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Daily Maverick
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
Hotel Foibles and Feisty Fowls — no, this isn't Fawlty Towers
On a journey from Cradock to Durban, we survive the urban nightmare of Komani to lick our psychological wounds in a surprisingly good small-town restaurant, and continue to Kokstad, where a feisty bird falls foul of your food editor. On the long roads, when we're pulling in for the night here, for petrol there, or stopping at that place over the road for dinner or breakfast, and when we have all those hours behind the wheel to fill our heads with thoughts we normally don't have the time for, we might play a little game. We might ponder on the weighty matter of which chicken dish was the best on the journey towards Durban. In particular: how would that eccentric fowl on your plate in Komani have fared if it had encountered that feisty little chook that somehow made it onto that menu in Kokstad? Not without a fight, I don't doubt. I see feathers flying in every direction as the plucky little fella from timber country lays waste to the plump hen from Queenstown. And what would the denizens of Kokstad, living their lives in the desultory timberland bypassed by travellers making their way from the interior towards the coast, make of the food served at The LivingRoom at Summerhill, which happens to be your destination? Mysterious little twists and curls of who knows what, with drizzles of this and squeezes of that, each morsel tasting exquisite yet unlike anything served on any menu in the region. So different from the Cape, where there are now many restaurants indulging in the intriguing new ways of the contemporary world-wise chef. Chef Johannes at Summerhill actually cooked us a farmyard chicken when we finally did reach Durban. Hêrrie Hoender from Kokstad would have seen that one off too, I have no doubt. And those crunchy, spicy deep-fried prawn balls in Queenstown. Were they really as good as you remember them — and in Komani, which you didn't even know had any restaurants more interesting than a KFC or Spur until this trip? And what the hell was that thing I had for a starter in Kokstad? I had no recollection of it when I went through my camera roll back home. Komani, if you're wondering, is the new name for Queenstown, which is regarded as a sort of informal capital of the Eastern Cape. Komani has become almost unrecognisable to those who may have known it in earlier decades. Though it's a small town, relatively, its CBD is a shambolic urban nightmare. You might feel you're in the middle of a large African city, with cars and trucks paying no attention to traffic lights, and wonder how the hell you're gonna find your way out. Honestly, I gave up trying to be a gentle, respectful driver and just did what everyone else was doing — ploughed forward, through robots, turning left or right while holding my breath and hoping for the best, otherwise I wouldn't have got anywhere. I waved my fists at sneering drivers, who barked through their windscreens only because I was doing precisely what they all were. Just donnering ahead and to hell with the consequences. I'd punched Game (the store) into the GPS. Somewhere on the endless road through town, which presents eyesore after eyesore on either side, the GPS man (I call him Kirby, after the hilarious voice recording on FlySafair flights) told me to turn right. Whereupon, we were in another place altogether. 'Thanks, Kirbs,' I muttered. (Yes, I talk back to the GPS.) How can a South African town fall so far without entirely falling apart? How does anyone ever get out alive? You said right, but this is left. Right? Kirbs? Hello? But Kirby was saying nothing. But I pushed forward no matter what. That's how you survive Komani traffic (and pedestrians). And being grateful when you finally make it back to that discordant main road which suddenly feels a much better place to be. We did find the new suitcases we were looking for at Game, by the way. But… (take a bow, Kirbs, we made it out) … Veer off the main road to the left and you find yourself in leafy suburbia. I had no idea. It's quite lovely, in fact, and we stayed overnight in a neat and tidy small hotel called the Positano, where we found ourselves in the Presidential Suite, would you believe, which is a moniker that suggests a certain style, a standard, a benchmark. More than that, a 'Presidential' (or King or Queen) Suite holds, in its very name, a promise: that if you stay in this suite you will be treated like a king or head of state. You will be pampered. Grey is the new beige Now, I don't expect to be fussed over, in fact I hate that: I just book a room, pay right away, and am glad of a bed and something to eat. I'm not fussy on the long roads. But don't claim something and not deliver. On the website, it is called an executive room, which itself suggests that it's a cut above whatever the other rooms must be like. Arriving at the door, I see that it is emblazoned with 'Presidential'. Ooh, look at this. Pleasant surprise. Inside, it's smart in a monotone kind of way. Greys and blacks are the first choice these days when renovating an interior, it seems. Grey is the new beige. But it's what was not in the room that got my goat. No bedside lights, just empty bedside tables. No sweeteners on the coffee and tea setup (I always look for them). That's commonplace, annoyingly, but more to the point? There were no teaspoons either. Cups, sugar, but no spoons. What, you must use your sleeve? Grab a twig from a tree outside? I used the back end of a toothbrush to stir my coffee the next morning, after giving it a thorough wash. There was no rusk or biscuit either. I didn't mind overly, although these are things you find in almost every simple old BnB throughout the Platteland. I'm a coper. As long as there's a clean bed decently made up, I'm not gonna make a