The Socialite recently paid a visit to the Big Easy Winebar & Grill in Durban to film an exclusive Video Showcase. Here are a few Behind the Scenes pics from our shoot day…

As you know the Hilton Hotel Durban has partnered with golf superstar, Ernie Els to open the Big Easy Winebar & Grill. Earning his nickname ‘Big Easy’ as much for his effortless golf swing as for his big heart and philanthropic efforts, Ernie Els is synonymous with all-round excellence; pursuing the best in sports and leisure, while always staying true to his love of family and country.

The Socialite paid a visit to Executive Chef Janine Fourie to find out a little more about the restaurant’s culinary emphasis and her commitment to farm-to-table delivery. The Big Easy is all about fresh, locally sourced produce, free range and organic meat and fresh seafood.

Janine says, “Good quality food inspires me. Only by appreciating your ingredients and gathering knowledge about them, can you produce a truly divine culinary experience.”

Over the past 12 years, Sommelier at the Big Easy Winebar & Grill, Eric Botha has earned his stripes at The Vineyard, Singita Game Reserve and ‘Maze’ at The One & Only. After having spent most of his time in the cooler Cape province, Durban’s warmer temperatures and spicier dishes, poses a new challenge to Eric’s selection skills. He recommends Semillon, Viognier and Gewurztraminer, adding that ‘sparkling wine and Champagne ‘go with everything!

The Socialite’s Chia Kougianos was also on hand to interview former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Delron Buckley. The experienced former Bafana Bafana international and Maritzburg United midfielder paid a visit to the eatery to enjoy a few celebratory drinks with his wife Raphaela after signing a contract with Mike Makaab, CEO of Prosport International. We chat to Delron about his time in Europe, what he missed most about South Africa and future plans now that he is back in the East Coast.

CEO of Prosport International, Mike Makaab joined us on set as well and we were delighted he was able to spend some time with us after a gruelling schedule.Mike is South Africa’s first FIFA-licensed Football Agent has represented some of the biggest names in South African and African football and overseen some of the continent’s biggest transfers between Africa and Europe. He is also a registered Rugby agent with SA Rugby and looks after the careers of a host of the country’s top players. Chia spent some time with him to chat about the latest signing with Delron, his current projects on the go and what he enjoyed most about spending the afternoon at the Big Easy.

Our third exclusive interview on set was with none other than Olympian South African swimmer Charl Crous. With an unbelievable drive to succeed, Charl was destined to make it to the top after carving out an impressive reputation as one of the world’s top swimmers. He has recently opened a Durban Swim School called Little Champs where he teaches swim and stroke development to tiny tots and adults. We caught up with Charl to chat about life after the Olympics, his career highlights and where you’ll find him on the weekends.

The exclusive Video Showcase is coming soon to The Socialite so keep an eye out on our Video portal and look out for us on Twitter and Instagram @thesocialitesa with the #BigEasyDurban for a few more Behind the Scenes pics and updates.

Special thanks to Sunday Tribune Columnist for SPORTMatters Sheetal Cross, Fashion Designer Kathrin Kidger, Eugene Jones of Aqua Escape Nails and Beauty Spa, Sara Naidoo of Sara’s Hair and Beauty and Dylan Marriot for his great work on set.