ON TREND Deco diva Anmari Schnepel off ers advice - SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD - Lowveld-getitonline Epaper
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
LOWVELD
BLUE PRINT
Walkies! A fab foodie
Take the dogs destination
on an outing
ROUGH
DIAMOND
A stunning
hilltop home
ON TREND
Deco diva Anmari Schnepel offers advice
SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
OCTOBER 2017
UFO03440NG
Get it
Editor
CONteNtS
52
Ciska Kay
072-125-0336 / editor@getitlowveld.co.za
OUT & ABOUT
Features writers 2 Do some mountain biking, take a walk or
Mellissa Bushby watch PJ Powers live
084-319-2101 / mellissa@getitlowveld.co.za
Danielle Sheedy REVIEW
082-449-4188 / danielle@getitlowveld.co.za
3 What’s new on the book, music and wine
Photographer
Nicolene Olckers
scenes
072-129-0792
Layout WISH LIST
Sandile Maluleke / Elbé Meyer 4 Your shopping hotlist for October
Advertising sales consultant
Jenni Semmens
082-342-8208 / jenni@getitlowveld.co.za
SOCIAL
Subeditors 6 All the glitz and glam of a starlit event
Jess Steyn / Nakita Fortuin / Nicola du Toit 7 School bids farewell to beloved principal
Distribution 8 Living it up at the polo
Monya Burger 10 A fabulous wine show
083-555-4992 12 All about the iconic wild dog
Get it Lowveld is distributed at selected
13 A love affair brought to life
outlets in the Lowveld
Printers
CTP Printers, Cape Town PEOPLE
021-929-6200 14 Timeless appeal
Anmari Schnepel shares her decor inspiration
Get it head office 18 Hands-on
National group editor
Meet young go-getter Migual Geldenhuys
Kym Argo
kyma@caxton.co.za 20 The music in me
40 Spice Route
National sales manager Jonathan Peyper talks about life in the rocking
Priceless saffron
Shirley Frattaroli lane
083-633-6100
HOME
shirleyf@caxton.co.za FASHION 52 Rough diamond
22 Stitch in time
Stroll through architect Mark Meiring’s
Why sewing is making a comeback
inspiring Mbombela home
24 High step
56 Out of sight
This season’s fab footwear
Make a charging station out of an old box
BEAUTY PETS
28 Summer loving
58 Walkies!
A reader is treated to a hair makeover
Anmari Schnepel. Take the doggies on a great outing
Hair: Hair @ Ilanga,
60 Like the wind
013-742-2382.
Make-up: Zandri
HEALTH Meet Willem Abrahams’ adorable Afghans
Visser of Lizanco, 30 Pulling through
082-570-2004. Transplant patient Isak du Toit’s harrowing
Shot at Weylandts TRAVEL & OUTDOORS
Mbombela. journey to health
62 London calling
Visit lowveld.getitonline.co.za Mireille de Villiers describes her 10-day holiday
FOOD across the pond
34 A new take on contemporary food
66 A break from reality
Blue Print chef Pieter Malan explains molecular The ultimate weekend chill time
gastronomy
@getitlowveld Get it Lowveld 38 Young talent BACK PAGE
Team Nelspruit’s progress in kykNET’s Skole 80 Spoil
Issue 140 Kook competition This month’s fabulous gift
October 2017
Out &About Pencil these events into your October diary right now!
6 The Peter Cruse Golf Day takes place
at Mbombela Golf Club in Mbombela.
Tee off is from around 10am, and the format
14-15 The Ashburton Investments
National MTB Series takes
place in Kaapsehoop. The quaint little town
21 The Bohemian Groove Café in
Kaapsehoop hosts a Volkswagen
Vintage Car Fest. Bring your air-cooled
is beter ball with a scramble drive. There boasts gorgeous mountain-biking trails over VW Bus, Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Fastback,
are great prizes to be won. All proceeds plantations and indigenous forests in the Squareback or Notchback, and enter your car
go to Child Welfare South Africa Nelspruit. De Kaap Valley. Join in for a great weekend to win grand prizes. There will be a German
Enquiries: 013-753-3330. with plenty to do and see. beer garden and Wurst Stube sausages
There is much to discover: new routes available. The event is from 9am to 2pm.
14 The Parlotones performs at
Emnotweni Arena in Mbombela on
its Here, There & Everywhere South African
with hand-built single tracks, water points,
uncongested routes with little overlap,
Bring the family for a day filled with fun in
the sun. Entrance is free. Enquiries: Andrea
an expo area, local and craft beer, food on 076-764-7625 or 013-734-4545.
tour. The band is a real crowd-pleaser and stalls, massages, bike wash and a VIP area.
will have the audience singing along to its Participants have different distances and
ever-popular and much-loved hits. Doors races to choose from.
open at 7pm and the show starts at 7:30pm. Registration and line entries begin from
Tickets cost between R180 and R200 per
person. To purchase tickets, visit www.
6am on Saturday.
To enter, visit www.advendurance.
20-22 The Care for Wild Rhino
Ladies Walk takes place
this weekend. The walk is 54km over
tsogosun.computicket.com/events/the- com/nationalmtbseries/or email info@
parlotones-6458930. three days, starting on Friday with a
advendurance.com.
20km walk from the Care for Wild
Rhino Sanctuary.
A 20km walk from Mankele Resort is
on the cards for Saturday, and the last
14km on Sunday from Mankele.
The aim is to raise funds for orphaned
baby rhinos whose mothers have
been killed by poachers. It costs
PJ Powers R2 700 per person to participate,
including meals, and camping at
performs at Stoep Mankele on both nights.
The idea is to get sponsored by
in Mbombela your friends, family and colleagues
on the 21st of to participate in the walk. Remember
that every step you take is a step
October. Tickets of life for the baby rhinos. For
cost R100 per more info, visit Care for Wild Rhino
Ladies Walk on Facebook, or email
person, and the rhinoladieswalk@gmail.com.
show will begin at
8pm. All proceeds
will go towards
Khulisa Social
21 Swadini, A Forever Resort hosts a
charity drive. Stand united in pink
and show your support for breast cancer
Solutions. For awareness.
There will be live entertainment, a 5km
bookings, contact fun run, kids entertainment, a flea market
and much more. All proceeds will go
013-741-2551. to Hlokomela which assists community
members with breast-cancer treatment.
The event starts at 8am; tickets cost R150
for adults and R70 per child. Enquiries:
015-795-5141.
