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News & reviews: culinary delights, luxury bags and sassy shoes

Explore new culinary flavours, experience a touch of French flair at Glenelly, discover luxury candles based on 3D design, strut your stuff in a pair of elegant Matsidiso shoes, and find out what Louis Vuitton’s latest bag is offering. By MIRANDI NEL

New spots, new tastes

Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery

Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery (above) on Spier Wine Farm has branched out and opened a small café right in Stellenbosch, tempting you to make a habit of indulging in its renowned flaky golden pasteis de nata with a cup of coffee. As the team says, “You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at Vadas!”

Emzi Smit, the owner of E Gallery, and her husband, Fabio, have created this Italian pasticceria in the heart of Stellenbosch. “Here you’ll find a tea room fit for your inner princess,” she says. “If you’re in Stellenbosch, be sure to stop by at E Gallery and for your cake or pastry fix afterwards just walk around the corner to Caffé Casanova.” Offering a high-tea option as well as a wide selection of teas, champagne, pastries, cakes, tramezzini and gelati, it’s well worth a visit.

Whatever your sphere – sport, art or business – a good cup of coffee is essential to get you in the mood to challenge your day. And at Mood Coffee, the team has created blends that, with each sip, will wake you up and fill you with energy. Just one cup of invigorating coffee is sure to get you into the right mood!

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Les Jeunes à Table

The Vine Bistro at Glenelly has a special treat with a touch of French flair. Here’s the deal:

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•  At every service, The Vine Bistro will have one table specially reserved and set for a maximum of four guests, all of whom must be between the ages of 18 and 29.
•  These guests will be welcomed by the service team.
•  The chefs will cook a three-course gourmet meal just for them.
•  Tastings of Glenelly Estate wines that will pair perfectly with the flavours on the plate.
•  And it all costs just R290 per person.

To make a booking, send an email to bistro@glenelly.co.za.

Okra luxury candles 

Okra

Two minds fell in love when Erik and Michelle, the founders of Okra, met. With Erik’s master’s degree in biochemistry and computer-aided design and Michelle’s background in trends and design (she’s also a qualified aromatherapist), the opportunity to craft something truly exceptional was undeniable. And so the idea of creating luxury candles based on 3D design was born. Each hand-poured candle embodies a feeling of sophistication and grandeur, adding an exclusive design element to any home or event. With personally blended aromas that suit many tastes and personal aesthetics, the candles are perfect for a luxurious night in when loadshedding hits.

Fun shoe fashion

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Inspired by the beauty and diversity of African cultures, Matsidiso shoes are handcrafted to the highest standards in a family-run factory, using A-grade, ethically sourced hides. “We’ve been making shoes for 20 years,” says co-founder and designer Jinae. “Originally we focused on dance footwear and in fact we still make dance shoes for South Africa’s ballerinas.” But the range is much bigger now and one of its most popular shoes, the Amara Block Heel, is where comfort meets elegance. “It looks like a heel but fits like a slipper, allowing you to be the boss lady we know you are without any of that high heel drama,” explains Jinae. The Amara Block Heel in Zebra is an eye-opener, the fun must-have for this winter.

Louis Vuitton’s Rendez-Vous Bag

Louis Vuitton’s Rendez-Vous Bag

First seen on the runway in October 2020, the Rendez-Vous Bag has an exterior crafted from premium leather and three separate internal compartments that are protected by a flap and clasp. The interior boasts the luxury fashion house’s signature monogram jacquard print embroidered throughout, while the removable engraved gold chain not only adds a luxury finishing touch, but also makes the bag super easy to wear as a cross-body or over the shoulder or to carry by hand. A gold LV lock inherited from the iconic trunk-maker finishes off the sleek design.