Review of Emirates Fine Dining Event

A few weeks back I was invited to a very special event. It was the Emirates Fine Dining Event held at Osa Restaurant in the luxurious Fairmont Hotel at Zimbali.

We were treated to a variety of cuisines that you can expect on an Emirates Flight. Regional Catering Manager of Emirates Chef Ravi Nage treated us to some delectable treats. Some savoury and some sweet. There was so much to choose from you almost did not know what to sample.

What you can expect on an Emirates flight. 

The food was exquisite and a taste excursion.

Chef Ravi Nage giving us a food demo

Award Winning Chef Ravi Nage first gave us a food demonstration and showed us what goes in to each meal.

The Durban Bunny Chow

‘’890 items go into each cycle of food prepared.  We use regional ingredients connected to that city,’’ said Chef Ravi Nage.

For those wanting to become a Chef he gave this sage advice:

‘’For me a plate is a palette,’’ whispered Chef Ravi Nage.

Each meal we tasted certainly filled us up and this was echoed by Chef Ravi, ‘’ We want the passengers to be full,’’ said Chef Ravi.

During his food demo he made us some chicken curry which we could taste afterwards and I have to confess it was quite delicious. Melt in your mouth kind of deliciousness.

Sweet treats 

At the end of the banquet we were treated to Desserts of Gulab Jamun and Rasmalai which were as sweet as they looked. For those of you that have a sweet tooth these are both recommended.

You would certainly enjoy both of them at 40 000ft. on an Emirates flight.

Interesting fact Emirates serves more than 110 million meals year.

Below is a tasty menu item courtesy of Emirates:

Murgh Tikka

(Succulent and boneless marinated chicken)

800 gms boneless chicken cubes

Butter for basting

Marinade

50 gms yoghurt

40 gms ginger paste

40 gms Garlic paste

3 gms White pepper powder

3 gms Cumin powder

5 gms Mace, nutmeg and green cardamom powder

3 gms red chilli powder

3 gms Turmeric

60 ml Lemon Juice

20 gms Gram flour (besan)

Salt to taste

75 ml Groundnut oil

Whisk the yoghurt in a large bowl add all ingredients, except the chicken and mix well. Rub the chicken pieces with the marinade and keep aside for 3 hours in the refrigerator.

Pre-heat the oven to 350 F

Roast in the oven for 8-10 minutes and baste with melted butter.

OR

Skewer the chicken and cook on a barbecue grill.

Serve hot with a wedge of lime and sliced onions, cucumber and fresh mint.

It might make a great meal for the festive season.

Emirates offers connections between Durban and India, with over 180 flights to India every week. A daily flight links Dubai and Durban, as well as four daily flights from Johannesburg to Dubai. To book, or for more information, terms and conditions, please visit https://www.emirates.com/za/english/ or visit the local Emirates office or your travel agent.

A big thank you to Emirates for hosting us at this event.

This review and photography by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton 

Review of BON Hotel 64 On Gordon

This month I was invited to review the BON Hotel 64 on Gordon in Durban.

This hotel is part of the BON Hotels group. As the name states 64 on Gordon is situated at number 64 Gordon Road in Durban. This is quite centrally situated close to Florida Road and also Windermere Centre. If you like walking you should easily be able to do the walk to Moses Mabhida Stadium, Suncoast Casino and of course Durban Beachfront. From there you can grab a People Mover to get to Ushaka Marine World.

If you need to get to the ICC or Musgrave Centre you can grab a Uber or get a Mynah bus which you can catch near Windermere Centre or in Florida Road.

If you like the night life then head on over to Florida Road which has a variety of restaurants, clubs and entertainment. For coffee lovers Starbucks is also in Florida Road. Just saying.

Now that you know what is nearby I’m sure you want to know about the hotel.

The hotel features that old world charm and you will quickly fall in love with it. Featuring bright red steps and red doors you cannot miss it.  The staff are friendly and happy to assist with any queries.

The hotel room we stayed in was clean and fresh. It features a comfortable double bed with enough room for 5 people. Soft pillows, air conditioning, tea and coffee station, bathroom with all that is needed. A refreshing shower when you need it. The hotel room also has a work station which is great for those business travellers. If you need a break you can always step out on to the balcony and sit outside and enjoy the fresh air. Due to the huge amount of trees around the hotel you can be assured of a rich supply of oxygen.

