Ready to Stir Up some Competition? Enter your SA Beverage now!

The Bar & Beverage Awards South Africa 2023 is thrilled to announce that entries are now open for its Beverage Awards submissions categories; for the first time recognising supporting industries that drive service excellence for the drinks sector.

The inaugural Bar & Beverage Awards South Africa is set to become the most significant recognition one can achieve in the industry, placing it alongside other prestigious international drinks awards such as Tales of The Cocktail Spirited Awards.

And as the hottest date to hit the drinks industry calendar this year, the Bar & Beverage Awards Gala Ceremony 2023 promises to be a spectacular affair.

“We anticipate these categories to be highly coveted and an exciting addition to the awards. It is important to recognise the individuals and companies that support the industry and drive service excellence, and we are delighted to provide a platform for them to showcase their accomplishments” says Paul Reynell, Director of the Bar & Beverage Awards.

Any brand, distributor or agency may submit an application to be considered for an award. To ensure transparency and proficiency, the judging panel will be comprised of a robust panel of 32 highly respected captains of industry, led by drinks writer and educator Leah van Deventer. Judges are eligible for awards but will be recused from judging any award they’re nominated for, or where they have a conflict of interest.

Each submissions category recognises the best in their respective fields and highlights the innovation, creativity and a dash of showmanship that the South African beverage industry is known for.

The categories are:

  • Best New Local Cocktail Ingredient
  • Best New Local Spirit
  • Best New Local Liqueur or Spirit Aperitif
  • Best Brand Campaign
  • Best CSI Campaign
  • Best Brand Manager
  • Best Sales Representative

Entries close on 31 May 2023. To submit an entry in any of the above categories, visit https://www.barandbeverageawards.co.za/

Nederburg part of Initiative to Rediscover indigenous Mzansi Ingredients and Flavours!0

Nederburg is once again championing local tastes and talents, this time by supporting a self-sustaining, community-based programme to grow, distribute, and cook with sometimes forgotten indigenous ingredients.

The Paarl winery has teamed up with Harvesting Heritage, a People, Planet, Plate project that also involves celebrated food anthropologist, cultural historian and chef Anna Trapido.

Harvesting Heritage seeks to protect heritage crops and preserve indigenous knowledge systems.

  • Central to its work is teaming up with veteran development organisation, SocioTech, to transfer skills in traditional eco-cultivation as well as in more contemporary marketing and trading, to create revenue streams and job opportunities, promote eco- and economic resilience and, at the same time, to encourage self-sufficient cultivation for nutritious, home eating.

The organisation collaborates with chefs, traditional councils and municipalities in reviving traditional tastes and cuisines and creating a market for them within the hospitality trade and for home consumption. It has already embarked on a range of projects in Gauteng, KwaZulu/Natal, Lesotho and the Western Cape.

Nederburg is working with Harvesting Heritage and SocioTech on a Limpopo-based initiative that will see small-scale farmers in the Greater Sekhukhune district grow crops for distribution and sale as far afield as Gauteng, where chefs are being invited to recreate and re-interpret classic recipes to expand South Africa’s already flourishing New African Cuisine.

Explains Nederburg’s marketing spokesperson Jackie Olivier: “Indigenous crops are an expression of place, just as wine can be of its terroir, when grown in an eco-respectful way that includes protecting the health of vineyard soils and environment. That’s what makes this collaboration so exciting.”

The winery and Harvesting Heritage co-presented a workshop in Pretoria in early March attended by members of the South African Chefs’ Association, who were introduced to some of these indigenous ingredients from morogo (different varieties like monawa and lerotho), bambara beans (perfect substitute for chickpeas) and okra, to nuts from the pips of marula fruit, marula jelly, lerotsi (melon), xigugu, zebra beans, African cucumber, and goat meat (chevon).

The chefs are being encouraged to raise public awareness of these foods and also experiment with them in developing exciting and nutritious new dishes to enjoy with Nederburg’s Heritage Heroes collection of wines (comprising an old-vine Chenin blanc, and a Rhône-style as well as Bordeaux-style red blend).

Those chefs keen to take up the further challenge of competing to produce a winning dish from these ingredients will feature in the Harvesting Heritage Culinary Competition on 27 May, also in Pretoria.

In addition to a judging panel of accredited chefs deciding, diners will vote with their palates. The dish to attract the most favour will earn the chef first prize, while a people’s choice chef will also be revealed. Just 240 tickets for the food (and glass of wine) are available, at a cost of R895 a head.

