Delizioso – Experience an authentic Italian culinary experience

Experience an authentic Italian culinary experience

Set beneath the back of the majestic Table Mountain, Nikki Booth’s private home and garden create the perfect setting for an intimate dining experience, one that reflects the gourmand’s creative talent and love for flavoursome food.

Inspired by years of watching her mother and grandmother create culinary gems, prepared with an authentic love for feeding the tummy and nourishing the soul, Booth strives for excellence in every plate she prepares. Initially motivated by the thriving interest from friends and family, she took on the challenge of impromptu food preparing demonstrations, an active portal that paved the way for even bigger success.

Mama Mia

It was after positively manifesting the spark that was ignited on a trip to Italy that Booth decided to take to the kitchen with a whole new approach. Invigorated by the Italian way of life, Booth’s aim became centred on her ability to share the spirit of Italian food, atmosphere and flavour, harnessing the uncontrived and eliminating any show of unnecessary pretence.

An individual who appreciates quality, Booth uses an array of fresh produce that is proudly grown in her very own garden. “I love spending time in the garden and digging my hands in the fresh earthy soil. I find it very therapeutic, it’s almost as relaxing as kneading a huge pile of dough.”

Working with her small team in her professional home in Cape Town, Booth takes a hands-on approach to everything she does, paying meticulous attention to detail on every gastronomic delight she creates. “What we do is simple yet completely satisfying. We thrive on the positive feedback that we receive from our valued clients,” explains Booth.

Offering a bespoke culinary experience, Ottimo Cibo serves as an ideal venue for private or corporate functions, with food that is tailor-made to meet clients’ needs and tastes. “Some people like to specify and create their own menu, while others love diving into the experience with no expectation or preconceived ideas. We aim to take each person on a food journey that is quintessentially Italian.”

The Homey feeling

 With three separate dining areas on offer within the venue, guests are guaranteed a tranquil and homey atmosphere, where the décor pays tribute to Booth’s stylishly elegant yet modest and simple taste. With the catering to serve from as small as 18 to a maximum of 44 seated, each table setting represents the fresh, clean and uncomplicated approach that is synonymous with Ottimo Cibo’s business ethos. “We are really flexible when it comes to bookings. We can even host up to 100 people for a canapé and cocktail dinner. It’s great fun and it’s really inspiring to meet so many interesting people,” says Booth with an inviting smile.

Ottimo Cibo offers such an array of culinary spreads, but special moments has to be made of the tantalising antipasta dishes on offer for starters – whether it’s the roasted courgette with oven dried tomatoes, gorgonzola and basil leaves, or the beetroot carpaccio with goat’s cheese, walnuts and rocket drizzled with a balsamic reduction.

The team at Ottimo Cibo enjoy turning up the heat in the kitchen, making sure nothing goes amiss or falls short of perfection. “Impeccable service delivery is one of our top priorities. We will go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction,” explains Booth. Covering all aspects of a luxury dining experience, Ottimo Cibo utilises one of Cape Town’s trusted palettes – that of Wine Concepts founder Michael Bampfield-Duggan.

Constantly developing new ideas and bettering her skills, Booth makes frequent visits back to Italy where she is fortunate enough to share a space in the bustling family kitchen. Surrounded by local talent this Cape Town gourmand soaks in the traditional techniques and authentic Italian cooking secrets that have been handed down through generations. From one kitchen to another, the magical, heartfelt process of sharing, teaching and tasting continues.

 Info: 

 For Private Bookings and information contact:

 Tel:

021 426 0991

 Email:

shanaaz@tourismcorp.co.za

 Web:

www.therovingambassador.com 

 Text | Meghan Spilsbury

Photography | Mia Feinstein

a short hop from Pemba, Mozambique, with accommodation

recently refurbished, has become a republic … of paradise

Words Tony Vaughan

Photographs courtesy The Roving Ambassador

For me it’s all about big birds and little birds: both of them bring out an erotic and romantic emotion in me as I enter them – I feel happy, alive, excited and free. So by the time I stepped off the little bird that flew me from Pemba to an island a short boat trip from Quilálea Island, I would have been happy spending a couple of days carrying coconuts around (and believe me, there’s a lot of them) than relaxing on a beautiful island. A chance to spend a few days on a desert island isn’t to be sniffed at, certainly when compared to a few days at the office, and I guess I’ve been extraordinarily spoilt over the years. This island, she wasn’t my first, and she certainly won’t be my last! Islands off places such as Brazil, Australia, Maldives, Seychelles, Malta, Malaysia, Greece, Mauritius, Thailand, Spain, Mexico and Borneo have made the list, and so it’s fair to say that I’m a pretty good judge of island experiences.