The room also features a TV with DSTV and for tech lovers you will be happy to know that the hotel features complementary WIFI. Just ask the receptionist for your pin.

PL8 is the hotel restaurant and this is the place to go for some tasty food. Breakfast is served from 6h30 – 10h30. Lunch is served from 12h00 – 16h00. Dinner is served from 18h00 – 21h00.

The night we stayed there I had the Sirloin Steak with chips and salad for dinner. It really was well cooked and tasted delicious.

My partner had the hake fillet with chips and salad. I had a bite and it melts in your mouth. A feast for your tastebuds.

For breakfast the next day we had a selection of their fruit salads, yoghurts, cereal and their omelette which features a variety of fillings. We had onion, cheese, bacon, mushroom which tasted amazing together. Compliments to the Chef on the mushrooms they tasted great. Various fruit juices are on offer and of course bottomless coffee. 

The hotel also features a conference room which can have up to 30 people for a small conference or meeting. They have some great specials at the moment for conferences. 

The hotel also has a loyalty programme called BONami. You get 20% off of nominal rates and 5% off at special rates as well as up to 50% dining discounts at most of their hotels. You also get a voucher booklet worth R16000 in free accommodation and meal vouchers and more for a once-off payment of R600. Now that is what I call value for money. You can sign up at reception.

Useful Info:

Address: 64 Gordon Road, Morningside, Durban.

Telephone: +27(0)313128907 or Central Reservations: 0861 266 222

Email: reception@hotel64ongordon.co.za

Website: www.bonhotels.com/64ongordon

Look out for their specials at: https://www.bonhotels.com/64ongordon/specials

For those of you that can’t get to Durban the Bon Hotel Group also has hotels countrywide and even in Africa.

Rating: Highly recommended

Review and Photography by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton 

Review of Ellie and the book of Rebus

This week I was invited to review the new book ‘Ellie and the book of Rebus’ a fantasy book which explores the world of Ellie a princess from the past.

She meets magical friends and is destined for great things. Look out for witches, ancient beings, powerful legends and much more.

Author Christine Clarence

It’s written by Durban Author Christine Clarence. This is her first novel and is part of the Axillion series. So look out for more books on the way soon.

I must say I was pleasantly surprised and the book certainly takes you on a journey. Before long you will have lost yourself in the world of Ellie and her adventures.

If you love books like ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Dark Tower’ you will love this magical journey.

The book is on special for #BlackFriday and it’s also the perfect Christmas gift for that someone special.

It’s available at the KZNSA in Bulwer Road, Durban and at Ike’s Books and Collectibles, 48a in Florida Road, Durban.

If you prefer the online route you can also grab it on Amazon or find it on Gumroad at http://gum.co/ellieandthebookofrebus

Like the Author’s Facebook page on www.facebook.com/ChristineClarenceAuthor

Let me know what you think of it by posting on social media using the hashtag #EllieAndTheBookOfRebus

This review by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton 

Highlights From ESET Security Day Breakfast Durban

Last week the ESET Security Day Breakfast was held in Durban and I was lucky enough to attend this informative event which covered security topics and of course the subject that is on everyone’s mind, The POPI Act. The packed out event was held in the Maharani Hotel in Durban.

Here are some of the highlights from the event:

Ransomware and Cybercrime Trends Report

Robert Lipovsky sharing his insight

We heard a fantastic report from ESET Global Senior Researcher, Robert Lipovsky. He shared some key insights into security, ransomware, malware, viruses and analysis.

He did let us know that sometimes even Hackers leave you a nice message within malware.

Mr Lipovsky also shared insight from around the world of key attacks and noted that when the Durex site gets hit you know nobody is safe.

He also warned that sometimes malware can even steal some of the most important information such as admin details and passwords.

‘Espionage is used before destructive attacks,’ noted Mr Lipovsky.

The POPI Act and the Road to Compliance

Drew van Vuuren explains the POPI Act

Drew van Vuuren of iDataSec gave a very interesting report on what we can expect from the POPI Act. ‘Business and Organisations are going to have to change the way they do business,’ warned Mr van Vuuren. He noted that the biggest impact will be on DMO (Direct Marketing Organisations).

He also let people know that the POPI act also applies to local government. He also suggested that business take reasonable steps to comply with POPI.

