Johannesburg, 19 February 2025 – The 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards unfolded in spectacular fashion at the exclusive 11th Floor in Johannesburg. Known for its prestige and star-studded guest list, the annual awards once again brought together the country’s most influential chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary tastemakers for an evening of recognition and celebration. The night was an elegant affair, hosted by renowned media personality Shashi Naidoo alongside award-winning cookbook author and culinary personality Mogau Seshoene, known as The Lazy Makoti. The duo guided guests through an evening of glamour and gastronomy, as South Africa’s most exceptional restaurants and chefs were honoured for their innovation, dedication, and artistry. Among the big winners of the night, Candice Philip was crowned Chef of the Year, a testament to her unwavering commitment to precision and creativity in the kitchen. Luke Dale Roberts took home the coveted Restaurant of the Year award for Salon, his latest venture that has set a new standard for contemporary fine dining. Meanwhile, Liam Tomlin received the Pioneer Award, recognizing his profound impact on the evolution of South Africa’s dining landscape. The evening also saw two Michelin-starred chefs honoured for their contributions to the industry. Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen received a Luxe Three-Star Award for Klein JAN, his acclaimed restaurant set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. Phil Carmichael, celebrated for his expertise in modern European cuisine, was awarded Bistro of the Year for Mill Street Bistro, solidifying its place as one of the country’s top dining destinations. The 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards once again cemented its status as one of the most prestigious culinary events in South Africa. The night not only celebrated those at the peak of their craft but also served as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of culinary talent. Below is the full list of …
2024 Luxe Restaurant Award Winners Announced
Franschhoek, 22 May 2024 — Last night, the enchanting Monument House in Franschhoek played host to the 2024 Luxe Restaurant Awards, an illustrious celebration of South Africa’s finest culinary talent. The event, known for its prestige and star-studded guest list, did not disappoint, bringing together luminaries from across the gastronomic world for an unforgettable evening of recognition and revelry. The awards ceremony was a glittering affair, with culinary icons such as the critically acclaimed fine-dining chef James Gaag, culinary media personality The Lazy Makoti, and food entrepreneur Siba Mtongana gracing the event with their presence. Their attendance underscored the significance of the Luxe Restaurant Awards in the South African culinary scene. Among the evening’s highlights was the announcement of La Petite Colombe as the Restaurant of the Year. Nestled in the heart of Franschhoek, La Petite Colombe has consistently dazzled with its innovative cuisine and impeccable service, making it a deserving recipient of this prestigious accolade. Callan Austin was honored as Chef of the Year, a testament to his exceptional culinary prowess and dedication to his craft. Austin’s creative vision and commitment to excellence have set a new benchmark in the industry, earning him this well-deserved recognition. Chad Fourie, founder and chief judge of the Luxe Restaurant Awards, spoke to the significance of such accolades in celebrating and promoting culinary excellence. “The Luxe Restaurant Awards play a crucial role in recognizing the outstanding talent within our vibrant culinary landscape,” said Fourie. “South Africa boasts some of the most innovative and skilled chefs in the world, and these awards not only honor their achievements but also inspire the next generation of culinary artists.” The night also shone a spotlight on emerging talents and established icons alike, celebrating the diversity and dynamism of South Africa’s culinary landscape. Guests …
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Inaugural Jonsson Workwear Luxe Travel Awards Celebrate South African Hospitality Excellence
On the enchanting evening of 19 March 2024, the opulence of South African luxury hospitality took centre stage as the winners of the inaugural Jonsson Workwear Luxe Travel Awards were unveiled. Amidst the splendid ambiance of SIBA the Restaurant in Cape Town, 100 luminaries from the world of luxury hospitality congregated to celebrate the pinnacle of excellence in South Africa's hotel industry. Distinguished by the charm and grace of renowned South African TV Host, Tumi Mogoai, who presided as the Master of Ceremonies, the event exuded an aura of sophistication, setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration amongst esteemed guests. The meticulously chosen winners, selected by a panel of discerning critics and through a popular public digital vote, embody the zenith of luxury hospitality excellence in South Africa. Chad Fourie, Chief Judge of the Luxe Travel Awards and Managing Director of The Hospitality Counsel, underscored the importance of these awards in acknowledging the extraordinary hotel experiences that enthral and inspire. "Over the past nine months, the Luxe Travel Award judges have traversed South Africa in pursuit of unparalleled hotel experiences. Tonight, we extol these eminent establishments, offering them a well-deserved platform to showcase their world-class offerings," said Chad Fourie. The evening's festivities unveiled twenty deserving winners across an eclectic array of categories, ranging from the prestigious Hotel of the Year to the captivating Game Lodge of the Year. The recipients of the 2024 Jonsson Workwear Luxe Travel Awards epitomize the zenith of South Africa's luxury hospitality landscape, embodying innovation, service excellence, and unbridled passion. Each laureate stands as a testament to the richness and diversity of the country's myriad of extraordinary destinations, beckoning both locals and visitors to embark on unforgettable travel odysseys. The 2024 Jonsson Workwear Luxe Travel Awards category winners …