2 Get It • Lowveld October 2017
Review
DRINK OLIVE BROOK
CLASSIC RED
Blended from Syrah, Cabernet
Sauvignon, pinotage and
Cinsaut.
Tasting note: Dark ruby
red, generous spice, olive,
and bramble-berry aromas,
interspersed with tiers of red
fruit. Polished texture, complex
and concentrated, with an
ideal balance between soft
tannins and a refined acidity,
ending with a lingering, fruit-
laden, enticing
aftertaste.
Recommended
food: Serve with
beef roasts,
poultry, pasta,
al fresco and
cheese dishes.
READ THE WOMAN IN THE WOOD
Serving
temperatures:
BY LESLEY PEARSE
Lesley Pearse always writes big, heart-tugging,
12-14º C
passionate blockbusters... and The Woman in the
Maturation:
Wood certainly doesn’t disappoint. It’s the story of
Unwooded.
15-year-old twins Maisy and Duncan, who’ve always
Keep the wine
had each other. They’ve had to, ever since the night
at optimum
their father committed their mother to an asylum and
storage
sent the pair to live with their cold and rather awful
conditions
grandmother in the New Forest countryside. When
(below 20º C).
Duncan disappears in the woods, and the bodies of
Available at
other young men are found in the area, the police give
TOPS at SPAR.
up hope of finding him, and gran shows little interest.
So it’s up to Maisy to discover the truth. It’s just typical
Lesley Pearse... hugely enjoyable. Penguin.
LISTEN TO BEAUTIFUL
TRAUMA BY P!NK
P!nk is back with her first official single in
five years, “What About Us?”. It’s from her
latest album, Beautiful Trauma, which is
being released on October 13. She hasn’t
been quiet in the meantime though, having
collaborated with producers Stargate on
“Waterfall” and released “Just Like Fire” for
Alice Through the Looking Glass. We look
forward to her latest offering.
Wish List
Gorgeous colour, easy food and zesty gin
The new neutral
Plascon has introduced
a “Neutral of the Year”
into its annual forecast - a
colour that best captures
the essence of the year’s
trends and is really easy for
anyone to use. Amadeus
is an earthy, yellow-tinted
hue with a grounding
energy, which helps to
bring a space together by
sitting comfortably with
a range of other colours.
To see more and become
inspired, visit www.
plasconspaces.co.za.
Sundowner surprise
Handcrafted in Cape Town and made according to an age-old
recipe, ClemenGold Gin is a classic dry gin with subtle hints of
citrus. Small-batch pot distilled and perfected by hand, one finds
hints of sundried peels, cinnamon, ground almond and juniper in
what is, quite frankly, the perfect Lowveld sundowner! Find it at
TOPS at SPAR.
Fabulously floral
We adore this pretty embroidered bag by Queenspark (R550),
perfect for a gorgeous spring day! Part of a stunning summer
range, find it and everything else you need online from Spree.
4 Get It • Lowveld October 2017
Juice it up
Sir Fruit
Fruit, makers
of premium fruit
juice, has taken
its fresh, zesty
offering to the
next level by
introducing its
cold-pressed
range
juice range.
Full of flavour,
nutrients and
guaranteed to
give you a boost
Glow, girl! of goodness,
the range
Lightweight and packed with (comprising three
vitamin E, Wow’s Shimmering new flavours,
Facial Whip is perfect for a radiant including
pop of colour. A multipurpose, granadilla and
on-the-go highlighter, it instantly ginger) sells at
brightens and soothes skin with around R22 for
no greasy after-feel. Use on your a 300ml bottle
cheeks, lips and eyelids or anywhere and is available
you need an instant pick-me-up. everywhere.
Find this product, as well as the rest
of the affordable range at Mopani
Pharmacy in Mbomela and White
River.
The taste of summer leftover cooked gammon cut into
2cm cubes, 4 to 8 wooden skewers
Whip up these mango-and-gammon (depending on length) soaked in water
skewers in no time! for at least 30 minutes.
Serves 4 Method
Preparation time: 15 minutes Mix together the olive oil, Staffords
Cooking time: 10 minutes balsamic vinegar, chilli paste, cranberry
Difficulty: Easy. jelly and ginger paste. Assemble
skewers with alternate cubes of
Ingredients mango and gammon. Brush with
3 tbs olive oil, 1 tbs Staffords balsamic Staffords sauces blend and braai for
vinegar, 5ml Staffords chilli paste, 5ml 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until
Staffords cranberry jelly, 2ml Staffords char lines appear and gammon is
ginger paste, 2 large ripe mangoes heated through. Baste with the glaze
peeled and cut into 2cm cubes, 2 cups as needed.
RI321140NG
Naranda and Christo Leewner with Jean and Anel Nel
Out of Africa
Night of 1000 Stars, in aid of CANSA, was an evening of food, fun and magic! The
Soweto String Quartet provided great entertainment while guests, all dressed to the
nines, mingled under a canopy of fairy lights at Sonpark Boulevard in Mbombela.
Lea-Ann Benade and Jenni Semmens
Erica du Toit and Jann Knobel Barry and Adéle du Plessis
Anton van Tonder and Mariolise le Roux
Julia Burger with Gary and Carey Friend Mark Paterson
The Soweto String Quartet Raquel Lopes
6 Get It • Lowveld October 2017
Annemarie and Jakkie van Heerden Chris and Ezette Mans Emile Peterson and Mia Erasmus (head boy and girl) Irma Green and Corn Booyens (former headmaster) Farewell to an icon It was a poignant evening, when Dr Louis Swanepoel finally said goodbye to the pupils and staff of Hoërskool Nelspruit to tumultuous applause and the highest level of respect. Guest speakers and audience alike paid homage to this Lowveld icon. Wea and Marieta Smith Betsie and Dr Louis Swanepoel Zandra van der Merwe, Rina Booyens and Elsie Viljoen
Cat Nienaber and Greg Rattray
Miss Africa 2017,
Lindi Botha and Joe Mbenyane Marius and Lana Nel Malefa Ketlele
Horsing
around
In what was a first for the Lowveld, a polo
match at the Mpumalanga Show last month
had everybody donning their finest feathers
for the occasion. Accompanied by bubbles,
bites and great live entertainment, the
glamorous event hit all the right notes with
guests.
Lindiwe and Timothy Whati, Brian Ring and Moipone Malumane
Anna-Louise and Roelf Kotze Tebogo Mashiane and Londeka Gcabashe
8 Get It • Lowveld October 2017Malefi Tshabalala, Ameera Akoojee and Noma Mbedu Sellina Malindi, Andrisa Scheepers and Ndzalama Ngwenya Candice Paterson, Leigh-Ann Alberts and Diedre van Reenen
Bongiwe Masilela, Leigh-anne Auerswald, Karen Erasmus and Pippa Botha Liezl Visser and Jacque de Jongh
Cheers to charity!