‘First impressions count.’ It’s drummed into us from school, through personal relationships and certainly in business. And when it comes to hotels, islands and restaurants, they’re often the deal-breaker. What is it they say, you don’t get a chance to make a second impression? Although with an island it’s kind of a little different, as short of swimming or paying a lot to turn around, you’re there, in the hands of whatever service and product they have to offer. Compared with a 90-minute Thai massage in Bangkok, the first impression Quilálea makes is as subtle as a 30-minute back massage in a five-star hotel: you know you’ve had something done to you, it felt good, and you want more. Stepping off the boat you are greeted by the manager, your personal butler and the dive instructor (and general island bird and plant person if he can’t get you under the water), smiles abound, and then everyone quickly disappears and you start your island holiday.

The most important person in your life for the next few days is your butler, not because anything is difficult or because you are left wanting, but merely because, for him, you are the most important person in his life for the next few days. And therein lies the difference between Quilálea and most other islands: it is personal. It is very personal! Never invasive, never pushy, always there but never there – qualities with which a person is born, recognised by Quilálea as important, and selected and fine-tuned by the island’s management team. The butler subtly forms a partnership with you, quickly tunes in to your needs and desires and smoothly makes each component of your visit a pleasure. Coming a very, very close second as the most important person in your life for the next few days is the chef. Don’t get me started on island food elsewhere: often slop, often boring or too elaborate and often alot of other things that makes a burger back home

appealing. The chef at Quilálea, however, is right on the money – young, enthusiastic and with the right amount of humility, he prepares fresh, exciting food. Exciting in that it does a lot for the eye and even more for the palate. It’s home cooking, professionally done, with the right balance of flavours, the right size of culinary challenge and, importantly, the right portion size, allowing you to get to his mouth-watering desserts without feeling as if you need a round-the island swim to work off the calories. Of course, if you feel you do need a round-the island swim – a fraction far, although you can walk it in 45 minutes or so – there’s the island whistler for you. No, not a rare species of the feathered variety, but rather the young Afrikaans dive instructor, whistling away as he adds yet another personal dimension to the island vibe.

Whether in the water, below it, on various boats or on land, his switch is always in the ‘on’ position – again, he’s not in your face, but there for you when you feel the need to shake it up a gear or two. And having dived all around the world and seen some amazing things under water, I can easily say that he’s by far the most excitable person under water ever, making every dive memorable. Throw in a spa with an amazing view, lunches and dinners set for you in some beautiful, romantic locations and large bedrooms with tasteful island decor and you have close to the perfect romantic island escape.

TRAVEL

With thanks to …

Tony’s trip to Quilálea Island (special RSA Resident Rates apply) was arranged by The Roving Ambassador and Tourism Corporation Africa.

The Roving Ambassador operates like a private bank, indulging a select clientele with magical journeys to Africa’s most exclusive destinations, from the Cape to Gauteng and Kruger National Park to Mozambique’s islands of Benguerra and Quilálea and onwards to mystical Marrakech and its palatial Ksar Char-Bagh. Quilálea Private Island – managed by Azura Island Retreats, which also manages the deluxe Azura at Gabriel’s on Benguerra Island in southern Mozambique – has been named in Tatler’s Top 101 Hotel’s in the World Awards 2012. (Also part of The Roving Ambassador’s portfolio, Royal Malewane Private Game Reserve was nominated by private clients and awarded the title of Third- Best Hotel in the World in Travel & Leisure (USA) in 2011.) Tourism Corporation Africa’s preferred airline partners are Airlink and British Airways (International).

The Roving Ambassador is renowned businessman Andrew Shapland, who is based in Cape Town, London and New York.

Tourism Corporation Africa,

+27 (0)21 426 0991, (fax) +27 (0)21 422 0337,

shanaaz@tourismcorp.co.za, tourismcorp.co.za;

Azura Island Retreats, azura-retreats.com

In his pursuit of social upliftment, education and sustainability of the underprivileged youth of South Africa, Councillor Nqavashe of the ANC(African National Congress), in conjunction with SA Airlink and The Roving Ambassador have taken a significant step towards bringing the world to South Africa and in turn, taking South Africa to the world.

