Home
Services
Clients
Blog
Contact Us?

Browsing Tag

Coq Au Vin

Recipes
Recipe: Simple Coq Au Vin (Chicken & Wine)

On swing of the weather chilly days, this dish is certain to impress, with not too much effort.…

About Me

An analogue guy living in a digital world. With a love for foraging for good food, quaffing the best local wines. Often found procrastinating online or wandering a small town. Follow along in my pursuit of pleasure.

HOSPITALITY HEDONIST INSTAGRAM

This isn’t from this week’s full moon. It’s an ol

This isn’t from this week’s full moon. It’s an older photograph from Stillbaai, but seeing the moon rise again this week took me straight back here. Funny how the moon can stay exactly the same, while everything beneath it quietly changes. Different winters. Different conversations. Different people finding their own paths. Stillbaai will always feel like home in one way or another. A place where friendships were strengthened, memories were made, and where, every now and then, a familiar moon reminds you just how far you’ve travelled, even if the journey wasn’t the one you expected. Some places never really leave you. @vladislavspace

Hermanus surprised me in the best possible way. A

Hermanus surprised me in the best possible way. An afternoon wandering between Gallop Hill Gallery, Walker Bay Modern Art Gallery and Lembu Gallery, along with a handful of smaller independent spaces, revealed a town that has quietly become one of South Africa’s most rewarding destinations for contemporary art. What stayed with me wasn’t only the calibre of the artists, but the galleries themselves. Beautifully curated spaces that invite you to slow down, immerse yourself in the work and experience art as something far more sensory than simply shopping. One work that particularly caught my attention was by JC Bolke, whose combination of acrylic paint and embroidered cotton thread creates a level of texture and craftsmanship that’s only fully appreciated when you’re standing in front of it. Between discovering exciting new artists and reconnecting with names closer to home, Hermanus reminded me that some of the most memorable travel experiences begin when you wander without a plan. #Hermanus #HermanusArt #ArtSouthAfrica #ContemporaryArt #GalleryHopping DiscoverOverberg WesternCape SouthAfricanArtists ArtCollector HospitalityHedonist

A bowl of lemons. A quiet morning. A reminder that

A bowl of lemons.
A quiet morning.
A reminder that not every photo needs a grand story. What’s the last small moment that made you stop and look twice? #life #lemons #italy #amalfi

Funny how winter has you reminiscing about summer

Funny how winter has you reminiscing about summer lunches. One afternoon at Ouzeri, we did the only sensible thing. We ordered one of everything… and two of the dishes we couldn’t stop talking about. Green tomatoes from Meuse Farm with Foxenburg feta, dill and hibiscus vinegar. Tuna that needed little more than sea salt, Madagascan black pepper and exceptional olive oil. Smoked cabbage and celeriac transformed with burnt butter, pistachios and pecorino. There was no chasing trends or unnecessary embellishment. Just beautiful ingredients, treated with restraint and shared around the table. The bread became indispensable, making sure not a drop of burnt butter vinaigrette or olive oil was left behind. It’s the middle of winter now, but this is the kind of meal that still tastes like summer.

Some wineries impress with scale. Others with sinc

Some wineries impress with scale. Others with sincerity. Hasher is firmly in the latter. This family-owned estate in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley celebrates thoughtful winemaking, a deep connection to nature and hospitality that feels genuinely personal. The tasting room is intimate and inviting, encouraging conversation over each pour, while the outdoor terrace opens onto tranquil views across the dam and surrounding landscape. What truly elevates the experience, though, is the people. A special mention to the tasting room manager, whose warmth, knowledge and storytelling transformed a tasting into something far more memorable. It’s these authentic, family-run estates that often leave the greatest impression. Discover more from my Hemel-en-Aarde weekend soon at hospitalityhedonist.co.za.

More than just a place to stay, Moya’s Vineyard be

More than just a place to stay, Moya’s Vineyard became my base for exploring one of South Africa’s most exciting wine regions. Between tastings in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, mornings spent wandering Hermanus’ gallery-lined streets, and coffee stops at local favourites, returning to the quiet of the vineyard each evening was the perfect reset. If you’re planning a weekend in Hermanus, don’t just book accommodation. Find somewhere that encourages you to experience the destination at its own pace. I’ll be sharing my complete guide to Moya’s Vineyard, the surrounding wine estates, Hermanus’ contemporary art scene, and where to find some of the best coffee and bakeries in town soon at hospitalityhedonist.co.za.

One of the galleries I always find myself popping

One of the galleries I always find myself popping into while wandering the streets of Stellenbosch is GUS. It has become one of my favourite spaces to visit, not only for its thoughtful exhibitions but for the way it consistently champions emerging voices and experimental practices. Currently on view is Common Ground, a student and alumni takeover that celebrates process over perfection. Bringing together printmaking, painting, drawing, journals, prototypes and unfinished works, the exhibition invites visitors into the often unseen stages of artistic making. Rather than presenting only polished outcomes, it offers a glimpse into experimentation, collaboration and the evolution of ideas across different media. The installation of layered botanical prints is particularly captivating, transforming the gallery wall into a living archive of observation and mark-making. It’s a reminder that some of the most compelling works are those that embrace process as much as the finished piece. If you’re strolling through Stellenbosch, GUS is always worth a visit. It’s one of those galleries I love to pop into whenever I’m in town, and Common Ground is another thoughtful exhibition that rewards slowing down and looking closely.

