The all too familiar venue was none other than ‘Sushisha’, the Eastrand’s one and only Sushi and Shisha bar, located next to Jimmy’s Killer Prawns in the Key Largo Centre in Boksburg. Shisha, for those not in the know, is basically, what we in South Africa would colloquially call, ‘Hubbly Bubbly’ (also known as Hookah). Humorously, we never even had any ‘hubbly’ but we did devour the delectable Sushi that was on offer!

As it so happens, every Wednesday and Thursday Sushisha have a special where, for only R99, you may “eat as much sushi as you can”, just as long as it if from the conveyer belt. What with the recession and all, this is a great deal. A deal so good that, even when full, we could not help but abuse our already distended stomachs.

Talking about money, I am actually thinking of writing a blog post about ‘Recession Antidotes’. Basically a how to guide of going out and having a great time for less than one hundred bucks. In fact, over the last several weeks, I have gone to a few places and had amazing times for, remarkably, less than that. True story.

What was supposed to be an evening between close friends, eventually turned into an orgy of familiar strangers. You know how it goes. One friend requests the invitation of another, who just to happens to invite another two people, and so on and so forth. So from a manageable group of eight, we ended up with a distinctive gathering of 18, plus a birthday girl. Needless to say, the evening actually worked out incredibly well. It was great to meet new people, rekindle old acquaintances and, of course, spend time with good friends.

Personally, I do not think that Sushisha was prepared for us all, considering how we filled a majority of the venue. I kid you not when I say that we were actually making the Asian sushi chefs sweat like Chinese factory workers. The moment a new dish was created, we vacuumed it off of the conveyer belt. Much to the detriment of a few other customers who were left patiently waiting for our ravenous hunger to subside. In hind sight, I am quite sure that the ‘maître d’ regretted seating us so fantastically close to the mouth of the conveyer belt. Even so, the manager kept on sending over ‘shooters’ to our table. Perhaps in an effort to draw our attention away from the tiring sushi chefs. I have got to say, it was a clever move. Not only did it make us all even ‘happier’, but it spurred on the ordering of even more salacious beverages. Which lead to the formation of entirely unforgettable memories and moments. “Ra ha ha”!

Ultimately, a great time was had by all with many new memories to boot. Check out the photographic album for all the ‘Engrish’ influenced moments.

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Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

Ever since the third book, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, there has always been one aspect of Harry’s universe, an aspect I always considered could be a real possibility, that, more than anything, I wish I could experience. The longing has always been there, at the distant edges of my psyche, buzzing around my stray thoughts like a hard to catch ‘Snitch’. Not magic. Not the Time-Turner. Not even a draft of Felix Felicis. Nothing but the warm and slightly intoxicating taste of Hermione Butterbeer!

Alas, I hear your cries of doubt, but fear not Millieunairs for the fabled drink of drinks does indeed exist.

For the last two weeks, I have taken to scouring the Internet in search of the perfect Butterbeer recipe. Some have certainly come delectably close, but none, that I can tell, appear to have perfected a brew like Madam Rosmerta’s. That is, I dare say, until now!

Through hours of gruelling brewing, I have managed to create, what I believe to be, the drink J.K. Rowling herself envisioned. Two variants, each unique, but both filled with delicious near butterscotch-like, tipsy house-elf inducing, goodness. Just in time too, for what better way is there to celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday (31st July) then with a mug of warm tingly Butterbeer?!

As previously mentioned, I have devised two variants of Butterbeer. The first and primary recipe is for Madam Rosmerta’s Butterbeer, which is made with real alcohol, but only just enough to fully recreate that all encompassing warm and fuzzy feeling. The second incarnation, Aberforth’s Butterbeer, is specifically designed for the underage Butterbeer drinker. In all honesty, the primary recipe is relatively weak and should be suitable for children too, just as long as it is handed out in moderation and under strict adult supervision.

Madam Rosmerta’s Butterbeer

To create a single mug of authentic Madam Rosmerta’s Butterbeer, you will need the following ingredients:

• 200 millilitres of Sprite (you may use Ginger Ale if you prefer the taste)
• 100 Millilitres of Guinness (you may use a lighter or less bitter ale/beer if you prefer – be aware that cider’s make the concoction tangy)
• 2 tots (capfuls if you prefer) of Butterscotch schnapps (or 2 table spoons of butterscotch syrup, for less of a kick).
• 1 egg yolk (separate the white of egg from the yolk)
• 2 large tablespoons of honey
• 1 large table spoon of pure butter (white butter is best)
• 1 scoop of vanilla flavoured ice-cream
• a pinch of cinnamon
• a dash of nutmeg

Step 1:
Pour the Sprite and Guinness into a deep set pan over a medium to high heat. Make sure to watch the contents of the pan carefully. When the solution appears to reach a boil, remove the pan from the hotplate and set the heat to low.

Step 2:
While the solution is coming to a boil, mix and beat the following ingredients together with a whisk: egg yolk, butterscotch schnapps, honey, with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg.

Step3:
Slowly incorporate the warm solution into the mixture of ingredients, using a large serving spoon or similar equivalent, all the while continuing to beat the mixture with a whisk. This is to prevent the egg yolk from turning into scrambled eggs. Five large serving spoonfuls should do the trick.

Step 4:
Place the Sprite and Guinness solution back onto a hotplate at a low heat. Then pour the mixture into the liquid solution and use the whisk to stir the brew. The brew should now be the colour of a medium brewed tea.

Step 5:
Allow the brew to simmer for a few (5) minutes and then add the butter. Use the whisk to ensure the butter completely melts into the brew.

