Estate Living Digital Publication Issue 1 January 2015 | Page 40

Love is back in the air! The shops are resplendent with chocolates, teddies, romantic roses and cards galore ready for another Valentine’s Day. From new relationships to those that have stood the test of time, temperamental and argumentative ones to passionate, adventurous and plain simple crazy, our alternative Valentine’s Day gift guide will help seduce your sweetheart in the most unique way yet. Domestic Hors d’oeuvres Bypassing the battle for restaurant bookings doesn’t mean you won’t still be able to feast on a sumptuous 3-course meal created by a talented chef. Rent a Chef allows you to experience restaurant-quality dining in the comfort of your own home. Professionally trained chefs Uwe Weiman and Thando Aaron are based in Cape Town and, together , boast a wealth of experience in the fine dining, catering and hospitality industry. They will personally meet with you prior to your proposed date and discuss your preferences and dietary requirements before creating a deliciously tailored menu. The duo are happy to create a menu dictated to them by an individual or couple, but prefer being left to their own devices, producing a 3-course meal full of tantalising flavours. Better still, the chefs arrive fully equipped and are entirely responsible for the shopping, cooking and even clean-up on the day. Plus, just like a restaurant, the table is exquisitely set, decked in all the trimmings, and they even ensure the candles remain lit throughout the evening. So whether you have put the kids to bed early or simply want to enjoy a quiet dinner in the comfort of your sweatpants and not have to worry if something is burning in the oven, Rent a Chef is the perfect alternative. All you need to do is hand over your kitchen, then sit back and relax… and their complete service package means you don’t even need to worry about the washing up. Prices vary depending on ingredients, but a couple’s booking costs approximately R800 and includes a bottle of sparkling wine. A non-refundable deposit is also required to secure your booking. Contact: Uwe Weiman: 076 996 7472 Thando Aaron: 071 889 5025 Email: [email protected] www.rentachefct.co.za Social Media:https://www.facebook. com/rentachefct 34 escapeto ALTERNATIVE VAlentines d The Sky’s the Limit If you are looking for that cloud nine effect, then Sani Mountain Lodge, quite literally, will have your head amongst the clouds. Situated on the very tip of Sani Pass, this world heritage site is on the border between South Africa and Lesotho. A frightening 2,874 metres above sea level, the lodge stands the highest in Africa. The curvy, often steep and rough terrain can only be accessed via a hired 4x4 vehicle and the quaint hideaway offers a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere for city dwellers to escape the hustle and bustle of their ordinary routine. The rustic period features are in keeping with the surroundings’ nature. A host of activities are on offer to meet every need, from hiking trails to horse riding, cycling to skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. Organised flower wildlife and fishing , tours are available for those who enjoy cultural excursions, and there is even an opportunity to visit a Bastho home, watch sheep shearing and taste traditional Basotho bread and beer . Contact Enquiries: 073 541 8620 For Bookings: 078 634 7496 www.sanimountain.co.za