Luce launches unique Wade Bales Constantia White as exclusive wine

Southern Sun Hyde Park’s elegant Luce restaurant (https://www.tsogosun.com/luce-at-hyde-park) has selected the pioneering Wade Bales Constantia White 2018 as its preferred wine, available exclusively within the group from the Luce restaurant for the first six months from launch.

The Constantia White is a classic blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon and is a collaboration of the cellar masters from seven of Constantia’s leading wine farms, with each winemaker contributing a specific component of Sauvignon Blanc or Semillon from their best vineyards, tanks, and barrels. All seven participated in the screening and blending process, which culminated in the handcrafting and bottling of a wine which is the best expression of the Constantia region.

Miguel Chan, Tsogo Sun Group Sommelier, says that after six months, selected Tsogo Sun properties with high demand for premium wines in Gauteng will be given the opportunity to offer this wine on their menus. “This unique collaboration of seven farms from one region, is a first in the Cape wine industry, combined with the limited production of the wine, will no doubt ensure that it will be listed at only the best dining addresses and in selected specialist wine shops.”

Bernie Hilario, GM of Southern Sun Hyde Park, says they are proud to be introducing this special wine to their guests for the six-month launch period. “Excellent wine is key to our food and beverage menu at Luce, which serves the finest authentic Italian cuisine fused with Japanese dishes and ocean fresh sushi, paired with a range of delicious Italian and South African wines. The new Wade Bales Constantia White as our ‘preferred wine’ is a perfect fit for our world-class offering.”

The Wade Bales Constantia White will be available in Luce and Island Bar (https://www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-hyde-park-sandton/restaurants-bars/island-bar) by the glass at R75 and bottle at R299, offering great value for this premium wine.

Wade Bales is a négociant based in the Constantia Valley with 25 years’ experience building a prestigious wine brand. The Constantia White reflects the building of long-term relationships with leading winemakers in the local wine industry, and is the first in the Regional Series, each showcasing the signature style of the leading wine regions of South Africa. A Cabernet Sauvignon representing the Stellenbosch region, will be released in the second half of 2019.

Tasting notes:

The Constantia White 2018 is a classic blend of Sauvignon Blanc (67%) and Semillon (33%). It shows fresh aromas of passionfruit, nettle and lime, following through on the palate with luscious flavours of citrus and winter melon from the Sauvignon Blanc component. An undertone of sweet spice is derived from the Semillon barrel-fermented in French oak, adding complexity to the wine of origin.

Tsogo Sun Hotels has a portfolio of over 100 hotels throughout South Africa, Africa and the Seychelles. For more details, visit https://www.tsogosun.com, follow on Twitter @TsogoSun #TsogoWine #ExperienceLife or like on Facebook /TsogoSun.

Poke Bowls and bubbles on the menu at Southern Sun Hyde Park deck

One of the hottest food trends of 2018, the Poke Bowl, has made it onto the menu of one of Jozi’s trendiest sundowner spots, taking the fresh and funky dish to the next level with a side of champagne. 

Right through summer to 31 March, Southern Sun Hyde Park Hotel (https://www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-hyde-park-sandton) is offering a choice of three varieties of nutritious, Asian-inspired Poke Bowls with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé per two people for only R500 per person. The experience is elevated even further by the spectacular location of the hotel’s Island Bar pool deck.

Originally a Hawaiian delicacy, Poke Bowls (pronounced POH-keh, and meaning ‘to slice or cut’) have taken the world by storm, supported by the recent health-food revolution and the rise in popularity of plant-based eating. The wholesome meal has been described as ‘the next generation of sushi’, and traditionally includes raw fish marinated and tossed over rice and a variety of freshly cut vegetables, with a splash of savoury sauces and sesame seeds. 

The Poke Bowl options on the Island Bar special promotion menu include the Vegetarian Poke, with sushi rice, sliced cucumber with shredded carrots, spring onion, edamame bean, nori, pickled ginger and wasabi; the Kimchi Tuna Poke, with fresh yellow fin tuna marinated in kimchi, red onion and spring onion drizzled with sesame oil with fresh ginger and garlic, sushi rice, nori and sesame seeds finished with black lava salt; and the Salmon Pickle Poke, with fresh salmon marinated in low sodium soy, red seedless chili, ginger, garlic and coriander served with pickled carrots and radish and sushi rice and black sesame seeds.

