Join John Rendall of Christian-the-lion YouTube fame as he roaringly launches, A Lion Called Christian in the wilds of Constantia. Lion cubs welcome.
Venue: The Conservatory, Cellars-Hohenort, Constantia
Welcome: Leopard’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2011: fresh New World style with tropical fruit aromas balanced by mineral undertones. Well-rounded on the palate, with a lingering aftertaste.
Head Chef Ryan Josten's Menu:
*Local octopus carpaccio – pickled seafood salad, lemon bavoir and Ponzu dressing.
*Slow braised Karoo lamb shoulder – peas a la Francaise, fondant potato, white onion soubise and thyme jus.
* White chocolate & vanilla pannacotta with berry salad, ginger scented spoom with honeycomb.
*Tea/coffee to your account.
Leopard’s Leap Wines
After just five years in the South African market Leopard’s Leap made huge, well, leaps during 2011 and the wines are now exported to more than 40 countries worldwide. There’s a fine and fully fledged tasting room where wine ambassadors introduce eager visitors to its versatile – and affordable – range. Just a grape pip’s throw from Franschhoek Liam Tomlin has introduced, at Leopard’s Leap, the Chef’s Warehouse, come to hands-on cookery classes and chef’s tables, or visit the vast variety of internationally renowned kitchen equipment. Hein Koegelenberg, CEO of Leopard’s Leap Wines: “We believe that the Leopard’s Leap brand deserves to be taken to the next level, following its astounding success over the past five years. We’ve created a place where wine and food lovers can get close to the brand, its identity and its passions.” Do remember that a contribution is made to the Cape Leopard Trust with every purchase.
Drink in more: www.leopards-leap.com
*Leopard’s Leap Chardonnay 2011: unwooded, elegant and medium-bodied with creamy gooseberry aromas, smooth tropical notes and a lingering aftertaste.
*Leopard’s Leap Merlot: 2010: Medium-bodied, New World style with predominant dark fruit flavours of cherries and blackberry, balanced by notes of chocolate and mocha. Rich and round with a cedar wood finish.
Prizes:
*Two copies of A Lion Called Christian by Anthony Bourke and John Rendall (Random House Struik)
*Two R100 Wordsworth Books vouchers
*Bountiful breakfast for four in Cellars-Hohenort exquisite Conservatory Restaurant
*Divine dinner for two in Cellars-Hohenort exquisite Conservatory Restaurant
* Two magnificent magnums of Leopard’s Leap award-winning wine.
*R500 beauty treatment of your choice, for lions or lionesses, with the best in the West – beauty therapist Dorothy, Greenways Hotel, Upper Claremont: 079 570 8738. www.greenways.co.za
To book: R225. Astrid, The Greenhouse: 021 794 2137. Weekdays 08h00 – 16h30.
Credit card details essential, 48-hour cancellation or be billed, no-shows will be billed.
Vegetarians please place orders.
Do note that a gratuity is not included and would be appreciated.
A Lion Called Christian
A Lion Called Christian by Anthony Bourke and John Rendall. (Random House Struik)
“We called him and he stood up and started to walk towards us very slowly. Then, as if he had become convinced it was us, he ran towards us, threw himself on to us, knocked us over, knocked George Adamson over and hugged us, like he used to, with his paws on our shoulders”.
As you know from YouTube this internet phenomenon is the true story of three friends, two young Australians in London and a lion cub bought from Harrods and brought up in their London flat. Christian soon grew from a cuddly cub to King of the Kings Road, drawing crowds – and friends – from his pride of place in a shop window. His preferred diet then was trousers and ankles, carpets and antique furniture. As he grew so did the dilemma of where he could and should live. At the suggestion of Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna , ‘Ace’ Bourke and John decided to fly him over to the expert and loving care of George Adamson in Kenya. Then there was that famed reunion a year or so later. This book will have you, well, roaring with laughter, and wiping away the tears. It is magnificent and moving and gives good insight into the sentience of animals. For more: www.alioncalledchristian.co.uk
The Conservatory, Cellars-Hohenort Hotel
Exquisitely set in the Constantia surround this five-star, fine-dining restaurant is ranged around a 300 year old oak tree (no lions in the lower branches). The celebrated Cellars-Hohenort is part of the fabled Liz McGrath Collection alongside The Marine in Hermanus and The Plettenberg in Plett. Cape Town’s first Relais & Chateaux Grand Chef Peter Tempelhoff heads up the kitchens in the Collection, Ryan Josten wields the wooden spoons in The Conservatory. And for a lad whose culinary start was scrubbing pots in his gap year in the States, his transition to working with hand-dived scallops, and salmon and game in Scotland was seminal. Now he’s come home because, as he says, home is where the true inspiration is. His fusion food, as you’ll see from the menu, is truly inspirational. You probably remember that The Greenhouse at Cellars-Hohenort won Restaurant of The Year – Eat Out DSTV Food Network Restaurant Awards 2011. Feast on more at: www.cellars-hohenort.com