The fairy lights twinkled brightly, draped over the fever trees in the lovely Emnotweni
garden, as the Lowveld came out in force to support the annual Makro Wine Show in
aid of Pro-Life Pet Rescue. The wine was absolutely delicious and the evening a roaring
success, with a huge turnout.
Nolan and Joanne Hendrikz
Adrianne Zeeman and Toni McLagan Elaine and Hein Liebenberg
Jenny Wilson and Jill Jacobsz Krystyn Carter, Samantha Carter, Andrea Snyman and Tracey Carter
10 Get It • Lowveld October 2017Roger Wansbury and Debra de Klerk Esme and Fanie Kruger with Edwin and Charnelle Botha
Vernon and Betty Farham Rico and Chantelle Botha Pieter Mocke and Mirelle van der Hoven
Jaco and Lindy Botha with Derek Vincent
Duane Cross, Danelle Odendaal, Marilize Enslin, Nicolaas
Engelbrecht, Inali Erasmus, Shawn Cross and Wayne Enslin
Marilize Enslin
and Inali Erasmus Nompumelelo Letsoalo and Nonhlanhla Nkambule Janri and Richard Lemmer
October 2017 Get It • Lowveld 11Anja and Hannes Valentine Grant Beverley
Let’s get wild
Grant Beverley recently entertained and informed the audience on the
desperate plight of South Africa’s wild-dog population, held at Trappers
Trading in Mbombela. An enlightening and educational evening was had
by all, as everyone present became aware of the fascinating behaviour of
these misunderstood and highly endangered animals.
Zuppie and Johan Pretorius
Marlize Meyer and Maralyn Robinson
Tobias Suter and Virginia Honrado
Azelle Douw, Eune Dinkelmann and Mumtaz Amod Christo and Suzette Viljoen
12 Get It • Lowveld October2017Reliving romance
Whimsy, romance and angst were the order of the evening at Stoep in Mbombela
when Korreltjie Kantel came on stage to relive the beautiful poetry and private
letters between Andre P Brink and Ingrid Jonker. Soaring voices and delightful music
made the evening an absolutely enchanting and thought-provoking success. Sandra Louw and Anne Dawson
Michelle Kog and Melodie Bowyer Tanya Nel and Tracey Myburgh Nicola Bosch and Cameron Amos
KM011640NG14 Get It • Lowveld October 2017
TIMELESS
APPEAL
Anmari Schnepel owns a
successful company, decorating
a range of spaces for both
corporate clients and in homes.
We talk to her about trends,
colour and style.
A
nmari never intended to settle down
in Mbombela. En route to work in
Dubai, she came here temporarily to
visit her parents... and never made
it onto the plane. “I fell in love with this place;
with the lifestyle and quality of life,” she beams.
A born interior transformer, Anmari says she
always knew she wanted to work in a creative
field. “My dad is an architect,” she smiles, “an
instinctive ability to design runs in the family.”
After finishing her schooling in Pretoria, she
moved to Cape Town where she completed a
qualification in interior architectural design.
Her career started in retail sector, designing
shops for a range of clients, from jewellery
stores to optometrists. Far from experiencing
it as dull, it sparked an interest and love of
commercial design in Anmari. “To have an idea
and see it transform into reality is extremely
rewarding,” she says.
Then came the move to the Lowveld.
She initially worked with her dad on many
architectural projects but decided to go on
her own about three years ago, starting up
Asch Interiors at Riverside Industrial Park in
Mbombela. Anmari’s commercial background
gives her the edge, as it makes her versatile
and able to cater for a range of clients. “Some
months we’ll be busy with mainly residential
projects like a baby room, a lounge makeover
and a bathroom revamp; in the next, it’ll be a
hair salon, restaurant and corporate reception
area,” Anmari smiles.
She loves the diversity and challenges of retail
design, aiming to come up with solutions that
Text: Ciska Kay
will entice shoppers into a space.
A perfectionist by nature, Anmari appreciates
the precision that comes with good quality
fittings, well-made furniture and straight
lines, although she admits there is beauty and
October 2017 Get It • Lowveld 15character in the imperfections of natural materials like
timber and glass.
One of her greatest challenges initially was finding
reliable suppliers, able to meet deadlines and stick to
promises, but over the past few years, she has built up
solid business relationships with people she trusts.
When decorating, this designer likes to incorporate
what people already have in their homes, reupholstering
and repurposing rather than buying from brand new.
Sometimes all it takes is moving furniture around
or adding a rug, feature lighting or some colourful
Anmari’s cushions.
ability to Anmari believes in accentuating her clients,
tackle a wide personalities, and adheres to their taste and style
variety of spaces gives requirements. “Every person is different,” she says. “I find
her the edge. Examples that the art lies in listening to what they need.”
of her work can be Vibrancy, she says, is of great importance, and each
seen all over the room should at least have one flash of brilliance, a “pop
Lowveld. of colour” as we’re always advised. “Although I’m all for
keeping the background neutral, life is too short not
to take a chance with a statement piece,” she smiles.
Her own couch was recently reupholstered in mustard
yellow and sits handsomly in front of a petrol-blue wall.
Finding what Anmari needs is a process in itself, but a
fair amount of sourcing is done online from both local
and international suppliers, adding to her diversity.
She believes the secret of her success lies in offering a
personalised turnkey service and being hands-on with
every stage of a project. “People want that personal
touch. I also try to create a timeless look and offer clients
something that will outlive the latest trend.”
Get in touch
Contact Anmari on 083-391-5834 or visit the shop at
32 Waterfall Avenue in Riverside Industrial Park
16 Get It • Lowveld October 2017TH007840NG
Hands-on
Migaul Geldenhuys possesses many admirable characteristics: he’s charming, driven but most of
all he shares a strong passion for life and a keen desire for hard work. We chat to him about his life
of adventure and the house he built now that he’s settled down in the Lowveld.
A
lthough not originally from this part of the world,
Migaul spent his last couple of school years living on the
tranquil White River Country Estate and matriculated
at Penryn College. “My oupa and most of my dad’s side
of the family have always lived in the Lowveld, so I was always
familiar with the area. I love the mountains and the outdoors, and
I believe that this is the very best part of the country to explore.
