Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines
* More than 7000 film permits were issued in 2013, demonstrating Cape Town’s popularity as a film destination. New City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee member for Tourism, Events, and Marketing Garreth Bloor says that the film industry contributes R 5 billion to our economy, and created 35000 jobs in the past three years. The fourth season of the American TV series ‘Homeland‘ is being filmed in Cape Town at the moment, while Sean Penn’s ‘The Last Face’ will be filmed in the next few months, starring Charlize Theron and Javier Bardem. In the past year 11500 locations and 12000 shooting sites were booked. Some of the most popular locations for filming are the City’s Darling Street bank building, Artscape Theatre, and the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
* Brent Perremore from Orphanage Cocktail Emporium has won the Diageo Reserve 2014 World Class National Final as best mixologist in South Africa, held at The Marly in Camps Bay yesterday. He will represent South Africa in the International Championships in Scotland. Haroon Haffajee of Harry’s Bar in Durban came second and Marson Strydom of Buena Vista Social Café came third.
* The Bollinger Exceptional Service Award 2014 semi-finalists have been announced: Gareth Ferreira from the Saxon Boutique Hotel; Angie Langlands, Juliet Urquhart, and Tinashe Nyamudoka, all from The Oyster Box; Jennifer Holmes from Singita Sabi Sand; Cashias Gumbo from La Colombe; and Rylan Gentles from Delaire Graff. The semi-finals take place on 18 August. (received via media release from Hazell PR and Wine Consultants)
* Chef Bertus Basson of Overture and Ultimate Braai Master judge is offering personalised hands-on braai demonstrations on 11 August and 6 October for only 10 persons per day at a cost of R600 per person including Hidden Valley wines, using his ceramic Big Green Egg. On 18 August and 22 September he will do demos for 40 guests each, with a 3 course meal paired with wines, at R350 per person. On Braai Day (24 September) Chef Bertus will cook for 80 persons, with music and wines available by the glass, and the price of R420 per person includes a bottle of Hidden Valley wine to take home. (received via media release from Manley Communications)
* OBiKWA is getting into the spirit of the Oyster Festival in Knysna on 12 and 13 July, having organised the OBiKWA Canoe Polo Challenge. Its range of none wines will be available for tasting in the OBiKWA Wine Tent. (received via media release from GC Communications)