Time to relax, unwind and spend some quality time with friends and family. We’ve rounded up a guide for group activities at some local spots around Johannesburg, so read on to start planning a fantastic experience.
ETHOS
A delectable dining experience at the new home of Jozi’s best Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Ethos.
At its new location in Oxford Parks, Rosebank, Ethos restaurant has teamed up with acclaimed Chef Luke Dale Roberts, who in collaboration with newly appointed Executive Chef Ken Phuduhudu have created an exciting new menu that’s definitely worth a try.
The menu is a tantalising mix of authentic and honest dishes inspired by the Mediterranean and combines traditional and modern techniques. You can expect dishes such as Iberico pork neck skewers with ancho scented romesco sauce as well as Baba Ganoush, lamb kofta and many more exciting courses.
Interior designer Giorgio Tatsakis was in charge of the interiors and drew inspiration from across the globe. The breathtaking design of Ethos came from the unique and timeless features that are seen throughout the alluring Mediterranean. Giorgio explains that now more than ever when it is harder to travel due to restrictions, spaces that offer a form of escapism are even more relevant. The new ceiling baffles are particularly stunning and consist of a special material imported from France suspended from the ceiling, and the venue features rich-in-texture Arabescato marble from Italy
Diners can expect to indulge in some delicious dishes in a luxurious and dramatic setting, which includes sweeping arches, grand columns, impressive Italian marble and a soothing neutral colour palette with brass accents.
Where: Cnr Eastwood and Parks Blvd, Oxford Parks, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Website: ethosrestaurant.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 010 446 9906
Facebook: @ethos.sa | Instagram: @ethos.sa
NEW YEAR’S EVE FUN WITHOUT THE PRESSURE
Skip the kitchen chaos and focus on some quality time on family and heaps of luxurious food and festive feels.
It is nearly time to welcome 2022 so celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with Radisson Blu’s New Year’s Eve Dinner and Salsa Party. Make a midnight toast to 2021 with a New Year’s Eve Salsa Fiesta. Enjoy an array of tapas on the pool deck overlooking the Sandton skyline, bring those dancing shoes along, and enjoy the hottest Salsa music by the resident Cuban DJ.
The rate is R475 including dinner, welcome drink, and entrance to the Salsa party. The entrance fee to just join the party is R150 per person. Stay the night for R1900 including accommodation in a superior room, New Year’s Eve Dinner, Salsa Party, and breakfast for two.
Cost: New Year’s Eve dinner, R475pp
When: New Year’s Eve Dinner, 31 December from 6.30pm to 2am
Where: Cnr of Rivonia Rd and West St, Sandton, Johannesburg
Website: radissonblu.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 286 1000
Facebook: @RadissonBluGautrainHotel | Instagram: @radisson_blu_gautrain
FESTIVE ON THE HILL WITH FOUR SEASONS HOTEL THE WESTCLIFF
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff is set to treat guests to a series of dining experiences over Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Years.
The space is known for offering a classy cuisine experience in its elegant space, but it’s switching it up for the festive season with a luxury buffet menu with a glass of GH Mumm Brut champagne per adult.
Expect the likes of roasted Christmas turkey stuffed with dried fruits and cashew with gravy, lobster bisque, asparagus with goats cheese, artichokes and creamy herbed dressing, roasted gammon, and a host of sweets for afters such as rose and berries with meringue and whipped panna cotta.
Live dessert stations such as soft serve, candy floss stand, and a waffle bar are also available, as well as a take-home sweet treat.
Cost: New Years Eve Dinner Buffet, R1,650pp | New Years Day Brunch Buffet, R1,250pp
When: New Years Eve Dinner Buffet, 7pm to 10pm | New Years Day Brunch Buffet, 11am to 2pm
Where: 4 Parks Blvd, Oxford Parks, Cnr of Oxford and Parks Blvd, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Website: westclifflife.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 481 6190
Facebook: @FourSeasonsHotelWestcliffJohannesburg | Instagram: @fsjohannesburg
FINE DINING AT APOGEE BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN PRETORIA
If you’re looking for a more formal lunch or dinner menu, Apogee in Pretoria has you covered. Each offering is paired with premium beverages and you can choose from a list of mains that includes freshly sourced gourmet ingredients and creations.
Chef De Patron, Alicia Giliomee’s culinary direction is deeply rooted in French traditional cooking matched with a uniquely South African contemporary style. Local flavours and freshly sourced ingredients are given a fresh new twist for the festive offering.
You’ll find a hand-picked selection of excellent Cape and international wines, and be sure to add one of their bubbly to the mix.
Live music also features to create a festive and relaxed atmosphere.
