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Amarula and peanut butter swirl cheesecake

Loren
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Amarula and peanut butter swirl cheesecake

This is not your average cheesecake. In fact, this is a cheesecake that is so special, so tasty and so delicious. It is made with a unique ingredient which is the new Amarula Vanilla Spice.

Amarula is known for being the best quality cream liqueur and have now brought out a new variant. This new variant is infused with Madagascan vanilla beans and fresh ginger. With its velvety texture and complex flavours, it definitely adds a level of excitement to any dessert, especially cheesecake.

Amarula sent me a box of mystery ingredients, including the new Amarula Vanilla Spice, and challenged me to bake up something delicious. I had to use my imagination with the ingredients in the box and any other ingredients I needed. My mystery ingredients included smooth peanut butter, sugar, a tin of dessert cream and cocoa. After putting up a vote on social media asking what I should make, the final decision was cheesecake. I couldn’t just make any cheesecake, so I made an Amarula and Peanut Butter Swirl Cheesecake.

Recipe for Amarula and Peanut Butter Swirl Cheesecake

Ingredients

The Base:
250 g tennis biscuits
Splash or two of Amarula Vanilla Spice
The Filling:
Drizzle of Amarula Vanilla Spice
125 ml fresh whipping cream
tin of dessert cream
500 g cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
1/4 cup castor sugar
3 tsp gelatine powder
Peanut Butter Swirl:
3 tbsp peanut butter
1 tsp cocoa
2 tbsp castor sugar
125 ml fresh cream
2 tsp gelatine powder

Instructions

  1. Crush the tennis biscuits into little pieces.
  2. Place a thick layer of crushed biscuits at the bottom of a deep glass dish (or a dish similar to the one I have used).
  3. Splash a generous amount of Amarula Vanilla Spice over crushed biscuits and let this soak while you prepare the next few steps.
  4. Whip the fresh whipping cream and the dessert cream until it forms a thicker consistency. You don’t have to worry about it not getting very thick because the gelatine is going to help.
  5. Place the Amarula Vanilla Spice in a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatine powder all over the surface. Let this stand for two minutes before placing the small bowl over a small pot of simmering water. While this heats gently, keep stirring to ensure all the gelatine dissolves into the liqueur.
  6. In another bowl, beat the sugar and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
  7. Strain the gelatine and liqueur mixture into the cream cheese and sugar mixture. Mix gently with a spatula.
  8. Fold in the whipped cream gently, making sure that everything is well incorporated.
  9. Gently pour the mixture over the crushed biscuits.

Peanut butter swirl

1. Place all the ingredients, except the gelatine powder and cocoa, into a bowl over a pot of simmering water.
2. Mix gently until the peanut butter is melted.
3. Sieve the cocoa powder into the mixture and mix until dissolved.
4. Add the gelatine powder and mix until dissolved thoroughly.
5. Take the mixture off the heat, let it cool down then pour over the cheesecake.

Decorate to the way you like a swirl to look.

*This post is proudly sponsored by Amarula

♥

Minkys Cape Town holiday bucket list

Loren
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Minkys Cape Town holiday bucket list

We are off to Cape Town soon and we are the most excited! Because we are so excited, I have a put a list together of all the things we plan on doing while we are in the beautiful Mother City. Obviously this isn’t our first time visiting Cape Town so we have done a lot of the things on the list before. But the excitement is real and there is no place like Cape Town, so here is Minkys Cape Town Holiday Bucket List that we hope to tick everything off one item at a time.

You can definitely use this as a guide for when you are in Cape Town too …

  • Explore some vineyards in Franschhoek we haven’t explored before with the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
  • Take a leisurely walk from Camps Bay to Sea Point or vice versa and stop every so often to soak up the beautiful views.
  • Have coffee and a croissant at Maison J in Camps Bay. My goodness, their croissants look amazing!
  • Finally visit Bocca in Bree Street for a Neapolitan style pizza and some other classic Italian dishes.
  • Take a drive to Robertson and explore everything there is to explore in this little town known for its wine. We have two nights in Robertson and we are so excited!
  • Have an afternoon of cocktails at the new Gorgeous George Hotel.
  • Enjoy the sun, sea and sand at one of the very beautiful Bakoven beaches.
  • Indulge in an afternoon high tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel.
  • Watch the sunset with some delicious sun downers at the Twelve Apostles Hotel.
  • Visit the Elgin Railway Market by rail, obviously.
  • Explore the Constantia Wine Route on the City Sightseeing Bus. This is one of our favourite things to do!
  • Watch the duck parade at Vergenoegd Wine Estate.
  • Have breakfast at Nourish’d Cafe – preferably one of their Instagramable smoothie bowls.
  • Watch an open air movie at the Galileo Open Air Cinema.
  • Go wine tasting. Duh!

