pageant she gathered

a group of strong women, each of whom

is a cancer survivor, and had them

photographed in a way that showed

immense strength and dignity. “My

personal mantra is beYOUtotheFULL,”

Aldytha tells us. “With my industry

experience and passion to see women

truly embrace their natural beauty, it only

made sense that I use my skills and pull on

my industry relationships to make these

ladies the heroines.”

The idea evolved from an originally

planned Cuppa for CANSA tea party, into

a full-scale photo shoot, entitled Cancer

Conquering Couture Fashion Showcase. “I

truly wanted to celebrate the ladies who

have journeyed the road of cancer and

adversity and have come out stronger

for it.” She believes God added each lady

who needed to be included in the project.

“I had crossed paths with each lady at

some point in my life…some from church,

some are good friends, some were clients

and one a mom I do the school run with.

New friendships have been formed and

information shared about each journey,

which in turn is helping each other.”

The project has raised R70 000 for

CANSA and Aldytha sees it becoming an

annual event. “I realise that if you faith to

step out of your comfort zone, miracles

truly do happen.”

Follow Aldytha’s journey on Facebook:

Aldytha Da Silva - Mrs SA 1st Princess

2016.

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. It is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart,

the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.”Audrey Hepburn

Feature


We were invited by the charming Jenny and her

amazing team to come and spend the night at

the newly-renovated cottage at Indigo Fields, so

we decided on a mommy/daughters trip over the

Woman’s Day long weekend. We clambered into

the car early on Friday morning car and enjoyed a relaxing drive

to Nottingham Road. Of the three of us, I was the only one who

had been there before and so the “oohs” and “aahs” as we drove

into Indigo Fields were just what I had been waiting to hear!

Admin done, we were taken to our lovely outdoor lunch table in

the garden. We had arrived, were relaxed and happy, loving the

environment, and we eagerly put in our lunch order (the food is

an experience all by itself).

Once we had truly unwound and were comfortably full, we were

herded off to change into our lovely spa gowns and, before we

knew it, we were whisked away for our first treatment. We loved

the short “game drive” to the tented camp where the team of

lovely ladies were waiting to pamper us with a full body massage.

As it was a warmer day than I had experienced there before,

the fireplaces were not lit. Instead the tent flaps were unzipped

Spa Review

Simply the best IndIgo fIelds spA

to allow a breeze to flow through — the sounds of the bush,

the birds and the grass rustling all definitely add to the perfect

tranquillity. After that, it was back in the Jeep and up to the top

for a walk down to the old boma area, newly redone to house

the Jacuzzi and scrub area. Here we had a quick steam session,

followed by the amazing salt scrub before we finished off with

more champagne and a great chat session in the warm jacuzzi —

wow, girls never have nothing to talk about.

Sadly our treatments were over, but the best part was yet

to come. We went into the lounge to enjoy our Amarula and

homemade truffles while the dinner options were read to us

by the inestimable Pat and then happily drove up to the new

cottage. We absolutely fell in love with this quaint cottage the

second we walked in. It’s just lovely and so girly! We adored

Words Lorinda Scott


every bit of the look and feel of it —

it’s a very definite must-visit for four!

There we headed straight for the

shower, after which we donned our

pyjamas and then chatted happily

while we waited for our dinner to

arrive — there is NOTHING better

than eating a three-course dinner

clad in your PJs and seated at a

beautifully laid table in a stunning

setting, with the addition of great

conversation. There just is not! We

enjoyed another round of wine with

dinner and all too soon our comfy

beds and duvets where calling to us.

The next morning, well-rested,

relaxed and smiling, we packed

up and ended our stay with a fab

breakfast. I love the fact that Indigo

Fields just works! It also easily

accommodates ladies’ groups (two,

four or eight), couples are welcome

and special days like anniversaries

are made even more special with

their extra touches. Moms and

daughters love the bonding time

and I have even seen a dad and son

and moms and sons — everyone

loves this place, no matter what the

combination. Ah, yes, we know we

will be back again — soon.