In the hopes of inspiring young children from disadvantaged backgrounds to walk tall as united South Africans and be proud ambassadors of our exquisite country, the councillor, together with SA Airlink and The Roving Ambassador are paving the ‘runway’ for a sustainable future in tourism.

 By enabling 10 children to experience the thrill of leaving terra firma, that addictive rush of excitement that comes with your first gallop down the runway, that first moment of lift off when your tummy turns and your eyes stare in awe as the nose of the aircraft points sharply in an upward direction all while the engines raw like lions ferociously defending their territory, the councillor hopes to ignite a fire in the youth by showing them just how quick and easy and rewarding cross-country travel can be…

 For further information Contact:

Shanaaz Solomons

Sales and Marketing Coordinator

Tourism Corporation Africa Ltd

shanaaz@tourismcorp.coza

 Or

 Tracy Grant

PR and Media Manager

Airlink(Pty) Ltd

tracygrant@flyairlink.com

Malaysia on a plate

Their outdoor activities curtailed by rain, Katie Derham and her family signed up for a cookery lesson. But learning to make spicy chicken noodles was only the beginning of what was to become a gastronomic tour.

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The Cameron Highlands

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Kuala Lumpur

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Fresh fruit and vegetables

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Stilted cabins on the island of Pangkor Laut

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Buying produce at the market in Dungun

Private Islands | Mozambique

It’s absurdly remote, so getting here involves a series of buzz-about tiny planes, a wade through mangroves and boarding a boat that pours you out like spilt milk onto a crescent-shaped beach that’s like a lunar moon of stellar brilliance. This island is spectacular by any standards. Dramatic exposed coral cliffs overhang powder-puff sand that slopes gently into living gardens of corals and anemones. Romantic dhows tack the horizon; fishermen scoop by in dug-out canoes. Dip your mask under the surface and a rare reef fish will flash a stripe or two at you. There are nine makuti-thatch, coral-stone villas that sit among coastal forest with views of sunsets or sunrises on opposite sides of the island. The newly revamped interiors are effortless Afro-chic with grass carpets, carved stools and lights sourced from roadside craftsmen. Days can be busy or lazy – swim, turtle-spot, kayak, fish, have a massage, learn how to dive or nip across to Ibo Island to rootle around in a culture that dates back to the Arab trading routes of ad300. Dinners are a winner, a benchmark in barefoot smart – your personal butler will set up feasts on a beach surrounded by candles, or under a floodlit baobab tree. You are both looked after and left alone in all the right measures. This is an island that is intelligently green as well as adventurous and crazily delicious.

• LocationQuirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique

seven nights from £3,695, full board, including flights and transfers.

Contact: Tourism Corporation Africa

Tel: 021 426 0991

Email: shanaaz@tourismcorp.co.za

Website: www.tourismcorp.co.za

Swing your pants in an excited fashion. New to this South African pleasuredome are six private villas: a colourful explosion of Caran d’Ache high drama. Liz Biden’s hotels are the most famous in South Africa, and this must be the most expensive hotel in the country. You can’t believe it works, really – the chequered marble flooring, the lime-green curtains, the chandeliers so large they’re like intergalactic UFOs. And yet there is a reason why Christian Lacroix and Elton John love it here. Set apart in the gardens, surrounded by vines and apple and plum trees, this is heady stuff. It ain’t no barefoot chic, peeps – it’s a riot of glory, with massive roaring fires, four-posters and roses. The GM, Edward Morton, lives, eats and breathes the place; staff – at a ratio of 10 to one, or at least it certainly feels like it – are impossible to match. One Indian billionaire who insists on travelling the world with his own staff has said it’s the only place where he doesn’t need them, and revisited three times in 12 months.

• LocationFranschhoek Valley, South Africa

• Rates

three nights from £2,135, including British Airways flights, car hire and breakfast.

Contact: Tourism Corporation Africa

Tel: 021 426 0991

Email: shanaaz@tourismcorp.co.za

Website: www.tourismcorp.co.za

Royal Malewane

Faraway Fabulousness | South Africa

The most stylish and effective spa in Africa is completely surrounded by the open splendour of the bush. It’s not unusual to find a passing antelope gazing in fascination as you shift position on your massage bed. And while there are big brands such as Dermalogica to draw on, it’s the indigenous oils and traditional ingredients (rooibos, marula, lemongrass and avocado) that really make this a cut above the norm. Treatments are inspired by ancient African rituals and you can even consult a sangoma – a healer who uses herbal remedies to rid you of evil spirits. Hydrotherapy treatments use the mineral-rich waters from an underground stream and there are Vichy showers, a heated lap-pool and a gym. All this mixed with the thrill of expert game drives and eight extravagant, colonial-style bedrooms. The food is incredible too – Elton John had the wholemeal bread flown home.

