Pillar9

19/01/2024

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-01-19-wolfgat-kobus-van-der-merwe-restaurant-awards/

The Eat Out awards do not shape the restaurant landscape, but their judges do have the ability to shape the dining public’s opinion. They therefore work for us. And we should hold them accountable.

14/12/2023

21/11/2023

Wow, what a year! Pillar9 is so proud to work with some of our country’s best chefs and restaurants. At this year’s Woolworths Awards, our teams excelled…

One Star:
Farro at Gabrielskloof
Ouzeri
Upper Union

Two Stars:
The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate

Three Stars:
Salsify at The Roundhouse

Special Awards:
Sustainability: The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate
Chef of Chefs: Ryan Cole
Chef of the Year: Ryan Cole

And now we start all over again! Hard work pays off, but we’re always striving to do better!

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners! 🙌

30/08/2023

A year ago I decided to evolve my business and push the work we do on strategic development for restaurants a step further. Telling the story of a chef and restaurant starts when you take that first step into their establishments, and interiors are part of what brings this journey to life. Working with designer Jean Francois de Villiers, We’ve just completed our second decor evolution at Salsify at The Roundhouse in Camps Bay. With a strong focus on sustainability and hyper-local sourcing, our second installation in the Seasonal Room now highlights the importance of looking after our sea life. Our ocean-sourced plastic was collected by a local NGO in just one week, and turned into a magical undersea landscape, matched with bespoke Cara Saven Wall Design jellyfish wallpaper. A beautiful space to spend time, but also a reminder of what’s important.

11/05/2023

Load-shedding has undoubtedly placed enormous pressure on South African businesses. For restaurants, there is a [small] up-side - people are venturing out instead of sitting in their dark homes. But, it does mean that now more than ever, value and experience for guests is non-negotiable.

If there’s one catchphrase that seems to be on everyone’s lips these days, it’s ‘load shedding’. From disrupting traffic and dinner time, to playing truant with work deadlines and homework, load shedding is the chronic malady without a cure. For restaurateurs, the pain is palpable.

30/01/2023

What to expect in 2023... great insights from our friend and colleague Steve Steinfeld (aka. The Joburg Foodie) from Wanted Online

We run down the top trends we expect to see on menus this year and give you the top spots to go experience them for yourself

28/10/2022

The most-anticipated awards event for the South African restaurant industry returns after a two-year hiatus. The annual Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards 2022 will be held on Sunday 20 November. Pillar9 is exceptionally proud to be associated with an incredible SEVEN of the 42 shortlisted restaurants. Well done to all the chefs and teams - you deserve this recognition!

Farro at Gabrielskloof
Marble
Ouzeri
Salsify at The Roundhouse
Séjour Restaurant
The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate
Zioux

Chief Judge Abigail Donnelly and her panel of five expert judges have revealed the restaurants that will receive either 1, 2, or 3 stars at the prestigious Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards at Grand West Arena on 20 November.

12/08/2022

Two weeks ago, the doors to Salsify reopened and guests were welcomed into a reimagined space premised on heritage, seasonality and sustainability. The interior redesign was Pillar9's first interior project - and part of our expanded offering. Working with designer, Jean Francois de Villiers, we collaborated with Chef Ryan Cole to give this 350-year old national monument a breath of fresh air, colour and fun. We are incredibly proud of the result... thank you to Jean and our team of incredible creatives and suppliers who completed this evolution in just 22 days!

15/07/2022

TASHAS AND THE PANTRY TEAM UP TO END HUNGER
tashas and Pantry by Marble join forces with SA Harvest this Mandela Day in an effort to end hunger in SA


In the spirit of Mandela Day, tashas is once again partnering with SA Harvest, South Africa’s fastest growing food rescue and hunger relief organisation, in making a massive impact to end hunger in South Africa. This year, the partnership is extending further into the restaurant industry with the Marble Group’s The Pantry also coming on board.

From 18-31 July, limited-edition handmade bracelets will be sold at tashas around the country and at The Pantry in Rosebank with all proceeds going to SA Harvest.

In 2021, tashas were able to contribute towards SA Harvest delivering an incredible 81 000 meals to more than 200 beneficiaries, across four regions through the sale of 2 700 bracelets.

“Last year, we were so grateful for the level of support we received from our customers – it’s because of them we were able to donate so generously. For 2022 we want to do even more, and that’s why we’ve partnered with The Pantry to work with SA Harvest. In years to come, we would love more restaurants to get involved. Together, we can make an even bigger impact,” says Natasha Sideris, Founder & CEO of Tashas Group.

For tashas customers there are three ways to support the initiative: purchase a bracelet for R50 and buy 18 meals, make a donation on the bill of R8 which buys five meals, or donate directly to SA Harvest via the QR Code payment portal on display at each store.