And some more …

  • Have fresh fish and chips at Kalkies in Kalk Bay.
  • Walk through the lush gardens at Cellars-Hohenort.
  • Have lunch at the Greenhouse at Cellars-Hohenort.
  • Go on a sunset cruise from the Waterfront.
  • Have a soft serve ice cream in Sea Point from the soft serve stand on the promenade.
  • Wake up early on a Saturday morning to do the Greenpoint Parkrun. Yip, exercise on holiday! But there is nothing better than that feeling after!
  • Visit the Oranjezicht City Farm market on a Saturday morning.
  • Have ice cream from the Creamery.
  • And have ice cream from Unframed at the Waterfront market.
  • Swim with the penguins at Boulders Beach.
  • Watch a few sunsets.
  • Walk through Babylonstoren and have lunch at Babel.
  • Explore Muizenberg and Kalk Bay..
  • Eat at Arthur Mini Supermarket.
  • Do a Clifton Yacht Cruise.
  • Walk through Bo Kaap.
  • Take a drive on Chapman’s Peak.

♥

A few reasons why you need a Google Home Mini + Giveaway

Loren
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A few reasons why you need a Google Home Mini + Giveaway

I didn’t know I needed a Google Home Mini in my life, until I was recently sent one as a gift and now I cant go a day without using it! If you are wondering what a Google Home Mini is, it is a voice-controlled speaker that can be used to play music, control smart home gadgets, answer trivia questions, add things to a shopping list, create calendar appointments, or play video on a Chromecast-enabled screen.

In other words, my Google Home Mini is my new best friend and here are 5 reasons why …

1. I love that the Google Home Mini is the perfect size to keep next to my bed or on my desk.

2. It is small, practical and neat looking and kinda looks like a pebble.

3. The Google Home Mini comes in grey, black and pink. You all know how much I love pink, so as much as I would have loved a pink one, grey looks perfect in my home.

4. As small as it is, the speaker is surprisingly loud and full sounding for its size. It definitely does music justice as the sound is balanced and rich.

5. The Google Mini Home can hear your commands even when the music is turned up really loud!

Bonus: The Google Mini Home is really an affordable little gadget that I really didn’t think I needed in my home! I love setting my morning alarm on it, I love when the radio automatically switches on when I am making dinner and I love that I can have full on conversations with it while still learning something different! It definitely makes for the perfect gift, especially now for Christmas.

So after reading through these 5 reasons why you need a Google Home Mini, I am sure I have twisted your arm!

If you would like to buy yourself one or a Christmas gift for someone special, head over to www.smartspeakers.co.za

If you would like WIN yourself one, head over to Minkys Instagram and get entering:

*Thank you www.smartspeakers.co.za for gifting me with this Google Home Mini.

♥

Our five best restaurants in Johannesburg at the moment

Loren
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Our five best restaurants in Johannesburg at the moment

This post has been a long time coming as I have been wanting to put it together for ages. These are a round up of our best restaurants in Johannesburg we love to eat at and find ourselves eating at very regularly, lately. Yes, we do eat out a lot and we do like to try new restaurants all the time. But these restaurants are our homes away from homes that have been on heavy rotation.

Mr George

Formerly known as JB’s Corner, this is our favourite restaurant for a casual week night dinner. The food is always quality and absolutely delicious. Everything on the menu is a winner (even their milkshakes)! The best thing about this restaurant is the very big menu offering a great selection of all different things. I tend to shy away from restaurants that offer too many types of cuisines, as there isn’t really much expertise, but this is not the case with Mr George. Everything is good! The burgers are possibly the best in Joburg, the salads aren’t your average simple salads, the pizzas are thin based and crispy and the pastas are Italian restaurant class. There is also sushi which is superb as well as curries and steaks! So that’s why we eat at Mr George religiously, because when the Man wants a burger and I want sushi, neither of us have to compromise. Ha 😉

Address: 3 The, High St, Melrose Arch

Phone: 011 684 2999

Chaplin’s Grill

It’s not often you find a restaurant with a majority of excellent reviews, especially in these times. This is why we love Chaplin’s Grill, because the reviews speak for themselves – this restaurant is excellent! If you are looking for the best steak in all of Johannesburg, possibly South Africa even, you will find it at Chaplin’s Grill. Not only the best steak, but also the best view of the Sandton skyline. Chaplin’s Grill cook their steaks to absolute perfection. To top this off, the service is excellent and they have a great wine list. We have never had a less than superb meal here, so it’s no wonder we eat here so often.

