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It
was the search for food that shaped modern South Africa: spices drew the Dutch
East India Company to Java in the mid-1600s, and the need for a half-way
refreshment stop for its ships rounding the Cape impelled the Company to plant a
farm at the tip of Africa.
There are sections of Commander Jan van Riebeeck's
wild almond hedge still standing in the Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town.
That farm changed the region forever. The Company
discovered it was easier to bring in thousands of hapless slaves from Java to
work in the fields than to keep trying to entrap the local people, mostly Khoi
and San, who seemed singularly unimpressed with the Dutch and their ways.
The
Malay slaves brought their cuisine, perhaps the best-known of all South African
cooking styles.
The French Huguenots arrived soon after the Dutch,
and changed the landscape in wonderful ways with the vines they imported. They
soon discovered a need for men and women to work in their vineyards, and turned
to the Malay slaves (and the few Khoi and San they could lure into employment).
Much later, sugar farmers brought indentured laborers
from India to cut the cane. The British, looking for gold and empire, also
brought their customs and cuisine, as did German immigrants.
And black communities carried on eating their
traditional, healthy diet: game, root vegetables and wild greens, berries,
millet, sorghum and maize, and protein-rich insects like locusts.
Today the resultant kaleidoscope - the famous
"rainbow" - applies not only to the people but to the food, for one finds in
South Africa the most extraordinary range of cuisines.
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AFRICAN CLASSIC ENCOUNTERS SIGNATURE
GASTRONOMIC TOUR
A TASTE
OF SOUTH AFRICA
2008
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THURSDAY - 23 November
2 November - 15 November 2008
EXCLUSIVE GOURMET TOUR
EXCLUSIVE TO TEN
PEOPLE
BOOK EARLY!
4 spaces left
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SUNDAY - 2 November |
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THURSDAY - 23 November |
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Upon arrival in Johannesburg South Africa,
you will be met by a representative of AFRICAN CLASSIC ENCOUNTERS, who will
transfer you to the Saxon Hotel,
where accommodation has been reserved
in an Egoli Suite (Bed & Lavish South African Breakfast)
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SAXON -
The World’s Leading Boutique Hotel Ethnic African Elegance at its Best.
Chosen as the winner of the prestigious
“World’s Leading Boutique Hotel” award for four years in a row, and steeped in
history.
The Saxon hotel makes a world-class statement of ethnic African
elegance, combined with superior service and personalized attention to detail.
It is here in the Saxon’s tranquil setting,
that Nelson Mandela edited his legendary autobiography, “Long Walk To
Freedom”.
President Mandela’s love of the Saxon stems from its character, serenity and
tranquility and is still a regular visitor to what he calls his second home.
Enjoy the ambience of The Saxon hotel.
It is essential to take a dip in the heated
pool and enjoy the underwater music of choice.
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MONDAY - 3 November |
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After breakfast you will be met by a
representative of African Classic Encounters who will transfer you to the
Pretoria station to board the elegant Blue Train. Accommodation in deluxe
suites. Full board.
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The Blue Train has an aura of
mystique about it. Kings and presidents have traveled on this magnificent moving
five-star hotel. Its very name has become synonymous with the ultimate in luxury
and personal service.
The
routes of The
Blue Train - take guests through some of the most breathtaking countryside to be
found anywhere in the world.
As the ever-changing scenery
flashes past the windows, guests can savor exquisite meals freshly prepared on
board by top chefs.
All meals are complimented by
the best wines South Africa has to offer.
The
suites on The
Blue Train live up to its reputation for magnificence and splendor. The finest
bed linen, marble tiles and gold fittings in the bathrooms and sheer opulence
all ensure that guests will never forget the time they spend on The Blue Train.
Enjoy travel in a world of
grace, elegance and superb cuisine. |
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TUESDAY - 4 November |
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Upon arrival in Cape Town you will be met by
a representative of African Classic Encounters who will transfer you to the
estate of Grande Provence Estate. Exclusive use of
The Owners Cottage has been reserved for African Classic
Encounters' Taste of South Africa Signature Gourmet Tour ’07.
Afternoon at leisure to explore the estate.
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Grande Provence Estate
wears
her 300-year history with dignity. Sitting in the magnificent Franschhoek Valley
in South Africa’s Western Cape, her lush vines spread across 30 hectares with
gentle vistas over the valley floor, at odds almost with the rugged mountains
beyond. This is heartland South African wine country.
Capturing the essence of the heritage of this gracious Estate, are Grande
Provence’s new owners and design team.
The honest simplicity of its Cape Dutch architecture, in harmony with the
precision and clarity of modern design, brings a new pièce de résistance to the
Franschhoek valley.
Years of heritage and great wine-making have
produced the likes of the award-winning Count Agusta range and the popular
lifestyle Angels Tears range.
Dining sensation created by
Executive Chef Vanie Padayachee who hails from Durban, Kwazulu Natal South
Africa.
Vanie’s
cuisine is influenced by not only international flavors but also the rich
diversity of cultures that is found in South Africa. See more on Chef Vanie
Padaychee and her culinary expertise.