Book your pampered getaway,

contact Indigo Fields at;

Tel: +27 33 266 6101

email: [email protected]

Web: www.indigofields.co.za

TEL: 031 765 305914 OLD MAIN ROAD

TEL: 031 266 8793124 JAN HOFMEYER ROAD

facebook.com/lupaosteriasouthafrica

@lupa_osteria

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Hillcrest

Westville


in the heartthe perfect spot in Jo’burgSo many families travel upcountry for business, to reconnect with family and friends or to just take a quick weekend break. Finding the right place to stay can make the journey something special and we’ve found the perfect place in Bedfordview, two minutes from Gillooly’s Lake and the freeway. Welcome to the St Andrews Hotel and SpaWords justin scott

Travel Review


travel review


Travel Review

The five star St Andrews Hotel and Spa is a hotel haven tucked away in the foothills of the Gillooly’s Mountains and the beautiful

surrounds of Bedfordview but offers a truly central location for just about any destination you need to get to.

The hotel spoils its guests from the moment they enter the large steel gates and take in the lush gardens, water features and breath taking pool. Just behind the three storey hotel building itself are open views of the lake and gardens and distant hills of Bedfordview. The view isn’t one you’d expect for a hotel only 10 minutes away from OR Tambo and about the same distance to the heart of the city.

We juggled our time in Jo’burg between a festival in the east, shopping at all the major malls (Rosebank, Sandton and East Gate) and just relaxing at the hotel with our feet up and relaxing. Access to all the main freeways is really quick and easy and we found the hotel seems to be located perfectly irrespective of where you’re heading to. Sandton is a little way off but it’s Joburg and the 15 minutes drive is quick and easy. For everything else it was a breeze and we even decided to take in a rugby game at Ellis Park without worrying about getting lost or being too far away from the hotel.

The rooms at St Andrews are spacious and offer all the luxuries you could want in a home away from home. Each room has a unique botique design to it, making it stand out from your regular, run-of-the-mill hotels. We enjoyed the flat screen TV, underfloor heating, airconditioning and both bath and seperate shower in the rooms. We found the double basins a special treat and thought it was a nice touch if you’re travelling with a partner. We also didn’t need to worry about space for our luggage, there is more than enough in the room.

Breakfast each morning was at the superb Trent’s restaurant which caters for intimate dinners or large groups attending conferences or weddings. Just off the main restaurant is a tucked away patio with tables and chairs that allows you to put your feet up and enjoy a coffee and the morning paper

while watching the city come alive. We loved the special spaces the hotel had on each floor that can be used as a get away spot to read, grab a magazine or just chill.

The hotel has so much more to offer and whilst we didn’t get to make use of the spa we visited it just to see what we were missing! All round the St Andrews Hotel and Spa is great value for money and offers so much more to its guests. We highly recommend booking here if you’re doing a trip to Joburg soon.

call us | +27 (0)11-579 7500visit | 22 Milner Avenue, St Andrews

Bedfordview, Johannesburgemail | [email protected]

Travel Review


Travel Review Adv

ert

TRenT’S ReSTaURanTTrent’s Restaurant is an elegant and

sophisticated venue offering a variety of dishes that will tantalise your taste buds

ConFeRenCingThe hotel offers three conference rooms

and can cater for small groups of 10 or 20 delegates to bigger groups of 30 or 40

a PooL FoR The BRaVeThe pool is a centre piece of the hotel

and the water theme carries all the way throughout the hotel.


The menu is diverse enough to cater for

a wide variety of palettes, but not so

expansive that one feels lost when choosing

a meal – a brilliant balance!

Though we were already quite satiated, we

could not leave without dessert…so said

our waiter. After some persuasion, we were

served a warm chocolate brownie with a

scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel

popcorn. We heard angels singing by the

second bite – the moistness of the brownie

bounced delectably off the creaminess

of the ice cream. The popcorn was a

mischievous treat! The dessert was the

perfect curtain call to our enchanting lunch

symphony which, by all accounts, was one

of the best meals I have enjoyed in a while.