Address: 61 Woodlands Avenue Hurlingham, Sandton

Phone: 011 886 8866

www.chaplinsgrill.co.za

Espresso

There is no better place to be on a Saturday afternoon than at Espresso in Parkhurst. There is such a vibe and the food is superb! They make the best fillet prego rolls, ever! The sauce is so tasty, the meat is tender, the Portuguese roll is crispy and the fries are real proper fries!

Address: 23 4th Avenue, Parkhurst

Phone: 011 447 8700

The Big Mouth

Hands down, the best sushi in Johannesburg is found at The Big Mouth in Nelson Mandela Square! This is our go to restaurant for sushi, but besides for sushi, we love everything on the menu. The atmosphere is great and because of all the tourists roaming around, it feels like you’re overseas. My favourite dish to order is the S.U.V. because you get half rainbow reloaded and half salmon california rolls with creamy shrimp tempura. When you’re indecisive, like myself, and you can’t choose, with a dish like this you get the best of both worlds.

Address: Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City

Phone: 063 293 8869

www.thebigmouth.co.za

Red Chamber

We have been visiting Red Chamber since I was in matric which is nearly 14 years ago! Yip, that is a long time. I can definitely say, the standard of absolutely delicious food has only gotten better and better. Some of our favourite dishes include dim sum, crispy sesame prawn toast, peking duck, crispy beef and three flavour chicken. The best part is ordering just about everything and sharing with everyone at the table. This way you get to enjoy a variety of everything.

Address: Hyde Park Corner Shopping Centre, Corner of Jan Smuts Avenue & 6th Road

Phone: 011 325 6048

So that is a round up of the best restaurants in Johannesburg. Which will you be eating at first?

♥

Celebrate jacaranda season at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff

Loren
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Celebrate jacaranda season at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff

The best view of the city of Johannesburg is definitely, without a doubt, from Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff. Undeniably, it is my favourite place to soak up the view. With a cocktail and some delicious food, especially when it is Jacaranda season.

To celebrate summer and Jacaranda season, Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff have launched two Jacaranda inspired offerings. These offerings are exclusive to Flames restaurant – the Jacaranda Aperitivo Afternoons and the Jacaranda Friday Lunch.

Jacaranda Aperitivo Afternoons

From R275 per person, Flames invites guests to sample the signature G&T or one of the four bespoke cocktails crafted by local mixologists –Molecular Bars. Round off the experience with a choice of two canapés or sharing plates. Indulge in the skillfully devised menu by Chef Keith Frisley, which includes baked purple figs with Brie cheese and hazel nuts; and salmon tataki, avocado and coriander pesto served with crudité, to name few. The Jacaranda Aperitivo Afternoon will be running from Friday 4 October until Sunday 8 December 2019 between 15:00 and 18:00 at Flames Restaurant.

Friday Jacaranda Lunch

For a gastronomical experience, Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff welcomes patrons to the Friday Jacaranda Lunch, served between 11h00 and 15h00. At R595 per person, Flames presents a buffet of seasonal cold appetizers followed by a-la-carte main course and a selection of desserts from our master pastry chefs. With drinks packages offered to large groups, the Friday Jacaranda Lunch is the ideal choice for an end-of-the-year celebration that will not be forgotten. The Jacaranda Lunch will be running every Friday until 6 December 2019.

If you don’t want to take part in the two Jacaranda specials, you can also visit Pre-View bar or Après Spa. Here ChefDaniel Payne has specially prepared a tempting array of dishes and cocktails to complement the season.

I cannot wait to celebrate the Jacaranda season at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff. Indulging in a Jacaranda Gin cocktail overlooking the purple canopy of the city and slowly unwinding.

website: Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff – Flames Restaurant

♥

Five things I loved in September

Loren
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Five things I loved in September

The last time I did a post about some of the things I am loving, was in June (FIVE THINGS I LOVED IN JUNE) so it is definitely time to share a few more things I have been loving lately now that it is September.

1. chuckles coconut ice

Two of my favourite things have joined forced into one magical taste sensation and I am the happiest person ever. Thank you Woolworths! Woolworths have brought out a new range of Chuckles made with coconut ice. So it is coconut ice (yum!) enrobed in milk chocolate (yum!) and oh my heavens, it is YUM! Here’s a little tip though, let the milk chocolate melt just a little for an even more decadent treat.

