Experience Fine Dining at Room 32 at the Park Hyatt Johannesburg

In a city where culinary ambition is on the rise, Park Hyatt Johannesburg has quietly – and confidently – opened the doors to Room 32, a refined dining destination that blends fire-cooked cuisine, South Africa’s proudly local craft beverages and rich architectural heritage into one immersive experience.

I had the distinct pleasure of attending the exclusive opening of Room 32, an intimate affair curated for a select group of influencers, content creators, and members of the press. The afternoon was a culinary indulgence, featuring an exquisite tasting of starters, mains, and desserts from the restaurant’s full menu. Each dish was a masterful expression of flavour and finesse – an elegant preview of the gastronomic excellence that Room 32 promises to deliver.


Cushioned inside the newly restored Sir Herbert Baker landmark in Rosebank, Room 32 is the only
communal space in what is now the world’s most intimate Park Hyatt – a 31-room sanctuary of
understated luxury. The restaurant is not just a nod to fine dining; it’s a statement of intent.


Room 32 is where the story of food begins and lingers long after the last bite. The kitchen speaks through
the freshest offerings. Every dish is crafted with respect and curiosity; every flavour layered with
intention. Dining at Room 32 is more than a meal; it’s a shared moment, where culinary art and heartfelt
hospitality meet.


“Room 32 was born from a desire to create a space that feels both grounded and elevated,” says Mitch
Gemmell, General Manager at Park Hyatt Johannesburg. “In a hotel defined by privacy and discretion,
this is our invitation to indulge in the city’s finest and classiest cuisine.”

Here’s a short video of the opening:

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Nomzamo Mbatha Named First-Ever South African Ambassador for Creme of Nature

Global beauty icon, award-winning actress and celebrated humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha has been officially named the first-ever South African ambassador for Creme of Nature, the iconic American-born haircare brand with over 65 years of legacy. Known for its dedication to textured hair and roots in celebrating African beauty, Creme of Nature has now launched in South Africa with its landmark
campaign, Rooted in Radiance.


Creme of Nature’s expansion into the South African market marks a powerful new chapter for the
beloved brand. It is now available at Clicks, Dis-Chem, TakeAlot and Amazon and will launch
in Checkers in July 2025. With a deep respect for the heritage and self-expression of textured
hair, the Rooted in Radiance campaign is more than a tagline; it’s a movement. At its core lies a
bold truth: hair is more than just strands; it is a legacy, an identity, and a radiant symbol of
confidence.

I attended the launch event last night, and below is the video of the highlights:

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2025 Product of the Year Awards Highlights

This week I was invited to attend the 2025 Product of the Year Awards at the Galleria Events and Conference Centre in Johannesburg.

South African consumers have once again cast their votes in the country’s most comprehensive independent product survey. Product of the Year South Africa is proud to unveil the 32 winners of the 2025 Product of the Year Awards, showcasing the most innovative products and services across multiple sectors.

Spanning categories from personal care to finance, the winning products were chosen by a nationally representative survey of 2,000 South African consumers, conducted by global insights leader Kantar. Each winner earned its place based on real consumer opinions—evaluated for appeal, relevance, uniqueness, satisfaction, and innovation.

“As South African shoppers continue to tighten their belts and juggle daily expenses, the peace of mind that they are spending wisely on products that are recognised and endorsed by their fellow consumers is priceless,” says Edith VenterGeneral Manager of Product of the Year South Africa. “Whether it’s a reimagined heritage product or a brand-new entry to market, these products all share one thing: they connect with consumers in ways that matter. The Product of the Year seal is a mark of trust, backed by solid research and consumer endorsement.”

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May The 4th Be With You!

 

Say “May the 4th Be With You” out loud and you’ll hear the pun that Star Wars fans worldwide have turned into a rallying cry to proclaim their love of the saga.