ESET Tips 

Adrian Stanford shares security tips

Adrian Stanford a Business Analyst from ESET gave us some key insights into POPI and even shared a useful microsite that ESET has setup to help companies deal with POPI act.

You can get free information on POPI and your requirements at this microsite.

The site can be found here: https://encryption.eset.com/za/what-is-popia/

He warned companies to keep things secure and use encryption, especially endpoint encryption. He recommended as many different layers of security as possible and suggested companies use 2-factor authentication such as banks require. So not only do you have a password but you can add in 1 time pins sent to your mobile phone to add layers of security. Avoid using easy passwords and avoid posting secure details on social media where they can be easily seen by just about anyone.

The POPI Assessment Tool

Steve Flynn reveals details of the POPI Assessment Tool 

Steve Flynn the ESET Director of Sales and Marketing also shared with us more details on the POPI Assessment Tool and how ESET can help you deal with the POPI act. There is also the option for companies that take up this offer to resell the product to their clients.

For more info on these offerings from ESET visit: www.eset.co.za

Twitter: @eset_sa

Facebook: @ESET.SA

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton 

Images courtesy ESET 

Free breakfast or burger meal at any Wimpy Engen 1 Stop via the FNB App

South African road trips have become synonymous with Wimpy.

Travel itineraries for many families undoubtably include a stop at a Wimpy store to refuel and refresh – and with almost 50 Engen 1Stop forecourts with Wimpy restaurants countrywide filling up, in more ways than one, is definitely a little easier and convenient.

To help South Africans to love the journey just a little more, Wimpy has partnered with FNB. The introduction of FNB On The Go, will enable customers on eBucks level 2 or higher to redeem a breakfast or burger meal at any Wimpy Engen 1Stop outlet across South Africa via the FNB APP.

“A partnership with FNB on this initiative is a strategic move for Wimpy. Our wide footprint, deliciously affordable food and friendly table service paired with FNB’s solid background and extensive reach means we’ll be able to bring more families together to share special moments while they travel across the country and we are always happy to welcome new families into our Wimpy family,” says Jacques Cronje.

FNB On The Go is live on the FNB banking APP since Monday, 15 October 2018 and all eBucks Rewards clients that are on reward level 2 and above will automatically receive their very first Wimpy voucher which they can redeem at any Wimpy based in an Engen 1Stop along the country’s major transit routes. These Wimpy vouchers that are exclusively available on the FNB banking APP are valid for three months only and will expire every time a new voucher is issued.

Wimpy is looking forward to a successful rollout of the FNB On The Go initiative, positive uptake of Wimpy vouchers and welcoming FNB customers’ families into the Wimpy family, and helping them to create moments that are worth sharing while they trek across the country.

*Wimpy vouchers issued on the FNB banking App only valid for sit-down orders.

You can download the FNB banking App on the App Store or Play Store.

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton 

Connecting Africa

Combining C2C & F-Sat

Connect Africa Summit - Credit: Fred Felton

There are so many events on the go at ITU Telecom World 2018 that it is almost impossible to attend each one. You would have to clone yourself to get to see all that is on in Durban, South Africa this year.

For example the Connect Africa Summit is on the go at the Hilton Hotel in Durban from 11^th to 12^th September 2018.

It features keynotes, workshops and discussions around connectivity, 5G, satellite technology and much more.

Influential speakers have gathered to share their knowledge and below are just some of the key insights from day 1 of the event:

‘South Africa is the largest consumer of data in Africa’ – Ben Roberts the CTIO of Liquid.

He also noted that most people walk around with 2 mobile phones these days.

‘We need to encourage mobile operators to keep investing’ noted Mortimer Hope the CEO of GH Communications.

He also shared this insightful tip about our data use. This is only for people who use Android mobile devices. He suggests you go to Settings / Communications / Data or look at Data Usage and go to More and click on Show Wi-Fi usage and compare the difference between how much Mobile Data you used compared to how much Wi-Fi data you used. It makes for interesting reading.

The Summit continues tomorrow with Day 2.

For more info on ITU  Telecom World 2018 visit:

http://telecomworld.itu.int/

Follow the hashtags on Social Media: #ITUWorld #ITUinSA18

Find them on Twitter: @ITU

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton 

Opportunities at The Loeries 2018

Advertising creatives have descended on Durban, South Africa for The Loeries Awards of 2018.