The region offers so much beauty. I made a really great, close-knit
group of friends here, and on weekends we’d all go exploring
together.”
He then moved to Pretoria, and studied a BCom in marketing
through Unisa. Halfway through, he decided to take a break, and
joined the
‘There are always challenges and things trying yacht life
abroad.
“I felt
to hold you back, but you have to persevere consumed by
the day-to-day
and see yourself at the finish line’ routine of normal life.
I wanted to broaden
my horizons, and
travel. It was an eye-opening experience, and completely changed
my perspective.” He spent seven months on the French Riviera,
ticking items like the Formula 1 in Monaco and seeing the Cannes
Film Festival off his bucket list. “It was unbelievable being soaked
up in that lifestyle, especially for a Lowveld boy,” he smiles.
When the season finished up though, he knew it was time
to return to reality and finish his studies. “I came home with a
completely different attitude and decided I needed to make things
happen for myself. My goal at the time was to finish my degree,
and finish strong.” After graduating in 2014, he began working
at a financial institution in Johannesburg, but couldn’t really see
himself in that line of business. That’s when his dad offered him
a position to help establish a building development company,
Geldenhuys Projects, in the Lowveld.
Migaul and his father, Jakkie, began expanding from one
successful development in Mbombela to another. “It was a nice
father-and-son project for us to work on, but it took effort and was
a lot to learn, it being a completely different industry for me. I have
Text: Danielle Sheedy
always thought of myself as a person who thrives in the deep end
though. I like to swim with the big fish.”
The company is a family business in the true sense of the word,
and everyone is involved, including his mom, Hanlie, and younger
brother, Etienne.
Migaul does project managing, alongside his father. Currently
they are making headway with another housing development,
Migaul Geldenhuys
18 Get It • Lowveld October 2017Migaul’s stylish living space in Mbombela Adventuring around the Lowveld
Bikki Wes, in Belladonna in Mbombela, and while
all of this has been going on, Migaul has also
recently finished a house for himself. “I think as a
young person, owning your own home is a dream
everyone would like to fulfil. I am fortunate to be in
this industry, and was able to build my own. It was
incredibly stressful, but what a great challenge.”
He admits that he loves entertaining guests and
his idea was to create a space where his friends
and family could come together, and he wanted it
to be completely original. When he couldn’t find
the furniture he wanted in the stores, he made it
himself. The house is the perfect size. It’s absolutely
gorgeous, and gives off a modern, bold statement.
Migaul follows a healthy lifestyle, and believes
that staying fit is key. He spends a great deal of
time in the gym, and recently completed the
Ironman in KwaZulu-Natal, he also loves to spend
his weekends outdoors.
“I am always trying new stuff, I’m erratic like that. I
constantly have to be on the move and challenging
myself. I’m always up for trying new hobbies, and
sports, and meeting new people wherever I can.
I love to explore the waterfalls in Graskop, or take
the bikes into the mountains, or find bush baths in
Kaapsehoop. I’m even collecting bonsai now, which
is new for me. Eventually I’m going to have a whole
bonsai yard,” he laughs.
Migaul confesses that he is also always looking
for personal development and growth. “I’ve pushed
myself to get everything I wanted. It’s become a
natural habit for me, to put my mind to something,
and then achieve it. There are always challenges
and things trying to hold you back, but at the end
of the day you have to persevere and see yourself
at the finish line. I want to continue to grow the
family business, I think we have a good reputation
in the Lowveld, and I have big shoes to fill.”
Get in touch
mig911@yahoo.com Building his own house was a stressful, but rewarding experience
October 2017 Get It • Lowveld 19the music
Tell us a bit about your background:
school, siblings, parents... that kind of
thing.
musical opportunities there?
Life’s great in Pretoria! It works for me, being
in the centre point of the industry where
I grew up in Mbombela, stayed here from lots of very well-known musicians and artists
1997 to 2009 and then decided to study live. There are many great opportunities for
music at the Campus of Performing Arts in upcoming musicians.
Pretoria. My parents stayed behind and still
live there today. I matriculated at Hoërskool Are you still part of a band or going solo?
Bergvlam in 2008 which is also the festival I have been doing my solo project for almost
grounds for Innibos each year - where I have five years now, but I do play for other bands
also performed a few times. now and then for fun and extra exposure. I
play for Bok van Blerk, SADC (an AC/DC tribute
Do you come from a musical family? What band) and a few acoustic local guys in the area.
did you listen to growing up?
Music and art run quite strong in my family’s Who are your favourite musicians?
genes, but I am the only one who does music Influences?
as a full-time occupation. My dad used to I enjoy almost all forms of music but my
sing in the Drakensberg Boys Choir and my specialty remains blues rock. A few artists I
mom used to play piano in church. I mostly really look up to are Dan Patlansky, Albert
used to listen to my parents’ music as a kid Frost, Richard Pryor, Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark
(like Billy Joel, the Eagles, Dire Straits, Elton Jr, Philip Sayce, Eric Clapton to name
John). Later on, after discovering the electric a few.
guitar, I started listening and playing a lot
of blues and rock such as Guns N’ Roses, What do you do in your spare time?
AC/DC, Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, to I really enjoy going to the gym and
name a few. working out. I also enjoy working with my
hands, so sometimes I will sketch or do
Do you have formal training in music? carpentry work for something around the
I started playing guitar at 13 and had no house. Other than that, if I’m really lazy, I
tuition until I was 20. Most of my experience will watch a movie or play games.
before that came from playing in bands, in
church, with old guys and some friends. Favourite movies? Games? Pastimes?
My favourite movies of all time are
Tell us about your album... Forrest Gump, August Rush, Rocky and
I recorded my debut album in 2014 at Rambo. My favourite cartoon is Dragon
Wolmer Records and it was my foot in the Ball Z and favourite games are racing,
door to the whole blues-rock scene. Inspired combat and flight simulators.
by my feelings, experiences in general and a
past relationship, it was your typical “whisky, How would you describe your
woman and blues” album, with an uplifting music?
and aggressive rock side. The style of our genre has evolved
From a musical point of view it was inspired in the past two years. Where we
by artists such as Dan Patlansky, Albert Frost, started out as a modern blues
Stevie Ray Vaughn and our favourite, Jimi band, we have bent every rule
Text: Ciska Kay
Hendrix. The whole concept of the album of the blues genre and are now
was to give it a “modern Hendrix” feel but still known as a “power blues” or
be significant to us. “rock blues” band. The new
album for 2017 and our latest
How is life in Pretoria? Are you finding song “Quicksand” will definitely
20 Get It • Lowveld October 2017in me Get it caught up with local muso Jonathan
Peyper during his visit to Blue Moon’s annual
WoodCrock Festival last month to find out
what he’s been up to...
explain this question even further.
