Better known as Valentine’s Day throughout the Western World, the feast of Saint Valentine is celebrated annually on the 14th of February and is usually marked with daintily wrapped gifts, fresh flowers and dedications of love. In fact, this annual celebration is believed to be named after a Roman priest who helped arrange secret marriages for soldiers (who weren’t allowed to marry, as it softened them up, according to the emperor). Saint Valentine was eventually caught and sentenced to death on the 14th of February. Years later, the Christian Church decided to mark respects to Saint Valentine and so, here we are today. With all that in mind, we here at What’s on in Joburg have put together a list of innovative, original and interesting things to do or give the apple of your eye this Valentine’s Day.
OLIVE ‘N TWIST
Situated in a tranquil garden setting, Olive n Twist is a unique continental cuisine restaurant boasting family goodness and a child-friendly atmosphere. Olive ‘N Twist aims to provide a relaxed meal paired with delicious drinks and conversation to both local and international guests and they do just that with their wide variety of meals to suit even the most discerning diner.
With seating both indoors and out, this restaurant is a great choice for almost any occasion. And, as Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, you may want to reserve your spot next to the fire sooner rather than later. In the few years that Olive ‘N Twist has had its doors open it has built meaningful and satisfying relationships with all who pass through and comes highly recommended to try out if you’re a person who cares about quality food and supporting local businesses.
Where: Stepping Stones Shopping Center, 283 Honeydew Road West, Roodepoort
When: Monday: 10am – 3pm | Tuesday-Friday: 10am – 10pm | Saturday: 8am – 10pm | Sunday: 8am – 4pm
Tel: 073 184 6409 | Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @oliventwist | Website: www.oliventwist.co.za
ROMANTIC VALENTINE’S DINNER AT EPSOM
This Valentine’s day treat yourself and your partner to a romantic walk down the path that leads to Epsom restaurant. Located on the beautiful Indaba Hotel grounds in downtown Fourways, let all your senses relax as you embark on a culinary journey of discovery that will please even the most gourmet of palates.
With four idyllic packages available, each inclusive of a delectable full five-course menu at the Epsom restaurant comprising of starters, appetizers, a pallet cleanser, entrees and dessert, you can be sure your Valentine’s evening will be filled with memories drenched with flavours of the Gods.
Package one is R900 per couple and includes a glass of champagne and live entertainment serenading you through the night. Each couple will also receive a special gift. Package 2 consists of dinner, accommodation at the Indaba and a Champagne breakfast the next day. Package three and four consists of sheer luxury with dinner, accommodation and a half or full-day pamper session at the Mowana Spa, also located at the Indaba Hotel.
With such choice and finely curated delights bookings are filling up fast so be sure to secure yours as soon as you can.
Where: Indaba Hotel, Cnr William Nicol Dr and Pieter Henning Rd, Fourways
When: Friday 14th February from 6pm
Cost: Epsom restaurant dinner: R900 per couple | Champagne breakfast package: R2650 per couple | Mowana Spa half-day pamper session package: R4750 per couple | Mowana Spa full day pamper session package: R5750 per couple
Tel: 011 840 6658 | Email: [email protected]
Website: www.indabahotel.co.za
VALENTINE’S AT ONENINEONE AND HYATT REGENCY JOHANNESBURG
The Hyatt Regency Johannesburg, one of Rosebank’s most stylish establishments, is pulling out all the stops for both the lovers and the haters of Valentine’s day.
Surprise your partner with a Valentine’s Couples Dinner at onenineone restaurant. The evening promises to be filled with award-winning cuisine, Insta-worthy presentation and a dash of romance with live music. A glass of bubbly kickstarts your romantic evening at this Hyatt Regency Johannesburg hotel in-house restaurant. Onenineone is an eatery known for its unique twist on South African food with an international flair. You can look forward to a spacious yet intimate mood, helped by contemporary and natural influences of design.
For all the singles, Hyatt Regency Johannesburg wants you to ditch a night of Netflix and UberEats and instead give their Valentine’s Singles Mingle evening a try. The event kicks off with a welcome drink, some fabulous canapes, and soul-loving music at the hotel’s outdoor bar. Rest assured, none of those corny ‘find your match’ activities is on the roster, just a great get-together to meet new people that won’t break the bank.
Where: Hyatt Regency Johannesburg, 191 Oxford Road, Rosebank
When: Valentine’s Couples Evening – 14 or 15 Feb from 6pm | Valentine’s Singles Mingle Evening – 14 Feb from 6pm
Cost: Valentine’s Couples Evening – R1400 per couple | Valentine’s Singles Mingle Evening – R255 per person
Tel: 011 280 1188 | Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @onenineone | Instagram: @onenineone | Website: onenineone.co.za
BAILA AFRIKA AFRO LATINO DANCE CLASSES
Sway and wiggle to the spicier side of life this February 14th with a dance class and social party at Afrikoa Cafe, one of Jozi’s coolest chocolatiers. At R150 per person including a welcome glass of bubbly and artisanal chocolate, you can turn the heat up and impress that special someone with an array of moves taught in a safe, relaxed and professional environment. What’s more, once Valentine’s day is complete you can further your rhythmic knowledge with additional classes. Monday evenings play host to Angolan sensual Kizomba and Semba dance classes whilst Wednesdays turn the beat up that much more with Cuban inspired Salsa dance lessons at Carpe Diem in Sandton. Baila Afrika is now in its eighth year of providing quality, fun dance learning and entertainment for all, whatever your level or dance feel.
