As a major event on the social calendar, the annual SA Ballet Theatre Fundraiser is an occasion that we’re proud to coordinate. Generously sponsored by Absa Capital, it was a true test of our coordination skills; South Africa’s most high profile business figures and socialites attended the prestigious event at The Round House on Johannesburg’s Constitution Hill. Marked by its vibrant entertainment, dramatic decor and a striking setting, the mood was both sophisticated and enchanting. Guests enjoyed sparkling wine in striking black champagne flutes, coupled with a selection of delectable canapés. With Ruda Landman as Master of Ceremonies, the evening kicked off with a speech from Tito Mboweni and the first of three captivating ballet performances. The verdict? An unforgettable night that reflected the corporate community’s unwavering commitment to the arts.

Another highlight was the exclusive Collison’s White Brandy lounge, hosted in association with the prestigious Waterfront Fashion Wing Launch. The evening was über chic - minimalist orchids and specially designed furniture pieces added decorative flair as guests sipped on Collison’s cocktails to the smooth sounds of a Cape Town DJ.

We’d love to show you more, but a confidentiality agreement with certain high profile clients prevents us from showcasing their events.

Our latest team building exercise saw Absa Capital executives show off their creative side at a pottery workshop held at Birkenhead House in Hermanus. After a basic pottery lesson, each team member had to create two figurines that best represented themselves. Not shy to get messy with wet clay, the team surprised each other with their artistic flair, making it a thoroughly enjoyable day that really brought everyone together.

Every day there’s another reason to be proud of South Africa. The Singita Sabi Sands Game Reserve was recently voted the world’s best hotel by the Travel & Leisure Magazine's World Best Awards. A truly luxurious bush experience located in the Kruger National Park, Singita reinforces South Africa’s growing reputation as a world class destination.

Source: sagoodnews.co.za

We’re also proud to hear that the Renault-Nissan Alliance is investing R1 billion in a new manufacturing scheme. The initiative will create around 300 jobs and signals the first time that Renault vehicles will be produced in South Africa.

Source: sagoodnews.co.za

For business lunches

The perfect business lunch takes some special ingredients – innovative cuisine, discreet service and a setting that bowls over your clients. We’ve found three restaurants that really set the scene.

Platine - www.platine.co.za
One of the latest additions to Cape Town’s fine dining scene, Platine is an intimate restaurant that specialises in modern French cuisine. Australian chef Matthew Kneipp recently worked at Marco Pierre White’s Michelin starred L’Escargot and creates culinary delights such as pan-fried Kudu with butternut puree, braised red cabbage and poached pear.

Myoga - www.myoga.co.za
Chef Mike Basset of Ginja fame is the culinary whiz behind Myoga, an elegant, contemporary Cape Town dining experience marked by its Eastern and Mediterranean influences. The restaurant’s setting is sure to impress – diners look out onto the verdant gardens of the Vineyard Hotel and Spa in Newlands.

Linger Longer - On eatout.co.za
Tucked away from the rush of Joburg city life, Linger Longer is a delightfully tranquil spot for a fine dining experience. Patrons will attest to the sophisticated flavours of Chef Walter Ulz’s dishes, including porcini ravioli with sage butter and foie gras terrine. The restaurant offers both seasonal and à la carte menus and an extensive wine list.

For grand events

Webersburg Wine Estate
It’s seldom that locations impress us as much as The Venue at Webersburg does, an exclusive winelands setting for corporate functions and private parties. Few locations match its splendour; the historical Webersburg Wine Estate dates back to 1786 and boasts an enviable position in the lower valley of the Helderberg Mountains. As a modern structure with world class facilities, The Venue was sensitively designed to blend in with its Cape Dutch surroundings. It offers clients a versatile setting for large scale events and is fast becoming the most sought after winelands venue. Visit their website at www.webersburg.co.za

Spier

Spier is a leading producer of premium quality wine. Uncompromising standards have led to multiple awards and accolades both locally and abroad. Spier operates within a strict framework of fair trade and ethical trading. Handcrafted wines are produced in limited quantity from single vineyards whose conversion to organic compliance will commence in the near future. The process will include a learning program on bio-dynamic farming.

It‘s widely known that to appreciate good wine, you need to know how to smell and taste it. But equally important is to understand its colour. Not only can this tell you a lot about a wine’s age, it also reveals much about its origins and, in the case of white wines, the use of wood.

Begin by pouring a little wine into a good wine glass. Tilt the glass away from you and look at the colour of the wine from the rim to the middle of the glass. It's helpful to have a white background, such as paper, a napkin or a white tablecloth.

Look beyond red, white or blush. Would you describe a red wine as maroon, purple, ruby, garnet, red, brick or even brownish? Younger reds are often deep purple and become paler and more brick coloured or tawny as they age. White wines cover a wide spectrum of shades, from clear, pale yellow, straw-like or light green to golden, amber or even brown. They tend to deepen with age and develop richer colours in warmer climates. Generally, the darker the colour, the more intense the wine.

Vist their website at www.spierwines.co.za