The offer is valid on Saturdays and Sundays only, from 12h00 to 22h30. The Poke Bowl special includes one bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé per two people. For more information go to www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-hyde-park-sandton/offers/dining/poke-bowl-and-champagne.

Celebrate the weekend in style with Champagne Breakfast on the deck

“Why do I drink Champagne for breakfast? Doesn't everyone?” - Noel Coward

There’s no better time of day, or place, to enjoy bubbles than with a sumptuous breakfast on the deck of Joburg’s Best Sundowner Spot – Southern Sun Hyde Park Hotel (https://www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-hyde-park-sandton). 

Take in some of the best views in Jozi – as voted by the public in the Best of Joburg Awards – and enjoy weekend breakfast in style. The hotel’s popular rooftop venue, Island Bar, is the perfect spot from which to enjoy an a la carte breakfast at only R250 per person including a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label per four people. 

The Champagne Breakfast with a View offer at Southern Sun Hyde Park is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 to 11:00, until 31 March 2019. For bookings and to arrange pre-payment, contact Wendy on 011 341 8080. For further information go to https://www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-hyde-park-sandton/offers/champagne-breakfast-with-a-view. 

Tsogo Sun has a portfolio of over 100 hotels and 13 casino and entertainment destinations throughout South Africa, Africa and the Seychelles. For more details, visit https://www.tsogosun.com, follow on Twitter @TsogoSun or like on Facebook /TsogoSun.

Culinary flair comes to Hyde Park deck

Summertime in Jozi is the perfect excuse for sundowners in a spectacular setting, and there are few as perfect as Southern Sun Hyde Park Hotel’s pool deck. To celebrate the new season, warm summer evenings and highveld sunsets, the hotel’s popular Island Bar has revamped its menu to add some culinary flair to what is already a popular destination for Jozi’s trendy crowd.

Southern Sun Hyde Park Hotel (https://www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-hyde-park-sandton), located in one of Sandton’s most exclusive suburbs, features beautiful views from the breath-taking pool deck and is a trending spot to ease into the weekend, with weekly Friday Sundowner (https://www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-hyde-park-sandton/offers/friday-sundowner) sessions featuring top local and international DJs playing the best in House and Deep House.

Grant van der Riet, Executive Chef of Southern Sun Hyde Park Hotel, whose culinary philosophy is ‘Life is too short for a bad meal’, says the new menu focuses on fresh, original and delicious flavours, and more than a touch of Italian finesse. “Island Bar now offers something for every appetite with options for any time of the day or night, from tapas plates for sharing and tasting, to sushi, hunger busting burgers, light meals and desserts.”

The tapas selection offers a tempting array of vegetarian, meat and fish dishes featuring a fresh take on traditional favourites, including Crumbed mushrooms and garlic pesto aioli; Cheese & corn poppers; Mushroom & mozzarella arancini; Sriracha chicken wings; Grilled sliced sirloin with rosemary jus; Pulled beef taco served with pickled cabbage and sour cream; Lamb & coriander kofta; Braised pork taco; Chorizo and lentils ciabatta; and Crispy calamari, lemon & sriracha aioli.

Burger options for meat-lovers include the signature Hyde Park beef burger with a 200g patty topped with honey-glazed bacon and melted emmental cheese and the Hyde Park chicken burger with a 200g grilled breast with bacon and a blue cheese sauce. The Banting option promises to be a winner, offering a Carb-free beef or chicken burger with fresh Asian greens, tomato, gherkin, a 200g patty, mozzarella, pineapple chutney, and avocado.

The salad selection showcases Chef Grant’s culinary prowess, and includes Tian of feta with cherry tomatoes, grilled eggplant, arugula lettuce, carrot, cucumber, and toasted bruschetta; and a unique creation titled Beetroot of textures, with grilled baby beetroot, candy stripe beetroot, pickled golden beetroot, beetroot jelly, dried beetroot, and grape & walnut salad and goat’s cheese; and a Greek salad.