If you are looking for unbeatable ambience

and incredible food, then Lupa should be at

the top of your list.

I have said it more than a few times – to

anyone who will listen, really – that I

believe pasta makes the world go ‘round.

Particularly on a cold, rainy day. Now,

when we visited Lupa Osteria in Hillcrest,

the weather was putting on quite a show;

the rain was nearly torrential and a few bolts

of lightning winked at us as we entered.

As soon as we swept through the doors of

Lupa, I felt two things: warm and hungry.

Warm, because the eatery is an aesthetic

treat: bare brick and glass walls that allowed

streams of cosy, natural light to bathe

our table. And hungry, because the most

marvellous aromas kept wafting over while

we perused the menu.

We were positively ravenous, given the

weather; our waiter recommended the

antipasto platter for starters. A selection of

mortadella, slices of salami, cheese, olives,

and focaccia. The stars of the platter were

undoubtedly the zucchini fries – what a

delight – and the marinated brinjal. We

loved the variety of tastes; it is a fabulous

option to nibble on while you decide on

mains. We also tried the meatball starter –

beef and pork meatballs in a slow roasted

tomato sauce with whipped ricotta. The

meatballs were succulent and soaked up the

sauce beautifully, with the creamy ricotta

providing a sharp tang.

A few of us around the table had to

compromise on our main choices (we

all wanted pasta) and our waiter was

most helpful with explaining the merits

of each dish. Let me begin with the

fegatini pasta…absolutely sublime! The

combination of chicken livers, bacon and

mushrooms marinated in a creamy chilli

sauce was devastating. The bolognaise was

everything this classic dish should be, with

a delicious herby tomato base that had us

intrigued until the last bite. We sampled

some calamari, which was fried to crispy

perfection and seasoned magnificently.

The wood roasted lamb shank was, quite

possibly, the favourite for the day. Tender

slivers of meat that slid off the bone,

complemented by a gorgeous tangy sauce

and a selection of roasted vegetables. We

also tried a parma ham salad, which was

surprisingly filling and stunningly presented.

Restaurant Review

Words Jodi van Wyk

ADDRESS 14 Old Main Road, Hillcrest, Durban

TEL 031 765 3059WEB www.lupa.co.za

W A R M and H U N G R Y

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• http://www.facebook.com/thebusinesscentre • http://www.twitter.com/needoffices

ultimateGET THE

BUSINESS ADDRESS

SERVICED OFFICES INCLUDE:• Professional call answering• Fully furnished offices• State-of-the-art meeting rooms• High-speed WiFi internet• Multi-function document centres• Video conferencing• On-site cafe

Umhlanga, Durban

Fourways, Johannesburg Century City, Cape Town


0 3 1 8 1 9 7 7 0 0 | i n f o @ t h e b u s i n e s s c e n t r e . c o . z a | w w w . t h e b u s i n e s s c e n t r e . c o . z aD u r b a n | J o h a n n e s b u r g | C a p e T o w n

• http://www.facebook.com/thebusinesscentre • http://www.twitter.com/needoffices

ultimateGET THE

BUSINESS ADDRESS

SERVICED OFFICES INCLUDE:• Professional call answering• Fully furnished offices• State-of-the-art meeting rooms• High-speed WiFi internet• Multi-function document centres• Video conferencing• On-site cafe

Umhlanga, Durban

Fourways, Johannesburg Century City, Cape Town


Johannesburg (011) 262 3492 | Cape Town: Woodstock (021) 425 8287 | Durbanville (021) 914 0620 Pretoria (012) 460 6645 | Durban (031) 303 1202 | Port Elizabeth (041) 374 5000

George (+27) 82 771 3640 | Zimbabwe (00263) 772 220 216HOME FABRICS www.homefabrics.co.za

Documents

The City Magazine Edition 4