Latest news with #Heirloom
IOL News
20 hours ago
- IOL News
'I felt like one of those 'Real Housewives of Cape Town' being lavishly fed by a private chef'
Bar area at Heirloom restaurant. Image: Bernelee Vollmer Do you want a dining experience that feels like a gentle brush with luxury and elegance, without it being intimidating? I have found the perfect spot for you in Cape Town. Now hear me out. Yes, it may be in the exclusive, wonderful and newly re-opened and revamped Cape Grace Hotel, yet the elegant restaurant in the hotel - Heirloom - while indeed a classy spot, is not a stiff-upper-lip type of place It is more 'put on your favourite silk dress' rather than 'borrow your aunt's inherited pearls". The name Heirloom, when you look up the meaning, means a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations, like those pearls you chose not to wear. So expect a slight sense of "Old Money", a bit of "The Gatsby" and all-glamour, but also a place where you can enjoy a five-course meal with relish, which is exactly what I did when I was invited to attend recently. From the moment you step in, the vibe strikes you: it is a sophisticated modern cruise with dark woods, deep tones and soft lighting that balances moodiness with class. There are stunning views it being on the west quay of the V&A Waterfront: think the more quieter side of the docks, yachts, sea... but once the food arrives, you will probably forget the views because the art of the food will be all you can focus on. The standout centre bar, surrounded by sleek glass and pockets of greenery, brings a brightness and modern edge that lifts the whole atmosphere. It's intimate, stylish and perfect for the kind of night where you want to treat yourself (and maybe someone special too). Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The elegant yet approachable Heirloom restaurant. Image: Bernelee Vollmer Each course was introduced with a smile and a story, adding just the right amount of theatre to the evening. It had that good old-school charm, where hospitality wasn't about flair but about making you feel looked after. Now, this wasn't your classic candlelit date night. It was before our wedding - a time of lists, budgets and final fittings but this evening became something unexpectedly meaningful. We were seated with other reviewers, which could've been awkward, but ended up being one of the highlights. The conversations flowed as easily as the wine, and before long, strangers became warm tablemates who were sharing marriage advice and baby wishes (my baby is due in a few weeks). They toasted our upcoming wedding, spoke about parenting with a wink, and it felt like a small celebration with kind strangers. The invite from the hotel came at just the right time. We were reaching the final stages of our simple wedding planning, and this felt like a chance to breathe, to enjoy. My partner and I, now my husband, are mostly home-cooked meals type of people who dabble in restaurants during the holiday season or the odd date night, so this experience felt special. The menu was playful and thoughtful, a feast for the eyes with all the colour I crave on a plate because yes, honey, I eat with my eyes first. Each course delivered flavours as bold and vibrant as they looked, and my baby was dancing in my belly. While I had to pass on the wine pairings (tragic, I know), I can still confidently say that the food alone made this experience worth every forkful. And look, I'm not exactly adventurous when it comes to food. I like what I like. But this menu gently nudged me out of my comfort zone, and it was an absolute treat to explore flavour without fear. Tuna, served on toasted brioche with roasted black garlic aioli, apple jelly, and crispy apple sticks. Image: Bernelee Vollmer Each dish was created in reverse, starting with a limited-release or vintage Waterford wine and crafting the meal to match. That's where the magic happens. 