fuss. But don't promise a cornucopia and deliver an empty basket. Having said all that, ironically my overall impression of the Positano was strangely positive. And everything I cited above is easy to fix, in a single day. Maybe they will if they read this. We drove a few blocks away to a restaurant called The Gallery for dinner, which we reached late after Kirby got us lost again. This place was really good as small town restaurants go. Part of a guest house too. Maybe they also have a Presidential room. We'll ask them next time we go that way, because then we won't have to take the risk of Kirby leading us back to the wilds of the Komani CBD. At night. (Creepy zither music here, please.) The Gallery? Attractive environment, good service, and well-made food, if a tad eccentric. I had the 'sweet and sour prawn meat' which were round, plump parcels of Chinese-inspired sweet and sour shrimp meat. So much like traditional sweet and sour pork, very sweet in a way that few like these days. They were really good — made me think I was at a local Chinese spot. Then I ordered the 'spicy crumbed chicken breast'. Well. What arrived was two massive chicken breasts 'dunked in our spicy sauce and filled with a jalapeño and cheese mix'. Filling nearly the entire plate. Soooo much sauce, really hot and super-spicy in a good way. I actually loved it and devoured the lot. Everything on the plate screamed: 'not for the fainthearted or squeamish'. Yes please. What the hell was that thing in Kokstad? This was the destination for our second night on the road. This is the older me, I should explain. Back in the day I'd shoot right through to Durban in one day, but now I stop at least once, sometimes twice. Hence having driven from Cradock to Queenstown. (Queenstown/Komani, Somerset East/kwaNojoli? I should explain: I have a personal policy with changing place names: I choose to use both the old and the new name, interchangeably. I will not be dictated to. In a mature society, we should all be able to accommodate and be accommodated. Digression over.) Anyway, back to Kokstad. For decades, we've occasionally travelled this route and stopped at Kokstad for breakfast at the Wimpy, which is on a petrol station forecourt. I booked, online in advance, at a hotel called Mount Currie Inn. Which has a restaurant called the Guinea Fowl. Oooh, sounds quite posh, right? It's on that same forecourt. But it's not all that bad, speaking of the motel rooms at least. Like the Komani stopover, it was freshly painted in greys with black trim. There were zooty bedside lamps. There were sweeteners. There were teaspoons and rusks. And no executive suites. After a glass of wine at a cement table and benches in the grounds, where I took this photo, it was time to meet that scrawny, feisty little bird. It looks idyllic but it really is just the fenced yard of the motel that backs onto the petrol station complex. We strolled past all the other chalets with their cars parked outside and went inside to find the Guinea Fowl restaurant. No grand expectations required. A functional, canteen-like space with attentive service and food no one is ever going to write home about. Except to say that this poor bird should have been left in the yard to live out its life. Ag shame, man. I actually said that when I saw it: Oh, about that thing on my plate in Kokstad. I've just run the photo through Photoshop and blown it up. And it was cheese-topped mushrooms, gratinated and, now that my memory has kicked in, really not bad at all. Funny how a detail in a photo can prompt a memory. A good one, this time. Certainly a better one than the feisty little fowl whose short, sad life will haunt my dreams forever. The destination for this first part of the trip from Cradock to KwaZulu-Natal was Summerhill in Cowie's Hill, where we were expected for dinner. Talking of which, here's great news for Durban foodies. Chef Johannes Richter and his wife sommelier of The LivingRoom at Summerhill are friends with chefs Kobus van der Merwe (Wolfgat) and Vusi Ndlovu (Edge) in Cape Town, and the pair will be guests at Summerhill on Friday and Saturday, 29 and 30 August, when the three will present lunch and dinner with paired wines for R2,500 a head (that's inclusive of wine). Details and bookings for those dates here. DM
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Strictly Come Dancing's Johannes Radebe reveals bold plans and issues warning to judge
A fan favourite professional on Strictly Come Dancing has hinted at a potential move on the popular BBC contest ahead of the latest series Strictly Come Dancing is getting ready to return to our screens, and one popular professional has revealed his plans for the show. Johannes Radebe has opened up on his love for the BBC contest - and provided a cheeky warning for one of the judges. South African Johannes was a runner-up on the show in 2021 with his celebrity partner John Whaite. While he is yet to win the coveted Glitter Ball, he has admitted his long-term goal lies elsewhere. After waltzing his way to the hearts of the British public, Johannes has revealed his love of Strictly and says it would "kill me to leave the magic". But instead of leaving, he plans to simply make a shift into the judging panel. It comes after Johnannes spoke about how his personal heartbreak nearly saw him quit the BBC show. Speaking to Heat Magazine, the professional dancer confessed he had thought about the move in roles. "I will continue to dance so long as my bones hold me up," he said. "But I could still be a part of this world long after I have hung my shoes up. "I would love the opportunity [to be a judge]. Craig Revel Horwood watch out!" He also revealed another of his life's goals would be to open a dance academy in his native South Africa. "I want to get young boys into dance," he said. Johannes added it's his dream to see "a new generation of JoJos at Otis [Mabuse] moving around