Lunch was a 6-course lavish affair which also represented food from different countries and wines to compliment the dishes.  Anneke and Tobi Jooste were our hosts for the day and Tobi’s beautiful voice and Anneke’s funny antics kept our guests entertained throughout lunch.

It was a wonderful, blessed day and all the staff from Vrede en Lust left tired, but with big smiles on their faces after such a successful day.  This year has certainly inspired us to go even bigger and better next year and we have new and exciting ideas up our sleeves.

The unpredictable Cape weather had us seeing all our weather cover days used up in the first half of week one. Needless to say, this left everyone more than a little anxious about the rest of the Cape shoot. However, a quick e-mail to Mother Nature saw us blessed with just the right amount of sun and cloud to capture the pictures we only hoped we would manage to get!

From snow on the mountains to 30C days, we had it all, in just the right order to show off our beautiful country. Oh, and of course, we had a few actors in the foreground too.

What a stellar cast we have been allowed to make magic with! (See picture below) Between the lot of them, there was a chemistry on screen which pole-vaulted the dialogue off the page and provided fits of laughter on and behind the scenes. To have the top talent in the country so invested in the project has been exhilarating and humbling.

The Semi-Soet Cast

The production value on Semi-Soet is in a different league and from the rushes we’ve seen is going to look epic on the big screen.

And so we turn our lens to eclectic Johannesburg where we hope to show off how sexy and chic this world class city can look. From dramatic skylines to Aston Martin’s racing across Nelson Mandela bridge to three grown men on a scooter – Johannesburg is going to be its own kind of beautiful and we can’t wait to get started!

Cameras start rolling on Wednesday the 11th through until Thursday the 26th of May and we would love to share the experience with you. If you would like to visit the set please contact our production manager Jessie White on jessjjf_film@hotmail.com or Cell: 076 743 7579.

Thanks for your tireless efforts in going above and beyond in making sure that this film could be made. We believe you will be more than proud when you sit watching it munching on a big box of popcorn!

Scramble Productions

Opening ahead of the busy Christmas period was not possible due last minute problems with plumbing, electrical and some practical problems. With the SA building holidays it became a futile effort to try and ‘herd the cats’.

The revamped Cotage is now finally open under the highly accomplished management of Matthew Gordon, Duncan Doherty and JP Smith. The new menu is exciting and the deli plans are ambitious.

The new parking area supports more than 100 vehicles. Cotage Fromage is open for breakfast, brunch and extended lunch in a most beautiful setting in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley.

Private functions for up to 70 people are offered in the evenings and there is an area that may be used to conferences or kitchen theater. The Cotage Fromage can be reached directly on 021 874 3991 or via cotage@vnl.co.za per email.

Vrede en Lust has entered into a partnership with chefs from Outcook Express, the kitchen and restaurant consultancy based in Franschhoek. Celebrated Winelands chef, Matthew Gordon, recognized event catering expert Duncan Doherty and baker extraordinaire Jean-Pierre Smith, promise an intriguing and fulfilling gastronomic experience.

‘These chefs travel extensively and will bring fresh international trends to our patrons,’ said Dana Buys, owner of Vrede en Lust. ‘Their artistic combination of ingredients makes for an astonishing food experience. Our partnership with them includes our functions and accommodation offerings.’

Gordon regards two components as paramount in every dish he presents: depth of flavour and superb presentation.

‘Our shared vision is to create a really world-class country restaurant and deli experience, complementing the excellent Vrede en Lust wines with light, sophisticated and delicious cuisine’ he said. ‘The emphasis will be on healthy food made with the freshest ingredients’ added Buys.

A bakery and a deli stocked with local and specialty cheeses, olives and cured meats will serve the restaurant and offer clients the chance to buy fresh country goods for their own kitchens.

‘The restaurant has been designed to be a full-time venue catering for up to 160 diners. The new layout allows for private areas that may suit conferences or tour groups. Intimate evening functions for up to 70 guests at Cotage Fromage complement our new Vineyard Terrace venue, which caters for larger events’ says Buys.

The restaurant has been redesigned in keeping with the rustic, country feel of the original thatch and its historic roots. A new, wraparound, wind-protected veranda makes the most of the magnificent setting and views. The 120sqm kitchen has quadrupled capacity and is cleverly placed at the centre of the restaurant giving efficient service to the adjacent deli as well. Parking has been provided for more than 100 vehicles.

Cotage Fromage is the ideal stop for breakfast or a leisurely lunch in the heart of the Winelands. Visitors can taste and buy some of Vrede en Lust’s award-winning wines, play a game of Petanque or Boules on the two competition sized courts, go for a peaceful stroll among the vineyards or a more energetic bike ride up into the forests to take in the spectacular view of the Franschhoek Valley. The Cotage Fromage is open 7 days a week from 7.30am till 6pm.