Down in the Winterskloof valley a random group of food and wine enthusiasts joined winemaker Trevor De Ruise of Lost Boy Wines and local chef, Andrew Giles of Plated, at Arusha Design Art Gallery. Hosts Margaret and Marcus Kruger welcomed arrivals to sip on an exquisitely pink toned Brut Rosé Methode Cap Classique. Poured by Trevor and accompanied by Andrew’s rustic potato skins for teasers.
Garden lovers among the guests took advantage of the early twilight to explore the Kruger’s secretive garden where, in the early evening mist, a fragrant Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow dominated attention. The pool has been left to go wild for the benefit of tilapia and frogs. A little overgrown by Margaret’s standard, this space proved to be full of gorgeous plant specimens.
Inside the venue, artworks by Christiane Jamar, Marcus himself and Anna Alcock vied for attention from the art appreciative amongst the guests. Marcus is a master cabinet maker and turner, who trades under the name of Marcwoods, if you have ever visited a Havanna Grill restaurant, you will have seen his artistry in the private dining rooms, meat trolleys, cigar humidors and huge peppercorn grinders. Painter, Christiane Jamar is well-known for repeatedly exhibiting at both the Hilton Arts Festival and Art in the Country, while Anna Alcock is a printmaker whose artworks are purveyed by fine art auctioneers and art consultants, Strauss & Co.
Wearing her ‘art’ while denying being more than the business brain of the operation, Margaret Kruger says “No family can have more than one artist, or they would all starve!”
Once seated amidst the gorgeous art display, guests heard a little of the Lost Boy tale from Trevor while he poured an elegant rose boasting notes of pear, grapefruit, and rose petal on a strawberry base. This wine was joined by our chef’s Indian inspired fish. A winning pair.
Next up was the show-stealing wine, MAREA. A very special marine macerated wine which Andrew magically paired to a calibration plate of mulberries, white cheddar, cream crackers, smoked salt, salted lemon and kiwi fruit. The amazing story of this wine's labour must be shared by Trevor. There are only 200 bottles, and he is presently of a mind that it’s making will never be repeated.
A subtly infused chicken dish on couscous came out with a vibrant Carbonic Cinsaut, again a wonderful company of food and wine.
The star of the menu was lamb on deep-fried gnocchi presented with Lost Boy Wines’ cool climate Syrah, a spicy and more complex wine.
For dessert Andrew created a cranberry, chocolate and almond loaf topped with strawberries and fresh whipped cream to work magic alongside Lost Boy Wine’s freshly released Brut Rosé Pét-nat. Another winning wine filled with youthful excitement and perfect for our warm season of year-end celebration in South Africa!
Andrew Giles and Trevor de Ruise, we are elated that you have forged a food and wine friendship to benefit the KZN Midlands community and eagerly anticipate new collaborations at your next combined event.