The Dossier Dairies: 9 January 2023
Here is a quick update of what is happening on line.
These are not my opinions, I am taking content on line and serving it in context to you, so you do not have to spend hours on your phone.
Firstly, if you are going to India soon, we found an incredible hotel on Condè Nast Traveller:
cntraveler.com/hotels/chauth-ka-barwara/six-senses-fort-barwara
The honeypot sites of royal Rajasthan—spliced by the brown slopes of the Aravalli Range, the state emerged after Partition from a mosaic of 22 feudal kingdoms—are so many people’s taster to India. Which stands to reason—it’s near impossible not to fall in love with this place. Now love has more stars in its eyes, as the arid desert state is home to India’s first Six Senses outpost.
Six Senses Fort Barwara arrived with a bang, with the A-list Bollywood wedding of Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif, rumored to be making its way to Netflix soon. It took almost a decade for this 700-year-old fort to be converted into a 48-suite hotel, but it’s been worth the slog. The spa, in the fort’s ancient temple, blends Ayurveda with Six Senses’ inimitable touch. Its small garden grows everything from cauliflowers and cabbages, guavas and jamuns to desi roses. A commitment to working with local communities is evident everywhere: local women brew hot masala chai and cook bajra and jowar rotis during the day; block-printers and bangle makers set up shop in little corners; fresh nimbu paani detox drink counters are dotted around the hotel. It is encouraging to see global brands arrive in India so conscious of local heritage and riches, and to strive to imbue their openings with as much of this as possible.
Art:
If you are interested in art, The New Yorker story about Kehinde Wiley is a very detailed look at the artist and how he got to do Obama’s portrait, to his work methods.
In the “did you know” section for the day, Allee Willis is largely unknown but was the song writer for all of these and more. Must be nice to get royalties on songs and not have to face fame. She has sadly passed but it is still interesting.
Songs written by Allee Willis
Boogie Wonderland - Earth, Wind & Fire.
I'll Be There For You - The Rembrandts.
In The Stone - Earth, Wind & Fire.
Jungle Animal - Pomplamoose.
Lead Me On - Maxine Nightingale.
Neutron Dance - The Pointer Sisters.
September - Earth, Wind & Fire.
What Have I Done To Deserve This? - Pet Shop Boys.
I will investigate Max Martin next. He is the man behind just about every song in the past 20 years. More to come about him, bit elusive but I will find out what his story is.
We are not winning the fight on gender violence. Sadly many women lost their lives this festive season. Please follow Women for Change on Instagram and support them. womenforchange.co.za
And, if you think the Balenciaga case is closed, there is more for the Kering group’s reputation as Gucci heiress is sueing a whole lot of people including her Gucci family for their involvement in her sexual abuse as a child. Her name is Alexandra Gucci Zarini. I will keep an eye on this case.
On a nice note:
Settle into the balmy evenings of the season by joining celebrated wineries at the Stellenbosch Street Soirees. A favourite for friends to catch up over fine food and wine beneath famous oaks and wine-lovers seeking to experience the heartland of South African wine in all its glory, the Street Soirees are the place to be.
Unsurprisingly, the Stellenbosch Street Soirees have become an annual highlight of the region. It offers enthusiasts the opportunity to taste wine and socialise in an elegant setting amongst towering oaks at the Cape’s finest time of the year. As is the tradition, sumptuous street food from local purveyors including renowned chef Bertus Basson’s De Vrije Burger, will be on offer, along with smooth and contemporary music.
The dates for this year’s Street Soirees are, 1 and 15 February and, 1 and 15 March. Each evening’s activities run from 18:00 to 20:00. Between 15 and 25 wineries will participate per event.
“The Stellenbosch Street Soirees have really taken on a life of their own since launching in 2011,” says Stellenbosch Wine Routes manager Elmarie Rabe. “Nonetheless, they continue to gain momentum. It’s always a treat to catch the happy surprise on the faces of visitors who unexpectedly happen on the festivities in the closed-off Drostdy Street.
“It’s a lot of fun and we always encourage people to stick around afterwards for dinner at one of the stunning restaurants within walking distance, or even continue the party at one of Stellenbosch’s many wine bars,” she says.
The Street Soirees were conceptualised to provide visitors with a taste of Stellenbosch life, but also as an opportunity for locals to enjoy their town. Not only celebrated for its wines, Stellenbosch has established a firm reputation for the quality of its hospitality, restaurants and accommodation; classic style and urban appeal.
Details:
Tickets: R170pp (includes a glass and 10 tasting tokens)
Buy online: Tickets available via Plankton
For more information, email info@wineroute.co.za or call 021 886 4310. Learn more about Stellenbosch’s reputation for food, wine, history and culture at www.wineroute.co.za or www.visitstellenbosch.org.
Ok, as stories develop we will up date. Have a good week.
