Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines
* Eskom remains a laugh-a-minute, its CEO Tshediso Matona saying yesterday to a meeting of 100 business and agriculture executives that ‘one unexpected event at any of its power stations can push the country to the total failure of the national electricity system that may take weeks to resolve’. Loadshedding was predicted for late last week, but did not take place. It has now been predicted for next week. Economists predict that Eskom’s ability to prevent loadshedding will influence the country’s economy. A shortage of diesel appears to be affecting electricity supply.
* The City of Cape Town plans to revise its loadshedding schedule, to make it more equitable and fair to all its residents from 1 February. This comes in response to the claim by COSATU Western Cape leader Tony Ehrenreich that the City’s current loadshedding schedule is ‘racist and unfair’, and plans to take the matter to the Human Rights Commission!
* Franschhoek wines Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 2010 and Chamonix Chardonnay Reserve 2012 are the only two South African wines to have made the 2014 Decanter list of Top 50 wines in the world. (received via newsletter from Franschhoek Wine Valley).
* Pittsburgh Restaurant Bar Marco has scrapped tips, and is instead paying its staff a fixed salary with benefits, including shares and paid leave. Owner Robert Fry said: ‘America needs to realize that working in the restaurant industry is an occupation’. Staff has signed the new contracts, and reacted positively to its employer. Salaried staff is a rarity in restaurant around the world.
* Grande Provence is inviting its wine lovers to join the Harvest Festival on 28 February. The day’s activities include a tractor ride, wine tasting, a cellar tour, and grape stomping, followed by a harvest feast prepared by its Executive Chef Darren Badenhorst. Cost is R650 for adults and R350 for children. (received via media release from GC Communications)
Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com Tel (021) 433-2100, Twitter:@WhaleCottage Facebook: click here
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