  • Indigenous food and wine pairing sessions, presented by Zinaschke Steyn, maker of Nederburg’s red wines, and sommelier Moses Magwaza, two-time winner of the coveted Eat Out Wine Service Award, will be offered at 12:00, 13:15 and 14:15, at a cost of R250 per person.

Harvesting Heritage is involving Limpopo farmers from the Strydkraal, Sekhukhune community, who are supplying the ingredients for the event.

Continues Olivier: “Nederburg has a history of inviting wine lovers to taste, learn and discover with us, from grape to wine style to pairing with food and occasion. This time, following the recent workshop, we are extending the invitation to chefs. We’re saying: ‘Taste our wines. Continue to taste and investigate Mzansi’s sometimes forgotten and now refound local ingredients; learn more, explore and make your own personal flavour magic for people to savour in the competition.’

“But alongside the competition, local, non-competing chefs will be preparing dishes with the same traditional ingredients at the same venue. They will be served market-style, at food stalls for other members of the public to try with our wines. We want to make the event as inclusive as possible and encourage chefs and diners to try these amazing traditional foods and make them part of their regular repertoire.”

Olivier says the Limpopo Harvesting Heritage and SocioTech initiative is the latest in Nederburg’s taste, learn and discover South African flavour journey. “Our I’ll Bring the Wine video series, hosted by chef Karen Dudley, travelled across the country to identify and highlight interesting foodies and foodie communities. Now we’re working with Harvesting Heritage and Anna to discover more local talent and bring it to the tables of more South Africans.”

Harvesting Heritage Culinary Competition details:

  • Date:  Saturday, 27 May 2023
  • Time: 12:00 until 17:00
  • Venue: Brooklyn Bridge, 570 Fehrsen St, Brooklyn, Pretoria
  • Booking link: https://qkt.io/A7dhaV

Mushroom and Quinoa Burger Recipe

International Burger Day is an annual event celebrated on May 28th, where burger enthusiasts from all over the world come together to indulge in one of their all-time favorite foods.

This day is a celebration of the versatility, deliciousness, and iconic status of the humble burger.

Whether you prefer a classic cheeseburger, a juicy bacon burger, or a plant-based burger, there is no denying the endless possibilities and mouth-watering combinations that can be created with this versatile dish.

  • From fast food joints to high-end restaurants, burgers can be found on menus everywhere and have become a staple in the culinary world.

Mushrooms are an excellent addition to any burger, as they can elevate the flavor profile and add a unique texture to the dish. These earthy vegetables are a great source of umami, the fifth taste that is often described as savory and rich, making them the perfect ingredient to enhance the taste of a burger patty. In addition to their culinary benefits, mushrooms are also known for their numerous health benefits. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and potassium. Incorporating mushrooms into your burger recipe can add a nutritional boost to the dish without compromising on flavor. Whether you prefer to sauté them as a topping, blend them into the patty, or grill them as a side, mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can take your burger to the next level while providing a range of health benefits.

So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to celebrate International Burger Day in style with these delicious recipes. From savory to sweet, we guarantee that these burgers will have you coming back for more.

Mushroom and Quinoa Burger

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium sweet potato
  • 3 large portobello mushrooms
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp chilli flakes
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (from about ½ uncooked)
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Juice and zest of ½ lemon

To serve:

  • 4 burger buns of choice, toasted
  • Lettuce, *mayonnaise, cucumber ribbons, red onion slices, bean sprouts
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Prick sweet potato all over with a fork; rub with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast directly on an oven rack until tender, 45-60 minutes. (Place a baking tray below to catch any drippings) Allow to cool. Remove and discard skin; mash flesh with a fork. Set aside.
  2. Roughly chop portobello mushrooms and blitz in a food processor until very finely chopped.
  3. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan over low. Cook shallot and chilli flakes, until shallot is tender. Add mushrooms and cook until they release all their liquid. Transfer to a large bowl; mix in quinoa and season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
  4. Add breadcrumbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and mashed sweet potato and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Divide mixture into 4 and form into patties, pressing firmly together with your hands. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium and cook patties until golden brown and the edges are crisp.
  6. Build burgers with all the fixings and serve straight away.
  7. *use vegan mayonnaise to keep this recipe 100% vegan
  8. Mushroom & Quinoa Burger Paired with Blacksmith Wines Limbo Red
  9. This veggie burger and red blend are a match made in heaven. Both are juicy, crunchy and on the lighter, fresher side. This fruity wine has hints of strawberry, raspberry and red cherry. The bright tannins pair nicely with the little hint of spice from the chilli flakes and the touch of sweetness from the sweet potato in the burger. Both are utterly scrumptious and complimentary.

