Joburg all-stars

Like the Oscars and the Emmys, Leisure Options’ Best of Joburg Readers’ Choice Awards came around last night complete with the red carpet, celebs and the “paparazzi”.

It seemed the whole of Jo’burg had descended on the Doppio Zero in Rosebank, and CLEO ed Natalie Pool and I found ourselves literally rubbing shoulders with the likes of Sam Cowen (the Breakfast Express won best radio show) and Marius Roberts (who was the host).

This year, a quarter of a million Leisure Options readers voted for the venues and people that rock in Joburg, while 10 readers walked away with amazing prizes like game lodge weekends and R20 000 in shopping vouchers, just because they voted!

Queuing for the lavish buffet we had a chance to sip our Laborie wines and check out the various interpretations of the “cocktail dress” dress code – always interesting in Joeys! So we had agonised for nothing…
Speaking of the buffet, I have never in my life seen such a selection of cheeses and must admit I kind of got stuck there. But there was so much more food to choose from – olives, cold meats, kebabs and crusty bread. We also checked out the dessert buffet while we were at it and truly, Doppi had outdone themselves! Chocolate brownies drizzled with chocolate sauce, huge fresh strawberries, mini iced cakes all beautifully presented in tiers of sugary calories.
And at the end of the evening we felt like a bunch of Italian mamas were giving us a send-off because our arms were filled to capacity with goodie bags of Laborie and Lindt and loaves of fresh bread straight from Doppio’s ovens.

Here we give you the scoop on some of the winners. For the full list go to www.bestofjoburg.co.za

Best local band – The Parlotones
Best nightclub – Manhattan
Best neighbourhood pub – Jolly Roger
Best concert venue – The Dome
Best live music venue – Tanz Café
Best pick-up spot – The Baron (on Main Str. Bryanston & 24 Central in Sandton)
Best cocktail bar – News Café
Best romantic restaurant – Casalinga and Le Canard
Best salon and nail bar – Sorbet
Best hair salon – Tanaz
Best pampering beauty products – The Body Shop
Best shopping mall – Sandton City
Best shoe shop – Nine West
Best underwear shop – La Senza
Best exclusive fashion boutique – Nicci Boutique