2. 50 shades of pink nails

The new nail trend to hit the celebs of the USA, and social media of course, is a manicure where every nail is painted a different shade in the same colour. Of course I also had to do it, so when I visited my absolute favourite Halo Nail Artistry for my monthly manicure, she did not hesitate to do this in pink (that’s why I love her the mostest).

Follow Halo Nail Artistry on Facebook and Instagram.

3. the scents of spring and summer

I absolutely love the smell of spring and the feeling of positivity that comes with it. The smell of jasmine and the smell of ‘Yesterday Today and Tomorrow” is just heavenly. I often cut a few little stalks of each flower and place them all over my home so the scent can linger on.

4. jasmine yankee candle

Following on from no.3 above, I also love lighting my jasmine Yankee Candle and letting the scent waft throughout the living room. Yip, that is how much I love the smell of jasmine. I wonder though if there is a Yankee Candle with the “Yesterday Today Tomorrow” scent. Is there?

5. moroccan oil treatment

I don’t know why I am only mentioning this product now in this post because I have loved the Moroccan Oil Treatment since forever. It’s definitely not a new beauty product that I have just started using. I use this treatment oil all the time! After I wash my hair when I let my hair air dry, just before I blow dry my hair, and even after. It makes my hair gorgeously shiny while protecting it from all the elements! I love it!

Available from Retailbox

♥

Prohibition Blue Gin turns pink … yes please!

Loren
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Prohibition Blue Gin turns pink … yes please!

There is a new gin on the shelves of your favourite retailer and I am so excited to tell you about it.

Prohibition Blue Gin is the latest innovation from Silver Creek Distillery. This gin gets its striking blue colour from the flower of the Blue Pea, which means it is 100% natural. What has me so excited is the fact that this gin turns pink when it is mixed with lemon or tonic water. How cool is that?

What makes this gin truly unique is that it is made in small batches, which ensures the quality is of the highest standard! It is infused with juniper, as well as coriander, lemon, angelica, cinnamon and a dash of rose water. Because of the amazing quality of this gin, it has already won a Gold Award at the SA Woman’s Wine & Spirit Awards.

Prohibition Blue Gin took many months to develop, says Silver Creek founder and distiller Mark Taverner.

“What we have now is perfect – a beautifully balanced gin that not only complements our existing range but can hold its own in any company.”

The new Prohibition Blue Gin joins a pink and a clear variation in Silver Creek’s gin portfolio. With the launch of Prohibition Blue Gin, comes the invitation to go beyond just a simple G&T this summer. Imagine something as delicious as a G&T granita, poolside? Spruce it up with apples and thyme or enjoy it as a tipple with sweet temptations like a lemon and cardamom tart!

As with the distillery’s already-famous range of fine Moonshines, the Prohibition Gins are handmade, distilled to a fine spirit from carefully selected grains.

Prohibition Craft Gin is versatile, inspiring a range of cocktails. In glass, it shows a fresh, crisp burst of citrus with a base of juniper and a hint of cinnamon. Prohibition Pink Gin is the clear variation further infused with raspberries and blueberries, and a touch of hibiscus flowers and rose water.

Where the newcomer is concerned, Mark maintains that it’s not only the blue colour that makes it so intriguing, but also that it changes to pink with some mixers.

“When it comes into contact with tonic water or lemon, the pH balance changes the colour to a sparkling pink.”

He adds that the blue colouring is 100% natural and likely to fade over time so should be ideally stored out of direct sunlight, in a cupboard or the fridge. Another fascinating fact about the presence of Blue Pea is that in traditional medicine, the flower – Clitoria Tetnatea – is said to have aphrodisiac and antioxidant powers, amongst other life-enhancing properties.

In this libertarian twist, it also links with the legacy of the Prohibition name. Prohibition was a ban imposed on liquor through the campaigns of America’s ultra-conservative Temperance Movement of the early 1900s.

The ban created a fertile environment for the illegal liquor trade and entertaining tales of gin-making by the light of the moon and lively underground speakeasies. Prohibition only lasted for 13 years, ended by overwhelming objection and to this day, its death knell in 1933 is widely celebrated.

Silver Creek Craft Distillery joined that commemoration with Prohibition Gins, part of the proud tradition that does everything by hand – from mashing and fermentation to distillation and bottling. This process allows for extra special care, which is why every bottle is signed by the distiller.

The recommended retail price is just R369/750ml bottle.