 

Asian Blended Burger Recipe

International Burger Day is an annual event celebrated on May 28th, where burger enthusiasts from all over the world come together to indulge in one of their all-time favorite foods.

This day is a celebration of the versatility, deliciousness, and iconic status of the humble burger.

Whether you prefer a classic cheeseburger, a juicy bacon burger, or a plant-based burger, there is no denying the endless possibilities and mouth-watering combinations that can be created with this versatile dish.

  • From fast food joints to high-end restaurants, burgers can be found on menus everywhere and have become a staple in the culinary world.

Mushrooms are an excellent addition to any burger, as they can elevate the flavor profile and add a unique texture to the dish. These earthy vegetables are a great source of umami, the fifth taste that is often described as savory and rich, making them the perfect ingredient to enhance the taste of a burger patty. In addition to their culinary benefits, mushrooms are also known for their numerous health benefits. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and potassium. Incorporating mushrooms into your burger recipe can add a nutritional boost to the dish without compromising on flavor. Whether you prefer to sauté them as a topping, blend them into the patty, or grill them as a side, mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can take your burger to the next level while providing a range of health benefits.

So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to celebrate International Burger Day in style with these delicious recipes. From savory to sweet, we guarantee that these burgers will have you coming back for more.

Asian Blended Burger

Makes 4 burgers

FOR THE BURGERS:

  • 400 grams Beef Burger Mince (80/20 fat ratio)
  • 400 grams mixed Portabella and Portabellini mushrooms, finely diced
  • ¼ Cup Panko Bread Crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Ketjap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • A little oil for frying

FOR SERVING:

  • 4 Burger Buns, toasted (Sesame Seed buns are great for this burger)
  • Asian Slaw Mix (green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots & coriander)

PREPARATION:

For the Burger Patties:

  1. Combine all burger patty ingredients in a large bowl and mix by hand ensuring spices well distributed
  2. Form 4 burger patties and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes
  3. Grill or Fry burger patties (suggest medium) ensuring caramelization on searing

BUILD YOUR BURGER:

  1. Toast Burger Buns on grill
  2. Place a little of the Asian Slaw mix onto your toasted Burger Bun base
  3. Top with Mushroom Blended Burger Patty
  4. Drizzle with Sriracha Mayo
  5. Top with Red onion Pickle & Burger Bun lid
  6. Enjoy!!!!

Chef’s tips

  1. Great served with Asian Slaw Salad, Atjar Tjampoer (Sweet & Sour Vegetable Pickle) and hand-cut potato wedges tossed in rosemary salt
  2. Beef mince can be replaced with Ostrich mince for a leaner, healthier option

Greek Style Mushroom Blended Burger Recipe

International Burger Day is an annual event celebrated on May 28th, where burger enthusiasts from all over the world come together to indulge in one of their all-time favorite foods.

This day is a celebration of the versatility, deliciousness, and iconic status of the humble burger.

Whether you prefer a classic cheeseburger, a juicy bacon burger, or a plant-based burger, there is no denying the endless possibilities and mouth-watering combinations that can be created with this versatile dish.

  • From fast food joints to high-end restaurants, burgers can be found on menus everywhere and have become a staple in the culinary world.

Mushrooms are an excellent addition to any burger, as they can elevate the flavor profile and add a unique texture to the dish. These earthy vegetables are a great source of umami, the fifth taste that is often described as savory and rich, making them the perfect ingredient to enhance the taste of a burger patty. In addition to their culinary benefits, mushrooms are also known for their numerous health benefits. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and potassium. Incorporating mushrooms into your burger recipe can add a nutritional boost to the dish without compromising on flavor. Whether you prefer to sauté them as a topping, blend them into the patty, or grill them as a side, mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can take your burger to the next level while providing a range of health benefits.

So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to celebrate International Burger Day in style with these delicious recipes. From savory to sweet, we guarantee that these burgers will have you coming back for more.

