Lisa Clark is a top Cape Town Based Food Stylist and trend watcher whose eye for design and food is undeniably beautiful. Her magnificent food styling combinations have graced the pages of some of South Africa’s most elite food magazines and she is the go-to-girl for big brands looking to expand their foodie horizons.

The former chef also has a website that is a food enthusiasts dream. Her monthly food and styling trends newsletter keeps readers and subscribers informed on all the local and international food trends that Clark enjoys.

Lisa Clark: Food Trends 2014

1.       Edible Cocktails!

Photo: Nigel Deary 

2.       Culinary mash-up: Culinary mash-ups are one of the hottest trends to hit the foodie world in recent years

PHOTO: Simon Barnes

4.       Meat x Meat: The Paleo, or 'caveman' diet is fast becoming one of the most popular new diet trend.

PHOTO: Simon Barnes

5.       Big on Burgers!

PHOTO: Simon Barnes

6.       Pantone: Panton is the chosen colour for 2014.

PHOTO: Simon Barnes

South Africa's Blue Flag beaches are on par with the best beaches in the world. These beaches, located along the extensive 3 200-km-long coastline, are operated according to strict ethics that honour the environment as well as the visitors who make use of the facilities.

The Blue Flag programme is active in over 42 countries around the world – and there are now almost 4 000 official Blue Flag beaches.

Blue Flag beaches in South Africa are a very real feather in our tourism cap. To date, there are 41 beaches that have been awarded Blue Flag status, and several others are in the pilot phase.

To achieve Blue Flag status, 33 main criteria covering four aspects of coastal management have to be met. These four aspects are water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and services.

Conceived in France in 1985, the Blue Flag programme is a recognised international accreditation initiative that acknowledges excellence in maintaining the highest standards of environmental management, safety, services and amenities.

South Africa was the first country, outside of Europe, to introduce the Blue Flag programme, in November 2001. Locally, the initiative has grown from just three beaches in the first year to 41 beaches in 2013/14.

Aside from the 41 beaches, five marinas, two whale-watching boats, one commercial boat and one private boat have also been awarded Blue Flag status.

Blue Flag beaches are awarded seasonally, and can be withdrawn at short notice should qualifying criteria not be fulfilled.

In South Africa, the programme is run by WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) in participation with municipal authorities. The Blue Flag website is extremely informative and offers information on each beach's location, number of lifeguards, parking, average water temperature, special birds or animals that can be seen, and facilities.

The Blue Flag Programme has been running internationally for 27 years and has been implemented in South Africa through WESSA since 2001. The programme is designed to raise environmental awareness and increase sound environmental practices among tourists, local populations and beach management.

Beaches with Blue Flag status for 2013/14 are as follows:

KwaZulu-Natal

1. Alkantstrand Beach

2. Umzumbe Beach

3. Southport Beach

4. Lucien Beach

5. Trafalgar Beach

6. Marina Beach

Eastern Cape

7. Kleinemond Beach (provisional)

8. Kelly’s Beach

9. Kariega Beach

10. Kenton‐on‐Sea Middle Beach (provisional)

11. Boknes Beach (provisional)

12. King’s Beach

13. Humewood Beach

14. Dolphin Beach

Western Cape

15. Nature’s Valley Beach

16. Keurbooms Beach

17. Robberg V Beach

18. Brenton Beach

19. Buffalo Bay Beach

20. Wilderness Beach

21. Klein Brak Beach

22. Hartenbos Beach

23. De Bakke Beach

24. Santos Beach

25. Gouritsmond Beach (provisional)

26. Lappiesbaai Beach

27. Preekstoel Beach (provisional)

28. Witsand Beach

29. Grotto Beach

30. Hawston Beach

31. Kleinmond Beach

32. Bikini Beach

33. Mnandi Beach

34. Strandfontein Beach

35. Muizenberg Beach

36. Llandudno Beach

37. Camp’s Bay Beach

38. Clifton IV Beach

39. Silverstroom Beach

40. Strandfontein Beach

Northern Cape

41. MacDougall’s Bay Beach

Read the full article here

It seems that flavoured beers are a happy middle ground between beer and cider as an SAB spokesperson said of the Flying Fish flavoured beer brand,  “SAB saw the opportunity to create a Flavoured Beer category to take on cider, and we wanted to cement ourselves in both the cider and beer space. Flying Fish reframes beer and creates a new point of entry for non-beer drinkers and a fresh interest for current beer drinkers. It’s an alternative to cider and premium beer.”

