“DINER-TAINMENT” TIME AT THE AYOBA FESTIVAL

Montecasino in partnership with MTN and in association with media partners, Jacaranda 94.2, M-Net and Joburg.co.za are hosting the Ayoba Festival now on at Montecasino until 04 December 2011. From buskers to live performances by highly talented local and international artists to whiskey and wine tastings, the festival’s non-stop entertainment opportunities also include the latest movie releases, sporting events and children’s activities.

The entertainment list is almost endless, with a unique mix of food for the whole family to enjoy. Throughout the Montecasino precinct there are many varied and sumptuous dining options and culinary delights to sample.  It’s time to tempt your taste buds, Ayoba Festival style.

Why not begin with the nightly Ayoba weekday specials selected across the dining spectrum to cater for every palate. Mondays become an Italian affair with half price on all large pizzas and pasta dishes eaten at Dontatella’s. Maestro is also offering a half price special on pasta’s plus as well as half price on the delicious Pollo Pizza. For more tasty half price “Monday” pastas visit Verdicchio and Cantare Supper Club.  Tuesday is the deliciously decadent day of the week with a special buy one, get one free Classic waffle from Milky Lane. Oysters and more oysters at an incredible R7.00 each at Ocean Basket and R 7.50 each from Verdicchio and Cantare. For R 85.00 John Dory’s offers 6 oysters and 2 glasses of JC Brut.  Midweek is celebrated with “beefed up Wednesdays”.  Visit Steers, Grazers, Verdicchio, Cantare, Congo Bongo, Spur or YuMe Japanese Restaurant for a specials ranging from a complimentary glass of wine to “buy one, get one free” or for the hearty eater a 500-gr rump for just R 95.00.  For the little ones, kids under 12 years eat for free at Spur. Build up a “Thursday thirst” and head to Verdicchio, Congo Bongo, Cantare, Grazers or Raj Indian Restaurant for a free welcome drink or buy one cocktail, get one free.  Terms and conditions apply.

It’s the weekend! Amongst the many Ayoba Festival events is a highlight for those who enjoy a tipple or two.  You’re invited to experience over 100 of the most sought-after single malt whiskies and fine wines under one roof! Twenty five of South Africa’s premier wine estates, including Bouchard Finlayson, Cape Point, Thelema, Rust en Vrede and Paul Cluver, will showcase their wines, alongside twenty Single Malt Whisky Distillers at the inaugural open air Wade Bales Wine & Malt Whisky Affair, at the Montecasino Outdoor Piazza on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 November from 18h00 until 21h00. Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich and Laphroaig are some of the top single malts that will be joining this year’s event. Tickets cost R 190 per person and include unlimited tastings, artisanal breads, cheeses and meats. Entertainment on the first day of the event is provided by ‘Four Of A Kind’  and the Ensemble Borsalino plays on the Friday evening. Book through the Montecasino Box Office or directly from the Wade Bales Wine Society. Strictly for guests 18 years and older.

As part of the first ever Ayoba Festival brought to you by Montecasino and MTN, you don’t have to travel to Italy to experience al fresco dining at its best; simply visit Medeo Restaurant at the Palazzo Montecasino on Sundays for ‘Il Pranzo’ in Tuscany. At just R195 per head (or R97.50 for children aged five to 12) you can enjoy all the sights, sounds and flavours of Italy in Jozi at the palatial Palazzo at Montecasino during the Ayoba Festival. To book your buffet lunch and enjoy live easy listening music, call 011 510 3000 or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Lunch is served from 12:30 to 15:30 and booking is essential. No charge for children under five.

