Recent Event - decor for 'Chocolate takes the Cake'

What fun to have been part of an event that combined two of my favourite things, coffee & chocolate and to top it off... being able to do the marketing and stand design for the most ambitious 20 year old I know.

After spending some time with Megan Visser, owner of ‘Chocolate takes the Cake’, I got some insight into her style and passion for what she does. Her passion for making good, high quality Belgian chocolate delicacies and baked goods made with fresh farm ingredients comes through in the taste. It was with this insight that we got working on a design concept for her brand and her stand at the Coffee & Chocolate Expo held at Monte Casino.

Megan lives in the country and loves the beauty and tranquillity as well as values the quality of life that it brings. Thus, her non compromising take on using only the best Belgian chocolate and fresh farm ingredients which she sources from the farms in her community.

We really tried to convey this in her stand as it would be her first exposure to potential corporate clients. The expo was a real success on all fronts, her stand was always buzzing and she pretty much sold out, even after having her team bake into all hours of the night to keep up with the demand. She made some good contacts, got great exposure and had fun all the while.

Here are some pics of the expo. There are more on my my facebook page:

She also does custom cakes and baking for parties. Like her facebook page for regular updates or contact her on 0847445219.

Taichipan Restaurant - The Beautiful South Series

I would have never had tried this one if it wasn't for recommendations... and I am sure glad that I did! Take the recommendations of some of my friends too, try Taichipan for yourself.

I had a hankering for sushi and hubby wanted something more along the Thai flavours, so this place was a great suggestion. The name, we realised, tells you exactly the kind of food they serve. Thai-Chinese-Japanese. We went online to see their menu (see the menu here) Not only did the great selection grab our attention, but the prices are brilliant. Good prices for sushi can go so wrong... but not in this case!! 

It was a chilly winter evening and the little restaurant that seats no more than 40 people was rather empty, but from the orders that went past us to the front counter we figured that many people in and around the Glenvista area had opted for takeaways. 
The decor is clean, Asian simplistic with white, green and black colour blocking. Not very cosy for a winter date night... but the food and company made up for it.
Here are some of the pics I snapped with my phone...

If you are brave enough to weather the cold pop in, or wait for a hot summer night, there is place to sit outside in the Glenvista Shopping Centre, 188 Bellairs Drive, or do as most seem to do, call in for a take away. 011 432 6636. 

Market at Arts on Main

Here is another blogpost to add to the many, I'm sure that are written about this trendy spot full of 'foodie' meals, drinks, art and clothing in the arty Maboneng Precinct, Jozi City. Here is a link to a blog with some great pics and the link to their facebook page:
facebook page -MarketOnMain
Maboneng precinct blog

All I will say, if you have not yet added this experience to your life, in the spirit of living a beautiful event filled life... take a trip into town this Sunday for lunch. (try the mushroom paella if you like exotic mushies!) The market is only open on Sundays and once a month on a Thursday night, there is quite a bit to do in the Maboneng Precinct during the week too.

This blog entry doesn't quite qualify for my series on places south of Jozi, but it is only 20 minutes from my home in Bracken, so I decided to slip it in there ;)

Some pics, hoping to capture the vibe... camera shots never do it justice...

This hottie bought me a coffee... so I let him take me home ;)

Aldeia Portuguese Restaurant - The Beautiful South Series

Old wooden box suitcases, country bicycles, wine barrels, chandeliers, country kitchen decor, crystal chandeliers, luxury couches, large candelabra, rose petals and delicious Portuguese food are some of my favourite things. Aldeia Portuguese Restaurant in Brackenhurst has it all.

Yes, I am featuring another Portuguese restaurant and I can assure you that it won’t be the last. The beautiful south is quite well known for its authentic Portuguese restaurants. This one is quite new, so if you haven’t yet had a meal here, here is a great new place for you to try.

The first time I went was with my hubby for a romantic date night, we were totally amazed at how this very unassuming place from the outside, was so beautiful inside. The decor was right up my alley with a very rustic, country chabby chick, romantic feel. Rumour has it that everything in the place can be bought if you really fancy it... shop while you eat! The detail of the decor is what captured my attention, down to the antique brush and mirror on the wash table by the basin. It is a feast for the eyes, not just the tummy.

The food is priced relatively well with the average starter around R45 and the seafood dishes at about R100. We have been there a few times with family and friends since our first visit and have always had a good meal. They service has been known to be quite slow on a busy night.

There is a kiddies room available and is on the one side, so if you do prefer a romantic dinner away from the noise of children ask to be seated closer to the bar and you won’t even know that they are there.

They have a ‘dining room’ that can seat about 10 and can be closed off for a special event. So next time you want to turn a family dinner into a bit of an event, call them to book your table in this room. Otherwise find them at Cnr Vermooten and Atmore, on the upper level in the Brackenvilla Center contact number is 011 025 5812