These were some of our favourite flavoured beers this year:

Boston Black River Coffee Stout 

Notes of citrus, roasted malts and black coffee on the nose and the palate, ending with a light bitterness. Click here to see where it’s available. (You can sort by region for restaurants, bars, supermarkets, bottle stores or markets.)

Boston Wild Honey Brew 

Notes of Fynbos honey. Click here to see where to buy it. (You can sort by region for restaurants, bars, supermarkets, bottle stores or markets.)

Flying Fish (in Pressed Lemon and Crushed Orange flavours)

Enjoy its golden, bright clarity with fresh, tantalising smells of citrus fruits. Because it’s distributed by SAB, it’s available at most liquor stores.

Van Hunks Pumpkin Ale 

Notes of butternut and pumpkin, both on the nose and the palate, with a gently spicy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and coriander. Buy it at Spar Tops stores, onlinewww.yuppiechef.com or visit the Boston Breweries site to see the long list of where else it’s available. (You can sort by region for restaurants, bars, supermarkets, bottle stores or markets.)

Castle Lite

The new Castle Lite Lime offers the original Castle Lite beer taste, with a hint of lime citrus flavour.

Google South Africa's most searched for 2014

1.       Oscar Pistorius Trial

2.       Ebola outbreak

3.       South Africa National General Elections

4.       MH370 plane disappearance

5.       AMCU Strike

6.       ISIS (Islamic State insurgency in Iraq/Syria)

7.       NUMSA Strike

8.       Ukraine Crisis

9.       Nkandla Report

10.   2013 Matric Results

The 2014 winners of the influential Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards were announced in Cape Town recently. The Test Kitchen, at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, Cape Town, took first place for the third year running.

1. The Test Kitchen, Woodstock, Cape Town

‘Local and international food-lovers alike flock to this gem, often after a month-long wait to get a table, and what an exceptional meal awaits them. It’s no surprise that this celebrated eatery, by chef Luke Dale-Roberts, the very deserving third-time winner of Restaurant of the Year, is now featured on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.’

2. Five Hundred, Sandton, Johannesburg

‘There’s outstanding technique and presentation on show here. Chef David Higgs’s produce-driven menu is all about allowing individual ingredients to shine, and giving diners a fine time. It’s not wacky or concept-driven – it’s delicious food taken to a new level.’

3. The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais, Franschhoek, Western Cape

‘So much of what chef Margot Janse does defies description, but one thing is certain – she’s pushing the envelope in showcasing unique South African flavours. This is culinary storytelling at its best. The African surprise menu is a playful, innovative feast of visual surprises.’

4. Restaurant Mosaic at the Orient, Elandsfontein, Pretoria

‘Chantel Dartnall, our 2014 San Pellegrino Chef of the Year, reigns supreme at this flamboyant restaurant. Inspired by her travels and showcasing a strong botanical theme, the menu reads like a playful, floral ode to the senses.’

5. Jordan Restaurant, Stellenbosch, Western Cape

‘Chef George Jardine’s seasonal menu captivates with outstanding flavours, textures and techniques. Sensitively sourced ingredients are prepared with complete confidence, and the end result is food that is unpretentious but delicious and beautiful to behold.’

6. Overture, Stellenbosch, Western Cape

‘There’s no doubt about it: chef Bertus Basson is leading the pack when it comes to cooking South African heritage food. He’s putting traditional ingredients and techniques back on the plate. His focus on fresh, natural flavours, use of top-quality produce and precise technique results in intense, delicious dishes.’