Who does the music appeal to?
wanted to see Jimi Hendrix in today’s time
or even 20 years ago. Not only would I mind
opening for Bonamassa, but I would also
Our fan base stretches from ages 18 to 65. love to see him live, as well as Philip Sayce.
The modern sound appeals to younger
audiences while the blues that leaks through Plans for the future?
some of the lyrics, solos and rhythms will still Our next step is the second album which
appeal to the traditional blues lovers which is in the mixing-and-mastering process.
will be your older age groups. We have fans When that’s done we want to tour it across
across the country, from English to Afrikaans the country and then start with new
people, and strangely enough we have more merchandise that will complement our
Afrikaans fans even though we’re English. “new movement” in the scene.
Our third album will be a more laid-back
Best gig ever? acoustic country, rock, blues and folk album
This is quite a difficult question, but if I had to which we will then tour the country with.
choose one of our best shows it would be in For the interim we are focused on playing
2016 at Innibos’ after-party at Stoep. at all the festivals and still getting the name
After our show at the Innibos on the main out there with whatever shows we get
stage we headed off to find most of Innibos’ booked for.
VIP section there, plus a number of celebrities
who especially came to see our show up Advice for young musicians?
close. I remember how Martin Bester was Stay true to who you are and believe in
standing next to the stage looking at me as what you do. Always be polite and kind,
if he had seen a ghost! Everybody had such especially when facing your fans, and also
a good time and it really felt good to see the reach out to people in the industry because
VIPs and celebrities cheering and enjoying it’s all about networking and having a good
themselves. attitude.
Be on time for your gigs and make sure
Dream gig? you are well rehearsed, because you are
I would love to share the stage with some of only as good as your last gig! And... don’t
my role models as previously mentioned. I do drugs!
actually dreamt once that I was opening for
Joe Bonamassa and we were on tour with
him. I hope that dream comes true one day!
If you could see any band or
artist live (current or past),
Get in touch
Go like Jonathan Peyper on Facebook
who would it be? to find out more about the band
I would have
October 2017 Get It • Lowveld 21Stitch in time
Surette Braack, owner of Elna in Mbombela, has branched out in the past five years and started
the Lowveld Sewing Academy. We speak to Surette about the craft and her passion for teaching.
O
ne would think that with Surette’s I never actually sewed a single stitch. For my I had to show them my home economics
impressive sewing skills her passion final project for home economics, I took it to marks from matric and that’s how I got in. I
could only have begun as a young my friend’s mom and she sewed it for me. I arrived at the sewing class, and my lecturer
girl, but for her it all happened a little got a distinction, and that was that.” said, ‘Now take out your patterns, and
differently. She attended Hoërskool Nelspruit, Surette was then accepted into the South remember to follow your grain lines’ . I had
and during those times home economics African Army Women’s College in George, absolutely no idea what she was talking
was still very much an important subject at and while there she overheard another about. My lecturer realised I had no idea what
school. soldier talking about her plans to take a I was doing, and took it upon herself to tutor
She took cooking and sewing classes, food-and-textile course at Pretoria Technikon me after hours so that I could learn to sew.
although she showed little interest in the the following year. Surette loved the sound I remember sitting and crying through the
latter. “I thought sewing was uncool, and just of that and decided it was something she’d first and second term, because it was such
not for me,” Surette laughs, “I used to cart my like to do. a struggle. I had so much to catch up on,
mom’s old Elna to class and pretend to work. “When I had the interview for the course, including the last three years of school.
Maryna Brits, Surette Braack and Thelma Mlombo
22 Get It • Lowveld October 2017“I persevered and worked hard though, progress and achieving their goals. I want
and by my third year, I was succeeding. I them to enjoy it as much as I do, I want to
ended up doing really well in my sewing uplift them. It’s a wonderful feeling when
and even won awards. It was absolutely you see them wearing something they
wonderful, and such a satisfactory feeling, have made, or when they walk out of here
and that’s where my passion for sewing with a dress they’ve created and people ask
started.” them where they have bought it. That’s the
She began working with a high-end ultimate compliment,” she tells us, beaming.
fashion store, altering garments for their Many think that sewing is outdated and
clients, and says she gained a wealth of old-fashioned, but Surette begs to differ.
knowledge and experience while doing “Sewing is alive, and well. Our goal is to lay
this. In 2003 Surette and her husband a foundation for students to know how to
bought Elna in Mbombela, a franchise that sew.
sells sewing machines and related sewing “You can really help yourself by knowing
equipment. Clients began asking about how to do so, and even earn an income Robin Rowe
lessons and training on the machines, but off it if you need to. I save so much money
the timing was not right for her to begin by being able to sew; I put up my own
the academy just yet, she knew that it was
a dream she would one day want to pursue
hemlines, make drapes, covers for my
couches, duvet covers and quilts for my DRESS OF DREAMS
though. children.
“I eventually started the Lowveld Sewing “It is a bit more time-consuming, but it is Robin Rowe, a student at Lowveld Sewing
Academy about five years ago. We facilitate so empowering to be able to do it yourself. Academy, began sewing lessons five years
a full curriculum which is Seta (Sector There is such a sense of achievement that ago with a very special dream in mind.
Education and Training Authority) aligned. I you feel when you can walk in to a room She wanted to make her own matric dance
love empowering women by teaching them and say, ‘I made that myself’.” Surette dress. Robin held this secret close to her heart
how to sew.” mentions that when purchasing a sewing for years and told no one, until last November.
One of the most convenient aspects of machine from Elna, two lessons are given “When I was five, my mom bought me a doll
the Lowveld Sewing Academy, Surette to the client on how to operate it, as part of you could dress up with fabric using a clamp,
emphasises, is the flexibility it offers the price. and that’s how my love of sewing came
Her students receive a about. In grade seven I saw this gorgeous
‘I want to uplift them. It’s a wonderful discount on machine purchases matric dance dress on the Internet, I decided
and they are accommodated I wanted to take up sewing lessons and make
feeling when you see them wearing in paying it off over a period of
time. Other accessories are also
my own. I enrolled at the academy in grade
eight. Last year I told Surette and my mom
something they have made’ sold, and they do alterations
too.
what I wanted to do, and they both supported
me 100%.”