'Our approach allows us to create a harmonious experience,' says sommelier Alvezo Abrahams. 'By letting the wines guide the dishes, guests can appreciate how each wine influences the flavours of the ingredients. It becomes more than just a meal; it is about the story conveyed through taste." The evening opened with the Blanc de Blanc Cap Classique 2018 paired with tuna, served on toasted brioche with roasted black garlic aioli, apple jelly, and crispy apple sticks. Now, I might not have sipped the wine, but I could still appreciate the balance in this dish. That caviar-textured apple jelly? I felt like a "Real Housewife" being fed by a private chef - it was elegant, playful and unique. This was the first time I had anything remotely close to caviar, and it was apple jelly? How insane. I don't regret trying new things. Pork belly glazed in white wine orange beurre blanc. Image: Bernelee Vollmer Then came the Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2024 with rainbow trout, pepper salsa, avo purée, and a garlic crumble. Light, fresh, and full of layers. It was the kind of dish that made me wonder why I don't eat more trout. Probably because it's rarely done this well. The third course is a personal favourite: the Chardonnay 2015 with pork belly glazed in white wine, orange beurre blanc. Now listen, pork belly is my weakness. Crispy on the outside, melt-in-the-mouth inside, and that citrusy note from the beurre blanc sealed the deal. I don't know what it is, but pork and fruit just work – if you know how to do it right. Beef tongue, fillet, salted candied tomatoes, and cauliflower purée on a potato fondant with a rich jus. Image: Bernelee Vollmer Then came the heavyweight: a beef course paired with a choice between the Jem 2017 Red Blend or the Kevin Arnold Shiraz 2016. The dish included beef tongue, fillet, salted candied tomatoes and cauliflower purée on a potato fondant with a rich jus. Now, this plate was generous, no lie. But once I took that first bite, there was no turning back. The meat was tender, the sides were refined yet comforting, and it felt like Sunday roast had gone to culinary school. And just when I thought I was done, dessert arrived like a gentle hug. Poached pear, chocolate sorbet, and pistachio mousse. Image: Bernelee Vollmer The Heatherleigh NV Dessert Wine was served with poached pear, chocolate sorbet, and pistachio mousse. Light yet indulgent, and the perfect sweet ending to such a well-paced meal. The Heirloom x Waterford pairing is a beautifully considered experience. The ingredients are locally sourced and seasonal, the wines are rare, and the setting is made for memories. This is for people who appreciate slow dining, romantic moments and storytelling through food, whether you're a well-heeled wine lover, a couple celebrating something special, or just two tired parents looking to feel fancy for a night. It's beautifully curated, warm without being fussy, and ideal for stepping outside your usual dining comfort zone – even if you're pregnant and skipping the wine! The Waterford wine pairing dinners are a splurge, yes, but for a five-course experience and warm hospitality, it's the kind that feels worth it. Think celebration, not casual tequila Tuesday. Prices range from R230 to R800 depending on what you're indulging in, from appetisers to desserts. And for the five-course wine pairing, you will need R1 950. It's a splurge, yes, but one that doesn't feel over the top. Just right for when you want to feel a little bit posh. * Renowned Wesli Jacobs is the new chef at Heirloom. RATING BERNELEE GIVES HEIRLOOM A ★★★★ This is a five-course journey worth taking, especially if you love attention to detail and food that tells a story. Overall 4. ★★★★ (Very good) Food: Delicious, well-prepared with some standout dishes. Service: Attentive, friendly and professional. Ambiance: Pleasant, well-designed and comfortable. Value: Worth the price; good quality for cost.