Not-to-be-skipped desserts include Chocalatissimo chocolate soufflé with a melted chocolate centre, vanilla ice-cream, shortbread crumble, and fresh berries; Chocolate torta with passion fruit served with mango sorbet, crumble and berry coulis; and Pistachio & matcha panna cotta.

The spectacularly-located Lucé in Hyde Park has launched an exciting new menu, crafted by Chef Gareth Jordaan.

Formerly executive sous chef at The Palazzo Montecasino, Jordaan has injected his own brand of culinary flair into the Lucé menu, creating traditional Italian dishes in keeping with the restaurant’s theme, but “with a twist”.

In the first in a series of Chef Challenges, Tsogo Sun took Jordaan out of the comfort zone of his kitchen, challenging him to produce a gourmet meal in a unique location within the Southern Sun Hyde Park property. “We’re aiming to prove that Tsogo Sun chefs can produce the finest showcase of their food and their menu in the most challenging location,” says Priya Naidoo, General Manager, Group Communication for Tsogo Sun.

Jordaan rose to the challenge by presenting guests with tasting portions from his new menu in the porte-cochère of the hotel. Course after mouth-watering course was seamlessly served to guests who were comfortably seated at the light and airy entrance to the hotel, six floors below the kitchen.

Jordaan is a wholehearted believer that diners taste with their eyes, incorporating what he terms “funky plating techniques” into his repertoire. Starters have a distinct wow factor and main courses are hearty and flavourful. Having reduced the size of the menu, Jordaan’s dishes display enormous attention to detail and a focus on achieving consistency and high standards. A choice of eight starters, 16 main courses and six desserts offer a balanced selection of dishes that accommodate a range of dietary requirements and all showcase Jordaan’s philosophy of simplicity and quality. “If you eat at Lucé, you eat good food,” he says.

Lucé is situated in Southern Sun Hyde Park, from where it looks out on the Sandton skyline and leafy suburb of Hyde Park through an impressive wall of windows. Magnificent views coupled with fine wines, including a variety of Tsogo Sun’s auction wines, carefully selected and purchased from the Nederburg and Cape Winemaker’s Guild auctions, and paired with Lucé’s delectable new menu, make this a truly memorable dining experience.

Highlights on the new menu include salad caprese, featuring a variety of plump tomatoes, crisp sage, mushrooms, aged balsamic and basil oil; salmon with cauliflower purée, grape oil, dill pine nuts and capers; chicken supreme with creamed goats cheese, root vegetables, puttanesca stuffing, lemon and thyme; the incomparable surf ‘n turf, with its mouthwatering sous vide beef fillet, poached lobster tail, lobster roe ricotta, pappardelle and crisp leek; and the piece de resistance – Italian crepe, orange diplomat, vanilla ice cream, peach and basil compote.

For bookings, contact Lucé on +2711 341-8080.

Tsogo Sun’s portfolio includes over 90 hotels and 14 casino and entertainment destinations throughout South Africa, Africa, the Seychelles and Abu Dhabi. For further information, visit tsogosun.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram @TsogoSun or like on Facebook/TsogoSun.

ISSUED BY TSOGO SUN HOLDINGS. FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:

Priya Naidoo  | General Manager- Group Communications | Tel: 011 510 7583 | Fax: 011 510 7231 |

Cell: 084 440 0022

About Tsogo Sun

Tsogo Sun is the leading hotels, gaming and entertainment company in South Africa, providing a variety of hospitality and exciting entertainment and leisure experiences. Combining an established heritage with a professional and energised approach, the group proudly encompasses 14 casinos and over 90 hotels in South Africa, Africa, the Seychelles and Abu Dhabi.

The company’s hospitality interests offer a wide distribution of hotels in Africa, providing world-class accommodation across all markets, including elegant, individually branded luxury hotels and well-known trusted market leaders in the premier through budget segments, including Southern Sun Hotels, Garden Court, SunSquare, StayEasy and SUN1 hotels.

