Keep Up To Date With Southern Sun Cape Sun

Inspired by Easter and all things chocolate, four of Tsogo Sun’s Cape Town chefs share their recipes for a decadent five course chocolate brunch.

The menu starts with chocolate Mayan yoghurt, cinnabun melba toast, chocolate & hazelnut crumble, and fresh raspberries, created by Executive Chef of Southern Sun Cape Sun and former chocolatier, Alfred Henry; followed by toasted dark chocolate scone eggs benedict with white chocolate and orange Hollandaise, created by Executive Chef of Southern Sun The Cullinan Henrico Grobbelaar; and then chocolate seed loaf, orange and dill cured salmon, cream cheese and pickled radishes, created by Juan Neethling of Southern Sun The Waterfront. After that comes slow cooked beef cheek, bitter chocolate, orange and pear, created by Jessica Sutcliffe of SunSquare Cape Town Gardens; and rounding up the decadent brunch is yoghurt and cinnamon panna cotta egg, also created by Chef Alfred.

“Our chefs are a source of pride and joy to Tsogo Sun,” says Priya Naidoo, Tsogo Sun’s GM - Group Communication “They’re always up to the challenge to present creative, delicious and altogether alluring meal experiences for every guest who eats at any of our restaurants. We hope chocoholics everywhere will be inspired to create the dishes in their own homes.”

Chef Alfred Henry, Executive Chef of Southern Sun Cape Sun

Born and raised in Cape Town, Chef Alfred Henry followed his passion for all things culinary after school and completed a cordon bleu diploma with distinction. He then travelled to Britain to study further and perfect his craft. On his return to South Africa he began his career as an assistant pastry chef at the Mount Nelson Hotel, and then as executive sous chef at the Twelve Apostles Hotel. He has worked in some of the best kitchens in South Africa, including as head chocolatier for Lindt & Sprüngli in 2008. His culinary career has also embraced the educational sector of the industry and he worked with a national culinary school as corporate executive chef for several years, before returning to mainstream hotel kitchens – and the Southern Sun Cape Sun Hotel. Says Henry, “Growing up in a family that was involved in food was my inspiration. I have a passion to turn raw ingredients into a gastronomic sensation. I avoid complicating my food too much, but try to get the best from the raw produce, maximising the natural flavours to their best potential. I enjoy mixing classic preparation with a modern flair and flavour. I also believe people eat with their eyes before they taste – food must always be well presented and then have an amazing flavour to follow through.”

Chocolate factory fantasy world at Southern Sun Cape Sun - Tsogo Sun

The vibrant chocolate and sweets infused magical world of the musical film, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, came alive in Southern Sun Cape Sun’s kitchen on 16 March when Executive Chef and former chocolatier Alfred Henry hosted a brunch of five courses of chocolate decadence to a select group of media, bloggers and influencers. The aim of the chocoholic’s dream come true was to celebrate the upcoming chocolate-centred Easter weekend and to showcase the skills of Chef Alfred, a former pastry chef and chocolatier, and other chefs from Tsogo Sun properties in Cape Town.

In the movie, which is based on the Roald Dahl classic, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, the chocolate factory owner, Willy Wonka, announces that he has hidden five ‘golden tickets’ in chocolate Wonka bars and that the finders of these tickets will be given a factory tour and a lifetime supply of chocolate. The fantastical chocolate factory magic begins when the winners enter the doors.

Within the ‘Chocolate Factory’ in the suitably bedecked expansive Southern Sun Cape Sun kitchen was a Chef’s Table for the lucky ‘golden ticket’ holder guests, where the exquisite dishes were presented, perfectly paired with a selection of beverages.

The menu started with chocolate Mayan yoghurt, cinnabun melba toast, chocolate & hazelnut crumble, and fresh raspberries, presented by Chef Alfred; which was followed by toasted dark chocolate scone eggs benedict with white chocolate and orange Hollandaise, presented by Executive Chef of Southern Sun The Cullinan Henrico Grobbelaar; and then chocolate seed loaf, orange and dill cured salmon, cream cheese and pickled radishes, presented by Juan Neethling of Southern Sun The Waterfront. After that came slow cooked beef cheek, bitter chocolate, orange and pear, presented by Jessica Sutcliffe of SunSquare Cape Town Gardens; and rounding up the decadent brunch was yoghurt and cinnamon panna cotta egg, also presented by Chef Alfred.

Keeping the excitement levels high, Chef Alfred also presented a lesson in tempering chocolate for chocaholics to create the dishes in their own homes for Easter.

Born and raised in Cape Town, Alfred Henry followed his passion for all things culinary after school and completed a cordon bleu diploma with distinction. He then travelled to Britain to study further and perfect his craft. On his return to South Africa he began his career as an assistant pastry chef at the Mount Nelson Hotel, and then as executive sous chef at the Twelve Apostles Hotel. He has worked in some of the best kitchens in South Africa, including as head chocolatier for Lindt & Sprüngli in 2008. His culinary career has also embraced the educational sector of the industry and he worked with a national culinary school as corporate executive chef for several years, before returning to mainstream hotel kitchens – and the Southern Sun Cape Sun Hotel. Says Henry, “Growing up in a family that was involved in food was my inspiration. I have a passion to turn raw ingredients into a gastronomic sensation. I avoid complicating my food too much, but try to get the best from the raw produce, maximising the natural flavours to their best potential. I enjoy mixing classic preparation with a modern flair and flavour. I also believe people eat with their eyes before they taste – food must always be well presented and then have an amazing flavour to follow through.”