For more information, visit www.silvercreekdistillery.co.za

My wishlist of only pink things from Superbalist

Loren
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My wishlist of only pink things from Superbalist

As I sit here putting my wishlist together, I am so cozy cuddled up in my pyjamas with a blanket and a cup of tea. That is the beauty of online shopping … You don’t have to leave your comforts and you can still reap the rewards of retail therapy while shopping online!

I have one very big wishlist but here are just a few items that are at the very top of the list. If you’re a regular around here you will know pink is my favourite colour! Some of these items are perfect for summer just around the corner.

  1. dusty pink cushion cover
  2. pink yankees cap
  3. nike trainers
  4. straw tote bag
  5. duffle bag
  6. birkenstocks
  7. lacoste perfume
  8. moleskin diary

If you *love* what you see here, you too can make a wishlist for yourself and add some of these items. It is really so easy – all you have to do is download the Superbalist app, browse and wishlist your favourite items.

PS: Don’t forget to set your alarm and get ready to shop amazing discounts on Black Friday which is on 29 November 2019. Your wishlist will definitely come handy!

Happy Shopping!

♥

*Thank you Superbalist for sponsoring this post.

Restaurant of the month: Café Del Sol

Loren
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Restaurant of the month: Café Del Sol

CAFE DEL SOL: We really are spoilt for choice here in Johannesburg with some of the very best restaurants offering the most delicious food at the highest quality. One of these restaurants is Café Del Sol. It is no wonder they call themselves the best Italian restaurant in Johannesburg. I have even featured Café Del Sol in my very popular blog post titled The Best Italian Restaurants in Johannesburg (According To Me).

The Café del Sol group is family-run business since 2007 specialising in home-cooked Italian cuisine. The family absolutely love what they do which is evident in each dish that comes out of the kitchen. What makes Café Del Sol so special is that only top quality ingredients are used. This means that their salads are made with beautiful organic greens and imported Parmigiano cheese. The beef is grass-fed. The poultry is organic and the fish is SASSI-certified.

We have been eating at Café Del Sol for the longest time. So we are definitely no stranger to the restaurant and the exceptional food. We know the menu pretty well and although we’ve tried nearly every dish, we do have our absolute favourites.

Some of our favourite dishes at Café Del Sol

Caprese Salad
Filetto Piccante – beef fillet strips in Napoletana sauce with olives, red pepper, fresh garlic, a dash of cream and garnished with fresh basil
Lamb Rack – 400g of french trimmed lamb rack served on porcini mushrooms and pea risotto with a deep and delicious red wine jus
Chocolate Fondant pudding and Creme Brulee

Some of our other favourite dishes that aren’t pictured above are the west coast mussels as a starter, the balsamico fillet for mains and of course, Café Del Sol’s very popular pavlova!

So the next time you are hungry for the best Italian food in Johannesburg, head to Café Del Sol. This restaurant is perfect for a casual night out, a romantic dinner or celebration.

website: www.cafedelsol.co.za

  • Classico (Olivedale): 011 704 6493   
  • Botanico (Bryanston): 011 463 0207 

♥

My everyday smoothie using my NutriBullet

Loren
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My everyday smoothie using my NutriBullet

You all know how obsessed I am with my NutriBullet. I have been sharing recipes for different smoothies, using my NutriBullet, on my Instastories and on the blog for the longest time.

But in this blog post I am going to share my everyday, all time favourite smoothie that is simple but delicious. I make this smoothie for breakfast and it keeps me satisfied and full of energy for the rest of the day.

This is what you need:

  • HANDFUL OF BABY SPINACH
    Baby spinach contains high levels of fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium.
  • JUICE OF AN ORANGE
    Oranges are low in calories and full of nutrients, they promote clear, healthy, skin. Orange juice also adds a nice citrus flavour to the smoothie, which I love!
  • 1 OR 2 BANANA’S
    Bananas are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, folate, niacin and riboflavin.
  • HALF AN AVOCADO
    Avocado’s are a good source of monounsaturated fat, which can reduce your risk of heart disease.
  • STRAWBERRIES
    Strawberries are excellent source of vitamin C and manganese and also contain decent amounts of folate (vitamin B9) and potassium.
  • SMALL PIECE OF CUCUMBER
    Cucumbers are a good sources of fiber, particularly in the skin. They also provide potassium and magnesium

Put everything into your NutriBullet cup, add a little bit of water, and then blend until smooth. Voila … You now have a very delicious smoothie ready to be consumed

More blog posts on all things smoothies:

What is your favourite everyday smoothie blend?

