Category Archives: Food & Drink

Discover Johannesburg’s OKIO Nightclub and Bellucci Lounge

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Nestled in the heart of Africa’s richest square mile, a game-changing nightlife destination has arrived: welcome to OKIO and the Bellucci Luxury Lounge.

This meticulously designed venue invites you to indulge your senses and elevate your evenings into a world of unparalleled luxury and energy. Offering two distinct and elegant spaces, OKIO Nightclub and Bellucci Luxury Lounge, this destination stands out for its unique ambiance and attention to detail.

OKIO Nightclub

From the moment you step into OKIO (pronounced Awk-Key-Oh), the modern luxury nightclub and event venue, you will be mesmerized by its striking design—an artistic fusion of rich colours and textures. With opulent lounge areas featuring lavishly upholstered furniture, soaring ceilings, and grand bespoke chandeliers, OKIO is set to become the premier playground for Johannesburg’s elite, celebrities, and trendsetters.
 
This luxurious nightclub offers private seating, a stunning marble bar, intimate champagne lounges, and VIP suites with personalized bottle service. The state-of-the-art sound and lighting system creates an electrifying atmosphere, perfect for high-profile DJs and world-class entertainment, with both local and international acts lighting up the decks.


 

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Pigalle by Villamoura Reopens: Experience Halaal Fine Dining

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Pigalle, a beloved dining institution in Sandton, is set to reopen its doors as Pigalle by Villamoura under new ownership on Friday, 1st November.  Now fully Halaal certified, Pigalle is ushering in a new era of dining with a focus on premium cuisine, offering a revitalized experience while maintaining the high standards of food and service it has long been known for.

To celebrate its grand reopening, Pigalle will be hosting an exclusive ‘Dining with the Stars’ weekend. Running from Friday, 1st November to Saturday, 2nd November, this event will feature special appearances by Dubai Bling personalities, Kris Fade and Ebraheem Alsamadi (aka The Blooming Man), both hailing from Dubai. Bookings are limited for this intimate dining experience and patrons can book by calling 011 889 8866.

Pigalle’s revamped offerings will now include a brand-new sushi bar, providing guests with a fresh and innovative take on the Japanese culinary tradition. Additionally, a stylish shisha & cigar lounge has been added, giving patrons a new way to relax and unwind while enjoying the restaurant’s renowned cuisine. The menu will continue to showcase Pigalle’s famous Mediterranean and seafood fusion dishes, ensuring that long-time patrons will find the quality they have always loved, now with an expanded offering and a more modern twist.

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Let the Battle of the Braais Begin: Ultimate Braai Master Joins BBC Lifestyle’s Local Line-up

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BBC Studios is thrilled to announce that Ultimate Braai Master, the sizzling outdoor cooking reality show, will soon be heating up screens on BBC Lifestyle (DStv Channel 174).

 

Fans of the braai culture can look forward to the fiery, action-packed Season 5 of the acclaimed show, on BBC Lifestyle from Monday, 30 September 2024, airing weeknights at 19:00.  This exciting series brings the beloved South African tradition of braai to life, mixed in with a bit of competition, travel, and, of course, mouth-watering food.

 

For the first time ever, Ultimate Braai Master will be featured on BBC Studios channel portfolio, marking a proud addition to BBC Lifestyle’s growing local content lineup, which includes other fan favourites such as Come Dine with Me: South Africa and Listing Cape Town.

 

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Zainab and Faatimah Paruk: The Culinary Journey of Chilli Chocolate Chefs

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Sisters Zainab and Faatimah Paruk

In the heart of Durban, amidst the bustling streets and vibrant culture, lies the culinary haven of Chilli Chocolate Chefs (CCC). The brainchild of sisters Zainab and Faatimah Paruk, CCC is not just a catering company; it is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and unwavering determination. This is their story, a journey that began in their grandmother’s kitchen and blossomed into an award-winning business.

The Spark of Inspiration

Zainab and Faatimah grew up in a close-knit, conservative family in the suburb of Overport, Durban. Their childhood home was filled with the aromas of spices and the sounds of laughter, thanks to their grandmother, a passionate cook and a member of a local women’s cultural group. It was in this warm, inviting kitchen that the sisters first discovered their love for cooking. The sisters were captivated by the magic of turning simple ingredients into delicious meals that brought joy to everyone who had the pleasure of visiting their multi-generational home. Their grandmother, a true foodie, encouraged them to experiment and explore the culinary world. Little did she know that her kitchen would be the birthplace of a dream that would defy societal norms and expectations.

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Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: The SOOQ and Cricut’s Impact in South Africa

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Looking at the economic wrap up in June on Stats SA the economy weakened in the first quarter, jobs declined and although the second quarter has been seen as more positive, there is still a concern for our economy in general. Small Businesses and entrepreneurs are said to be the perfect solution to pull our country’s economic state out of the “red zone” by offering more employment opportunities and boosting the economy. However, small businesses need to be provided with the resources and support necessary to survive past early stages of business – which are the most crucial according to the GEM SA Report conducted recently.

The SOOQ, a local marketplace for small businesses, and Cricut, a leading crafting technology company, have announced their partnership aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses and makers in South Africa. This collaboration comes at a crucial time as the country emerges from the economic challenges of the volatile election period and the post-COVID delayed impact on small businesses, and strives to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem both on and offline.

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