• LocationKruger National Park, South Africa

Three nights from £3,785, full board, including British Airways flights, transfers and safari activities.

Contact:

Tourism Corporation Africa

Tel: 021 426 0991

Email: shanaaz@tourismcorp.co.za

Website: www.tourismcorp.co.za

Children splash and play in the cools of the Aquila pool!

CARING FOR THE FUTURE – Ukukhathalela ikamva Iwezi Iwanyana

By Meghan Spilsbury

In the hopes of shining the spotlight on what can only be described as one of  South Africa’s most desperate and heart wrenching situations ­­- Rhino poaching – in both our wild parks and nature reserves,

Councillor Nqavashe of the African National Congress, in conjunction with The Roving Ambassador, successfully carried out Councillor Nqavashe’s brainchild to expose and educate disadvantaged South African youths on the pristine beauty and natural wonders of the South African bush. Councillor Nqavashe and The Roving Ambassador, along with Searl Derman of the Aquila Group of Camps (which includes Aquila Private Game Reserve as well us the luxurious Nautilus yacht) teamed up together to create an “inspired-awareness of all things magical” in the South African bush. The joint idea and goal is aimed at affording all South Africans the opportunity to enjoy all the wonders that our unique country has to offer.  A key component of the mission was/is to promote the preservation of both the longevity and sustainability of our land, natural wealth, resources and with great emphasis placed on our magnificent wildlife of which some species are under great threat for our future generations to enjoy.

Sporting their bright red, white and black ‘SAVING PRIVATE RHINO’ T-shirts and caps, 21 enthusiastic children between the ages of six and ten accompanied by Councillor Nqavashe along with Tourism Corporation Africa representative Meghan Spilsbury, made their way into the beautiful, natural location of Aquila Private Game Reserve.  For most of the children it was their very first encounter with African wildlife. Met by Aquila’s General Manager, Lynton Liou, we were briefed that our day was going to be nothing short of spectacular, fun and infinitely life changing. With the levels of excitement soaring to the point of elation, the children soaked up every little piece of valuable information shared with them by one knowledgeable and friendly Aquila Reserve guide Carl Honicke, a passionate advocate for wildlife preservation.

After spending some much valued time soaking in the astounding atmosphere within the wild cat enclosure, our group (now bustling with sounds of shhhhoo, and wooow as they marvelled at the great cats) headed back to the safari vehicle, ready for the next part of their adventure…

It was with impressive self control and bated breath that the wide eyed children sat quietly on their seats, warned that any loud noises or sudden movement could deter the much awaited wildlife. On spotting the majestic movements of an elephant bull enjoying a summer dip in a muddy watering hole nearby, the children’s faces were a alive with a sense of pride… this was their country and these beautiful animals were apart of  their world. After spending a few minutes marvelling at Africa’s giants we moved on in search of the animal we had come to admire.. the fierce yet serenely gentle looking Rhino. Suddenly it all fell into place, not only for me but for 21, young children from Gugulethu, these Rhino are a treasured part of our internationally adored wildlife masterpiece, and the fact that we simply can not allow  them to become extinct.  With one hand clutching the railing of the safari vehicle and the other pointing enthusiastically at a nearby herb of Zebra, young Hlonela smiled widely as she told me that these ‘stripy horses’ were her favourite animal, “ I just love their patterns and colours they are so beautiful (Ndiyazithanda izilwanyana nemibalabala yazo embejembeje, nendlela yokuziphatha yazo).” Deciding she was going to stay loyal to one of the “Big Five”, bright-eyed Lithemba declared her unfailing adoration for the Rhinos, “ The Rhinos are my favourite animals, just look at how different they are! (Ndinochulumanco nangoo Bhejane amaphondo abo amade embonjeni nendlela aba loko behleli ngayo!)”

