GIRL BOSS - INTERVIEW WITH MISHA LEE

The difference between success and failure is in taking the initiative. The Girl Boss series aims to highlight the achievements of women just like you and me who are doing amazing things. Hopefully their stories will inspire you as much as they inspire me. This week we chat to Misha Lee, a mega talented photographer and creative entrepreneur.

CETAPHIL NEW PRODUCT REVIEW - WINTER SKINCARE ROUTINE

Cetaphil is well known in the skincare space for affordable products that hydrate, replenish and protect. They have a few new products on the market, which I’ll give you a review of after having trialed them for about a month.

SOME BUNNY TO LOVE - BB BAKERIES BUNNY CHOW FOOD TRUCK

With a tagline like “Born ‘n bread in KZN” you know it’s going to be good. It’s time for BB Bakeries second annual Some Bunny To Love food truck to hit the streets of Durban, South Africa. 

What is it?

The BB Bakeries food truck will be stationed at different places in Durban serving delicious food and supporting local artists and businesses. You can have a quick lunch or dinner at the truck and, on specific days, enjoy the live entertainment too. 

Why?

BB Bakeries is all about supporting what’s local and loved in KZN. Combining BB Bakeries unsliced white bread with traditional Durban curries, you get to have an authentic Natal experience. 

BB Bakeries is local to KZN and prioritise the use of quality ingredients and manufacturing. They are a true homegrown brand – and as such give back to the local community.

Food menu

This year they’ve definitely upped their game with the menu. The Some Bunny To Love food truck menu:

• BB Bunny Chow Classics: A KZN favourite served with the best-loved local loaf and a side of Cheesy Bread Sticks. With the option of three popular curries, Chicken, Mutton or Bean

• BB Squares ‘Rising Stars’: A curry filled deep fried BB square delight With the option of a chicken, mutton or bean filling

• BB Squares Encore: A dessert filled deep fried BB square treat served with whipped cream and butterscotch sauce With the option of a raisin and cinnamon or baked apple and cinnamon filling.
  

The experience

My #SomeBunnyToLove experience was close to my heart – you don’t get anymore Durban than this. I went to the BB Bakeries Bunny Chow Love food truck on Friday, 3 July on Florida exchange (Behind Starbucks). The vibe was eccentric with Darren Mule of East Coast radio providing entertainment and good vibes. Soon after, Easy Freak, treated the audience to a performance and the night was filled with laughter, beautiful music and the smell of authentic Durban curries.

Don’t take my word for it – see for yourself! Here is the schedule for the duration that the BB Bakeries food truck is in town:

Florida Road: 2nd –14th July (Closed on Mondays)

Live performances

3rd July: -Jonty Hartwig (5pm-6pm) -Easy Freak (7pm -8pm)

5th July: Robin 3rd Floor (6pm –7pm)

12th July: Holly Rey (6pm –7pm)

Chatsworth Centre: 16th – 27th July (Closed on Mondays)

Live Performances and Talent Competition

20th July:  - Celestial Mic (12pm –1pm) -Talent Competition (1pm-3pm) people can come and perform for spot prizes (JBL Wireless headphones, speakers and BB Food Vouchers) - Deshan Styler(3pm-4pm)

Suncoast: 28th July Sunday Beats

THE CAPITAL MELROSE HOTEL REVIEW

Looking for accommodation in Johannesburg? The Capital Melrose is part of The Capital Hotels and Apartments group and is located next to the Melrose Arch precinct in Johannesburg. The hotel only recently opened on 1 May 2019.

I stayed in the 1 bedroom apartment at the Capital Melrose recently and here’s everything you need to know about the hotel.

LANSER'S ON MAIN - RESTAURANT REVIEW

On a cold 10 degree Monday night I went to Lanser's on Main for dinner. Greeted by Lanser himself and served by him and his friendly staff, my night just got better and better.

Lanser's on Main is a Bistro located in Johannesburg, Gauteng. They specialize in home styled Italian and French food. I recently enjoyed a dinner at their restaurant and here is an overview of my experience.

LOCATION

Lanser's on Main is located in Bryanston in the Sandton region in Johannesburg. It's just off the main road. The restaurant is in an easy to find complex and has secure parking outside.

AMBIANCE 

The ambiance is old school French and Italian. The decor is warm and inviting and has lots of cute elements like the empty frames on the walls. The music is calm and just softly in the background allowing you to engage in conversation. While it makes the perfect date night restaurant, unlike many others it's warm and inviting making you feel right at home.

FOOD

A unique element to Lanser's on Main is that their menu isn't "set in stone". They often have specials and options that aren't on the menu. Their menu is also very diverse with lots of different options for any craving.

Starter: Clam Chowder

This is an option that wasn't on the menu and was part of the night's specials. Clam chowder is a chowder soup containing clams and broth, and a few other vegetables. It was also my first time having clam chowder. The soup was filled with such rich tastes and flavors and the clams were delicious. However, I didn't particularly enjoy the diced potato (and there was a lot of it). Would I have it again? Yes, I would just ask them to hold back on the potato.

Main: Pork Belly

Again, I was being adventurous and having something I wouldn't usually. I don't eat pork often at all but Lanser himself recommended it so I have it a try. It consisted of a crisp pork belly, roasted potatoes, vegetables and a pineapple honey glazed sauce. Personally I don't think I'm much of a pork person (The texture is a bit weird for me) BUT however it is something I'd like to have once in a while and especially in the style it was served at Lanser's on Main. The honey glazed sauce blew me away, it added so much flavor to the meal.

Main: Steak

My partner had steak, medium to rare, and enjoyed it thoroughly. Again, the flavors were rich and complemented the steak perfectly. It was also a large portion that included veggies and french fries.

Dessert: Lemon Meringue 

I ordered the lemon meringue for dessert (My usual is either cheesecake and lemon meringue). The portion size was huge - so much so we had to share it and still didn't finish it! It tasted fresh and delicious. It was however a bit sweeter than I would have wanted it to be.

OVERALL

Overall, Lanser's on Main is perfect for a date night. The ambiance puts you at ease and the attention to detail is memorable. The food was lovely and they have so many different options to suit any preference.

RATING

These are my personal ratings based on the above experience. It is of course subjective.

LOCATION: 8

AMBIANCE: 10

FOOD: 8

HARTBEESPOORT GUIDE - SOUTH AFRICAN SMALL TOWNS TRAVEL GUIDE

I started the South Africa Small Towns Holiday Guide Series as a way to show off the best small town getaways in SA. Too often people focus on the big cities for holidays and don't take advantage of the amazing small towns. 

I've discovered some hidden gems all around the country, all near major cities, which make them perfect for day trips or long weekend getaways. 

To start off the series I have a Midlands Meander Travel Guide, Hartebeespoort Travel Guide and KZN South Coast Travel Guide. Next on the agenda is possibly a Stellenbosch Travel Guide and Clarens Travel Guide so let me know if you enjoy this series!