Time Out
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
A Fresh Take: Executive Chef Wesli Jacobs joins Cape Grace
If Netflix's The Bear offers any insight into the high-stakes world of hospitality, it's that a head chef sets the tone for the entire kitchen. At Cape Town's Cape Grace Hotel - recognised as one of the city's best by Time Out - a new chapter begins under Executive Chef Wesli Jacobs, who brings a fresh vision to its five-star dining experience. We were introduced to Chef Jacob's culinary creativity during a lunch hosted in Heirloom's private dining room alongside celebrated former World's Best sommelier, Philippe Faure-Brac. Jacobs rose to the challenge, plating a menu set to stand beside wines open to critique by Faure-Brac (no pressure). Faure-Brac, whose attendance was a masterstroke - aligned perfectly with the hosting of the ASI General Assembly in Cape Town for the first time in its 55-year run, a landmark for the African continent as a whole. The collaboration of this Fairmont property, under Accor's ownership, has led to significant refurbishments and enhancements at the Cape Grace, including the introduction of Heirloom Restaurant - first, under the leadership of acclaimed chef Gregory Czarnecki in 2023. Chef Asher Abramowitz later took over the reins in 2024, bringing added focus to South Africa's rich culinary heritage. Now, Jacobs and his team, including sommelier Alvezo Abrahams, showcased exactly what guests can expect in the months ahead. Think elegant dishes rooted in South African traditions of Cape Malay cooking with touches of finesse. Fine examples include the Seafood Biryani (paired with a Cape Point Reserve Sauvignon Blanc) and the Springbok Potjie (paired with Beyerskloof Reserve). Other splashes of contemporary flair included a Fynbos Sorbet palette cleanser and Baked Alaska, "not done Ouma's way" - best described as a smile-inducing dish, even before tasting it. Jacobs, formerly of Four Seasons Westcliff, where he led the award-winning pass at Flames, tells us that while he might be looking to break the mould in some instances, he and his team are pushing to put it back together in a totally unique way. Cooking from the heart and memory as odes to aunties or grannies are no longer platitudes when you consider the selection Jacobs shared. And it's not just Heirloom that are under his care - with Bascule Bar and the Library Lounge as part of his culinary canvas. The lunch menu certainly has set sizzling aspirations for the season ahead. The Cape Grace is inviting guests to join them for an adventurous pairing of chardonnays at the end of June, featuring Atlas Swift - just ahead of their new winter menu launch in July. Advanced booking is advised.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Arevon secures $98m tax equity commitment for Indiana solar projects
American energy developer, owner and operator Arevon Energy has secured a $98m tax equity commitment from Fifth Third Bank to support the development of its Ratts 1 and Heirloom solar projects in Pike County, Indiana, US. These projects, currently under construction, will collectively add 265MW of new energy for Indiana and are part of Arevon's expansion in the Midwest/Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) territories. The 192MWdc Ratts 1 Solar has secured a long-term power purchase agreement with the Indiana Municipal Power Agency, while Meta will be the offtaker for 73MWdc Heirloom Solar. Both projects are expected to commence operations in the second half of 2025. The partnership with Fifth Third Bank leverages the Inflation Reduction Act's tax credit transfer provision, offering Arevon enhanced capital structure flexibility. Fifth Third Bank Head of Renewables Jon Stark stated: 'Supporting premier platforms like Arevon squarely fits our future growth, and we look forward to continuing to grow our relationship with Arevon as they continue to execute on their high-quality US renewables pipeline.' The Ratts 1 and Heirloom Solar projects represent a nearly $400m investment and are projected to contribute more than $86m to local governments, benefiting public services and infrastructure. The construction has created 200 full-time jobs and boosted local businesses. Arevon chief investment officer Denise Tait stated: 'The complex and highly successful structure of this transaction marks another notable financial accomplishment for Arevon. This is a great example of what happens when all the right pieces come together. 'We were proud to work with Fifth Third Bank and our other financing partners on all we have achieved across our projects' financing packages. The Arevon team's deep expertise and experience will enable us to continue to innovate on future financial transactions.' Advisory and legal firms Paragon Energy Capital, Latham & Watkins, and Norton Rose Fulbright played key roles in closing the latest tax equity commitment. In September 2024, Arevon announced a separate $299m financial close for these projects, marking its first uncommitted tax equity and tax credit transfer bridge loan transaction. Arevon continues to grow its portfolio in the US Midwest. Notable developments include the commencement of the Posey and Gibson solar projects in Indiana and the advancement of the 430MW Kelso Solar Project in Missouri. Arevon has secured more than $3.8bn in cumulative project financing for new solar and energy storage developments throughout the US. "Arevon secures $98m tax equity commitment for Indiana solar projects" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Wall Street Journal