Southern Sun Montecasino’s signature restaurant – Punchinellos – have refreshed their already-mouth-watering Sunday brunch menu just in time for the Ayoba Festival. Enjoy an array of tantalizing specialities at your leisure, while taking in the beautiful contemporary surroundings and live entertainment suitable for the whole family. Offering everything from traditional hot and cold breakfast favourites, a Mediterranean anti-pasta table, a Monster Pizza Corner, a garden fresh salad bar, to a selection of hot main courses from the modern open plan kitchen, delectable desserts of your choice from the Chef’s Ice Cream Parlour, and local and international cheese selections. Brunch is served every Sunday between 12:00 and 15:00 on the deck or in the restaurant and, at a cost of just R170 per head, includes a refreshing sangria or Cap Classique cocktail. Punchinellos is open daily for lunch and dinner. For bookings call 011 367 4367.

Café Rialto at the palatial and luxurious Palazzo Montecasino offers High Tea from 15:00 to 17:00 any day of the week, so you don’t have to wait for those special occasions to enjoy your favourite miniature cakes, sandwiches, quiches and petit fours. The chef’s delicious daily bakes are accompanied by a selection of freshly infused teas, including unique house blends, and at just R195 for two people sharing you’d be amiss if you didn’t pop in for a spot of tea. Booking is essential. Call 011 510 3000.

MondoVino Restaurant & Wine Bar is the perfect place to take in the sights and sounds of the Ayoba Festival. A contemporary culinary theatre with Italian flare, MondoVino is located at the Montecasino SunSquare hotel and looks out over the Montecasino Piazza. Fun and funky, with an open-plan ‘Kitchen Theatre’ environment, a lit marble chef’s table in the centre of the restaurant, perfect for an intimate dinner party of 10, and a vibrant and stylish open plan liquid lounge and bar area, as well as an outdoor terrace with an uninterrupted view of the Piazza and the spectacular musical fountain, MondoVino is definitely the place to be.

Guests can select from a wide variety of appetizing Mediterranean menu options – from pizza to pasta, baked dishes, antipasti, the chef’s grill, delectable desserts and much more – and enjoy their meal with their choice of local South Africa and Italian wines by the glass.

The perfect place to spend leisurely Ayoba weekend afternoons in the South African sunshine, MondoVino also offers a value-for-money al fresco lunch on Saturdays and Sundays, consisting of your choice of a pizza or pasta dish plus a glass of wine or a beer for only R55 per person. Bring the kiddies along too and let them select from the special kids menu, packed with nutritious and delicious meal options, plus exciting activities to keep them entertained for hours, while you relax and take in the Ayoba atmosphere of the Montecasino Piazza. What’s more, with your spot on MondoVino’s terrace you’ll be able to keep a watchful eye on them while they enjoy the jam-packed schedule of kiddies Ayoba Festival activities, knowing that they’re having just as much fun as you are, and in a safe environment.

If that’s not enough to make your Ayoba Festival experience a memorable one, MondoVino also offers a unique ‘Show Menu Special’, designed for those who have limited time for pre-theatre dinner. Come along and enjoy a delicious starter, main course and dessert, prepared quickly and with care, before heading off to the Teatro located just a stone’s throw away. You will never be late for a show again. Now that’s Ayoba! For further information or bookings please call 011 557 7007.

There is no entry fee or central access to the Ayoba Festival but large events such as theatre shows; music concerts and food tastings require the purchase of tickets via either Computicket or iTicket. Some events may require bookings to be made direct with the vendor. Standard parking tariffs and entry fees to venues such as the Montecasino Bird Gardens apply.

Why not take your taste buds on an Ayoba adventure. Visit Montecasino where you’ll be spoilt for choice of the finest events, food, entertainment and so much more. Don’t miss it! From now until 4 December it’s Ayoba Festival time.
 

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FOR MORE MEDIA INFORMATION AND IMAGES, PLEASE CONTACT:

Debra de Souza – Publicist, Ayoba Festival

Cell: 082 822 9478 / E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Lucky Mokabane – PR Account Manager at EXP Agency

Cell: 083 377 6291 / E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Lesiba Langa: Public Relations and Communications Manager – Sponsorships at MTN SA

Cell: 083 212 4053 / E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it