If you’re shopping at The Pantry, you can also purchase a bracelet for R50 and donate 18 meals, buy a donut on Wednesdays and R1.15 will be allocated to SA Harvest, or donate directly to SA Harvest via the QR Code payment portal on display in store.

“This is an incredibly important cause,” says David Higgs Chef from the Marble Group and The Pantry. “Organisations like SA Harvest, which feed hungry South Africans all over the country, provide a vital service to millions of people, and we all need to do more to support them, and hungry South Africans.”

To date, SA Harvest has delivered more than 25 million nutritious meals by rescuing food that would otherwise have gone to waste. They rescue delicious food and deliver it where it is needed most.

Alan Browde, founder and CEO of SA Harvest, says in South Africa, almost 20 million people go to sleep hungry every night. “Unless we have the focus and the passion to continue to take action tirelessly, even when things don't go right, we can’t solve the problem of hunger.”

SA Harvest has set up an extraordinary way to address the issue by rescuing surplus food from farmers, manufacturers and retailers, and delivering it to where it is needed most. Over the last 35 months, SA Harvest has delivered more than 25 million nutritious meals by rescuing food that would otherwise have gone to waste and delivering it to beneficiaries who feed hungry people all over the country.

For further information on SA Harvest go to www.saharvest.org or follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram or on LinkedIn -harvest.

24/05/2022

Congratulations to Salsify at The Roundhouse for winning in the LUX Awards for 2022…

- Emerging Luxury Restaurant of the year 2022
- LUXLife Hospitality Excellence Award 2022

https://www.lux-review.com/luxlife-magazine-announces-the-winners-of-the-2022-restaurant-bar-awards/

United Kingdom, 2021 – LUXlife magazine has announced the winners of the 2022 Restaurant & Bar Awards.

29/04/2022

One of my favourite restaurants - and now new client - Farro has finally reopened its doors at its new home at Gabrielskloof. It's glorious - the food, the wine, the views... all of it. It's worth the trip out to Botrivier. Trust me.

Thank you Steve Steinfeld (The Joburg Foodie) for capturing this so beautifully for this week's edition of Wanted Online...

https://www.wantedonline.co.za/food-and-drink/2022-04-29-a-first-taste--farro-at-gabrielskloof/

Critically acclaimed Farro restaurant brings wholesome, classic and comforting food to picturesque Gabrielskloof Wine Estate

28/04/2022

The Constantia Wine Route


7 May is International Sauvignon Blanc Day and for a country that consumes over 24 million litres of Sauvignon Blanc each year, it’s no doubt the date is clearly marked on everyone’s calendar. As one of the country’s oldest wine regions, Constantia has captured the imagination of wine-lovers across the world. Established in 1685, it’s no wonder the wine-growing region has all but mastered the art making of Sauvignon Blanc.

But what is it about this cool, fresh and green beauty spot – just 15 minutes from Cape Town, South Africa – that ensures it produces such a seriously distinctive Sauvignon Blanc? Alongside history, the region’s location – on the foothills of Table Mountain – gives it a unique microclimate and the grapes from the region a premium expression.

Top VinPro viticulturist Etienne Terblanche explains Constantia’s microclimate as an optimal combination of soil, wine and sun.

“Constantia is a unique ward on the Cape Peninsula, because it has an Oceanic or Atlantic influenced climate rather than classical ‘Mediterranean’ climate. First, the coastal winds provide cloud cover, humidity and cooling. Second, the slopes of the vineyards are generally east-facing so they get beautiful morning sun, and lastly, the region is well known for its predominantly granite-based soils for vineyards planted so close to the ocean – it’s something relatively uncommon in South Africa.”

The Constantia Valley also provides a sheltered amphitheatre for the vineyards. This means the fruit can ripen to its fullest – even on cooler days, it still has a warmer climate.
Originally established as one of the original Cape farms, the wine route is now divided into just nine, premium estates – Beau Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Constantia Glen Winery, Constantia Royale, Eagles' Nest Wines, Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Silvermist Wine Estate and Steenberg. Collectively, the farms have over 421 hectares of vine, of which 180 hectares are planted to Sauvignon Blanc.

“Our winemakers produce wines that can age well, show elegance over time and respect the fruit’s true sense of place,” says Carryn Wiltshire of the Constantia Wine Route. “Look for the official Constantia region stamp on each bottle – it’s a sure sign of a serious Sauvignon Blanc, and the ultimate mark of quality and premium wines.”

In celebration of International Sauvignon Blanc Day, the nine farms who form part of the Constantia Wine Route will be offering a tasting of their vintage wines. From 6-8 May visitors will have the opportunity taste a current and older Sauvignon Blanc vintage at each estate.