 

This Sunday – 4 May – is the day to say “May the Force be with you” to all and celebrate the beloved Star Wars story that binds our galaxy together. From dressing up as their favourite characters, reliving the classic film moments by holding Star Wars movie marathons, holding Star Wars-themed parties (complete with blue milk and Death Star Popcorn Balls, Wookie Cookies and more) – the only limit is a fans imagination that stretches a galaxy (far, far away)!

 

To celebrate with fans, Disney has prepared an out-of-this-world array of special programming and exciting retail products that offer the perfect way to celebrate the Star Wars universe – there is something for everyone.

 

This Is The Way… To Binge It All On Disney+

 

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Jameson Stocks at The Good Life Show




The Good Life Show will take place in Cape Town from 30 May to 1 June at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and in Johannesburg from 1 – 3 August at the Kyalami International Convention Centre. This event promises to be an exceptional gathering showcasing some of the most innovative and forward-thinking companies in the food, drink, health, wellness, and conscious living industries. One of the standout features this year will be the appearance of the renowned British Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Jameson Stocks. Celebrated for his commitment to sustainability, culinary innovations and gastronomic excellence, he will join a distinguished line up of local and international chefs to showcase his culinary skills to attendees in the Woolworths Good Life Kitchen.

 

Photo Credit: Tegan Smith Photography


Renowned for his creative cooking flair and approach to mindful eating, Jameson quickly established himself as one of the brightest culinary talents in the world. While he blends traditional techniques with modern flavours, his cuisine is a celebration of locally sourced, organic ingredients. Beyond his technical expertise in the kitchen, Jameson’s engaging personality and passion for living well has made him a favourite among food enthusiasts and television viewers alike. He is a beloved TV personality, known for his approachable, down-to-earth style and an innate ability to inspire audiences with his passion for food.


Jameson’s personal journey is also inspiring. Born into a challenging environment, he overcame significant obstacles, including homelessness. His rise from hardship to success is a testament to his resilience; from sleeping rough on the streets of London to cooking for global celebrities like Tom Hanks, Samuel L. Jackson, and Lady Gaga. His mentorship under renowned chefs like Marco Pierre White shaped him into the world-class chef he is today, and at just 24, he was honoured with The National Restaurant of the Year award, setting the stage for his impressive rise in the culinary world. Along with his culinary achievements, Jameson is an advocate for mental health awareness and environmental sustainability. As a single father of two, including a son diagnosed with autism, he is committed to promoting resilience and well-being for families. His focus on using food as a source of connection and healing extends beyond the plate, making him a powerful voice in both the culinary world and broader social issues.



Jameson is also about to open his first restaurant in South Africa, located in Cape Town, in mid-2025. Known for his ability to blend fine dining with street food flavours, his restaurant will offer an innovative, locally inspired menu that focuses on sustainable, organic ingredients. Visitors to the Good Life Show will be the first people in South Africa to have a sneak peek into this man’s extraordinary charisma and to sample his amazing food.   

At the Good Life Show, Jameson will showcase his culinary excellence with dishes that are both beautiful and eco-friendly. His participation aims to educate others on how food can promote personal wellness and global sustainability.

READ MORECatch Jameson Stocks LIVE

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The Good Life Show: Shaping a better future with its Partners

Internationally acclaimed gourmet raw food pioneer Dr Aris will be at The Good Life Show

Bettina Campolucci Bordi headlines at The Good Life Show

Globally celebrated plant-based chef, cookbook author, and wellness advocate, Bettina Campolucci Bordi will be at the Cape Town Good Life Show. 

Watch here.

Internationally acclaimed gourmet raw food pioneer, Dr. Aris LaTham, dubbed the “father of gourmet ethical raw foods cuisine in the US,” is another of the star attractions coming to The Good Life Show. Watch here.

Now in its 5th year, SA’s best food, drink and conscious living event and largest event of its kind in Southern Africa is back with even more exciting high quality and innovative products, experiences and surprising content.  Whether you are sourcing delicious and exciting food and beverages, new wellness products, or discovering eco-friendly and conscious living ideas, The Good Life Show has something for everyone. Join us for the most unique culinary, health, wellness, and sustainability event of the year!