I’ve known Chef Bjorn since his early Franschhoek

I’ve known Chef Bjorn since his early Franschhoek kitchens, and watching this evolution into Precious Hidden Valley feels less like a move and more like a culmination. There’s a quiet confidence here. Afro-fusion that doesn’t over-explain itself, but instead pays respect to the Mosthepe family through flavour, texture and restraint. Inside, the space leans warm and grounded. Woven ceilings, earth-toned banquettes, dried botanicals suspended like a pantry in motion. It feels considered, but never staged. The kind of room that softens conversation. Then it opens. Vineyards roll out in clean lines, mountains sitting low and steady in the distance. Lunch shifts outdoors almost without you noticing, sunlight cutting across timber tables and linen. And the food follows that same rhythm. Refined, yes, but not precious. Plates that hold back just enough. This isn’t fine dining trying to impress. It’s a kitchen that knows exactly what it is. #FineDiningSA #ChefDriven #RestaurantDesign #WinelandsDining #VisitStellenbosch

Mos is one of those words that only really makes s

Mos is one of those words that only really makes sense once you’ve stood in a cellar during harvest. It’s the sweet, cloudy grape juice before it becomes wine. Sticky hands, humming tanks, the smell of fermentation starting to lift into the air. It signals that everything is in motion again. Every year, when the mosbolletjie delivery arrives from @lamottewine it feels like the unofficial starting bell. Warm spice, soft sweetness, and that unmistakable link to the vineyards at their busiest. For many of us in the industry, it’s less about nostalgia and more about rhythm. You know long days lie ahead, fruit coming in, decisions being made vintage by vintage. Harvest isn’t just a season on the calendar. It’s a feeling that moves through the farms, the cellars, and even the kitchen tables where mosbolletjies are shared. Here’s to mos, to the chaos and craft of harvest, and to the small traditions that remind us why this time of year still feels like home. #Harvest #Mosbolletjies #SAWine #WineIndustry #StellenboschHarvest

Wine tasting at Flagstone Wines in Paardevlei. Th

Not all olive oil is created equal. From peppery

Not all olive oil is created equal. From peppery Coratina to soft, everyday drizzles, South African olive oil offers far more range than most of us give it credit for. This selection covers the full spectrum, oils I cook with, finish with, and keep coming back to. Bold, award-winning bottles like De Rustica and Mardouw sit alongside balanced estate blends from La Motte, Babylonstoren and Oldenburg. Morgenster’s beautifully refreshed bottles remind us that heritage and evolution can sit comfortably side by side. Woolworths’ Delicate has its place too, and for everyday cooking, bulk buys from small producers still make sense if stored properly. And yes, Spier Olive Tapenade isn’t olive oil, but it never lasts long enough to matter. A full breakdown of EVOO in South Africa, flavour profiles and how to use them is now live on my website.

I had dinner at Bloom shortly after it opened, and

I had dinner at Bloom shortly after it opened, and it already feels comfortably settled into Erinvale rather than trying too hard to announce itself. The room is intimate without being precious, and the design quietly nods to the gardens outside. Dinner leaned confidently South African, with thoughtful, seasonal touches that felt considered rather than showy. Portions were well judged, flavours clear, and the pacing unhurried, ideal for easing into an evening. Afterward, we drifted into the lounge for a nightcap, which made the whole experience feel nicely rounded rather than rushed. Bloom strikes me as the kind of place you’d return to for an unforced, well made dinner, then linger a little longer with a glass in hand. A welcome addition to the estate. #FineDiningSA #CapeWinelands #RestaurantReview #EatOutSA #WineAndDine #BloomErinvale #ErinvaleEstate #SomersetWestEats #WinelandsDining #DinnerThenDrinks

Follow on Instagram

Pin on Pinterest

Search Our SIte

Subscribe & Follow

Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Thumblr LinkedIn

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, QUERIES OR WISH TO REQUEST PERMISSION TO USE ANY PART OF THIS WEBSITE, INCLUDING, LINKING, FRAMING, OR SEARCHING, PLEASE CONTACT US AT: EDITOR[at}HOSPITALITYHEDONIST.CO.ZA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PERSON IS ALLOWED TO COPY OR USE THIS DOCUMENT OUTSIDE H|H 2015 || Disclaimer: ALL MY VIEWS ARE MY OWN, WHETHER I HAVE BEEN INVITED OR SENT A PRODUCT FOR A REVIEWED EXPERIENCE. MY POSTS ARE HOW I HONESTLY FEEL AND MAINTAINS THE INTEGRITY OF MY PLATFORM.

So Sorry For Disturbing you!

Hospitality Hedonist uses cookies to improve your experience.

We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Click Here to
Accept Reject Read More

Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.

Necessary

Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.