7. Rust en Vrede, Stellenbosch, Western Cape

‘Everything you’ve heard about this restaurant is true – the service is excellent, the space captivating and the attention to detail unparalleled. From the magical bread course of mini Guinness loaves and goat’s butter to petits fours at meal’s end, it’s an enchanting experience.’

8. DW Eleven-13, Dunkeld West, Johannesburg

‘Marthinus Ferreira is an extremely passionate chef who’s worked with the likes of Heston Blumenthal – and it shows. This is a man striving for constant improvement, and his contemporary menu with hints of bistro classics offers a feast of note.’

9. The Restaurant at Newton Johnson, Hemel en Aarde Valley, Hermanus

Eric Bullpitt’s food has always been technically sound (as diners at his former establishment, The Roundhouse, would know), but now he’s cooking with more confidence, demonstrating a fantastic balance of flavours. Dishes are bursting with flavour and show a clear and uncluttered focus on the core ingredient.

10. Terroir, Stellenbosch, Western Cape

Michael Broughton uses top quality produce and winning flavour combinations, and puts his own touch on the classics. Plating is gorgeously uncluttered and every dish shows a mastery of technique. The portions are generous and the flavours wonderfully layered, leading to a marvellous, memorable experience.

 This article originally appeared here

2014 was another year of A-list weddings. We've rounded up this year's most popular nuptials.

Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie

1. Big screen super couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie finally tied the knot after more than eight years and six children together. Donatella Versace created a white dress embroidered with drawings from the couple’s six children — Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne.
2. 
   1. Khulubuse Zuma & Fikisiwe Dlamini
   2. President Jacob Zuma’s nephew Khulubuse Zuma pulled out all stops when he married Swazi princess Fikisiwe Dlamini at the president’s home at Nkandla.
   3. 
      
      
      
      
      
      
      1.  Solange Knowles & Alan Ferguson
      2. Singer and Beyoncé’s younger sister Solange Knowles nearly broke the internet last month when she wed her fiancé Alan Ferguson in a three-day wedding extravaganza. The bride’s cape-like gown was designed by close friend Humberto Leon for fashion house Kenzo.
      3. 
         
         
         
         
         
         
         George Clooney & Amal Alamuddin
      4. 1. Self proclaimed eternal bachelor George Clooney went back on his word this year when he married human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in front of friends and family. The bride wore a specially made Oscar de la Renta gown.
         2. 
            
            
            
            
            
            
            1.  Malusi Gigaba & Nomachule Mngoma
            2. When Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba married IT executive Nomachule Mngoma it was a wedding to remember - with celebrities and politicians gathering watch their union. The bride wore a dress by David Tlale.
            3. 
               
               
               
               
               
               
                Kanye West and Kim Kardashian
            4. Dubbed Instagram’s most popular, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian spared no costs when they wed in Italy earlier this year. Kardashian wore a wedding dress designed by close friend and popular designer Riccardo Tisci.
            5. 
               
               
               
               
               
               
               1. Kgalema Motlanthe & Gugu Msthali
               2. Former deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe married his long-time partner Gugu Msthali at a ceremony attended by more than 300 guests including President Jacob Zuma. Archbishop Thabo Makgoba conducted the matrimonial ceremony and guests were treated to a live band.
               3. 
                  
                  
                  
                  
                  
                  
                  Neil Patrick Harris & David Burtka
               4. 1. Popular actor Neil Patrick Harris married his long-time partner David Burtka in a small wedding in Italy in front of friends and family. Guest included Elton John and Kelly Clarkson.
                  2. 
                     
                     
                     
                     1. Gabrielle Union & Dwayne Wade
                     2. Actress Gabrielle Union and Basketball player Dwayne Wade tied the knot in August in Miami surrounded by friends and family after being engaged for less than a year.
                     3. 
                        
                        
                        
                        1. Lungile Radu & Bobo Mokgoro
                        2. TV personality Lungile Radu and Bobo Mokgoro tied the knot in a two-day traditional wedding affair attended by close friends and family. Radu and Mokgoro are said to have dated for a few years before taking the plunge.
                        3.