Cost: New Years Eve Dinner, R695pp
When: New Years Eve Dinner, 31 December from 4pm
Where: Apogee Boutique Hotel & Spa, 212 Johann Rissik Drive, Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria
Website: apogeehotel.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 012 786 0740
Facebook: @apogeeboutiquehotel | Instagram: @apogeeboutiquehotelandspa
A MODERN AND STYLISH CELEBRATION AT RADISSON RED ROSEBANK
Lead Kitchen Executive Chef Genghis San leads a culinary team at Radisson RED Rossebank brings local ingredients and producers to the fore with a four course dining experience on New Year’s Eve.
The fare’s complemented by a welcome drink, and a host of optional bubbly options are also on offer. Local live entertainment is also on hand to set the mood.
OUI Bar + KTCHN is a modern restaurant housed at Radisson RED Rosebank, a vibrant hotel concept created for the next generation of travelers with a modern and creative mindset. The restaurant is conveniently situated off Rosebank’s main road with a table, bar, and covered patio seating.
A stayover offer is also on the cards with rates starting at R1495 for a double room inclusive of breakfast for two.
Cost: Christmas Lunch, R650pp | Cover charge for the day only, R350pp
When: New Year’s Eve dinner, 31 December from 5pm
Where: Radisson RED Rosebank, 4 Parks Blvd, Oxford Parks, Cnr of Oxford and Parks Blvd, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Website: radissonhotels.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 010 023 3580
Facebook: @RadissonREDJohannesburgRosebank | Instagram: @radissonredrosebank
CHRISTMAS 2021
A FLORAL EXPLORATION OF THE SELF
This festive season, give yourself and your loved ones the gift of creativity and peace wrapped up in a beautiful bouquet.
Jill Manson, from the DSTV Home Channel’s Fresh Cut, offers a range of flower journeys inspiring and healing people through the magnificent medium of flowers.
The Jill Manson Floral Design School offers floral design courses across all levels for those interested in a career in floristry. Her purpose is to give the opportunity to others to start a career of self-employment (or employment) in the industry.
Other less formal courses allow people to partake in the joy of arranging flowers in creative classes and themed workshops for the soul, including her Creative Play Sessions. In these, you can enjoy creating flowers in a fun and informal learning environment. Each class has a theme and each session is vastly different from the previous. Broaden your entertaining and home styling skills for celebrations and or for creating beauty in your own homes and environments.
Flowerscape is the therapeutic and revelational flower communication and flower healing method. Receive a powerful and profound messaged for your life as Jill facilitates a personal journey of self-discovery for you, using a range of seasonal blooms, in a mindful and magnificently healing way. You will resonate with certain flowers on the day and in the session, it will be revealed why these certain flowers align with you and what message and meaning each has for your life.
This unique experience is offered as one on one sessions to individuals or as an entertaining and enlightening entertainment or inspirational event for groups in corporate and private arenas.
Browse Jill’s website for her full flower journey offerings, as well as shop her beautiful creations! Gift cards are also available.
Where: 99 Conrad Dr, Block B, Blairgowrie, Johannesburg
Website: jillmanson.co.za | Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @jillmansonflowers | Facebook: @flowerjourneys
AN INTIMATE WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE AT JOZI’S ONLY WINERY
Gerakaris Family Wines is a boutique, fully-fledged winery in the heart of Craighall Park that produces five unique wines as well as offers an intimate wine-tasting experience to visitors.
After deciding that the corporate world wasn’t for her, founder Kath Gerakaris completed her qualifications in Viticulture and Oenology. With her freshly minted qualification in hand, she left New Zealand and settled in Johannesburg, where in 2008 she opened Gerakaris Family Wines.
Not only is this winery a perfect place to pick up truly special Christmas gifts, but it also offers a relaxing and Covid-safe spot to relax and learn more about the wine-making process from the experts who create it.
The Gerakaris range features their Ellaki Chenin Blanc 2021, the “1242” Syrah 2020, Tom Syrah 2018, Elli Chenin Blanc 2020 and Thomas Syrah 2017. The wines are made right there in Craighall Park, with Gerakaris transporting the grapes up overnight from vineyards in the Swartland and Elgin, Western Cape each harvest.
Wine tasting experiences at Gerakaris Family are available to the public for R100 per person and are hosted in the winery’s beautiful gardens. Also on offer is a cheese board that showcases four South African cheese producers and which is designed to match the wines, as well as bowls of Cape olives.
To experience Jozi’s one and only winery, bookings are essential as space is limited! Bookings can be done on their website.
Cost: Wine tasting experiences from R100pp
When: Wednesday to Friday 12.30pm to 5pm | Saturday 11am to 4pm| Sunday 11am to 2pm
Where: 20 Marlborough Ave, Craighall Park, Johannesburg. Enter “Gerakaris Family Wines” into Google Maps to get there quickly and easily.
Website: gerakaris.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 072 638 7636
Facebook: @gerakariswines | Instagram: @gerakariswines | Twitter: @gerakariswines