the street". Strictly bosses have been keeping their cards close to their chest ahead of the upcoming series about which celebrities will appear. However, the professionals on the show took to the dance studio this week for their rehearsals. The talented stars were photographed for their first rehearsal for the show last week and smiled for the cameras as they made their way into the studio. Among those turning up were Nadiya Bychkova, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Gorka Marquez, Nikita Kuzmin, Dianne Buswell. They all looked ready to work up a sweat as they arrived wearing their comfy clothes - with Nadiya sporting an oversized Minnie Mouse jumper and Gorka plumping for some loose-fitting stripy slacks. Joining them were Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Aljaz Skorjanec, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Michelle Tskiakkas, Nancy Xu, and new recruits Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon. It comes after bombshell news last week claimed two stars from the family show are alleged to have taken cocaine while appearing on the primetime series. With the series due to start again in September, it is the latest shock to rock the long-running programme. It's said drug use claims were submitted to the BBC in March by Russell's Solicitors on behalf of a celebrity contestant. It's believed that other individuals have also brought forward allegations of drug consumption on Strictly Come Dancing to the BBC.
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Strictly Come Dancing pro to have life story turned into BBC documentary
Strictly Come Dancing pro to have life story turned into BBC documentary Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe has shared some exciting news regarding his next career venture with the BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Johannes Radebe (Image: Johannes Radebe Instagram ) Strictly Come Dancing pro Johannes Radebe is set to have his incredible life story immortalised in a BBC documentary, inspired by his autobiography, Jojo: Finally Home. The dancer, who hails from Zamdela, South Africa and joined Strictly in 2018, has bravely spoken out about the homophobic bullying he endured during his school days before making the move to the UK. In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Johannes revealed that the documentary is in its early stages, but has already secured the backing of BBC Films. "It's a 'pinch me' moment," he confessed. "The beginning stages are happening now and BBC Films have just jumped on board too." Johannes Radebe is set for an exciting new venture (Image: Getty ) The Strictly star hopes his documentary will serve as inspiration to his community back home, showing them that success is within reach, reports Edinburgh Live. Article continues below "It simply means that my people, who helped me get where I am, are worthy and they can dream because I know where they come from," he told The Sun. He added, "There are a lack of role models and they feel like they can't achieve anything but I hope this is like a beacon of light for them to say all of you contributed to me and my success is your success." Despite his busy schedule, which includes touring the UK with the Kinky Boots musical and working on the documentary, Johannes has reassured Strictly fans that he will return to the BBC show for the upcoming series, launching in September. Johannes with Montell Douglas on Strictly (Image: BBC ) During a July appearance on This Morning, Johannes engaged in a spirited chat with hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley regarding his tenure on Strictly. Ben said: "Please reassure us you're going to be in the line-up and are definitely going to be part of it!" to which Johannes emphatically replied: "They'll have to drag me off that show with my sequins!" Article continues below He continued: "I'm not going anywhere! My life would be dull. That is a sparkling world that I live in and I can't tell you what a privilege it is to be a part of it every single year, to be called back." Having joined the team of professional dancers on Strictly in 2018, Johannes has showcased his dance skills alongside celebrities such as Montell Douglas and Annabel Croft. His noteworthy performance in 2021 saw him reach the final with John Whaite, ultimately securing second place. Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer
Edinburgh Live
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Strictly Come Dancing pro says 'pinch me' as huge career move unveiled
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A popular Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer has landed himself an exciting new opportunity away from the BBC One show. Johannes Radebe, who joined Strictly in 2018, is set to have his inspiring life story told in a BBC documentary, which will be based on the events told in his autobiography, Jojo: Finally Home. The dancer grew up in Zamdela, South Africa, and has been open about the years of homophobic bullying he faced at school before moving to the UK in 2018. Johannes revealed that his new BBC project is now in the "beginning stages" and described it as a "pinch me" moment. (Image: Getty Images) "It's a 'pinch me' moment," he told The Sun. "The beginning stages are happening now and BBC Films have just jumped on board too. 'It simply means that my people, who helped me get where I am, are worthy and they can dream because I know where they come from. "There are a lack of role models and they feel like they can't achieve anything but I hope this is like a beacon of light for them to say all of you contributed to me and my success is your success.' It's a hugely busy time for Johannes, who is currently touring the UK with the Kinky Boots musical while creating his new film. However, he has reassured Strictly fans he's remaining on the BBC show and will be competing in this year's series, which will launch in September. (Image: BBC) Appearing on This Morning in July, Johannes chatted to hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley about his future on Strictly, with Ben saying: "Please reassure us you're going to be in the line-up and are definitely going to be part of it!" Johannes then responded: "They'll have to drag me off that show with my sequins," before adding: "I'm not going anywhere! My life would be dull. That is a sparkling world that I live in and I can't tell you what a privilege it is to be a part of it every single year, to be called back." Johannes has been a Strictly pro since 2018 and has competed alongside celebs such as Montell Douglas and Annabel Croft. He reached the final in 2021 with John Whaite, coming in second place. Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer
Scottish Sun
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Popular Strictly pro set to have their inspiring life story told on BBC in ‘pinch me' moment
Plus scroll down to read about a new drama about the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings 'A BEACON OF LIGHT' Popular Strictly pro set to have their inspiring life story told on BBC in 'pinch me' moment Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HE rose from humble origins in South Africa and endured years of homophobic bullying in school before becoming a Strictly Come Dancing favourite. Now Johannes Radebe will likely have his life story air on the BBC. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Johannes Radebe rose from humble origins in South Africa Credit: BBC 5 He endured years of homophobic bullying in school before becoming a Strictly Come Dancing favourite Credit: Getty 5 Johannes reached the final with chef John Whaite in 2021 Credit: Getty 5 John and Johannes lost out to ex-EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice Credit: Splash The South African pro was persuaded to stay on the show this year despite a busy schedule that saw him making his biopic and touring the nation with musical Kinky Boots. I exclusively revealed two years ago how Johannes' life story, based on his autobiography, Jojo: Finally Home, was under way. This week, he said: 'It's a 'pinch me' moment. "The beginning stages are happening now and BBC Films have just jumped on board too. 'It simply means that my people, who helped me get where I am, are worthy and they can dream because I know where they come from. "There are a lack of role models and they feel like they can't achieve anything but I hope this is like a beacon of light for them to say all of you contributed to me and my success is your success.' Johannes joined Strictly in 2018. In 2021 he reached the final with chef John Whaite, where they lost out to ex-EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice. Strictly's Johannes Radebe heartbroken as family are BANNED from entering country and miss his big opening night of show NEW TAKE ON PUB BOMBING THE team behind BBC's Line Of Duty are planning a drama about the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings. Simon Heath, who heads up World Productions, believes it's time viewers learnt more about the 21 victims of the IRA attack. 5 Six men from Northern Ireland served 16 years in prison after being wrongly convicted for the bombing in 1975. They became known as the Birmingham Six. The new drama will focus on the lives of the victims and their loved ones who have campaigned for justice. Brummie Simon said: 'Everyone knows about the Birmingham Six, but the families of the 21 victims still don't know who planted the bombs. 'They don't get the publicity they deserve. But there's a script and we're going to try. 'I just want to support the city. 'I don't think it has had a fair crack of the whip.' LARRY LAMB says his turn as Mick Shipman in Gavin & Stacey: The Finale will likely be his last on the box. The actor said he would consider taking on small stage parts 'to keep my face in' but insisted that he's happy to let others perform the 'bigger roles' and head into retirement. NATURE'S CALLING DOUGIE SHARK! Celebrity Infested Waters ended up being far more than just another TV job for Dougie Poynter. The ITV series, which starts tonight at 9pm, follows celebs as they take to treacherous waters off Bimini in the Bahamas. Facing the beasts has changed the McFly and I'm A Celeb winner forever. He said: 'I came back and it hit me so hard that I'm not still out there doing it. I think I want to do nature stuff for the rest of my life, in any sort of capacity. 'Any trip I do or TV show, I hope it has a nature element in it, because that's what I'm happy doing. 'I feel connected to what we actually are, just creatures of Earth, without sounding cheesy. 'I'm sharing the planet with all these other things that are way more fascinating than myself.' CILLIAN'S DREAM CILLIAN MURPHY swapped the brutality of Peaky Blinders for a children's animation, so his kids have the chance to enjoy his work. The actor, best known as Tommy Shelby in the gritty saga, lends his voice to play Dad in Kensuke's Kingdom. Cillian said: 'I had read Kensuke's Kingdom to my boys when they were little and they were enthralled by it. 'I wanted to be involved in the film version so they could see it, and also because I don't really make that many films for kids.' An adaptation of Michael Morpugo's book, follows a young boy who is shipwrecked on a remote island after falling overboard during a family sailing trip. He discovers he's not alone when he encounters Kensuke, a former Japanese soldier who has lived there since World War Two. It lands on the BBC next month. LONG-RUNNING Aussie soap Neighbours filmed its last ever scenes on Friday after being scrapped for a second time. Amazon Freevee picked up the teatime favourite from Channel 5 but weren't happy with its ratings. The closing chapter will air in December.