The exciting urban and resort casino portfolio includes the most popular entertainment destinations, strategically located throughout South Africa. In the Gauteng province, Tsogo Sun owns the group’s flagship property, Montecasino in Fourways, which features, amongst other attractions, the award-winning Teatro; Gold Reef City Casino and Theme Park in Southern Johannesburg; and Silverstar Casino to the West in Krugersdorp.

Additional properties are owned and operated in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, including the jewel on Durban’s Golden Mile, Suncoast Casino, Hotels and Entertainment.

Tsogo Sun Citizenship is the group’s corporate citizenship strategy which encompasses three areas of focus. This includes Corporate Social Investment, whereby the group promotes the development of learners through three academies which offer holistic, full-year programmes centred around sport, art and education; Entrepreneur Development which focuses on skills-based entrepreneurial development through its Tsogo Sun Book a Guesthouse and Supplier Development programmes; and Environmental Education, committed to initiatives that reduce the impact the business has on the environment.

Tsogo Sun (“TSH”) is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.  The key shareholders of Tsogo Sun are Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited (“HCI”), a JSE listed investment holding company.

Tsogo Sun Gaming supports the National Responsible Gambling Programme. Winners know when to stop.  Only persons over the age of 18 are permitted to gamble. National Problem Gambling counselling toll-free helpline: 0800 006 008.

For more information go to tsogosun.com, follow us on Twitter @TsogoSun or like us on Facebook.

Tsogo Sun’s Special Spots For Sundowners

“Let us celebrate the occasion with wine and sweet words,” said Roman playwright Plautus more than 2 000 years ago. Jo’burgers love to do just that – celebrate any and every occasion with something bubbly, a glass of wine or a delicious cocktail and scintillating company, somewhere special.

The combination of the perfect drinks offering and exceptional settings is something Tsogo Sun prides itself in particular on three unbeatable spots –  the Island Bar on the pool deck of Southern Sun Hyde Park, the San Deck at Sandton Sun Hotel, and the Skye Bar on the 9th floor of the Holiday Inn Sandton. All three venues are becoming favourite sundowner destinations on Jozi’s vibrant social scene, where the panoramic views, glorious Highveld climate, magnificent African sunsets, and the glittering city night lights add unrivaled atmosphere to every occasion.

The Island Bar at Southern Sun Hyde Park is a trendy and vibrant place around a sparkling pool or comfortable indoor lounge seating, from which to enjoy the stunning view through wall to wall windows. The varied menu offering includes trendy cocktails, light lunchtime snacks, including their renowned sushi and sashimi, and indulgent sundowners. Guests who simply can’t tear themselves away from the view also have the opportunity of dining in Lucé, where the finest Italian cuisine is presented by Executive Chef Gareth Jordaan and his talented team, with unique flair, amidst hearty and wholesome flavours.

The San Deck at Sandton Sun is a sophisticated yet trendy outdoor venue that boasts views of the surrounding Sandton skyline topped by unforgettable African sunsets. With three large fire pits, lounge seating, live music, and a DJ on weekends, it’s perfect for informal get-togethers and special social occasions, serving light meals throughout the day. San Deck is also a participating auction wines restaurant, offering South Africa’s exclusive and finest wines, paired with leading executive chef Garth Shnier’s exceptional culinary creations.

The Skye Bar at Holiday Inn Sandton on Rivonia Road is a luxurious and ultra-comfortable venue with a relaxed ambience, also offering panoramic views of Sandton and beyond. It features an inspiring cocktail menu and is a popular place to catch up with friends, enjoy a romantic night out, or entertain corporate colleagues.

Says Priya Naidoo, Tsogo Sun’s GM, Group Communications, “Johannesburg often surprises visitors with its beauty, its friendly ambience, and its celebrated and world-class food and drinks culture. Tsogo Sun is capturing all this and more in our memorable drinks destinations – where locals and visitors alike can enjoy the very best that Jozi has to offer.”

Tsogo Sun’s portfolio includes over 90 hotels and 14 casino and entertainment destinations throughout South Africa, Africa, the Seychelles and Abu Dhabi. For more information, visit tsogosun.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram @TsogoSun or like on Facebook /TsogoSun.