GREEK STYLE MUSHROOM BLENDED BURGER

2 x BIFTEKIA (PATTIES

INGREDIENTS:

  • Fresh Tomato – 40g
  • Fresh Parsley – 12g
  • Beef Mince – 300g
  • Button Mushrooms – 300g
  • Stale White Bread – 1 slice
  • Large Onion – 1/2
  • Dry Oregano – 3ml
  • Ground Cinnamon – 1ml
  • Ground Cumin – 1ml
  • Olive Oil – 12ml
  • Baking Powder – 1ml
  • Salt – 1ml

METHOD

  1. Drench the slice of bread in water – put aside
  2. Grate the tomato & finely chop the parsley – put aside
  3. Roughly chop the mushrooms and flash fry – put aside
  4. Fry onions in olive oil until soft – put aside
  5. Add the cooked mushrooms, onion, bread, spices, herbs, baking powder, chopped tomato and parsley to the raw mince. Add seasoning to taste
  6. Mix by hand ensuring ingredients are well distributed
  7. Form the burger patty and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  8. Grill or fry patty

FOR SERVING:

  • Two toasted Sesame Seed buns
  • A side salad and zucchini fries
  • 2 x tablespoons of tzatziki to spoon over the patties

 

Experience the Power of One Co: Protect, Prevent & Recover with Immune-Boosting Shots + Juices

As the seasons change and winter approaches, it’s time to prioritize your health and well-being.

And what better way to do that than by giving your immune system a powerful boost?

One Co believes that protection, prevention, and recovery should be prioritized throughout the year.

  • Their range of meticulously crafted products is designed to support the immune system regardless of the season.

While most people associate cleanses with the warmer summer months, One Co emphasizes that autumn is actually an ideal time to embark on a health journey. Their shots and juices are expertly formulated with essential nutrients and antioxidants, working together to fortify the immune system and ensure vitality even as the temperature drops.

What sets One Co apart from the competition is their unwavering commitment to creating products that truly make a difference. Each shot and juice is carefully composed to deliver a powerful combination of ingredients that harmoniously enhance the body’s natural defenses. With the expertise of their nutritionists and health experts, One Co has developed a unique blend of superfoods, vitamins, and minerals, guaranteeing maximum benefits with every sip.

But don’t just take their word for it—experience the transformative power of One Co’s products firsthand. Whether you’re seeking to prevent seasonal illnesses, recover from a demanding day, or simply maintain overall well-being, their shots and juices have you covered. Not only are they convenient and delicious, but they are also highly effective in supporting your health goals.

Click here to visit their website and discover the power of One Co. Your immune system will thank you!

Raise your Spirits with Angostura this International Cocktail Day

World Cocktail Day conveniently falls on a Saturday (13th May) this year and to celebrate ANGOSTURA® proposes three ways to raise your cocktail party game at home.

It’s time to re-imagine the cocktail party.

While you could go all out throwing a spectacular themed party with roaring twenties Gatsby-esque sequins and glitter, or glamorous fifties film star formality, you really don’t have to go to those lengths.

  • The right-now decade ushers in an era of casual (but meticulously crafted) cocktail parties infused with a dash of creativity: ideal for spontaneous get-togethers with friends.

The House of Angostura’s recent launch in South Africa of ANGOSTURA® orange bitters and ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters (joining their original and indispensable ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters), provides the perfect way to celebrate World Cocktail Day on the 13th of May. Experiment, stir, shake and sip, and expand your cocktail horizons… to the power of three.

Here are a few suggestions of how to spice things up with the House of Angostura’s three very individual bitters at your next gathering:

Mix up your Martinis

You don’t need to start out with a fully equipped home bar to host a cocktail party. Pick one spirit as your base and make the mixers do the work – start with riffing on your favourite Martini. With the House of Angostura’s two new bitters flavours (as well as the original ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters) you have all the inspiration you need to start playing. ANGOSTURA® orange bitters adds an irresistible allure to the Classic Martini. A Pink Gin Martini is simplicity and elegance itself with six generous dashes of ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters.  And if the Espresso Martini is your go to, see how a few dashes of ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters adds another layer of swoon-worthy complexity.

Collaborative cocktails

Put a cocktail-savvy new touch on the budget-friendly bring-a-bottle party. Each guest (or pair of guests) nominates a cocktail (keep it simple or go wild) and brings the main ingredients. Challenge each other to add a new twist to your signature cocktails by experimenting with the three ANGOSTURA® bitters flavours as you take turns shaking and stirring through the evening.

Sugar for my honey

Prep your party palette by getting all your mixers in a row: make up a batch of simple sugar syrup; gather a bowl of lemons, oranges and limes; stock up on tonic water, soda water, ginger beer, lemonade, and of course all three ANGOSTURA® bitters. Don’t forget an abundant supply of ice (top tip: make ice with filtered or bottled water unless your tap water is mountain spring pure). Then kick back, raise your spirits and play with an infinite variety of creative cocktail recipes. And don’t forget to mix up a jug or two of everyone’s ultimate refreshment, the Angostura Rock Shandy, to quench thirsts in between cocktails and keep those designated drivers happy.

