Candice Philip is one of South Africa’s most celebrated culinary artists, having been the recipient of “Chef of the Year” at the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards and the winner of “Best New Restaurant” for Cyra at the 2025 Eat Out Awards. These moments were never a given, they are the result of slow, deliberate, and silent hard work with unshakeable resolve. Candice’s story begins in kitchens where the pace was relentless, the standards unforgiving, and the shadows her birthplace of quiet diligence. She was often the only woman in the kitchen and worked under culinary titans who refined her techniques…
Inspired by over 350 years of winemaking tradition and heritage in the Franschhoek Valley, Franschhoek Cellar has become a tried and trusted choice for excellent quality wines that…
Are you looking to cut back on commercial soft drinks with healthier alternatives? Meet the ginger bug: a simple mixture of ginger, sugar, and water that’s alive with wild yeasts and bacteria. This starter, rich with probiotics, is your gateway to healthier, naturally bubbly soda alternatives to commercial drinks, minus the artificial additives and preservatives. Unlike commercial sodas and soft drinks that are often loaded with refined sugars and artificial flavours, these homemade versions are alive with beneficial microbes, naturally boosting your immune system and gut. Plus, they’re fun to make with the whole family and endlessly customisable. It’s alive!…
Salt is one of, if not the most essential, ingredients in your kitchen when you’re cooking. A little too much of it or a little too less can…
Like many other South Africans, I cherish the time spent curled up on my couch with my TV remote in hand. I enjoy a good show, and BBC Lifestyle’s Come Dine With Me SA is on my list of favourites. The beautiful blend of culinary creativity, friendly competition and occasional drama makes for the perfect entertainment and easily keeps me glued to my screen. Now, imagine my joy when I was presented with the opportunity to visit the set of the show! Upon my arrival on set, the team was already hard at work and it was lights, camera, action! I found…
Skip the takeout; this paprika-battered fish and turnip chips is your new go-to for a quick, satisfying weeknight comfort. Fast, flavourful, and easy to whip up, it hits…
FAT bastard Chardonnay, the brands most favoured wine, is teaming up with culinary maestro Ollie Swart to celebrate Chardonnay Day on 22 May 2025. In true FAT bastard live large fashion, Ollie intends to cook up not one, but two indulgent dishes to toast the granddaddy of Chardonnays – with a special guest joining him for one of them! To kick things off for ChardonMAY, Mr. b – the golden hippo and beloved mascot of FAT bastard sent Ollie a mystery box of ingredients and challenged him to see what he could create. The result? A stunning Braised Duck with…
Imagine waking up to a world that’s lacklustre, greyscale, and utterly uninspiring. You’d do anything to liven it up: put on something colourful, crank up some head-bopping-foot-stomping tunes.…
Indulgent and dramatic, this black forest liquorice mousse cake is a bold twist on the classic. Layers of rich chocolate cake are paired with a silky liquorice-infused mousse and tart cherry compote, creating a striking balance of bitter, sweet, and earthy flavours. Finished with a glossy dark glaze and a scattering of chocolate shavings or fresh cherries, this dessert is not for the faint-hearted—perfect for those who love a little mystery with their decadence. ALSO SEE: Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe, styling, and photography by Katelyn Allegra
Nestled in the scenic Franschoek Valley is Terre Paisible: one of the most luxurious medical spas in Africa. More than just a top medical spa and tourist destination,…