Members and guests were treated to a relaxing afternoon luncheon at Forti’s Grill & Bar in Pretoria. Chef Fortunato Mazzone, a fifth generation restaurateur, celebrated chef, and Vice-Échanson Honoraire of the Bailliage of Pretoria, created the inspiring menu.

The 37 guests were treated to a four-course Italian feast served with a fusion of food, wine, music and art. Among the honoured guests were Bailli Délégué Philip Mostert and Chargée de Presse Elizabeth Jordaan.

On arrival we enjoyed an Aperol Spritz with crostini, followed by the first course of seasonal “antipasto misto” paired with Nick and Forti’s Artspace White Wine 2016.

Whilst enjoying the second course of fettuccine with ragu matched with Nick and Forti’s Shiraz, there was a musical treat from soprano Bongi Madlala Musa and her husband Papi. The duo performed several beautiful songs to the enjoyment of everyone.

The third course was crispy pork belly with pickled ginger, roasted sweet onions and curried cabbage, partnered by Nick and Forti’s Epicentre wine.

A duo of bigne stuffed with crema pasticcere served with sorbet and Pierre Jourdan ratafia was the fourth and final course.

The luncheon concluded with coffee and limoncello with all present reporting an enjoyable event.

Many of the guests returned to Johannesburg via the “Champaign Shuttle” coordinated by Chevalier Ricardo Palomar.

Vive la Chaîne!

Will Perry
Bailli