Dark chocolate has earned a health halo in recent years, often touted as a smart alternative to sugar-laden snacks. But is it truly a better choice, or just the lesser evil? As wellness trends and clean-label movements fuel the rise of dark chocolate worldwide, it’s worth asking: How healthy is it, really? What sets dark chocolate apart from other treats? Dark chocolate typically contains a higher percentage of cocoa solids and much less milk and sugar than milk chocolate. The higher the cocoa concentration, the higher the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols, and essential minerals. These naturally occurring antioxidants are known…
Creamy, smooth and endlessly versatile, cheesecake has earned its place as a dessert favourite around the world. Like many desserts, cheesecake can be enjoyed in more than just…
Deglazing, a classic French cooking technique, is one of the best ways to make a flavourful sauce or gravy to accompany a dish. Learn how to deglaze and take your dish from average to amazing. Deglazing 101 Simply put, deglazing is the process of pouring a liquid into the pan where meat has been seared or veggies have been caramelised. While you get colour on these ingredients, some bits get stuck and left behind on the pan itself (called the fond). These bits are actually the most flavourful, and in order to dislodge them, chefs pour a liquid straight into…
July is winter’s peak in South Africa, but that doesn’t mean your garden has to sleep! The main gardening task in July is winter pruning, especially Rose bushes, which will…
A new chapter in Joburg’s gourmet renaissance. Park Hyatt Johannesburg has quietly and confidently opened the doors to Room 32, a refined dining destination that blends fire-cooked cuisine, South Africa’s proudly local craft beverages and rich architectural heritage into one immersive experience. Room 32, cushioned inside the newly restored Sir Herbert Baker landmark in Rosebank, is the only communal space in the world’s most intimate Park Hyatt: a 31-room sanctuary of understated luxury. The restaurant’s 32nd room is not just a nod to fine dining; it’s a statement of intent. A philosophy of fire, flavour, and finesse At the helm…
Get ready for a feast of flavour, innovation, and storytelling as The Good Life Show lands in Johannesburg. From 1–3 August at the Kyalami International Convention Centre, this…
These past few weeks, we’ve been witnessing the final bursts of cold fronts and cold wintery nights, expectantly awaiting those special first few days of Spring. It’s easy to let your guard down, but those late-season sniffles can still sneak up on you. The good news? Your kitchen and garden might be hiding the secret to feeling better. From calming teas to immune-boosting infusions, here are the best herbs to help curb those final flu symptoms and help your body bounce back before spring. The best herbs to boost your immune system Herbs have been used to make teas, tinctures,…
Fragrant, flavour-packed, and soul-soothing, this cheat’s beef pho is the ultimate comfort dish with a Vietnamese twist. Layered with aromatic spices, tender beef, and slurp-worthy noodles, it’s a…
In celebrating its 25th anniversary, Ernie Els Wines shows how old wines are the breadcrumbs that tell the story not only of seasons, but cellars too. Clifford Roberts reports on the Stellenbosch winery’s 10-year release program. We’re seated at the end of a dark tunnel, underground, when my companion says: “I’ve asked myself the question: where are we going?” We’re reflecting on the past, but he’s talking about the future. I respond: we seem to be doing this a lot lately, as a species, I mean. Trying to make sense of the speed with which the world is changing, knowing…
During a recent visit to South Africa, popular YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed made a hilarious blunder, claiming the country doesn’t have KFC while standing outside one. The internet…