Award:
World Traveler HOT LIST 2006 Winner
Condé Nast World Traveler
Category:
Best New Hotels in the World
Press Release:
The Owner’s Cottage at Grande Provence has been awarded the
top spot in the South Africa category of the Condé Nast World Traveler HOT LIST
2006 of the best new hotels in the world.
Condé Nast World Traveler – May issue 2006
Read more
about Grande Provence>> |
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WEDNESDAY - 5 November |
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After breakfast you will be met by a
representative of AFRICAN CLASSIC ENCOUNTERS who will take you on a
private tour of the beautiful and quaint villages of the winelands.
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The
Cape Winelands are world renowned for their beauty and their wines and the
suggested route incorporates the best of both.
From wine tastings to a slow
drive through the charming towns of the winelands.
Tour
impressive cellars, sample some of the local wines.
Food and wine have always been
perfect partners. No wonder there is such an abundance of restaurants in the
region. Experience traditional delicatessens as well as cuisine from all around
the world creating mouth watering and memorable experiences.
Select wineries to be visited
and personal meetings
with the winemakers are on the agenda.
Fairview Wine Estate
is not to be
missed, viticulturally among the most historic and influential areas of the Cape
winelands.
South African cheeseries and a local cheese adjudicator made
their debut at the World Champion Cheese Contest in Wisconsin USA, which took
place during 21 – 23 March 2006.
Nederburg Estate
is a "Must see". Next on the
agenda is the world renowned Boschendal Estate,
whose vineyards
have been replanted with noble varietals, which produce highly, prized wines
characterized by their elegance and complexity.
Afterwards visit the famous
Haute Cabriere cellar, or perhaps Tokara, which is Etienne Bonthuys new
restaurant on GT Ferreira's farm with stunning views.
Dinner this evening at Le Quartier Francais'
The Tasting Room.
Executive
chef Margot Janse and her team's award-winning talent are showcased in the
constantly evolving menu.
Course after course of exquisitely presented
culinary delights in a six course extravaganza paired with wine chosen to
highlight the gastronomic experience. |
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THURSDAY - 6 November |
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After breakfast you will be met by a
representative of African Classic Encounters who will take you on an "African
Cooking Safari" exploring the friendly Kayamandi Township where you will be
introduced to the locals and start preparations for your African Cooking Safari.
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Explore African food and beverages at African Classic Encounters' “hands-on”
cooking experience and discover the hues of South Africa’s cultural diversity.
The
culinary tour starts with a guided walk through Kayamandi focussing on food and
food-related traditions as well as general cultural aspects.
Whenever there is an opportunity, the local host will introduce you to private
homes and kitchens discovering the intimate secrets of Black African Cuisine.
Should time
allow and if the "Bana ba Kgotso" (Children of peace) are available an impromtu
song and dance session can be enjoyed.
When passing
through Stellenbosh before or after the visit to Kayamandi be introduced to the
Cafe Cat - a statue honoring all cafe cats!
Time permitting
you might have an opportunity to stop in at Mooiberg farm stall where one can
try a sample to taste witblits. (Moonshine)!
En
route back to Grande Provence we will be
"Lifting the lid
on chocolates".
A
stop will be made at the delicious
Chocolate shop where chocolates are
handcrafted and
made in front of customers from the finest imported Belgian chocolate.
Dinner this evening at Grande Provence
prepared by Chef Vanie. Dinner will be accompanied by wines from the
Grande Provence Estate - Angel Tears. |
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FRIDAY - 7 November |
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After breakfast and a morning of leisure you
will be met by a representative of African Classic Encounters who will transfer
you to the elegant Ellerman House where you will be accommodated in the
exclusive Ellerman House. |
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This superb luxury boutique
hotel is the quintessential location for discerning guests accustomed to the
finer pleasures of life.
The true splendor of
Ellerman
House rests in faithful preservation of its historical architecture, combined
with discreet hospitality and efficient service reflecting the ambience
experienced only in the comfort and familiarity of home.
Ellerman House has two of the
finest collections of South African original art and vintage wines - each
individually selected to enhance guest's experience.
Ellerman House is one of only
two Relais & Chateaux hotels in Cape Town and one of only 14 purple shield
hotels in the world.
Afternoon
and evening at leisure.
Enjoy the
ambience of Ellerman House. Try out the Spa facilities or explore the V&A
waterfront or perhaps a visit to
Robben Island. |
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SATURDAY - 8 November |
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After breakfast, you will be met by a
representative of AFRICAN CLASSIC ENCOUNTERS who will take you on a
private half-day city tour including
Table Mountain (Weather permitting)
and Kirstenbosch Gardens. |
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Dinner this evening will be at
Vilamoura - An extravaganza of seafood.
Vilamoura -
A Portuguese restaurant that caters for sophisticated tastes, offering a wide
range of seafood, most cooked in Mozambican and Portuguese style, as well as
more mainstream continental items. |
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more >> |
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