Reportback: Coronation Year End Function

On 29 November 2008, I attended my first Coronation Year End Function as a direct member of staff. I must say that it feels good to be included... The venue was the Vineyard Terrace at Constantia Uitsig (thank goodness for the GPS!). What a great venue. My wife and I pulled up, parked and were shuttled to the huge marquee tent - best described as a bedouin tent.

We were met with drinks, either alcoholic or non. Groups had gathered and were chatting, all very social... What a great atmosphere. Waitrons were circling with platters of mustard seared tuna, spring rolls with chilli dip and bree, tomato and olive tartlets while others cleared glasses, etc. All the waitrons were professional and well groomed.

There was a bar off to the bottom of the tent that proved to be quite the social gathering point, more for some than others (no names mentioned for fear of retribution - but you know who you are!). The evening kicked off with a speech by our CEO, Hugo Nelson. Hugo happens to look just like Lionel Richie so there were some photo opportunities for those who wanted pics with the star!

We then sat down for starters. The starter was smoked salmon salad on blini with rocket and sour cream dressing. For our table, we opened a bottle of Springfield Estate Sauvignon Blanc. This really complimented the salmon.

The main course was then brought out. This was a beef fillet topped with bordelaise sauce, potato disks and caramalized butternut & fresh asparagus. It was yummy! All compliments to the chef on this. It is really a task and a half cooking for around 120 people (my guess) - bringing the food out hot and all at once. One day, I may undertake something like this but I think, for now, I will leave this to the professionals! I accompanied my steak with a bottle of Neethlingshof Shiraz 2003.

Dessert followed the main course, as it normally does. This was a fresh plum and almond tart with armagnac & creme fraiche. I was not impressed with this at all. The only positive thing I can say is that the pastry was great (Sorry Chef!).

For the remainder of the evening, we boogied away to the sounds of the South African Hit Band Goldfish! My wife and I absolutely love their music.

My buddy Mark Chipps, the owner of Goosebump Productions filmed one of their promo video clips. Check out the video of Goldfish at Ignite in Camps Bay: Video. Great editing job on this one, Mark! Check Mark's slogan: "Envoking that privitive emotion-linked reflex of goosebumps through my video productions".

In a nutshell (Oi, I'm in a nutshell), the evening was a huge success. A BIG thank you to the Coronation Marketing Dept.

Keep them coming...

Reportback: Stellenbosch Wine Festival (2008)

Where do I start? I think I shall start by saying that I will definitely not be going back to this event... Yes, it is unfortunate. The event was well organized and planned, parking was provided, security was catered for... BUT they let too many people in! I can best describe this event as a 'student mob'! I should have realized that going on Saturday would not be such a good idea... and I should never have taken my 9 year old daughter with either! You live and learn, they say.
I squeezed my way through the droves of people to reach only a few of the tasting desks, before giving up entirely.

My wife and I don't often share the same taste in wine. We did however agree on these wines:

Neethlingshof Shiraz (2003)
Neethingshof Cabernet Sauvignon (2003)
Mooiplaas Rosalind
Long Ridge Merlot
Long Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon
Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon

The plan was to buy a bottle or two at the wine shop, just before leaving. I spent 10 minutes in the wine shop, trying to find the above selection and eventually just gave up. You could not move around and the queues to pay were just ludacris! I ended up putting down the wine I had already selected and walking out. Yes, the experience was horrendous! It reminded me of my younger days, partying at Comic Strip or Illusions...

For me, the best two things about this festival:
- The Eye Candy ('twas wonderous!)
- Aloe Pickle spread by Totally Wild

Totally Wild focuses entirely on the development and manufacture of food and beverage products made from aloe Ferox plants which grow wild in the southern and eastern Cape regions, in their natural habitat.

It is truly AMAZING! Look out for this in your supermarkets and give it a try. A great serving suggestion: It would make a chicken breast much more interesting. Or maybe even served with steamed fish? Mmmm... I think I'll give that a go.

In summation: Great concept, too many people. But don't take my word for it - take a trip through to next year's Stellenbosch Wine Festival and experience it for yourself.