Surette also facilitates lessons Robin began making the dress at the start of
students. “No one is obligated to finish the to those who already know how to sew, January, Surette facilitated all of her lessons.
full curriculum; they don’t sign a contract but want to learn how to do something in She finished it a mere 10 days before the
when they begin, we want them to enjoy particular. dance. The dress is a combination of navy and
sewing. We work around each student’s Moving forward she feels now that cream, and is absolutely stunning.
schedule, and give individual lessons. the Lowveld Sewing Academy is up and She fully lined it together with a royal satin
We make sure each one gets the special running, she would like to establish a one- interlining, but turned the satin inside out to
attention they deserve, and it’s only an hour stop sewing shop. reduce the sheen of the fabric. She finished
a week. You only pay for the classes you Many of the aspects are already in place it with three layers of soft bridal netting and
attend.” for it, but she feels that ultimately a client detailed the top of the halter-neck dress
Currently they have 35 students enrolled, should be able to walk into Elna, and with Chantilly lace handsewn on with floral
and two full-time employees. Thelma receive everything they could possibly embroidery. The detail on the back of the
Mlombo, is an instructor in KaNyamazane, need from sewing, without having to go dress is just as exquisite: cover buttons and
where she heads up a branch of the anywhere else. This will include machines, rouleau loops.
Lowveld Sewing Academy which facilitates accessories, lessons and training, repairs, Robin laughs, “People didn’t actually believe
Text: Danielle Sheedy
the same sewing curriculum. It works out and having other guest facilitators come in I made it myself. It was exactly what I had
perfectly as many of her students are not to teach special classes. envisioned, a dream come true.
able to commute to Mbombela for lessons. “The dance was absolutely wonderful, and
Maryna Brits is assistant instructor to
Surette and takes over from her whenever
Get in touch when I walked in, I made sure that I owned
013-752-3425 that moment. I was so comfortable in my
she has other matters to attend to. Facebook: Lowveld Sewing Academy or dress and felt such pride knowing that I had
“I love to see my students making Sewing Machine Mobile Repair actually made it all on my own.”
October 2017 Get It • Lowveld 23Styled and photographed by Nicolene Olckers
1. Melissa B sneakers, R1 195, Jola
2. Silver trainers, R329, H&M
3. Beige slip-on trainers, R329, H&M
4. Gold backless loafers, R329, H&M
1 2
HiGH
SteP
3
Take your shoe fetish to the next level
and revolutionise your flashy footwear
with high-gloss style this summer.
4
24 Get It • Lowveld October 20175
6
7
5. Silver patented platform shoes,
R449, H&M
6. Peace Melissa wedge platform
8 sandals, R1 430, Jola
7. Gold trainers, R379, H&M
8. Melissa B sneakers, R1 195, Jola
October 2017 Get It • Lowveld 2510
9. Pink suede loafers, R229, H&M
10. Gold peep-toe loafers, R379,
H&M
11. Two-part leather shoes,
R1 795, Jola
12. Silver trainers, R329, H&M
11
9
12
Stockists: Jola, 082-556-1951; H&M, 064-758-2420
26 Get It • Lowveld October 2017November 2016 Get It • Lowveld 27
Summer lov
It’s almost summer and that means it’s time to pay your tresses some
attention. Find inspiration from one reader’s hair makeover experience...
M
eet our lucky winner, Natasha de Jager. Step 4
As a mother of two small boys, and a full- Chani applies Moroccanoil to detangle and
time employee, she has found it difficult moisturise the hair. She then adds a Moroccanoil
to put herself and her beauty needs first. root boost, to give the hair volume for when she
She was absolutely delighted to be chosen for a blow waves it. She trims Natasha’s split ends to
total hair revamp. get the hair looking healthy and shiny again.
“I always put my family above myself, and I don’t Chani explains that it is important to trim your
get much time to spend on my hair. I mainly just hair every three months, as split ends restrain
keep it tied up. When I saw the opportunity to enter growth, and will continue to split leaving your
this competition, I thought, why not take a chance hair looking dull, lifeless and brittle. She adds
and give it a shot. I was shocked when I found out long layers to the hair to give it momentum, and
that I was the winner. I felt so lucky, I might have to fullness.
play the Lotto too,” she smiles.
Step 5
Chani du Plessis, hair stylist at Hair @ I’langa She completes Natasha’s new hairstyle with
in Mbombela, gives us the basics about what is a blow wave, and the result is breathtaking.
needed to be done. “Natasha’s natural hair colour Natasha looks absolutely beautiful, and her new
is a dark brown. She wanted to keep her hair as hairstyle gives life to her entire appearance.
natural as possible, and on a level that is easy
to maintain, especially during summer. She has We ask her how she feels, as she admires her
highlights that have an orange, reddish tint to new style in the mirror. “I feel much better, like
them, which look washed out and her regrowth is a new person. My hair feels so much lighter.
pretty bad. Our goal is to get her hair looking and My hubby is picking me up today, and he’ll
feeling healthier,” she says. probably just drive straight past me and not even
recognise me,” she laughs.
The process
Step 1 Summer tips from Hair @ I’langa
Chani mixes the colour, which is a dark brown with • A great go-to style for summer is gorgeous
a plum undertone that will reflect beautifully in the beach waves. It’s an easy, effortless style to
summer sun. She applies it generously to Natasha’s achieve for anyone. We recommend using
hair, and leaves it on for 25 minutes to make sure Moroccanoil Beach Wave Mousse or KMS Hair
that it colours the entire head. Play Sea Salt Spray. It’ll encourage your hair to
Step 2
She rinses the hair, and then washes it with
Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo, also known as
a deep-cleanse detox shampoo which helps to
remove stubborn buildup from the hair, cleaning it
as thoroughly as possible.
Text: Danielle Sheedy
Step 3
She then does a rejuvenation treatment with a
Bio-Kinetics product, which helps to stimulate and
bring blood circulation to the scalp. The treatment
cools the head completely, and Natasha enjoys a
head-and-neck massage while the treatment works
its magic.
28 Get It • Lowveld October 2017ving
give in to its natural kinks, and
add movement, body and staying
power to your locks.
• During a hot summer in the
Lowveld, we tend to spend a lot
of time languishing in the pool. Before
Although a favourite for us, the
chlorine can be detrimental to our
locks, and even have them turning
slightly green. We recommend a Moroccanoil
Clarifying Shampoo to deep cleanse your hair
and a Schwarzkopf Professional Moisture
Kick to protect it from having the chlorine
dry it out.
• To protect coloured hair from the sun, we
recommend a product such as Paul Mitchell
Ultimate Colour Repair which also has a UV
protection in it.