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5th Annual Luxe Jonsson Workwear Restaurant Awards Winners Announced
On Tuesday, 30 May 2023 South African culinary greats were honoured at the 5th annual Luxe-Jonsson Workwear Restaurant Awards. The prestigious awards, which honour the finest contributions to the South African restaurant industry, were announced to an intimate audience of 100 leading industry figures at the trendy Ethos Restaurant in Rosebank, Johannesburg. Well renowned SA chef and television personality, Tumi Mogoai MC’ed the event in style. While those in attendance included celebrated chefs; Ryan Cole, Lorna Maseko, Johannes Richer and David Higgs. As well as award winning cookbook authors Mogau Seshoene aka the Lazy makoti and Zanele Van Zyl of Cooking with Zanele fame. The winners were chosen by a team of anonymous food critics as well as by a popular public digital vote. The panel of judges was convened by Chad Fourie, Chief Judge of the Luxe Restaurant Awards and Managing Director of The Hospitality Counsel. “Over the past nine months, the Luxe Restaurant Award judges have been seeking out exemplary dining experiences in South Africa. Tonight, we have given these leading restaurants and chefs a platform to shine and celebrate their culinary genius.” Chad Fourie Overall, twenty-five winners were announced from a wide and inclusive set of categories that ranged from the Culinary Innovation Award to the Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year, with the winner of the prestigious Chef of the Year Johannes Richer taking home the top honours, as well as Salsify at the Roundhouse walking away as Restaurant of the Year. The 2023 Luxe Restaurant Awards category winners are as follows: 1. Restaurant of the Year: Salsify at the Roundhouse 2. Chef of the Year: Johannes Richter 3. New Restaurant of the Year: Post and Pepper 4. Style Award: MAMASAMBA 5. Bar of the Year: Zioux 6. Culinary Innovation Award: Wandile Mabaso 7. Culinary Media Personality of the Year: Lorna Maseko 8. Culinary Rising Star Award: Jess Van Dyk 9. Food/Lifestyle Series of the …
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The Rise of the ‘Crowdgifting’ Phenomenon
Clubbing together to get a perfect gift for an anniversary, birthday or special occasion is hardly a new challenge; what is new is that tech-savvy South Africans can now use an innovative digital platform to set up or participate in ‘crowdgifting’ solutions for family and friends’ memorable life-stage milestones. ChipIn – which is one of Brand Hub Group’s (BHG) growing list of e-commerce properties – is among the easiest-to-use and most cost-effective gifting services available to local consumers today; and is making waves by changing how South Africans buy and give gifts. Initially launched under the BHG umbrella, the concept has matured to trade on its own merits. “We spent the last two years incubating and refining the business to deliver on its full promise and can today unveil a standalone online platform that offers a credible solution and unique user experience,” says Rob Anderson, CEO of BHG. In the past, finding the perfect gift would involve spending countless hours trawling through stores, in the real world or online until the exhausted gift-giver capitulated by purchasing anything that relieved them of their gifting obligation. Nowadays, choosing an impactful gift is as simple as logging into the ChipIn platform and buying or contributing to a gift that has been pre-selected by the giftee, or recipient of a gift. The experience ensures that users ‘get that feeling’ associated with choosing and gifting a desired, meaningful item. Back in the day, the giftee had a hard time too. Time and again they were forced to feign enjoyment or surprise at receiving an impractical or unwanted gift. This changes thanks to ChipIn, which empowers the giftee, or the person organising an event on his or her behalf, to register online and set up a wish list of suitable items. “You can think of ChipIn as a virtual store, pre-stocked with the goods that the giftee really wants,” says Anderson. “Each gift-giver is able to select and pay for an item on a pre-populated …
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SA Hospitality Honoured at Inaugural Luxe 100 Best Awards
On 1 November 2022 the first annual Luxe 100 Best Awards Ceremony, celebrating the best of South African hospitality, took place at The Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg. The Luxe 100 Best was introduced following the success of the Luxe Restaurant Awards. Now in its 4th year, the prestigious Awards Ceremony honour the finest contributions to the South African restaurant industry. The Luxe 100 Best reflects the diversity of South Africa’s luxury hospitality sector and celebrates the growth of the country’s product offering as well as positioning South Africa as a globally competitive destination. The Luxe 100 Best winners were announced to an intimate audience of 150 esteemed guests and industry VIPs. The award categories ranged from the 10 Best Bars in South Africa to the 10 Best Game Lodges in South Africa, with winners emerging from across the country. Well-renowned SA celebrity, Shashi Naidoo MC’ed the event in style. While those in attendance included culinary social media superstars Mogau Seshoene and Zanele Van Zyl, as well as celebrated food critic Steve Steinfeld and entrepreneur Nicky Van Der Walt with his wife and model, Lee-Ann Liebenberg. The nominees were selected via industry experts and customer reviews from a trusted database. All nominees in the award categories were ranked according to their “Luxe Score”, determining their placement in the relevant categories. The panel of judges was convened by Chad Fourie, Chief Judge of the Luxe Awards and Managing Director of The Hospitality Counsel, who had this to say, “The Luxe 100 Best Awards supports, promotes and develops the South African travel and tourism industry by identifying and rewarding excellence and inspiring its practitioners to continually raise the standards of their product and service offering.” The 2022 Luxe 100 Best category winners are as follows: 1. Best Bar in South Africa: Zioux 2. Best Chef in South Africa: Mmabatho Molefe 3. Best Restaurant in South Africa: …
