The COSMO Bartender of the Year Party

Posted on March 18, 2013 by tamikadoubell

This past week I attended a very fun event here in Cape Town, South Africa. It was held at the Shimmy Beach Club at the harbour. I loved the vibe of the evening. There were loads of people all gathered together to see who would win the coveted title of the Cosmopolitan Hottest Bartender of the Year (with prize money of R20 000)! Cosmopolitan magazine, in partnership with Collison’s White Gold Brandy, announced on 14 January this year the five guys and five girls who got the nod to compete for the title of “SA’s Hottest Bartender”. The 10 finalists for 2013 were featured in the February issue of Cosmo. Readers had the opportunity to scrutinize these movers and shakers of creative cocktails, and to vote for their favourite. The aim of the Cosmopolitan Hottest Bartender search every year is to find a bartender with the perfect combination of creativity and charisma, who has his or her craft honed to perfection.

The competition is not judged only on looks: each entrant has to submit an original cocktail recipe.

They will then be required to prepare their cocktails on the night of the big finale in Cape Town on 14 March, and the overall winner will walk away with the grand prize of R20 000.

The 10 finalists were:

Dillon Nuss from Taco Zulu, Durban
Le Riche Meyer from Carnival Court, Cape Town
Nicole Adams form Boulevard, Durban
Gabriella Trollip from Tiger Tiger, Cape Town
Domenico De Lorenzo from Molecular Bars, Johannesburg
Johnny Bezuidenhout from Café Caprice, Cape Town - WINNER
Robyn Horwitz from Movida, Johannesburg
Imaan Mac Quena from Jade Champagne Bar & Lounge, Cape Town
Nancy Ellis from Hooters, Durban
Donovan Prince from Café Caprice, Cape Town

I personally loved the girls. They had a lot of spunk and could definitely hold their own next to the boys. But I have to say, the boys had that cockiness that’s a huge crowd pleaser in something like this. Let’s put it this way……while the girls were smiling, doing a few dance moves from behind the counter and tamely stirring in the vodka, the boys were literally ripping their shirts off, jumping on the counter and flexing their tattoo-covered muscles while shaking that martini!

And let me just say .. HUBBA HUBBA! I mean, C’mon, They had us at HELLO

The winner was Johnny Bezuidenhout from Cape Town’s most popular beach bar Café Caprice and he was really deserving. MC Poppy Ntshongwana didn’t have a hard time handing over the cheque!

We shot Caprice‘s Skybok Profile a few months ago and for the video, we got Johnny to prepare a Mojito for us on-camera – check out his talent for yourself by watching it HERE.

A great performance was given by iScream & The Chocolate Stix after the show and I really enjoyed their performance. It’s nice to hear local bands singing good music. Check out their blog HERE.

Thank you to everyone involved for bringing us an awesome event!

The Hugo Boss Party 2012

Posted on December 19, 2012 by tamikadoubell

The HUGO BOSS party went down in a gorgeous venue called “The Lookout” at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront last week.

I attended it with my brother and was super impressed with what greeted me.

Here is more about the event, taken from the Little Black Book PR & Events Facebook Page:

On the evening of December 13, HUGO BOSS presented the BOSS Mens- and Womenswear Collections for Spring 2013 at “The Lookout” in Cape Town.
Around 600 guests – including local VIPs, media representatives, customers and business partners – had been invited to spend an unforgettable evening discovering the world of BOSS in this exclusive and relaxed atmosphere. With its clean, distilled design, the location – which simultaneously afforded a beautiful view of the Table Mountain and the ocean with the HUGO BOSS Hospitality Boat – was the perfect fit for the sophisticated BOSS looks.
The event also featured a special live performance by the acclaimed South African band “Mi Casa”. The skipper Alex Thomson, sponsored by HUGO BOSS, who is currently taking part in the Vendée Globe round-the-world race in the HUGO BOSS racing yacht, welcomed the guests via a video message. Light summer fare, champagne and a choice of cocktails were served after the performance.
The BOSS core brand features perfect, elegant looks with a strong focus on fine fabrics and refined details. It offers a rich array of sophisticated modern classics for business-, leisure- and eveningwear in perfect quality and precision fits.
Special thank you to our sponsors Pernod Ricard who provided Mumm champagne and Jameson Reserve amongst other brands, Ceres Fruit Juice, Cruz Vodka, Peroni, Ryk Neethling Wine. Another thanks to Jan Malan and his incredible fashion team, Marios Company for Hair, Annalize Buchanan for her delicious catering, Wayne Krull from Phoenix 5 Lighting, Bombshell for the stunning waitresses dresses and the V&A Waterfront and Chattels for all their incredible support in making this event a success

I wore a dress by designer Benita Allen who has a stunning label Chica Loca .. stylish ladies boutiques are scattered around the country including in Sandton, Cape Town, Rosebank, Durban and Paarl.

It was such a unique dress, totally original! A Gold longsleeve cocktail dress which was so easy to wear and truly made me feel one of a kind

I remember I spent some time during the day flying around the city to find the perfect accessories to match with it..

I actually ended up finding a stunning little clutch from Accessorize in Cavendish with ring & earrings from Sass Diva and shoes from Nine West.

Now before you have a heart attack don’t worry I didn’t buy all that just for this event, I’m not that extravagant! Hehe

The shoes were bought in London a while ago

Dane Doubell & Leigh Van Den Berg

I really enjoyed meeting up with all my friends – bloggers, actors, presenters, celebrities, sports stars, you name it they were all there!

Even Kevin Spacey himself made an appearance!

I just wish I had been a bit more diligent with my camera… but hey, when you’re being fed free oysters and champagne who’s thinking about that???

with Roxy Louw

with Cindy Nell

Here I am below with the designer of my dress! (in red)

.. and a few other hot sexy ladies who got the boys drooling on the night

with Leigh Van Den Berg, Kia Johnson Benita Allen

with Leigh Van Den Berg, Kia Johnson and Benita Allen

Well we sipped, we nibbled, we socialized & soon we watched the fashion show… Here is a clip my good friend and fellow blogger, Monde Mtsi, took of the show:

For more of my personal photos from the night click HERE.

And for the professional photos click HERE.

The Sunglass Hut Out-Of-The-Box Party, The Goodhope FM Summer Launch & The Gagabration Cruise!

Posted on December 5, 2012 by tamikadoubell

Recently I attended some really cool events…

The Sunglass Hut ‘Out Of The Box’ Party at the V&A Waterfront was one.

To launch their latest venture with a bang, Out the Box (or #SunglassHutOTB as it has been hashtagged) set up a huge marquee at the waterfront and equipped it with lights, cameras, (lots of champagne) and action!

MC Janez Vermeiren from Top Billing held the evening together and introduced renowned South African musician Toya DeLazy who performed for us!

The pop-up-store then unveiled the latest collection to be released in 2013.

I was soo chuffed with my R1000 vouchers to spend at Sunglass Hut!!

It was in joburg at Melrose Arch a few nights prior to that and from what I hear it was also quite spectacular!

Thank you Sunglass Hut for an awesome event! You can visit their website at www.sunglasshut.com.

Toya DeLazy

with Cindy Nell

with Clayton Morar

I then went to The GoodHope FM’s Summer Launch Party at The Cullinan Hotel in association with Tsogo Sun and The Next 48 Hours, which was fantastic!

There were drinks and snacks going around and I was so bloody starving by that stage … all this running around! A girl’s gotta eat!

There was a stellar performance by a Cape Town singer Lucy Tops, singing an Adele hit – she was very good.

You should like her page HERE and support local talent!

Guess what I took the following photos on my phone… pretty good, nuh?

Finally, as you know, GAGA was in town!

For those who didn’t, what town are you living in?!

The Next 48 Hours was awesome enough to organize an exclusive boat cruise around Table Bay before the concert.

There was champagne – a lot of it (surprise I didn’t fall overboard) and yummy snacks.

Yes. Just the way I like it.

Here is a gallery of the snaps from the cruise… you can view the official photos HERE.

I’ve also included youtube videos of Gaga at the concert!

Enjjjooooyyyy and don’t forget to PUT YOUR PAWS UP!!

with Naushad, Editor of ‘The Next 48 Hours’ Publication and Jen Su, TV News Anchor and Corporate MC

with Jen Su

with Andre Pentz

It’s not everyday you have lunch with Charlize.

Posted on November 30, 2012 by tamikadoubell

…. Ok so not exactly as in sitting at the same table, but you get the idea!

This time last week I went for a quiet piece of sush at Beluga here in Cape Town and while munching on my A-list salmon rose, I glanced over and happened to spot an A-list bloody movie star!

Here is said movie star:

Here is said reaction:

Now I don’t know what you would do……… but I stared a while in absolute bewilderment………. then tucked into my Mojito and slipped out my Samsung!

Apparently I didn’t do a bad job as Sunday Times published the photograph I snapped while gulping down my delicious Cuban concoction.

Here is said photograph:

Here is said newspaper article:

I even scored my name in the byline and a bit of an interview in the write-up!

She did seem sweet and if anything a bit self-conscious.

Hats off to the whole of Beluga restaurant who really kept their cool while she downed her R8000 bottle of Taittinger Rose, we kept it together which I was very impressed with (no screaming fans or wild autograph hunters).

Anyway I’ve heard her mother Gerda (please note since they’ve converted to american the pronunciation is “GURDA”) is a bietjie hoity-toity.

Hmmm, well I can’t say if my daughter was one of the highest paid blockbuster hollywood movie stars I wouldn’t be the same.

Let’s be honest.

They’ve come a long way from Benoni.

- Love you gals!

Well anyway this post is nothing more than an unashamed punt at my award-winning paparazzi skills.

If you know where Gaga is when she comes to cape town, you know who to call.

COSMO’s Swimwear Pool Party to Kick Start Summer 2012

Posted on November 21, 2012 by tamikadoubell

If there’s one group who can sure throw a party………. it’s the Cosmo Clan!

They truly outdid themselves this year at their Swimwear Pool Party which was held at Shandiz Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, Mandela Rhodes Place, corner of Wale and Burg Street, Cape Town.

I dressed up in my sexiest best and joined them for what was an evening nothing short of Cosmolicious!

I mean, honestly!

What a way to kick start Summer.

Everything was big, bold & colourful.

I thoroughly enjoyed some of the eye candy that was walking around serving the food and giving away free stuff!

It started at 5pm and wrapped up at 10pm.

with SABC Expresso Show’s Graeme Richards

with Playmate of the year Jade Fairbrother & SABC Expresso Show’s Leigh-Anne Williams

opening our fortune cookies

Sure, I’ll have a towel! Thanks.

I barely remember much as there was so much going on all around me; I have flashes of swirling ice cream, a swimwear show, Revlon painting my nails, Dentyne giving me gum, Billabong’s pool of balls (sounds bad) to win my hat, trying on Bronx shoes, Goldfish playing and firedancers putting on a good show!

The whole thing was so utterly 4D if you pressed your nose to this blog post you could probably smell the chocolate mousse from these guys -

COSMOPOLITAN turned up the heat this weekend to celebrate the long-awaited arrival of summer. Held at Shandiz Mandela Rhodes Place, the crystal clear pool with its cityscape backdrop was the perfect way to enjoy the first of many pool parties this festive season. Guests were treated to cocktails, delicious snacks, loads of ice cream and some very hot bodies. The stunning Anthea Schotlz opened the event with a sexy sunset session followed by an amazing performance by Goldfish.

- http://cosmopolitan.co.za

All in all a great night with awesome friends, Thanks Cosmo SA!

The venue was fantastic and the weather was perfect.

If you want to see more of my pics from the event, click HERE.

To see Cosmo’s professional photos from the event (photos by Paul Ward) click HERE.

Were you there? How have you kick-started Summer?? Tweet me at @TamikaDoubell!

I would love to hear from you!

Cheers!

The Launch of Vision Music Records

Posted on November 12, 2012 by tamikadoubell

Last week I went to two fantastic events in one night (adrenalin junkie much!?)

The first was the launch of a new recording label in Atlantis, Cape Town.

Laurenzo Davids – brother of our Idols Season 5 co-winner Sasha-Lee – launched Vision Music Records or “VMR” for short.

Most of You know us as LOWAFFY PRODUCTIONS! We are an Independent Record Label, signing new upcoming artists and producing music. Music lessons are now available too! Contact us for further info!

- facebook.com

with Laurenzo

The venue was simply perfect!

There was champagne (my fav!) and soft drinks for everyone, as well as snacks going around during what must have been one of the most moving speeches I’ve heard in a while.

Laurenzo Davids has such a charm about him and speaks totally from the heart.

He highlighted his journey to this point; where his passion for singing has been met with his passion for people in this new venture.

Respect!

He thanked his family and, of course, certain friends who have been very much involved in the “vision” that is “Vision Music Records”.

Atlantis can certainly be proud of this beacon of hope and his talented family, who obviously have a gift for helping others and creating beautiful opportunities for their community in Atlantis.

With a few artists already signed to the label, I’m sure the new business will be extremely successful, rewarding and not to mention exciting for this group of entrepreneurs!

with Sasha

with Gio Davids

having my shmodel moment (we’re all allowed them!)

If you would like to get updates on the label’s ongoings in the music industry, or simply to support, join their facebook page HERE.

You can connect with them on Twitter HERE.

Thank you guys for a wonderful evening!

The second event was the Linkin Park Concert!

Held at the Cape Town stadium, it was absolutely incredible!

What an adrenalin rush!

I also have their new CD which I literally cannot stop listening to.

Go buy it now!

The concert, in my opinion, was fantastic.

Although that being said from someone who wasn’t standing in the crowd below, which I rate must be a huge turn-off.

I did it once before at Kings of Leon and it was awful.

Everyone’s pushing you, trying to see ……… you can’t see …….. you can’t move ……. it’s hot ……….. it’s loud ……… you can’t hear the music properly……. and getting out when it’s over is the biggest mission ever!

Being in general standing kind of spoils the experience.

Unless you have Golden Circle or are seated, I don’t think you could have a good experience.

I was in the Red Block and I was so pleased.

Nothing beats actually seeing the artist you love and being able to actually hear what they’re saying.

That’s my advice if you’re keen to go to the concerts coming through to Cape Town in the months ahead, which include:

Lady Gaga

The Parlotones

Red Hot Chilli Peppers

Chris Brown

and Justin Bieber!

Here is the music video for one of Linkin Parks’s latest songs, “Castle of Glass” :

I simply love it!

Days Of Our Lives in South Africa!

Posted on November 5, 2012 by tamikadoubell

“Like sands through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives………………………”

Cue music!

Days of our Lives is a daytime soap opera broadcast on the NBC television network.

It’s one of the longest-running scripted television programs in the world, airing nearly every weekday in the United States since November 8, 1965.

- tvrage.com

This past week, three of the stars from the NBC hit soapie flew to South Africa for a two-city tour!

Galen Gering (Rafe), Drake Hogestyn (John) and Arianne Zucker (Nicole) enjoyed the gorgeous welcome that was waiting for them here and toured the country promoting the show and really just celebrating a show which has been running on our screens for so long and which has a huge fan base here.

Here are some other faces you may recognize from the hit-soapie:

I was honoured to be invited to an exclusive cocktail evening where SABC 3 hosted the cast members at The Expresso Penthouse here in Cape Town, to celebrate the soapie that has for many years graced the small screen in South Africa.

…. And what a wonderful event it was!

SABC truly outdid themselves; the décor was stunning and the food was even better!

I couldn’t have asked for a better location for the evening, a stunning penthouse on a beautiful summer’s evening overlooking the city with views of the ocean and the dazzling ocean liner lights.

Magical.

There was a fabulous arrangement of champagne glasses upon arrival and guests were given a glass of Pierre Jourdain or a cosmo!

Well what can I say, I kept going back for more

with Drake Hogestyn a.k.a. John Black

with Arianne Zucker a.k.a. Nicole Walker

with Galen Gering a.k.a. Rafael “Rafe” Hernandez

with Galen Gering, Jo-ann Strauss and Janez Vermeiren

with Clayton Morar

with Leigh-Anne Williams

with Risuna Mayimele

When speeches came around, MC Janez welcomed them officially and gave them each the mic to say a few words.

I was struck by the humility of all of them, especially of Drake Hogestyn a.k.a. John Black!

He is just so fun-loving, light-hearted and down-to-earth which was wonderful to see.

During his speech he said that the welcome they’ve received here in South Africa has been overwhelming and that they are very grateful.

He mentioned how when they go back to work today (Monday), they will be surrounded by the lights and the studios of NBC and they’ll just look at each other and smile.

To him, they share a secret; the secret of South Africa and their fantastic trip here.

He said that it’s been a magical and unforgettable experience that they’ll never forget.

To me personally, I think it’s crazy how with one plane ride they’ll be transported to another world.

It must be weird for them to come somewhere so far away and receive such a huge welcome, have such a fabulous time and then have to travel back to their reality, remembering all their fans here and the lifestyle that is “South Africa”!

Thank you SABC for a superb evening, I enjoyed every second!

You can follow SABC on Facebook HERE.

And you can find them on Twitter HERE.

Xxxx

Cameron Van Der Burgh in The Bay!

Posted on October 1, 2012 by tamikadoubell

Recently I had the honour of meeting South African Olympic gold medalist, Cameron Van Der Burgh.

He flew to Port Elizabeth to give a talk at a corporate breakfast at The Granary in Stanley Street.

What struck me most about him as he spoke us through his vigorous training routine leading up to the Olympics was his humility.

He seemed very down to earth as he explained his typical schedule for a day in preparation for his life-altering race.

Let me put it to you simply – a lot of training in the pool and in the gym, as well as meetings with his physios and a lot of studying towards his degree through UNISA each day.

He trains with Dirk Lange and is based in Pretoria.

Talking about his history, he elaborated on some of his highlights; he’s won numerous World Championship medals since his debut in 2007 when he took a bronze medal. His first world long-course record (27.06s) was obtained in the 50 m breaststroke in the semifinals at South African nationals in April 2009. He won the 50m breaststroke at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in a time of 27.18 seconds – a new games record – and the 100m world title at the 2010 short course world championships.

He’s represented South Africa at the 2008 Summer Olympics and, most recently, at the 2012 Summer Olympics where he won the gold medal at the 100 meter breaststroke in a new world record of 58.46 seconds!

He’s won the FINA overall World Cup twice.

He certainly seemed very chuffed with his successes but still had a nice sense of humour and was able to laugh at himself easily, which was great to see.

On Twitter he describes himself as “Olympic Champion and self proclaimed Fifa king ” – Follow him at https://twitter.com/Cameronvdburgh

I didn’t know he was born in 1988, making him the same age as me!

Check out his website at: http://www.cameronvanderburgh.com

It was a fantastic morning with a continental breakfast buffet available to all the guests afterwards.

I was also very happy to see I got some coverage with him in the October issue of the ‘Sport Elizabeth’ sports publication!

Another thrilling experience I had recently was the release of a music video I am in!

It’s the video for the song ‘Hold On’ by popular South African band Mac Stanley, previously known as Flat Stanley.

It was a huge honour for me to do this video – I play ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and I come in toward the end of the video when my prince charming finds me after searching through a forest and we share a very long on-screen kiss!

I absolutely love the song and its message is very beautiful!

The video has already had close to 1000 views on YouTube after being out for just 2 weeks!

Watch this space – This band is going places!!

Check out the band’s website: http://www.macstanley.com/

The Zanethemba Fashion Show

Posted on August 15, 2012 by tamikadoubell

I went to a fantastic event recently here in Port Elizabeth; a fashion show put on by Maritime Motors in aid of the Zanethemba Charity Foundation.

It was held at Father’s House Church in Stanley Street here in P.E., and the best part of it was catching up with my two very good friends Duncan and Simba!

centrepiece on table

me with Duncan

me with Simba

What a marvelous function!!

Simba Mhere – Top Billing Presenter – was the MC for the evening and he did a great job!

I loved how they decorated the space for the show.

A long ramp surrounded by beautifully decorated tables – a centrepiece which included pink roses and white pearls.

His Father’s Church outdid themselves on this event!

The venue

The crowd

They had a heart-warming video that they played on a big screen in between the modelling of the clothes.

It was about Zanethemba and the work that gets done there.

The presentation was by Adhoc Productions and it was very moving!

The models

Afterwards we all had drinks at the Radisson Blu on the beachfront and it was fabulous – I love that hotel!!

Us at the Radisson

I always enjoy events like this – they are good events run by good people for good causes.

Zanethemba is one such cause.

Zanethemba means ‘to bring hope’ (in Xhosa). Through Christian faith they want to bring hope, love and perspective into the lives of people that live in desperate situations.

By means of offering practical help, their desire is to show children and adults that they are loved and wanted by their Heavenly Father.

The Zanethemba Charity Foundation was founded in March 2008, by Father’s House Family Church (www.fathershousesa.org). All the church’s social outreach projects fall under the Zanethemba Charity Foundation.

As a Christian myself, I am especially moved by the church’s initiative and how much it has helped the lives of so many.

On that note, here is today’s daily inspiration!

Filming Algoa FM in Port Elizabeth for Skybok

Posted on August 13, 2012 by tamikadoubell

Algoa FM is the the biggest commercial radio station from the Garden Route to the Wild Coast on 94 to 97fm.

What a delight it was to film its video profile for Skybok!

We arrived at 11am to their studios here in Port Elizabeth at The Boardwalk – I was excited!

I love the place.

It’s chic & fresh and it felt rejuvenating to walk through the station filming.

We got to meet one of their most popular DJs, Lance Du Plessis, and what a fantastic guy!

Easy-going and professional, he does a great job on air and has a successful reputation and a big following here in the Bay.

Another person I was very pleased to meet was studio manager Jason Perry.

With his good wit and charming smile, I am thankful to him for making shooting so easy and fun!

I took some fun snaps with these guys – to see them click HERE!

Everything went very smoothly on the day…. we got Lance doing his show and also some really nice shots around the station.

We didn’t get to shoot their boardroom as there was a meeting there on the day, but you can check out my blog post HERE for some snaps of it as well as some snaps I took around the station while we shot.

In my opinion everyone working there is fun-loving and hard-working.