Flavors & Fun of South Africa

Wouldn’t it be great to travel without risking your wellbeing?


imagine you could…




Travel remains a patchwork of what you can and can not do.

  • Some countries are allowing visitors from some locales, and not from others.

  • Regulations vary on the ground – with some early curfews, reduced transportations, closed sites.

  • Private companies are introducing vaccine passports for the airlines which countries, in turn, are adopting. And then,

  • The US State Department increased the number of countries on their Do Not Travel List by 80% which created more confusion for travelers.

Well, until things clear up and open up…


Feed those travel cravings right from home.

 

Introducing Flavors & Fun of South Africa!

You are cordially invited to join us for a special event that will bring South Africa so close to you, you’ll be able to taste it. Literally!

 

Join us in celebrating the wonders of South Africa!

Together we’ll learn how to prepare a special dish that embraces the diversity of South Africa. And then while you enjoy your meal, relax and take in a virtual travel experience from a very knowledgeable African specialist who crafts the most amazing experiences in South Africa. Join us on

May 16, 2021 | 4:00pm ET


In this virtual event, we will

  • Discover South Africa’s history and diversity as you prepare a dish with a hands-on lesson we will make together in real-time with Chef Monica. Watch her hands for easy learning and ample time for questions

  • Learn from a top luxury travel guide, a native of Africa who specializes in the wonders and magic of the country while you enjoy an engaging presentation.

  • Gain a fresh, insider perspective with innovative inspiration for your IRL trip to South Africa.

  • Relish the intimacy of a small group, with limited attendance.

  • Record all the goodness so you have lifetime access (in case you’re craving the dishes or longing to travel again!)


Master a native dish

 

We are going to have so much fun mastering a delicious and versatile dish from South Africa. You’ll get an ingredient list AND an equipment list well ahead of time. And all are invited and encouraged to participate and create the dish in real-time with us!

Chakalaka – a classic side dish of South Africa composed of carrots, onions, sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, ginger, chiles, and beans. There are as many variations of this dish as there are cooks. Chef Monica will bring you a version that she loves and will give you options for swapping out different vegetables and amping up the heat (or down if that’s your wish).

Chef Monica uses this as a main dish frequently and has made it the star of a brunch with the addition of poached eggs.

Then you’ll also get a bonus recipe for Mini Malva Pudding Cakes – a traditional sticky sponge cake with hints of ginger and stone fruit made in miniature for a quicker bake (and possibly some portion control?!).

 

Go on a travel adventure

As one of Africa’s most sought-after destinations, South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world.

 


From the wilderness of Kruger National Park to the bustling city of Cape Town and the sprawling countryside of Cape Winelands to the Cape Coast’s powdery beaches, South Africa is a destination ideal for the discerning traveler in search of relaxation, adventure, or exploration. Join us to learn more about this fascinating country from Sandy Salle, Founder and President of Hills of Africa.

Diverse geography and cultures aren’t the only elements drawing visitors to this spectacular country. South Africa is also known for its boutique hotels, luxurious lodges, and charming camps.

  • Watch for whales at False Bay as you delight in local, freshly caught seafood, or delight in a rejuvenating spa treatment at one of Cape Town’s distinguished spas.

  • Explore the Cape’s art, cultural and culinary scenes, or discover the Xhosa people’s unique customs on a local township visit.

  • Run through fragrant orchards and sprawling vineyards on a horseback safari through Cape Winelands, or meet face to face with one of the world’s most terrifying natural predators, the great white shark, from the safety of a cage.

 

what people are saying


Here’s how it works

We’ll spend about 45 minutes preparing a delicious, native dish from South Africa! Chef Monica’s recipes are simple but utterly delicious—and this is a small, intimate group, so you’ll be able to connect and master these dishes. You’ll also have a view of her hands so you can closely see how she is preparing the recipe.  

While we enjoy the fruits of our labor, we will relax and listen to a top travel guide on South Africa to satiate your hunger for travel.

Once you sign up, you’ll get a confirmation that you are registered. And then keep a lookout for your ingredient list & roster of equipment you will need — well in advance, so you’re not scrambling.

We can’t wait to bring the flavors & fun of South Africa to your home!

Note :: Once you add this event to your cart, scroll up to the top of the page to see your cart and check out to complete your purchase.

Meet your hosts Monica + Cassandra

 


CHEF MONICA THOMAS

Certified Personal Chef and Owner Monica Thomas is a graduate of the Culinary Business Academy, a premier member of the United States Personal Chef Association, and a ServSafe© certified food manager. In 2017 she was inducted into the esteemed Les Dames d’Escoffier, a membership-by-invitation philanthropic all-professional association. And she’s been featured twice in Personal Chef magazine, a singular achievement.

Monica’s pride and joy has been her adopted elementary school for the Chefs Move to Schools program. In 2016 she wrapped up her sixth and final academic year with the twice-monthly hands-on Chef’s Club for 4th through 8th graders. As an extension of her successful personal chef business, Monica has launched Tailored Taste Coaching for new personal chefs or those considering a career in this fascinating field. She has created training videos and provides one-on-one coaching for personal chefs across North America. 


TRAVEL DESIGNER CASSANDRA MARCELLA METZGER

Cassandra Marcella Metzger is a luxury travel designer with a background in yoga therapy and law. Her travel design philosophy aims to enable you to live your life at your fullest potential – through restoration, transformation, and inspiration. She believes luxury travel is personalized and purposeful and includes peace of mind and lots of play. She also considers herself an escape artist extraordinaire.

A published writer and former PBS attorney, she uses travel dreams to inspire la dolce vita in various ways. Premier Wellness Travel offers online courses, guided video meditations, and City Escapes, an ebook series that bring foreign cities to us – even while travel is restricted.

Her work has been featured or published in MindBodyGreen, Huffpost, and Teach.Yoga, and she’s been quoted in USA Today, The Guardian, and The Washington Post.