Thought for the day

Part of Creative Week it sees advertisers, creative directors, copywriters, art directors, designers, interns, students and many others flocking to Creative Week to gain inspiration from award winning adverts, case studies, master classes and so much more.

It all happens at the Durban ICC over the weekend and with them come hopeful students bringing with them their portfolio in the hope that they might catch they eye of that one creative director from a big advertising agency.  From what I saw the future looks bright in advertising.

At the DSTV Seminar of Creativity we heard from worldwide creatives sharing their thoughts on advertising.

Some had bold insights and some really made us think. There was even beatboxing.

PMI Science has a bold initiative to create a smoke free environment. If you have a chance take a look at their interactive VR experience. It really is amazing.

Internship Opportunity:

For those of you interested in being an intern at a top advertising agency here is a great scavenger hunt for you.

To intern at Hunt Lascaris complete a scavenger hunt and upload your completed tasks on Instagram using #HuntsAtLoeries and @TBWAHuntLascaris before 5pm on Saturday 18 August.

Complete these tasks:

Sell yourself on your Instagram Story - show them who you are and why you're awesome.

Take photos with five people from Hunts. So learn how to network and find them.

On Fine Friday give your friend a fine and tag them on Instagram.

Sneak into the Egg Films Party and down a beer with CCO, Pete Khoury.

If you win your portfolio goes straight to Pete Khoury.
You also get your hands on VIP passes to the Gagasi FM Official After Party.

To submit your portfolio go to huntsintern2019.co.za
Allow the site to open your camera
Point camera at the AR Code

Good luck!

For more info on Loeries 2018 visit - www.loeries.com


This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton

The Consol Red Hot Sale Is Here!

The good folks from Consol Glass gave me an exclusive preview of what you can expect at their red hot sale. There are some fantastic bargains awaiting you so you better hurry.

The sale takes place from 23 July – 6 August 2018. There are some crazy discounts ranging from 25% to 50% off on select products across stores nationwide.

If you are a glass fan make sure you pop into the Consol Cornubia, Woodmead and Stellenbosch stores for the sale.

Did you know that glass is not only versatile but is sustainable as well, as all glass products are 100% natural and 100% recyclable? Glass is the perfect choice when making wise choices for the environment, your health, beauty and it is also durable.

The Consol Shop has something to offer for everybody; from the corporate executive to the home executive with an eye for décor – not to mention those creatives on the lookout for the latest picture perfect Insta-moment.

Are you thinking of something to buy your family or friend? Why not get them a gift in a jar? A good option would be the 3L My Jar. It’s on sale at a great price and now with 50% off you only pay R22.50. Plus remember, with glass the person gets two gifts: the Consol glass jar and what’s inside! A great option might be chocolates. Mmmm!

Are you a biscuit lover? Take a look at the 2L Square Cookie Jar on sale for R27.10. It’s the perfect jar for freshly baked biscuits. If you need to get organised for lunch the next day have a look at the Consol Jar in a Jar. You can get it for R34.80. There are so many options with Consol Glass gifts from picnics to school lunches, trips to the beach or even a snack on the go. With these jars the larger (500ml or 1L) jars fit a smaller (100ml) jar. The jars share a lid, which when closed, holds them securely together as a singular container. Glass containers are great for food storage as it is a healthier option and glass does not retain smells or leak chemicals into food or discolour.

Are you a smoothie lover? I love a good peanut butter and banana smoothie. Whatever your smoothie choice, whip it up and put it in the Consol 500ml Grip n Go for only R16.30.

Try the 150ml cute Yogi Jar at R6.90 for a shot of wheat grass.

If you need a sterilising jar for your baby’s pacifiers consider the 500ml Broadway Jar at R13.60. They are also great for stationery and crafting materials storage.

At these prices this is also the perfect time if you are a bargain hunter to start your Christmas shopping early.

You can find many more options just for you at the Consol Shop. So experience that Red Hot Sale yourself. The Red Hot Sale is at all 3 Consol shops: Cornubia, Stellenbosch and Woodmead.

This sale is only on at these 3 Consol shops.  

Prices include 15% VAT

Discount percentage is colour and size dependant

While stocks last.

Ts and Cs apply.

Get there early!