For more information on where to sip Sauvignon Blanc, eat, stay and play in the Constantia Wine Route visit www.constantiawineroute.com.

15/03/2022

THE PANTRY: FANCY BUT EASY … AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS
This new age one-stop-shop is elevating the convenience store experience...

The much-anticipated “fancy but easy” convenience store, Pantry by Marble, has opened its doors. Located on Jan Smuts Avenue – on the street level of the The Trumpet building in the KEYES ART MILE – The Pantry is revolutionising the forecourt convenience store offering.

The Pantry is hybrid model of a supermarket, deli, take-away and retail store. It’s a speciality grocery store which offers consumers an elevated selection of items including quality fresh produce, ready-to-go meals, bakery items, flowers, wine and everyday essentials along with a bespoke retail selection. A supply partnership with leading fuel supplier, Sasol will provide motorists with petrol, diesel and electric options are courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.

The retail section has over 6 000 items ranging from convenience foods to household retail items, curated local artisanal products and imported items.

David and his team – headed up by Megan Meikle and Tyler Clayton – have assembled an array of foods – including quick ready-to-eat items like cakes, bowls, salads, pasta, wraps and even freshly-made pizza.

The homeware and gifting section, curated by Marble Group’s interior designer Irene Kyriacou, features an assortment of items made especially for Marble and Saint, but also functional homeware items for serving or gifting. Rialheim platters and vases, Okra candles, and 100% cotton table linen from African Jacquard.

The forecourt, traditionally quite dark, had been made lighter with an installation of wood slats and green foliage.

The Pantry will be open seven days a week, 24-hours a day. It is located in the Trumpet on Keyes building in Rosebank.

For interviews contact:
Joanne Botha Pillar9

07/03/2022

Excited to see how Eat Out is changing things up for these awards... I think this panel has a great mix of diversity and experience - headed up by the highly respected Abigail Donnelly. Looking forward to learning more about the judging process and categories / ratings in the weeks to come.

In a first for Eat Out, chief judge Abigail Donnelly has announced her judging panel for the upcoming Eat Out Restaurant Awards. Joining her in 2022 are Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, chef Karen Dudley, sommelier Moses Magwaza, food activist and cookbook autho...

01/03/2022

Farro, the critically acclaimed restaurant which has since October last year been a sought-after pop-up in Cape Town’s Bree Street, has now found a [new] permanent home. Farro will reopen its doors at Gabrielskloof Botrivier in April 2022.

“When we met Alex and Eloise Windebank and experienced their food, we knew Farro was the perfect fit for Gabriëlskloof,” explains Peter-Allen Finlayson, co-owner and cellarmaster at Gabriëlskloof. “Their warmth and hospitality are perfectly aligned to the experience we offer here.”

Farro’s husband-and-wife duo of Alex and Eloise Windebank will bring their classic-meets-comfort style of cooking together with the casually convivial hospitality for which they have become known to the magnificent winelands’ space. Guests can expect a refined, pared back approach to farm style dining when visiting ‘Farro at Gabriëlskloof.

Gabriëlskloof, rooted within the heart of Botrivier, produces wines of the highest acclaim and quality. An oasis of serenity, all who visit the farm are invited to slow down, gather and savour fine wine, exceptional food and generous hospitality. It’s a way of life bound together by family, community and deep respect for the land and all it offers. It’s an ethos very much shared by Alex and Eloise.

Read more in today's Wanted Online by Steve Steinfeld...

https://www.wantedonline.co.za/food-and-drink/2022-03-01-breaking-news--farro-restaurant-to-open-at-gabrilskloof-wine-estate/

21/02/2022

Can a single moment hold the key to a brighter future? This 90-minute virtual journey with Amplify Investment Partners will feature a host of expert speakers, cutting-edge industry insights, and a first-hand introduction to more meaningful ways to invest.

For more information, and to register visit:

https://bit.ly/3nUx7XM

14/02/2022

The fourth instalment of the Marble Group will open later his month - The Pantry will be fancy but easy - elevated convenience. On Jan Smuts Avenue...

https://www.wantedonline.co.za/food-and-drink/2022-02-11-first-look-pantry-by-marble/

The Marble Group’s latest venture merges convenience and luxury to redefine the service station concept

02/12/2021

Incredible wine auction happening tonight in aid of The Reach For A Dream Foundation... 18h00 with Dan Really Likes Wine and Strauss & Co - Fine Art Auctioneers and Consultants...

Register here:
https://www.straussart.co.za/auctions/details/2-dec-2021

Offering hybrid offline and online auctions, Strauss & Co host specialist sales and boutique auctions of exceptional properties.