• To maintain blonde hair and keep it from
going yellow during the summer months, we
recommend getting your hands on a good
silver shampoo. Our pick is the Biosense
Professional Color Seal Silver.
Get in touch
Hair @ I’langa on 013-742-2382
Products
KMS Hair Play Sea Salt Spray, R260,
Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo, R345,
Moroccanoil Beach Wave Mousse, R420,
Schwarzkopf Professional Moisture Kick,
R299, Paul Mitchell Ultimate Colour
After
Repair, R300, Biosense Color Seal Silver
Shampoo, R150.
October 2017 Get It • Lowveld 29Second chance
Nobody expects to have a heart transplant (and be diagnosed with cancer) in one’s early 20s, but
for a healthy and carefree Isak du Toit from Mbombela, this became a reality after contracting a flu
virus a couple of years ago. We speak to him about the irrevocable changes in his life and how he
copes with a new reality.
I
n 2014 Isak lost an eye in a work-related
accident. This has nothing to do with his
eventual cardiac problems, but when he
got flu in March the following year, he
was reluctant to take more time off from work.
Dragging himself along despite feeling dreadful
and downing energy drinks to keep going, he was
a walking time bomb.
Inside his chest, decimated and under pressure,
his heart had enlarged to the size of a soccer ball
and was functioning at only 7%. At 21 years old,
Isak was at death’s door, albeit blissfully unaware
of what was coming - all he knew was that he
battled to breathe while walking up a flight of
stairs.
Enjoying the sunshine on a deck overlooking
the Lowveld, Isak and his mom, Chrisna Combrink,
take turns telling the story. His minute frame is
bundled up warmly against a chilly breeze, as
whatever body fat he had, disappeared a long
time ago. The experience, they say, brought them
closer together, although they wouldn’t wish it on
anyone. “If it weren't for his positivity and sense of
humour, he wouldn’t have survived,” says Chrisna.
It’s been a turbulent time. After diagnosis, Isak
spent two weeks in Mbombela’s Mediclinic, before
being transferred to the specialist cardiac unit at
Netcare Milpark in Johannesburg.
The plan was to hook him up to an external heart
for 10 days which, in theory, would give his own
heart a chance to recover and improve his cardiac
performance. Things didn’t go exactly as planned.
“I had every conceivable complication,” he smiles.
“At one stage I had 14 doctors looking after me,
every one of them specialising in something
else.” Among other things, his diminished
blood circulation starved his bowels of oxygen,
eventually leading to perforation, and removal -
and many blood transfusions. It was three months
before Isak saw the light of day again.
Text: Ciska Kay
At the time of being discharged, his heart’s
performance was up to 45%. Although his workup
for a transplant had been done, he was off the
emergency transplant list. Something bugged
Chrisna, though. “He was pale and thin and I knew
30 Get It • Lowveld October 2017something wasn’t right.” After four months months after the fact, and after a bout of food, is planned in advance,” says Chrisna.
at home, Isak’s dad took him through for bronchitis, Isak was diagnosed with Stage 4 “Thankfully he’s a perfectionist.”
a check-up. By 1:30pm Chrisna received a lymphatic cancer. It is almost certainly as a She says she’s cried many tears, but doesn’t
call: they had found Isak a heart and the result of one of the drugs, Prograf, which puts ask questions. Instead, they focus on dealing
transplant would be done later that day. users at an increased risk of getting some with issues as they arise. “I’m convinced that
“It was chaos,” she smiles. She phoned her kinds of cancer. a less positive person, or a quiet, introverted
other son, Isak’s younger brother, Francois, For anyone else, this would prove one, would not have made it,” she says about
and said “let’s go”. They grabbed the devastating, but after the initial shock, Isak her son. “His sense of humour played a big
"transplant bag" (at the ready for months) takes it in his stride. “Cancer is nothing,” he part in pulling him through.”
sorted the dogs out and hit the road. They jokes. Now up to his third round of chemo, And although Isak mentions his "old" life,
made it in record he smiles about like riding motorcycles and jolling with
time, with every
traffic light and ‘One has to erase the picture you being by far the
youngest patient
friends, he’s appreciative of life itself and
of his support system. “Being ill makes you
tollgate going at the treatment dependent on people, but I know that it
their way, Chrisna had of yourself, and start centre. He admits won’t always be like this. We’re working
recalls. In little it’s been a roller towards remission.”
more than five drawing a new one‘ coaster ride and
hours after the
call, they walked
understands he
needs to take
Do your bit
In acknowledgement of the many
into Milpark. The operation was performed it easy in the foreseeable future. He has also pints of blood Isak has received, and to
at 2am the following day, Isak was wheeled accepted that life as he knew it, is over. highlight the importance of donating,
out of theatre, his new heart donated by an “One has to erase the picture you had of he has started a campaign to create
18-year-old. It started working immediately yourself, and start drawing a new one,” he awareness. On October 28, between 8am
with absolutely no complications. says. “One has to get up and carry on.” and 1pm, members of the public are
Unfortunately the story doesn’t end there. The restrictions to his diet and lifestyle have encouraged to donate blood at KTM in
Transplant recipients are dependent on a been significant, ranging from having to Riverside Park, Mbombela. To see more,
cocktail of daily anti-rejection drugs, some be obsessive about hygiene to adhering to join the Bleed for Isak event on Facebook.
of them with nasty side effects. Almost six his drug regimen. “Everything, including his
KI015240NHGet it PROMOTION
Understanding
mental disorders
The Akeso Group has a national footprint of psychiatric hospitals. The newest
hospital, based in Mbombela, is a 75-bed specialist psychiatric hospital offering
comprehensive treatment for a range of illnesses including anxiety, depression,
post-traumatic stress disorder and dual diagnosis disorders.