16-05-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Carbon Capture Startups Face Staff Cuts Amid U.S. Funding Uncertainty
Carbon startups are facing staff cuts amid worries over the Trump administration axing funding in the U.S. Swiss direct air capture startup Climeworks said this week that it was trimming staff due to macroeconomic uncertainty, shifting policy priorities in some jurisdictions and over uncertainty related to whether it will receive funding for its plant in the U.S. 'To ensure Climeworks remains resilient through today's global challenges and able to lead toward a gigaton-scale future, we are planning to reduce the size of our team,' Climeworks co-founders Christoph Gebald and Jan Wurzbacher said in a letter. 'As the best funded scale-up in the industry, we are grateful for the trust of our investors, but we need to be mindful that our funding must be managed with diligence.' Likewise, Heirloom, another direct air capture start up based in the U.S., said it was also being forced to cut staff due to uncertainty over its U.S. operations. 'As we scale our operations, Heirloom continues to adapt to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry,' the company said in a statement. 'That includes making strategic changes to our team—letting go of some employees while hiring for new roles essential to executing our priorities.' In both cases, the worry surrounds funding from the Energy Department, and whether $1.8 billion of financial support from the agency had been cut for projects in Texas and Louisiana—something which had originally been committed by the Biden administration. Climate and environmental funding has taken a sharp cut under President Trump, with a new bill from Republicans this week cutting subsidies for electric vehicles among other climate policies. The draft framework put out Monday by the Ways and Means Committee took aim at a raft of subsidies put in place by the Biden administration, to help fuel tax cuts proposed by the new administration. Trump has referred to the Inflation Reduction Act, the bipartisan bill which committed billions in environmental subsidies, as 'the green new scam.' The DOE didn't respond to requests for comment. Heirloom added its project in Northwestern Louisiana hasn't yet been paused and it was working with the DOE on its future. Carbon credits have been touted as one of the ways that companies can meet their carbon goals, by offsetting their emissions. In particular, technical solutions like direct air capture which suck carbon emissions from the air, have been lauded as a way to permanently remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Both companies have had strong backing from the corporate sector, with companies like Microsoft, Google parent Alphabet, and payments firm Stripe, under an umbrella group known as Frontier, among those that had committed to buy carbon credits from the firms. That said, those projects often have much higher costs, with the credits also fetching up to $1,000 per metric ton of carbon removed. Nature based projects, which have less permanence, often sell for less than $100 a ton, while other technologies such as biochar or enhanced rock weathering also sell at much lower prices compared with direct air capture, often around the $100 to $300 range. 'With over 140 DAC companies founded, most spots on the starting line are now taken and the race to determine which technologies can scale most cost-efficiently is on,' said Robert Höglund, head of carbon dioxide removal at the impact firm Milkywire and co-founder of a carbon removal database. 'In this explorative phase, as well as during initial scale-up, subsidies will be crucial to make DAC cost-competitive with other CDR methods.' Write to Yusuf Khan at
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Heading to Yosemite? How to eat like a Fresnan on your way there
Yosemite National Park's tourist season and its waterfalls are about to be at peak flow. And if you're making the trek there — on a busy day when reservations are needed or not — you're going to need to fuel up. Whether you're just driving through Fresno, spending the night at a hotel here, or you live in Fresno and are taking a little staycation, we know all the popular places to eat out. So if you want to eat like a Fresnan for a day, here are a few restaurants to choose from. Some serve foods that Fresno does best, such as tri-tip and Mexican food. Others are popular for good reason. And some are just perfect for refueling after a hike. In no particular order, here's a sampling of delicious options our city has to offer. 