“Our chefs are a source of pride and joy to Tsogo Sun,” says Priya Naidoo, Tsogo Sun’s GM - Group Communication “They’re always up to the challenge to present creative and delicious meal experiences for special events such as our Chocolate Factory fantasy brunch, as well as for every guest who eats at any of our restaurants.”

Tsogo Sun’s portfolio includes over 100 hotels and 14 casino and entertainment destinations throughout South Africa, Africa, the Seychelles and Abu Dhabi. For further information, visit tsogosun.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram @TsogoSun or like on Facebook /TsogoSun.

Southern Sun Cape Sun, The New Kid on The Block For Family Accommodation

Cape Town’s city center is one of the few places that offers a rich city experience for all travelers from backpackers to businessmen as well as families. With a diverse mix of attractions, from traditional to eclectic, cultural to trendy, historic to modern, the Cape Town city centre offers hot spots, hotels, museums, markets, loads of fantastic restaurants, the vibrant and buzzing Bree Street precinct - and all just a few minutes’ drive from the beach.

Renowned as one of the city’s most iconic buildings, the 33-year old Southern Sun Cape Sun is the new kid on the block for family accommodation, having undergone an extensive rejuvenation project that has broadened its offering from a largely business hotel to one that now provides accommodation and facilities to suit both business and leisure travelers. Gearing up for the holiday season, the refurbishment has been completed in two phases, beginning with the addition of a parking facility and more recently with a full refresh of all 367 bedrooms, focusing on the finishes and details. In addition, a large number of the hotel’s twin rooms have been converted into family rooms, which contain two double beds.

“Southern Sun Cape Sun’s room configuration has traditionally catered more towards the business traveler but with the conversion of the rooms into family rooms the hotel now has greater family appeal, allowing two adults to share a room with two children,” says Jacques Moolman, General Manager at Southern Sun Cape Sun.

The introduction of these new room types means that the hotel now offers 226 family rooms, 121 king rooms, 16 suites and 4 presidential suites.

Further ensuring that all members of the family will enjoy a memorable experience, the hotel plans to offer a number of child-friendly entertainment activities over the December holiday period. This will include a daily schedule of activities with movies, face painting, drumming circles and games; shuttles to both the beach and the Waterfront; as well as optional extras like tickets on the City-Sightseeing Red Bus Tours.

Says Moolman, “The city centre has seen a massive revival to its former atmosphere of authentic cultural experiences, combined with some of the best dining in the country, and a lively and colourful experience of street life in Cape Town. This is a true reflection of life in Cape Town – not just of its spectacular beaches, but of real Cape Town city life.” 

He concludes by saying, “When planning a family holiday to Cape Town there are many things to consider, such as the fly vs self-drive options, kids vs adult entertainment, and accommodation that caters for the whole family. Southern Sun Cape Sun is now able to check all those boxes.”

About Tsogo Sun

Tsogo Sun is the leading hotels, gaming and entertainment company in South Africa, providing a variety of hospitality and exciting entertainment and leisure experiences. Combining an established heritage with a professional and energised approach, the group proudly encompasses 14 casinos and over 90 hotels in South Africa, Africa, the Seychelles and Abu Dhabi.

The company’s hospitality interests offer a wide distribution of hotels in Africa, providing world-class accommodation across all markets, including elegant, individually branded luxury hotels and well-known trusted market leaders in the premier through budget segments, including Southern Sun Hotels, Garden Court, SunSquare, StayEasy and SUN1 hotels.

The exciting urban and resort casino portfolio includes the most popular entertainment destinations, strategically located throughout South Africa. In the Gauteng province, Tsogo Sun owns the group’s flagship property, Montecasino in Fourways, which features, amongst other attractions, the award-winning Teatro; Gold Reef City Casino and Theme Park in Southern Johannesburg; and Silverstar Casino to the West in Krugersdorp.

Additional properties are owned and operated in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, including the jewel on Durban’s Golden Mile, Suncoast Casino, Hotels and Entertainment.

Tsogo Sun Citizenship is the group’s corporate citizenship strategy which encompasses three areas of focus. This includes Corporate Social Investment, whereby the group promotes the development of learners through three academies which offer holistic, full-year programmes centred around sport, art and education; Entrepreneur Development which focuses on skills-based entrepreneurial development through its Tsogo Sun Book a Guesthouse and Supplier Development programmes; and Environmental Education, committed to initiatives that reduce the impact the business has on the environment.

Tsogo Sun (“TSH”) is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.  The key shareholders of Tsogo Sun are Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited (“HCI”), a JSE listed investment holding company.

Tsogo Sun Gaming supports the National Responsible Gambling Programme. Winners know when to stop.  Only persons over the age of 18 are permitted to gamble. National Problem Gambling counselling toll-free helpline: 0800 006 008.

For more information go to tsogosun.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TsogoSun or like us on Facebook /TsogoSun