Step 6:
Pour the brew into your desired instrument of consumption, wait 5 – 10 minutes (it tastes better when it is not too hot), then drop a scoop of vanilla flavoured ice-cream on the top, add a speckle of cinnamon and a spot of nutmeg, and ‘voila’, Butterbeer! Slurp slowly and let the warm, fuzzy, butterscotch-like substance consume your entire being!

Alternatively, if you are keen to try Madam Rosmerta’s Butterbeer, but without a kick, simply substitute the Guinness for Sprite or Ginger Ale and the Butterscotch Schnapps for Butterscotch Syrup. It will have a similar effect. Be warned though, without the beer it will be extremely sweet. The Aberforth variant of Butterbeer requires less work and tastes great, but, in my opinion, does not taste the way I envisioned Butterbeer to taste. However, everyone’s tastes do differ. Thus, without further ado, here is the Aberforth Butterbeer brew:

Aberforth’s Butterbeer

To create a single mug of Aberforth’s Butterbeer, simply do the following:

Pour 100 millilitres of Sprite, 100 millilitres of Ginger Ale (or Sprite again if you prefer) and 100 millilitres of Milk into a mug. Then add a large tablespoon of Butterscotch syrup (or, for an added kick, replace the syrup with some Butterscotch schnapps). Place the mug into the microwave and heat on high for approximately three minutes. In a blender, place a scoop of vanilla ice-cream, a large table spoon of butter, a shake of cinnamon and a freckle of nutmeg. Once the liquid has been heated, quickly place into a blender and blend on high for one minute (also tastes great cold). Serve and enjoy!

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I thoroughly hope you enjoyed reading this post and that you do not forget to cheers Harry for his birthday! Furthermore, may the Butterbeer ‘warm’ your cold winters day, in some magical way.

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Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

(Portkeys of information: Blog O’ Beer, MuggleNet, Delightful Delicacies, The World of Stuff, You Know Who’s Informer, Slashfood, Channel 4 Food, Hogwarts Celebration)

I am now officially 24 years of age.

This year my birthday fell on a Friday. So, to celebrate, I went out with my parents, Aunt Magalie and Freddy, to the Butcher Shop in Nelson Mandela Square. We had a great time especially considering that there were these lovely pieces of jailbait sitting at the table next to us, also celebrating a birthday. Freddy eloquently tweeted about it citing “celebrating Hans’ birthday with him, while he’s staring at the rack behind me…”. Yes, good times! However, the real party only took place on Saturday.

For my 24th birthday I was privileged enough to be able to take close friends and family to watch Wayne Brady perform live in the Big Top Arena at Carnival City (all expenses paid). Hence the blog title Hans’ Brady Bunch 24th Birthday Bash.

To cut a long story short we all had an absolutely incredible time. It was legend… wait for it… dary! Wayne Brady must be one of the most talented people alive. This is not an over exaggeration. Honestly, I have never seen anyone perform with such a high degree of versatility. From singing to pure unadulterated adlibbing, he was spectacular. Even days after watching the show, friends and family who attended still cannot stop taking about it. If you have not seen Wayne Brady perform live, do yourself a favour and do so. Even if you are not a fan, it is, without a doubt, money well spent.

Wayne Brady: Making it up – Prince Impersonation & adlib lyrics

After the show, we all headed to Carnival Cities ‘Lotta Foods’ buffet area to continue the party. It was here that we were all able to eat and be merry! As always, my moms famous chocolate cake made an appearance, along with the gorgeous Charlize Theron!

Okay, Charlize was not physically there, perhaps only in spirit… and on my cake! To decorate my cake, my folks put together this pretty cool and totally geeky rice paper print, of a very sexy Charlize Theron who is, allegedly, thinking the following:

“Benoni boys are HOT! Happy Birthday Hans”! (Love it!)

Overall, this was one of my best and most memorable birthdays. Consequently, I would like to send out a great thank you to all those who managed to make my day just that much better by being there. You all know who you are! Additionally, I would like to give an extra special shout out to my parents. Thank you so much for everything mom and dad, without you both and the Lord above, none of this would have been possible. You both mean the world to me!

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What about the presents you ask? Quite simply, I have been spoilt rotten, by my parents as well as by my fantastic friends and family. Some of my gifts from my folks are still on order. Do not worry, you will now what they are soon enough *wink wink*.

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

Jean Lagesse, my uncle and my mother’s eldest brother, officially hit the age of 70 today, Tuesday 17th March 2009.

As a result of reaching this milestone, Uncle Jean has been bestowed with the title of ‘Grand Old Toppie’ (‘Toppie’ is the familial term for an elderly person and is unwillingly first bestowed at the age of 50). It is a family thing… just go with it!

Let me tell you, I would love to be like my uncle at his age. Without a doubt, Uncle Jean is one of the strongest, most lively and good looking persons I know. He will most probably out live his sons at this rate, perhaps eve his grand children! I kid you not when I say that this is a man who exercises five times a week, eats incredibly healthily and has run the comrades marathon an unbelievable ten times! My uncle truly is an inspiration to us all!

Although today is my uncle’s birthday, his party was held on Sunday, 15th March 2009, at the secluded French Corner restaurant, in Northcliff, Johannesburg.

As is always the case with family, a fun filled and memorable time was had by all! I know that seems like a generic answer, but it is the truth. Seriously, it is *snicker*! The pictures from Uncle Jean’s 70th can be seen by clicking the spread of the album below.

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Until the next time Milieu Pals.