♥

Staying over at the Ivy Villa Hotel and Spa

Loren
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Staying over at the Ivy Villa Hotel and Spa

There is a new and luxurious hotel nestled in Strathavon that has just opened it’s door. I recently enjoyed a one night staycation at this new hotel and I can happily report back, this hotel is the epitome of elegance, style and attention to detail. Strathavon is a quiet and exclusive suburb in the heart of Sandton, Johannesburg, making this hotel perfectly located in the hub of the cosmopolitan city near all the businesses, shopping centers and restaurants.

The Ivy Villa Hotel and Spa is an absolute nature-inspired sanctuary that offers peace and tranquility of a secluded bush-lodge escape. Living in the city of Johannesburg, I found that escaping for one night to The Ivy was just what the doctor ordered. I drove just a short distance to the hotel but it really felt like I was miles away in the middle of the African bush!

What makes The Ivy unique …

butler service

What makes The Ivy so unique and special is the attention to detail which is evident in every aspect. From check-in to check-out, there is a team of butlers reachable 24/7 via WhatsApp. These butlers offer the most remarkable service. From unpacking of luggage to personal shopping services as well as arranging a private chef or offer wine pairing recommendations.

reuben’s

The Ivy is home to Johanneburg’s only Reuben’s Restaurant & Bar. The chef patron curates exceptional seasonal menus influenced by Asian and Cape Malay themes for breakfast, lunch and supper. I enjoyed a dinner here hosted by Reuben’s very own Reuben Riffel himself. To say the food was exceptional is definitely an understatement.

camelot spa

You will also find a Camelot Spa sanctuary at The Ivy. The Camelot Spa is known for its quiet ambiance and calming atmosphere. It is set against the backdrop of lush gardens and the relaxing sound of water falling.

pet friendly

Another aspect that makes The Ivy truly special is that it is one of Johannesburg’s few pet-friendly hotels. As you walk in, gentle and serene Great Danes, Duke and Gigi, will give you a very warm welcome lick. If you want to bring a furry friend with you, they will be greeted with their own welcome package on arrival, including pet bedding, treats and a walking map. Pet-sitters can also be arranged.

For more information visit www.theivyvillahotel.co.za

*Thank you The Ivy Villa Hotel and Spa for hosting me.

Bellagio in Illovo is Johannesburg’s number one hidden gem restaurant

Loren
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Bellagio in Illovo is Johannesburg’s number one hidden gem restaurant

I hadn’t been to Bellagio in Illovo for ages it may as well have been my first visit. Two Friday’s ago, we were invited by Louise herself to come enjoy a lunch here. I can kick myself now when I think of why haven’t we eaten at Bellagio in forever. It is a restaurant for a casual day time lunch, a romantic dinner or even for a special occasion. Now when I try think of where to go for these affairs, Bellagio is at the very top of the list.

Bellagio is a Mediterranean restaurant specializing in seafood. This restaurant definitely deserves to be on everyone’s favourite’s list. It is very hard to find a restaurant that serves fantastic food, with exceptional service, understated elegance, timeless decor and boasts a great wine list.

COMPLIMENTARY BREAD BASKET AND ZUCCHINI FRITI

the food

The menu is simple and seasonal. It focuses on the best quality and definitely caters for everyone. From delicious salads, fresh fish, seafood and sushi, to pasta dishes and even soufflés.

We sampled a selection of smaller plate versions off the menu and we loved every dish and their flavour combinations.

Here is a look at our incredible dining experience:

BELLAGIO CHICKEN LIVERS WITH CRUSTY CIABATTA BREAD
MUSSELS WITH WHITE WINE, TOMATO AND HERBS
TUNA TARTARE WITH CAVIAR, CAPERS, ONIONS AND CORIANDER
MARINATED ROASTED PRAWNS WITH A CREAMY FETA, CHIVE AND GARLIC SAUCE SERVED WITH CRUSTY CIABATTA
LINGUINE WITH LOBSTER, TOMATO, CREAM AND SHERRY
SEAFOOD RISOTTO WITH CLAMS, MUSSELS, CALAMARI AND PRAWNS
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, BERRY AND PISTACHIO MILLE-FEUILLE

So as you can see, Bellagio in Illovo is a real hidden gem. The food is of the highest quality with so much flavour and flair. I cannot wait to return for more!

Bellagio:
Address: Unit 1, Oxford Manor, 196 Oxford Rd, Illovo, Johannesburg
Website: www.bellagiorestaurant.co.za

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