Seeing the appreciation on the faces of children so small, and knowing that they were now fully aware of the urgency and importance of wildlife conservation made me realise that our mission has only just begun. In caring for the youth and children of our nation, we are caring for the future of our country and everything that makes her the beautiful home we have come to know and love…

After a hearty lunch kindly prepared by the staff at Aquila Private Game Reserve, the children relished the chance of dipping their feet into the cooling waters of the Aquila swimming pool, a refreshing treat after spending the day under the baking African sun!  With happy faces and full tummies it was time to hop back on the bus and head back to Cape Town, a journey filled with laughter, excitement and hope for the future…

A special thanks goes to:

Co-ordination: Shanaaz Solomons of Tourism Corporation Africa as well as Mandi Jarmen of Aquila Private Game Reserve

Location: Aquila Private Game Reserve

Transport: Ikapa Luxury Coach Hire

The African National Congress (ANC)

Azura at Quilalea has a history that dates back to Arab Trade routes in AD 300 and a future that is protected by an ecologically sound management ethos, a marine sanctuary and a national park

Set amongst a row of 32 spectacular coralline and sand islands that resemble a tide of electric-blue jellyfish washing up on a shoreline, Quilalea is genuinely remote, malaria free and staggeringly beautiful. The Quirimbas Archipelago is the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique is still relatively undiscovered and the adventure begins with the journey to get there. After three consecutive smaller planes, a truck through a coconut plantation and a boat ride, you are beached on a soft white shore besides two ragged coral cliffs. Wide grins, chilled facecloths and a tall drink welcome you to the main lodge that is arranged to deliver a sunset view through a baobab tree into the dancing blues of the Indian Ocean. Traditional dhows track the sea like hermit crabs in upright shells and, even after last light, the air feels sun-kissed.

The legend goes that the island’s small coves were used as a resting place for laden dhows and the local nickname ‘lala’, or sleep in Swahili. has evolved into its current name: Quilalea. It’s apt, as sleeping something you do deeply here.

There are a million ways to be busy or lazy all day, from turtle-tracking to scuba-diving, mangrove-kayaking and island-hopping, or even just dozing in the shade after snorkelling the house reef. You can stroll around the 35-hectare island in a few hours, rest under baobabs and swim at five beaches without coming across another soul. There is a maximum of 18 guests at any one time and, even at meal times, tables are set for privacy and intimacy amongst constellations of candles on the beach, the deck or in the restaurant.

The nine villas, four facing the sunset and four facing the sunrise, plus one presidential suite, are makuti-thatched and built out of rough coral stones, so they sit back in the coastal forest as if they belong there. Inside, the interiors are awash with light and sea breezes blowing through woven window shutters that tie back rustically with a rope. The partridge wood king-size beds lie under swathes of decorative, colour-dipped mosquito netting that drifts across the smooth cement floors. The room palettes borrow from the sky or sea and use evening pinks and morning blues in a range of sophisticated fabrics and textures by Jim Thompson, Julie Patterson, Ashanti and Mavromac. A curtain by St Leger and Viney fringed with raffia by Coral Stephens of Swaziland floats between the generous room and bathroom, complementing the woven lights that soften eco-globes with their fluttering strands of sand-coloured raffia. The effect is brighter, more neutral rooms with elegant highlights and brilliant eco credentials. In each room there is a ‘luxe’ or ‘eco’ switch you can flick to conserve energy during your stay. Besides this, sun and rain are harvested, a de-salination unit provides delicious drinking water and the garden that has been landscaped with indigenous plants and coral pathways. All waste is removed from the island and rubble produced from the renovations is being used to help build a school on neighbouring Quirimbas Islands.

The interior design lab, GDF, has been inventive in sourcing mats, baskets and talent on a road trip from Pemba to Kisanga-you’ll see a drinks table made from an upturned basket with a slice of wood as a top, handcrafted stools and things you simply cannot buy in decor shops. The floor in the bar is made like the traditional dhows in this area, using mismatched planks of wood, hemp and melted tar. The arabesque shapes of smooth concrete in the sunken lounge and the coral rock texture of the bar alongside, with its roughly hewn wooden bar stools, create a new kind of Robinson Crusoe chic that suits the barefoot luxury of this island.

Quilalea has an easy sexiness that is part nature and part style…

Contact: Andrew Shapland

Email: andrew@tourismcorp.co.za

Tel: 021 426 0992

Website: www.therovingambassador.com

Quilalea: www.quilalea.co.za

Outside Hermanus lies Zilvermijnbosch – a venue where the opulence of antique chandeliers meets the rustic charm of a centuries-old estate. Choosing among haute cuisine, decadent picnics or sundowner river cruises.

Contact; Andrew Shapland

Email: andrew@tourismcorp.co.za

Tel: 021 426 0991

Website: www.therovingambassador.com