Where: Afrikoa Cafe, Keyes Art Mile, 21 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank
When: Friday 14th February from 7:30pm
Cost: R150 per person which includes a draw into the competition, a glass of champagne and a artisanal chocoloate
Tel: 079 638 7970 | Email: [email protected]
Facebook Event: Baila Afrika – Let Us Be Your Valentine | Website: www.bailaafrika.co.za
AIR TO AIR AFRICA
If you’re looking for a way to blow your special someone away then a hot air balloon ride is sure to do the trick this Valentine’s Day. You’ll be able to glide through the air and take in the exhilarating beauty of the Cradle of Humankind, an area right on Joburg’s doorstep which has been crowned a World Heritage Site. This particular area also offers breathtaking views of the Crocodile River and the game reserve that part of it runs through.
What better way to spend time with your significant other than with a once in a lifetime adventure.
Advance booking is essential.
Where: Air to Air Africa, Glenburn Lodge, Kromdraai Rd, Muldersdrift
When: Every day, weather dependant
Cost: U12/U35kg – R1375 per person | U85kg – R2350 per person | U120kg – R2775 per person
Tel: 084 602 3491 | Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @airtoairafrica | Website: www.airtoairafrica.co.za
THE LILLIAN GRAY ART SCHOOL
Express your creative side with a paint night hosted by Fine Art teacher Lillian Gray herself. This Valentine’s Day enjoy a fun, relaxing night filled with art techniques from an expert as you and your partner explore the world of colour, canvas and creating. The fee is inclusive of all art supplies as well as plentiful amounts of cheese and wine. Explore the finer things life has to offer as Lillian reveals a few artistic secrets of her own or get down and dirty and paint the town red a little later – the choice is yours.
Lillian Gray is a Contemporary South African Fine Art Artist with international recognition. In 2019 she had exhibitions in New York and London and 2020 will see her work reach Spain, Chicago and Miami. She believes in creating unique art pieces that could serve as an investment for her clients as well as empowering people to reach their full creative potential.
Where: 82 Kessel St, Fairlands, Johannesburg
When: 14 February 7pm-10pm
Cost: R990 for 2 people
Tel: 076 828 2448 | Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @lilliangrayart | Website: www.lilliangray.co.za
THE HUSSAR GRILL
South Africa’s premier grill room, The Hussar Grill is spreading the love of food and serving Class-A, grain-fed beef and game for meat-lovers this Valentine’s date night. While enjoying the award-winning speciality steaks coupled with great service, guests can experience a night of romance with their significant other in various venues around Gauteng. Over its 64 years in existence, The Hussar Grill has perfected its grilling techniques while attracting a diverse crowd, also offering vegetarian specialities and a critics-approved wine list. The famous grill room hosts superb service within a warm ambience, heart-warming food and classic steaks paired with signature sides.
For those with a more gastro-edge, the Hussar Carpetbagger – which is served with smoked mussels, aged cheddar and homemade wholegrain mustard sauce – is a decadent and classy option for your Valentine. And to finish your feast, you can’t go wrong with their decadent Chocolate Fondant dessert with vanilla pod-infused ice cream.
Online reservations: www.hussargrill.co.za/book-now/
Where: Waterfall Corner in Midrand, Montecasino, Morningside, The Grove in Pretoria East, and Silverstar Casino in Muldersdrift
When: Varies per branch
Facebook: @TheHussarGrill | Instagram: @TheHussarGrill | Website: Thehussargrill.co.za
PRUE LEITH CHEF’S ACADEMY
If you’re looking for a memorable couple’s spoil during the month of love, the Prue Leith Chefs Academy has a few experiences not to be missed. The cooking school in Centurion hosts regular themed masterclasses open to novice cooks and foodie enthusiasts. This February, there is a Frozen Feast Masterclass, where attendees learn the art of making iced desserts like sorbets, granitas and parfaits.
This month only, the academy also hosts the food icon herself for three exclusive events. Guests will have the chance to hear her stories, eat her food and walk away with a signed copy of her newest cookbook.
Many will know British-South African Prue Leith from the cult Great British Bake-Off series. Spaces are limited, so advance booking is essential.
Where: 262 Rhino Street, Centurion
When: Various
Cost: R655pp
Tel: 012 654 5203 | Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @PrueLeith | Instagram: @PrueLeithchefs | Website: prueleith.co.za
