Johannesburg, a city buzzing with electric life, offers an eclectic range of activities and events sure to impress any date. From classical ballet to something a bit more risque, for the first date or the long-term relationship, we have gathered the best ideas of what to do around town with that special someone.
MICHAEL FRIDJHON WINE EXPERIENCE CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH
Nothing says romance like sipping on a glass of bubbly while enjoying a treat for the taste buds. The Michael Fridjhon Wine Experience Champagne Brunch offers just this with their 3 hour extravaganza.
The brunch starts off with a trio of standalone champagnes. These include the 2010 Blanc de Noir from Benoît Lahaye, whose vineyards and cellar in the Grand Cru site of Bouzy guarantee pinot perfection; Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2007 delivers the chardonnay equivalent; and Louis Roederer Cristal 2005 provides a 50/50 combination of the appellation’s two noble varieties.
As for the brunch itself: an incredible spread includes West Coast oysters, a Summer Truffle Egg station and Alaskan King crab, all of which accompany a selection of extraordinary cuvées. Jacquinot Symphonie, a single-grower bottling from the exceptional 2008 vintage; Louis Roederer Brut Premier, judged best in the world at the 2018 World Champagne and Sparkling Wine Championship; Billecart Salmon Rosé, universally regarded as the finest pink Champagne from a family-owned cellar; and to wrap up the occasion, the Forget-Brimont Premier Cru Demi-Sec.
Bookings by Friday 20 September are essential.
Cost: R3950 per person | R7350 per couple inclusive
Date: Sunday 29 September
Time: 10am for 10.30am prompt start
Address: Four Seasons, The Westcliff Hotel (Arcadia Ballroom), 67 Jan Smuts Ave, Westcliff, Johannesburg
Tel: 011 482 5936/5/4 | Email: alex@outsorceress.co.za | Website: www.winexperience.co.za
Facebook: The 21st Michael Fridjhon Wine Experience Champagne Brunch | Twitter: @michaelfridjhon | Instagram: @outsorceressmarketing
JOBURG BALLET’S GISELLE
An age old take on romance, the ballet provides a classical night of beautiful dance. And with the highly acclaimed Joburg Ballet, a night of romantically graceful movement awaits.
After a three and a half year long absence, the sublime production of Giselle returns to the stage in October. A story of powerful love, it provides the perfect opportunity for couples in need of a night out. Giselle is the story of a love so powerful it reaches from beyond the grave. The ballet’s exquisite dancing lays bare a tale of passion, betrayal and forgiveness with one of the greatest of all ballerina roles at its centre.
Joburg Ballet dancers sharing the title role include Shannon Glover, Claudia Monja and Monike Cristina who are joined by French guest artist Anaïs Chalendard. And In the leading role of Albrecht, come and see Revil Yon (with Glover), Leusson Muniz (with both Monja and Chalendard) and Ruan Galdino (with Cristina).
SEE WHAT’S ON IN JOBURG’S EXCLUSIVE DEAL WITH JOBURG BALLET’S GISELLE
Cost: R110 – R523
Date: 4 to 13 October
Time: Tue & Wed 11am | Fri 7.30pm | Sat 3pm & 7.30pm | Sun 3pm
Address: Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein
Tel: 0861 670 670 | Website: www.joburgballet.com
Facebook: Joburg Ballet | Twitter: @JoburgBallet | Instagram: @joburgballet
PAINT NITE
Whether experienced or with no skills, Paint Nite offers a great opportunity for a creative date, without any judgement. They provide the perfect space to let loose together in an atmosphere resembling more a party than an art class.A local artist takes the guests step-by-step through the painting process.
The events are held in restaurants and all the painting supplies are provided. There are more than 30 venues to choose from in South Africa’s major metros.
And if painting isn’t your cup of tea, why not try some of Yaymaker’s other creative experiences? From Design-a-Sign – designing a wooden sign through a little DIY, some stencilling and a lot of laughs – to painting a wine glass, gin glass or a wine bottle with fairy lights. They even do takkie painting, making sure all creatives are accounted for.
They additionally offer private parties, corporate outings and team-building events as well as bachelorette parties.
Bookings are done online via their website.
Cost: R610pp | What’s on in Joburg readers can use the coupon code, PaintJoburg, and receive a special 50% discount off retail price
Time: 7pm
Address: Various
Email: deon@localyaymaker.com | Website: www.yaymaker.com
Facebook: Yaymaker South Africa | Instagram: @yaymaker
RANDBURG RACEWAY
Go-karting is a timeless outing for those with a thirst for thrill and an adrenaline addiction. So why not take your Date out for a day at Randburg Raceway?