1. Heirloom. Fresnans line up for this food. The north Fresno restaurant serves seasonal, local farm-to-table food from one of the best chefs in town. But it's not upscale dining. It's order-at-the counter, cafeteria-style dining with a patio. Or, if you want to avoid lines, you can order online, pick up at the take-out window and take it back to your hotel room. The menu, which changes seasonally, features sandwiches, burgers and pasta with a fresh twist, and salads loaded with local veggies. Some highlights: The tri-tip sandwich, the cashew cauliflower and the Surf N Turf. There are cocktails that also incorporate local produce, along with beer and wine. Details: Heirloom is at 8398 North Fresno St. in the Park Crossing Shopping Center, and open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, except for Sunday, when it closes at 8 p.m. 2. Sam's Italian Deli and Market. This deli and market is another eatery that Fresnans are extremely loyal to. It's ranked on list of Top 100 restaurants nationwide. It has hot and cold sandwiches, and also sells deli meats and cheeses, desserts, salads — including potato and macaroni — and hot prepared foods such as chicken Parmesan. It's got portable market items too, including lots of wine, crackers and other snacks. Sounds like a Yosemite style picnic, doesn't it? The sandwiches are the star of the show here, including top seller Sam's Special, made with ham, mortadella, turkey breast, dry salami and Jack cheese for $10. Order online or inside the busy store. Details: Sam's is at 2415 N. First St. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays. 3. rock 'n' roll-themed breakfast restaurant started as a food truck and turned into one of Fresno's favorite eateries. It's got one location now and a whole opus of creatively named breakfast dishes. The menu is available by QR code on your phone, featuring breakfast and lunch. You can find a simple breakfast, such as the Eggman, an omelet with meat, veggies and cheese. But where Benaddiction really shines is the indulgent breakfasts: Try The Hotel California, an eggs 'Benaddict' made with chorizo hash, avocado and eggs. Or maybe the Kokomo, pancakes infused with rum-infused pineapple and topped with housemade salted caramel. The hash browns are also a favorite, made with potatoes shredded directly into the deep fryer. Details: Benaddiction is at 10063 N. Maple Ave. Open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. 4. Country Fare Cafe. If you want to get a taste of hearty Mexican food and are willing to brave the underbelly of Fresno that doesn't have a chain business in sight, check out Country Fare Cafe. It's a hidden gem with bars on the windows, parking that is frustratingly mysterious and it only takes cash or credit cards — no debit cards. But the food here gets great reviews — and they serve you so much of it, it will likely be spilling off your plate. Some highlights: The enchiladas, the chile verde omelet and its huevo divorciados — two eggs on separate sides of the plate — one smothered in chile verde, the other in chile Colorado — with potatoes, beans and tortillas in between. Details: Country Fare is at 4662 E Belmont Ave. Open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. 5. Ampersand. This homegrown ice cream shop has three locations in different sides of town. And it is not just an ice cream shop. No, it's like an entire art school only had ice cream as its creative outlet and came up with every imaginative flavor they could. Seasonal flavors change monthly, but have included agave matcha, hazelnut coffee cake and a Pimm's cup sorbet. The standard flavors are always on the menu and include whiskey caramel swirl and honeycomb, along with dark chocolate and vanilla. Gluten free and vegan options are available. Lines sometimes stack up, but they move quickly. Details: Ampersand has locations in central Fresno's Tower District, northwest and northeast. Click here for addresses. Open noon to 11 p.m. daily. 7. Sal's Mexican Restaurants. Sal's is a legacy in the Fresno area; the family named Restaurant Royalty by The Bee last year. It's more of a sit-down dining experience than a taqueria. Its Fresno location is at Fresno Street and Alluvial Avenue, with other locations in Madera and Selma. The family-run restaurant has birthed other restaurants from the multiple generations behind it, including the Bobby Salazar's restaurants and Lucy's Lounge cocktail bar. At Sal's, a highlight is the fancy burrito, which was once voted Fresno's most famous dish in a Fresno Bee poll. It comes with beans and chili con carne in a large flour tortilla and lots of melted jack cheese (though you can get it with chile verde or half and half too). Details: The Fresno Sal's is at 7476 N. Fresno St. and open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sundays through Wednesday and until 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Details about other locations here. 8. The Dog House Grill. If you're looking for two things that Fresno gets really excited about — tri-tip and the Fresno State Bulldogs — this is your place. It's a noisy, good-time place with a bar and sports on TVs. Smokers out front cook 400 cuts of tri-tip a day — 700 on weekends. The tri-tip comes on sandwiches, salads, and on a single huge taco that could be a meal in itself. It's across the street from Fresno State and is the place to celebrate big wins after sports games. But take note of one down side: Its parking lot is tiny and there is almost never a slow period here. Be prepared to park creatively. Take out is always an option.
