• Founders of A Mari Ocean Gin, Jess Henrich and Niel du Toit have returned to Cape Town after globetrotting for 14 years. Both enthusiasts of new ventures, these two entrepreneurs  met up over a languid dinner and started discussing the gin trend and its potential in South Africa. Fast forward to the early hours and the initial concept for A Mari Ocean Gin was born – the only gin in the world distilled with Atlantic Ocean seawater. From concept to A Mari Ocean Gin being on shelf took just 4 months. A Mari – originating from Latin, means ‘from the…

    This one is for those of you looking for more environmentally friendly options to everyday products. The Earthbound Wine range includes white and red wine varietals that are organic- and Fairtrade-accredited. Produced on the farm Papkuilsfontein outside Darling, Earthbound Wines exclude the use of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilisers or any other synthetic chemicals during its production. The initiative is also rooted in the Fairtrade tradition of sharing profits with workers to be used at their discretion to uplift the community; and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the wine industry through the transfer of skills. Earthbound believes that what is…

    This is a variation on a French classic, but few people know that it was quite possibly the English who first made it, in honour of Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, so it’s another case of a perfect international blend of culture and tradition that I love. You can use shop-bought lady fingers, but making them from scratch is much  more rewarding, and since this recipe produces more than you actually need, you get to enjoy them any time of the day. They also go well with zabaione, and they are happy to be frozen. Recipes by Melissa…

    Rome-born but world-bred, Melissa Forti (turning 40 this year – “and I couldn’t be  happier!” she exclaims),  is the cutting-edge connoisseur behind updating some of Italy’s most beloved bakes. Her first cookbook, The Italian Baker – 100 International Baking Recipes with a Modern Twist (Quadrille Publishing), is a stylish revival of traditional baking, adding modern flair to Nonna’s favourites. A nation proudly responsible for some of the world’s finest and most comforting dishes, Italy has earned its place as a foodie nirvana. Yet, among the traditional pastas and produce emerges a new hero: Italian-global fusion-baked goods. The Italian Baker’s platefuls…