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Introducing Integrated Mesh Screens to the Plantation Shutters Range
Plantation Shutters is excited to introduce the integrated fly screen shutter to their existing range of iconic products. With Plantation Security Shutters being renowned for their strength and beautiful aesthetic, the addition of integrated mesh screens, now offers discerning customers an added dimension in shutter coverings. This all-in-one system operates seamlessly to allow you to keep your windows open all day and night, with complete peace of mind. Absolutely perfect for homes, guesthouses and game lodges. With a choice of mesh grades - the standard mesh, which is made from PVC-coated fibre glass and comes with a 1-year warranty, is ideal for keeping out insects, flies, lizards, snakes, small animals and creepy crawlies. The tuff mesh, which is custom-weaved PVC-coated polyester and comes with a 2-year warranty, is better suited if you have pets like cats that may find it irresistible to scratch, or if you’re looking to keep inquisitive animals, like monkeys, at bay. This integrated system can be installed across all hinged window solutions and consists of one frame, combining both mesh panels and shutter panels in one easy installation, without compromising your view. Available in security and aluminium shutter design options. Carrying the same minimum and maximum specs as per the standard architrave hinge frame shutters with regards to design and installation, the frame design and deductions make for an easy installation and sliding of the mesh panels, once installed. The lead time on the white screen option is 18 working days and 25 working days on the standard custom colours. For more information, visit www.plantation.co.za, email info@plantation.co.za or contact one of their offices nationwide. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
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BarQGrill brings contemporary braai-inspired eatery to the East Rand
Inspired by the love South Africans have of cooking over an open flame, which was ignited even further during lockdown, restaurateur Pari Xenophontos opened BarQGrill, a contemporary braai meets Mediterranean inspired eatery in Boksburg in January this year. BarQGrill specialises in a tantalising selection of braaied meat, such as their signature honey-mustard basted chicken sword, coal-grilled pork ribs and Wagyu beef burgers - all cooked perfectly over an open-coal fire. Not only featuring grilled meat options the contemporary eatery also offers a diverse menu of sushi, poke bowls, pasta and a variety of salads. Ensuring there is a dish for all palates and moods. The menu also offers a wide selection of signature, classic and build-your-own cocktails, and soon to be launched signature jugs. Also new to the menu is Greek dish, Vaflaki, consisting of 12 mini waffles served with a variety of different toppings. The eatery itself features a neutral colour palette accented by greenery and rich textures, such as the feature timber slats. Although the interiors project a sophisticated feel, BarQGrill is a casual eatery that is welcoming to all, providing good food at a good value for money in a contemporary yet homely environment. “BarQGrill is home away from home. With our friendly staff and managers, our warm and inviting interiors, as well as our delicious food, I truly want our patrons to leave our eatery having had the full BarQGrill experience we have worked so hard to create.” Comments owner Pari Xenophontos. BarQGrill recently introduced weekly specials allowing diners to enjoy their favourite dishes at an even more affordable price. BarQGrill is situated at 141 North Rand Rd, Beyers Park, Boksburg and can be found on Mr D within a 5km range from the restaurant. To book a table call 010 534 7533 or book via their website at www.barqgrill.co.za. For more information and specials, follow BarQGrill on Facebook and Instagram. CLICK HERE to …
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Plantation Security Shutters – Zero Compromise
When it comes to secure, stylish shutters, you can’t get better than ‘Proudly South African’ Plantation Shutters. At the Plantation Shutters manufacturing facility in the Western Cape, their engineers understand that security shutters must provide an uncompromising level of security for any home, whilst still being aesthetically beautiful. Not only do Plantation Shutters manufacture their own shutters, which allows for zero waiting time for imports, they’ve developed a unique metal composite screw with the extraordinary tensile strength of over 1.4 tons to ensure their flagship security shutters do not pop out of their frames when placed under force or pressure. This leading security technology was recently put to the test in the Jules Verne climatic wind tunnel in France at The Scientific and Technical Centre for Building, where experts determined exactly how sturdy these shutters are. The result? The Plantation Security Shutters can withstand a cyclone – good news for South Africans! While the famous Cape Doctor never reaches these speeds, it’s nice to know the shutters can resist winds or pressure of over 250 km/hr. This clearly has a significant impact on testing the shutter's security level. Plantation Security Shutters are the strongest and most secure security shutters with a reinforced frame and the most advanced locking system on the market – a secure three to five-pin locking cylinder. The security shutters are suitable for all interior and exterior applications, especially where security is of the utmost importance. It’s the most beautiful way to secure one’s home and provide complete peace of mind. The shutters are fully customisable with over 10 unique frames, allowing for many mounting options, and they come with a 10 to 12-year guarantee with excellent and efficient after-sales service – another benefit of a local company that manufactures everything from scratch. There’s a lead time of only 21 working days from order to installation, and …