With 10 minute races, Grand Prix style events and Endurance Races for groups, Randburg Raceway Indoor Karting is sure to cater for an exciting and fun day out, no matter the weather.
Karts are easy to control with safety gear and instructions provided by a Race Controller. Additionally, a Safety Marshal is present throughout the race to assist drivers. Drivers from the ages of 7 years to 70 year can take part in the race.
For dates on a budget, Randburg Raceway also offers a two for one special every Monday, providing a thrilling opportunity to get the date rolling. Each driver pays for 1 x 10 min race, which guarantees a second 10 minute race free for that driver. Terms & conditions apply
Time: Mon to Fri 10am to 8pm | Sat 9am to 8pm | Sun 9am to 5pm | Bookings are essential for after 6pm
Address: Randburg Raceway, 272 Samantha St, Randburg, Johannesburg
Tel: 011 792 2260 | 082 780 5115 | Email: bookings@randburgraceway.co.za | Website: www.randburgraceway.co.za
Facebook: Randburg Raceway Indoor Karting | Twitter: @RandburgRaceway
DINNER TIME STORIES
For the budding foodies who also enjoy a bit of theatre, Dinner Time Stories provides the perfect date night out.
Dinner Time Stories is an international, hi-tech phenomenon. An inventive two hour dining extravaganza, which is based around the culinary exploits of Le Petit Chef (only 58mm tall) following the route of Marco Polo.
Using a mash up of 3D visual artistry, storytelling, flavours, sights, sounds and tastes, the show’s substantial six-course menu takes couples on a unique culinary journey across the regions visited by the legendary traveler on the silk route.
The mood, music, table patterns, props and decorations all change with the chapters of the story, making it an immersive, theatrical meal.
The menu is never disclosed beforehand but guests are in the highly capable hands of award-winning Executive Chef Tristan Latouf. Everything the diner experiences is authentically sourced from the country of origin, making this the most affordable way to travel and taste your way across a continent, visiting Arabia, India, the peaks of the Himalayas and finally, China, before returning to the point of origin, Marseilles, France.
Le Petit Chef prepares vegetarian, Halaal friendly and Kosher friendly meals with or without seafood options.
SEE WHAT’S ON IN JOBURG’S EXCLUSIVE DEAL WITH DINNER TIME STORIES
Cost: R1220 Adult entry + wine pairing | R995 Adult entry | R845 Children 8-12 years (must be accompanied by an adult)
Time: 7.30pm | Also 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm slots on various days
Address: Faircity Quatermain Hotel, 60 West Rd South, Morningside, Sandton
Tel: 08126626612 | Email: info@dinnertimestories.co.za | Website: www.dinnertimestories.co.za
Facebook: Dinner Time Stories South Africa | Instagram: @dinnertimestoriessa
SCULPTX
SculptX provides an adventure through art for the art enthusiast. Visitors get to explore different venues and appreciate various sculptural offerings with the largest annual sculpture fair in South Africa.
Over 290 artworks created by more than 90 established and emerging sculptors are showcased in numerous indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the Melrose Arch Precinct.
The sculptures come from all over South Africa and include numerous mediums ranging from bronze, steel, found objects and stone to wood, crystal, glass, grass, fibre-glass, carbon fibre and even virtual reality. Much effort has been put into selecting sculptures from female and young artists from previously disadvantaged communities, as they are often marginalised in this genre.
Participating artists of note include Cobus Haupt, Noria Mabasa, Willie Bester, Pitika Ntuli, Vusi Khumalo, Wilma Cruise, Gordon Froud, Adejoke Tugbiyele and Strijdom van der Merwe.
Rounding off a day of cultural exploration, the fair is also accompanied by the ‘Sculpture Dialogues’ which consist of a panel discussion involving experts who discuss issues of pertinence to sculpture in Africa.
Cost: Free
Date: Until 29 September
Time: Ongoing
Venue: Melrose Arch Precinct, 60 Melrose Blvd, Melrose North
Email: craig@themelrosegallery.com | Website: www.themelrosegallery.co.za
Facebook: SculptX 2019 – The largest annual sculpture fair in SA | Twitter: @melrosegallery1 | Instagram: @themelrose_gallerysa
WHISKYBROTHER BAR
At WhiskyBrother Bar, the whisky connoisseur can impress their date with their knowledge as they experience the eclectic offering of whiskies and tastings.
WhiskyBrother Bar provides a selection of 1275 whiskies from 20 different countries. They cover every style and category of whisky and add new whiskies on a weekly basis. The range includes bottles from Scotland which have been bottled exclusively, and thus not available anywhere else. Every whisky in their bar is on the menu and can be ordered in either a standard pour (25ml) or a taster (15ml).