Causing a stir in the kitchen

In the Caribbean, ANGOSTURA® bitters are just as an essential seasoning in the kitchen as in the bar. Add a dash or two of ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters to a marinade for steak or chicken and have some fun devising food and cocktail pairings that really sing. When it comes to dessert, ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters and ice cream are a marriage made in heaven; and ANGOSTURA® orange bitters brings an intriguing new depth of flavour to chocolate desserts.

So, gather a few cocktail-minded friends and bring a spicy new dimension to your World Cocktail Day (and beyond) Saturday nights.

For more information on the Angostura range and delicious food and cocktail recipes please visit www.angosturabitters.com.

Cheers to Mom: Enjoy a Complimentary Cocktail and Sweet Treat at Tiger’s Milk this Mother’s Day!

This Mother’s Day, treat your mom to a special dining experience at Tiger’s Milk.

Not only can you indulge in their delicious food and drink menu, but all moms will receive a complimentary Bombay Bramble & Tonic and a sweet treat to celebrate their special day.

Tiger’s Milk is the perfect spot for a Mother’s Day celebration, with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that will make your mom feel extra special. And with locations all across the country, you’re sure to find a Tiger’s Milk store near you.

  • But it’s not just the complimentary cocktail and sweet treat that makes Tiger’s Milk such a great choice for Mother’s Day. The restaurant’s extensive menu features a range of mouth-watering dishes, from juicy burgers and pizzas to fresh salads and seafood. And with a fully stocked bar, you can enjoy a wide variety of refreshing cocktails and drinks to toast to your mom.

Book your table today and get ready to treat your mom to a Mother’s Day celebration that she’ll never forget. Find your closest branch here!

Toast to Mom: Celebrate Mother’s Day with La Parada’s Tapas & Cocktail Special

Looking for a unique and memorable way to celebrate Mother’s Day this year?

Look no further than La Parada, the vibrant Spanish-inspired restaurant that offers a truly unforgettable dining experience. With its warm ambiance, delicious food, and exciting cocktail specials, La Parada is the perfect place to treat your mom like the queen she is.

On May 14th, La Parada will be offering a special Mother’s Day Tapas & Cocktail Special.

Enjoy 3 tapas and a Lillet Rose Gin & Tonic for R275 or a 5 tapas and a Lillet Rose Gin & Tonic for R405.

And as an extra special treat, all moms will receive a special gift on arrival, making this Mother’s Day celebration one to remember.

  • Of course, it’s not just the freebies that make La Parada such a great choice for Mother’s Day. The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with stylish decor and friendly staff, is the perfect backdrop for a family celebration. And with an extensive menu of delicious tapas, from crispy calamari to succulent pork belly, there’s something for every taste and appetite.

But that’s not all – La Parada is also known for its inventive and delicious cocktails, with a range of refreshing and fruity options available to complement your meal. From classic mojitos to exotic margaritas, there’s a cocktail for every taste, making this Mother’s Day Tapas & Cocktail Special truly one-of-a-kind.

If you want to make sure that you and your mom don’t miss out on this special Mother’s Day celebration, it’s essential to book your table in advance!

Mama Mia! Celebrate Mother’s Day Italian-style at Old Town Italy

Old Town Italy, the popular Italian restaurant, is celebrating Mother’s Day in a special way this year.

They announced a promotion that promises to make the day even more memorable for all the mothers out there.

The promotion includes a range of delicious food options, live music, a complimentary Malfy Gin & Tonic, and a special surprise for all mothers who book with the restaurant.

  • The Mother’s Day festivities are sure to appeal to all those who are looking to treat their mothers to a special day out. Whether it’s a family gathering or a day out with just the two of you, Old Town Italy has something for everyone. The restaurant has always been known for its authentic Italian cuisine, and this Mother’s Day promotion is no exception. From pasta to pizza, the menu is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

What’s more, the live music will add to the overall experience and create a wonderful atmosphere for all to enjoy. The restaurant has always been known for its vibrant atmosphere and this Mother’s Day, it’s no different. The addition of the complimentary Malfy Gin & Tonic is just the cherry on top of an already perfect day.

But perhaps the best part of the promotion is the surprise that Old Town Italy has in store for all mothers who book with them. While the details of the surprise have not been revealed, it’s sure to be something that will make the day even more special for all moms.

So if you’re looking for a unique and memorable way to celebrate Mother’s Day, then look no further than Old Town Italy. With delicious food, live music, a complimentary Malfy Gin & Tonic, and a special surprise for all mothers, it’s sure to be a day that you and your mother will never forget. Book your table now and make this Mother’s Day one to remember!

Find your closest branch here!