WHO's definition of health as contained in conditions which affect one’s mood, thinking at once to make an individual vulnerable.
its constitution states that it "is a state of and behaviour and interrupt functioning Someone with a biological predisposition
complete physical, mental and social well- such that an individual can no longer but favourable circumstances may never
being and not merely the absence of disease productively cope with the normal stresses show symptoms of a disorder, yet another
or infirmity". Health is further defined by of life, love, play, or work, and make a individual, without a genetic predisposition
WHO as “a state of well-being in which every contribution to the community. but under severe and prolonged stress,
individual realises his or her own potential, may. It is very important to emphasise that
can cope with the normal stresses of life,
can work productively and fruitfully, and
What causes a mental mental disorders are not reflections of a
disorder?
weak character and cannot be treated with
is able to make a contribution to his or her a change of attitude or by will alone.
community". We like to add that it is also There is no single cause of a mental Much of the stigma around mental
important to be able to play, and enjoy disorder. They are complex phenomena disorders arises from the belief that people
leisure and recreational activities that bring that arise due to a unique combination of can “pull themselves together” to recover
fun and joy into life. genetic, biochemical, psychological and from a mental disorder. This is a judgment
Mental disorder refers to a wide range of environmental factors that come together and not based on any scientific fact. Itmerely adds an extra layer of isolation and (bipolar disorder, ADHD and OCD), Stein and and either a psychologist or another type
pain to an already suffering individual. Seedat have said the prevalence of mental of therapist who can help the individual to
disorders is probably higher in SA than 1/3 gain insight, build skills and make life and
What are the most of the population. relationship changes to mitigate the effects
of the illness.
common mental What can a person do to
disorders? prevent or minimise the Can mental disorders be
In SA, the most common disorders are
major depression, a variety of anxiety onset of mental disorders successfully treated?
Despite the fact that mental disorders are
disorders, disorders associated with
impulse control, and alcohol and drug and relapses? chronic in nature cannot be cured, they can
be successfully treated in that the symptoms
use, says Prof Soraya Seedat, professor Knowledge, awareness and self-care are
all imperative. Knowledge refers to family can be controlled to such an extent that a
of psychiatry at the University of state of mental health can be resumed.
Stellenbosch (US). history and predisposing factors; awareness
refers to changes in functioning, mood, The most important factor in maintaining
energy, feelings and thought patterns; and health is sticking to the treatment
The prevalence and self-care refers to the ability to change programme as agreed between the patient
and his or her practitioners. One of the
demographics of mental circumstances where there is excessive
stress, understand limits, set boundaries and greatest mistakes people make is to feel
disorders in SA exercise self-compassion. better, and then stop the medication and
give up the lifestyle changes that enabled
More than 17 million people in South
Africa are dealing with anxiety disorders Where do I seek treatment, the shift to health in the first place. One must
always remember that mental disorders
(such as agoraphobia, panic disorder and
post-traumatic stress disorder), mood and what kind(s) of are chronic, and vigilance to the complete
treatment programme must be maintained
disorders, and alcohol and drug use. This
accounts for 1/3 of South Africans. These
treatment is recommended/ over time.
statistics are based on the SA Stress and
Health study conducted in 2003/4 and
most applicable? For more information or assistance, call
0861-435-787 or email info@akeso.co.za. You
In general, once a mental disorder emerges,
ratified in 2014 by professors Dan Stein the best route is both through medical can also contact Akeso Nelspruit directly on
and Soraya Seedat in the departments intervention and therapy/counselling. This 087-098-0460.
of psychiatry at University of Cape Town requires the intervention of a psychiatrist (a
and US respectively. Given that these medically trained doctor who specialises in
figures exclude children and adolescents, the treatment of mental disorders through
as well as a number of other key disorders psychotropic medicines or other means)
0861-435-787 or info@akeso.co.zaA new take
on contemporary food
Do you fancy the sound of onion ash, beetroot foam, candied bacon and cheddar cheese custard?
If so, Blue Print restaurant at Bagdad Centre in White River may be just the place for you.
P
ieter Malan, chef and molecular
gastronomy aficionado, started Blue
Print seven months ago and hasn’t
looked back since, although it hasn’t
always been plain sailing. “It’s going well,” he
smiles, “but we have had our ups and downs,
just as in any new business. The Lowveld has
such a diverse array of people, you have to
find a balance and cater for everyone.”
Blue Print’s story is an interesting one. The
owner of Meraki, the restaurant previously in
Blue Print’s spot, decided to sell and offered
Pieter the option of buying. He lacked the
necessary funds and happened to mention
it to Melissa Skinner, who had designed both
Pieter and his wife’s wedding rings.
She decided to put the money up herself,
“because the Lowveld needs more chefs like
you!” Pieter is very thankful for this. “We all
need that, a solid support structure. Without
it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Molecular gastronomy (where physics and
chemistry is used to transform the tastes
and textures of food) is still relatively new
to us here, but this is Pieter’s passion and he
intends to make it a regular thing. His other
passion is for smoking, and this is where the
balance comes in. “Many people think that
smoking and braaiing are the same thing,
but I can tell you, they are not at all.”
A member of PitMasters South Africa, Pieter
has built his own dinosaur just to the side of
his wine garden, and it works like a dream.
“Home-made dinosaurs are always best,” he
laughs. “You can buy these very fancy and
expensive set-ups, but they don’t compare.”
Text: Mellissa Bushby
Built out of two old geysers and a chimney
pipe, the dinosaur sits there quite calmly,
every now and then releasing a whiff of
aromatic smoke - a hint of things to come.
Pieter uses an equal mixture of chicory and
yellowwood in the dinosaur and smokes
Vibrant and pretty, a prawn languishes on a splash of colour anything and everything. “Fish, chicken, beef,
34 Get It • Lowveld October 2017Blue print has an avant garde, modern feel, that combines
classic comfort with cutting edge design
pork, we smoke alles in there!” he laughs no respect for food, but I disagree with
as he sips his deliciously dark burnt- that. You have to have a high respect for
caramel-coloured drink, a delightful food because you are breaking it down
concoction of honey on ice, topped with into its base parts and investigating each
steaming espresso, “to get me going in part as an entity on its own. I love the
the morning”. “I hope that within two idea of merging science and food. You
years my menu consists predominantly have to have a passion for food and the
of molecular gastronomy fare, at least ingredients you use,” he muses. And as
80%, which will be the fine-dining much as possible of the produce used in
portion, while the wine garden will be the kitchen is locally grown and sourced,
the casual section. and the fresher the produce the better.
“You can top your ciabatta with pulled Everything is made from scratch, and
pork, go over to the salads and help Pieter stresses the important notion that
yourself to coleslaw, grab a glass of ice- exceptional quality takes time.
cold wine and go sit under an umbrella Blue Print has evolved into a small,
in the wine garden, whiling away super-efficient team, which works like a
the hours in a relaxing and beautiful well-oiled machine. Built up over time,
environment.” they are well on track to greatness.
Pieter’s love of molecular gastronomy His current sous-chef is no stranger to
is born from his passion for food. “Many molecular gastronomy, having worked in Pieter Malan
people think that a molecular chef has a similar environment.
October 2017 Get It • Lowveld 35You can also read