And to make the date special, why not try either their formal or informal whisky tastings? The informal tasting allows a chance to get to know each other over 5 different whiskies. Done in a casual setting, a presenter provides an introduction and overview of the tasting, and checks back regularly to provide more information and answer any questions. Booking is not required. For more attention on the 5 whiskies themselves, the formal tasting lasts for approximately 90 minutes. Done in a private setting, the presenter is there throughout and leads the tasting from start to finish. Booking is required. All tastings are based off a theme and allow for an immersive experience.
Cost: Various | Informal Tasting R350 per person | Formal Tasting R600 per person for 2 people | Price reduces per person depending on group size
Time: Various
Venue: WhiskyBrother Bar, Moringside Shopping Centre, Rivonia Rd, Morningside, Sandton
Tel: 011 883 3762 | Email: bar@whiskybrother.com | Website: www.whiskybrother.com
Facebook: WhiskyBrotherBar | Twitter: @WhiskyBroBar | Instagram: @Whiskybrobar
CHICAGO’S PIANO BAR
Looking for a nostalgic throwback? Why not take your date for a night at Chicago’s Piano Bar. Take a step back into the 1920’s with a cigar and drink in hand.
A 1920’s Gatsby-themed live entertainment venue, Chicago’s Piano Bar is an adult party playground with two venues in Johannesburg – one in Fourways and another in Randpark Ridge. Each boasts 2 bars, 2 dance floors, a speakeasy room, casino slot machines, pool tables, live entertainment and talented DJs playing music from the 70s to the 90s and the latest remixes as the clock strikes 12. The venue specialises in year end functions, bachelorettes, birthday parties and special event with a Happy Hour until 7pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
Two upcoming events, a Heritage Day party on September 23 and an 80’s themed party on September 28, sees Chicago’s Fourways come alive.
The Heritage Day Party has a South African groove as guests are encouraged to wear their South African colours and join for a tequila party. Live band, ‘Lemon & Limelight’ has everyone dancing the night away alongside DJ Vee. With the next day a public holiday and no cover charge for the night, feel free to let loose and take advantage of the R15 bar specials sponsored by Jose Quervo Gold Tequila. To round off this night of South African pride, tickets to see Crazy White Boy are awarded to the most proudly South African person in the room.
With the 80’s Dress up Party, guests dust off the cassettes and tease up their hair. 7 piece 80’s band ‘BEEG’, a barnyard classic, performs live music alongside DJ Vee, with a tribute of party hits and house tracks from the 80’s. A dress-up competition means guests should bring their A-game, with hampers and bar vouchers up for grabs. So why not bring your date for an opportunity to wine, dine and dance the night away.
Cost: Heritage Day Party Free | 80’s Dress Up Party R60 at the door | R80 after 8pm
Time: Tue to Sun from 11am
Venue: Chicago’s Fourways, cnr Witkoppen and Nerine St, Fourways | Chicago’s Randpark Ridge, Honeycrest Centre, Beyers Naudé Dr, Randpark Ridge
Tel: 011 658 0120 | Email: chicagosfourways@gmail.com | Website: www.chicagospianobar.com
Facebook: 80’s Dress up Party – Chicagos Fourways | Heritage Day Party at Chicago’s Fourways | Instagram: @chicagosfourways
DIABOLIQUE ADULT LIFESTYLE FESTIVAL
Looking for something a bit more on the saucy side of things? Fetish meets fantasy meets Cirque Du Soleil with Diabolique – Africa’s largest fetish and fantasy festival. Take your date to this new, unique space, which best serves the open-minded.
Renowned alternative models, DJ’s and artists from all over the world perform in this theatrical and playful atmosphere that encourages the best in outfits and decor.
Guests are encouraged to explore diversity, imagination and personal fantasy where it concerns the outfit. Take the time to come up with something special and unique. Something that captures the essence of a fetish and fantasy persona. The dress code is strict and is a means of excluding all those individuals who do not share the fetish and fantasy mindset. Casual streetwear, jeans and t-shirts are not allowed.
This is not a sex party. It is a safe and respectful environment that aims to dispel the mainstream myths about fetishes.
Over 21s only.
Cost: R650 – R750 | Early Bird R550
Date: 5 October
Time: 5pm
Address: Fox Junction, 14 Alexander Street, Ferreirasdorp, Johannesburg
Tel: 071 367 7820 | Email: hello@diabolique.co.za | Website: www.diabolique.co.za
Facebook: Diabolique – Adult Lifestyle Festival | Twitter: @Diabolique_01 | Instagram: @Diabolique_01