Address:

Consol Cornubia Store: Shop U93, Cornubia Shopping Mall, Cnr Flanders & Tacoma Drive, Mount Edgecombe – Telephone – 031 393 0035

Consol Woodmead Store: 16 Waterval Crescent – Woodmead – Telephone – 011 603 2080

Consol Stellenbosch Store: Cnr Rand & Stoffelsmit Street – Plankenbrug – Telephone 021 – 888 – 4023

For more info visit: www.consol.co.za

Find Consol Glass on Social Media:

Facebook (Consol Glass)

Twitter (Consol_Glass)

Instagram (@consolglass)

#ConsolRedHotSale

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton

Breakaway from the winter madness with Cadbury Breakaway and Cadbury Fingers

This week I was invited to try out some tasty treats from Cadbury.

The Cadbury Fingers and Cadbury Breakaway are the delicious mouth-watering biscuits that are covered in South Africa’s favourite chocolate, Cadbury Dairy Milk. These delicious biscuits are the ultimate snack to break away from the madness this winter and getaway to a cosy haven and cuddle up with loved ones in front of the fire!

Cadbury Fingers, a crunchy shortbread biscuit finger covered in Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate, is the perfect snack to have a cup of hot chocolate, or even around the fire with friends. The perfect winter snack.

Cadbury Breakaway offers a delicious combination of crispy wafers covered by light chocolate cream and wrapped in Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate.

They really are tasty.  

‘‘These delicious treats are the ultimate snack to keeping those winter blues away,’’ says Thandi Ntuli, Mondelez SA Category Lead for Biscuits.

You can find Cadbury Fingers in 144g and Cadbury Breakaway in 180g packs nationwide in major retail stores.

The perfect treat just for you.

#CadburyFingers

#CadburyBreakaway

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton 

All you need to know for the Durban International Film Festival 2018

The Durban International Film Festival 2018 opens soon and here are just some of the highlights you can look forward to:

Opening the festival is the horror film ‘The Tokoloshe’ directed by South African director Jerome Pikwane.

The LGBTI love-story ‘Rafiki’ directed by Kenyan Wanuri Kahiu, will close the festival.

‘We wanted to book-end DIFF with films that tell stories about women, their strength, their resilience, said DIFF Manager Chipo Zhou.

Among the highlights include:

The Tale

Look out for Darrel Roodt’s horror ‘Siembamba’ and many more.

Look out for the industry campaign #ThatsNotOk from SWIFT (Sisters Working in Film and Television), the SA-based non-profit that works to protect and advance the causes of women in the industry.

There will also be free community screenings at Solomon Mahlangu Hall (New Germany/Clermont), KwaMashu Fan Park, Umlazi W Section Library and The Workshop Amphitheatre.

Other screenings will take place at Community ZA (formerly Artspace Gallery in Umgeni) and KZNSA Gallery, Musgrave Ster Kinekor, Suncoast Cine Centre and Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.

‘Heavy Water: The Life and Times of Nathan Fletcher’ will open Wavescape at the Bay of Plenty outdoor screening on 22 July.

The free Wavescape ocean-focused festival will be on at Ushaka Marine World from Monday 23 July to Friday 27 July at Arena 5, Village Walk.

Be sure not to miss ‘Bethany Hamilton: Unstopabble’

DIFF opens at The Playhouse on July 19 and closes July 29. The closing film will be screened on July 28 after the competition awards.

Look out for loads of networking and workshops as well as The Durban FilmMart happens alongside DIFF.

For more info visit: www.durbanfilmfest.co.za

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton 

Oreo enrobed in Cadbury Dairy Milk celebrates its first birthday!

Happy Birthday to this delicious treat.

#OreoEnrobed

One year ago the world was made a little better by the launch of OREO covered in Cadbury Dairy Milk. This melt in your mouth biscuit arrived on our shores on 7 July 2017 which just happens to fall on World Chocolate Day!

“We could not be happier with how our fans have welcomed this flavour into the Oreo family over the past year, as it has grown phenomenally”, says Thandi Ntuli, Category Lead for Biscuits.

Consumers get to enjoy the best of both worlds, as you are still able to experience the sensation of wonderfilled Oreo even more, now that it is enrobed in delicious Cadbury Dairy Milk.

“Please join me in wishing this delicious biscuit a very happy birthday and thank you for bringing us so much wonderfilled joy over the past year. We can’t wait to celebrate more birthdays with you,” concludes Ntuli.

Look out for Oreo covered in Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate in stores nationwide in 6-Packs.

For more info follow Oreo on Facebook and Twitter @Oreo.

#OreoEnrobed

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton