The Annual National Jeunes Commis Competition (Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Jeunes Commis Competition National 2009), was recently held in Nelspruit and called for six top chefs to compete for the title.

After picking ingredients from a mysterious black box, the contestants had to decide on a menu created only from these selected ingredients. Chef's dug deep to harness their creativity and flamboyance to create dishes such as slow roasted turkey breast and hand-rolled tortellini, corn and mushroom stuffed calamari were a few of the end results. Dessert's of dark chocolate and cinnamon crème sandwich along with a duo of pear were just some of the dishes the judges were able to savour. roots restaurant's head chef,

Allistaire Lawrence, who has been part of this dynamic team for the past 2 years, walked away with the coveted title of National Jeunes Commis who will represent South Africa in New York this year

Allistaire's winning menu consisted of:

• Warm Calamari and corn salad with spinach and a tomato salsa
• Slow roasted turkey breast on macédoine vegetables with a braised leg tortellini and cranberries
• Cinnamon and vanilla brûlée with a banana tarte tatin

We are extremely proud of Allistaire and wish him Bon Voyage for his trip in October to represent South Africa - "We know that he will make us proud!" smiles Juanita Marais, Marketing Director of Forum Homini Boutique Hotel and roots restaurant.

And a word from the winning champion - "The competition was tough and the heat was turned up to at least gas mark 6!" grins Allistaire, "but, I am thrilled and honoured to have been bestowed this great title".

Rijk's Wine tasting

Friday: 3 July 2009
Time: 19:00
Dinner: R350pp (6 course gourmet dinner with 6 wine teasers)

Zorgvliet Wine tasting

Friday: 17 July 2009
Time: 19:00
Dinner: R350pp (6 course gourmet dinner with 6 wine teasers)

More Wine tasting dates

Friday: 7 August-Rust & Vrede
Friday: 21 August-Ataraxia
Friday: 4 September-Reyneke
Friday: 18 September-Mischa
Friday: 2 October-Hermanuspietersfontein
Friday: 23 October-Marianne
For more dates see roots wine tasting calendar 2009 on http://www.forumhomini.co.za/

Forum Homini - An intimate and exclusive wedding venue! Look out for our open wedding day coming up in October.

Dear Forum Homini Patron,

We have a jam packed winter program over the next 2 months. I hope there is something that will suit your availability, taste buds and special occasion. If you manage to visit roots before October please do not hesitate to ask for Allistair and pass on your support for his great challenge in representing South Africa in the International competition.

Keep warm!

Hominid regards,
Juanita Marais

tel: +27 (11) 668 7000 or +27 11 662 9004/5/6

email:reservations@forumhomini.com

web: http://www.forumhomini.co.za/

Woman's day

Come and celebrate a weekend dedicated to the women in your life

Friday 7 August: Wine tasting with Rust & Vrede
Time: 19:00
Cost: R350pp (6 course gourmet dinner with 6 wine teasers)

Saturday 8 August: Delectable Saturday brunch
Time: Last Seating at 10:00
Cost: R175pp (5 course brunch with a glass of sparkling wine)

Sunday 9 August: Woman’s day Sunday lunch
Time: From 12:00
Cost: R270pp (6 course gastronomical experience)

Monday 10 August:Woman’s day Interactive cooking
Imagine hosting a meal for friends or the woman in your life and creating a masterpiece that “wows all around the table.” Enjoy an entertaining cooking demonstration by chef patron Philippe Wagenfuhrer who will show you how to create a spectacular dish, simply and creatively. Popular for couples or groups. Hope to see you for the cooking and lunch or opt for lunch only!

Interactive Cooking: R440pp (Including cooking and ingredients for a 3 course meal - 2 per station. Demonstration and directions by Chef Philippe.)

• Cooking & 6 course Lunch: R660pp

• Woman's Day Lunch: R270pp (6 course gourmet lunch)

For Woman’s day overnight packages please contact reservations on 011 668 7000 or reservations@forumhomini.co.za