A glance around the room told me the residents are just knocking their heads against a brick wall - and what a beautiful brick wall the stylish Coastlands on the Ridge is to behold.
It's no secret that Naidu has incurred the wrath of the community living behind the six-storey property. They have complained to the municipality about numerous issues, including the racket during the fast-tracked building process, concern over service entrances, noise levels generated by the hotel's operating machinery and concern over the right to operate a hotel in the residential area.
You don't get to be a mogul without stepping on a few toes and Naidu is an astute businessman, surrounding himself with the political, business and social contacts necessary to build and grow his financial empire.
So, it was no surprise to see Local Government and Traditional Affairs MEC Nomusa Dube, eThekwini Mayor Obed Mlaba (okay, I was surprised to see him), eThekwini deputy mayor Logie Naidoo, eThekwini deputy city manager Derek Naidoo and former minister Essop Pahad, toasting his success from the panoramic views of the sixth-floor banquet room.
I am sure the venue is set to take over from his city Coastlands property as the new in-venue of choice for many Indian functions (who hasn't been to a wedding, birthday party or cultural fundraiser jol there?)
TESTING 1, 2: Formalities, facilitated by the ever-glam Jailoshini Naidoo (whose delivery of a mail order for an Indian bride joke was classic), consisted of a two-part speech from Naidu - he first paid tribute to the ruling party for making opportunities available to black businessmen like him today, followed by thanks to suppliers like architect Barry Pillay (who ensured small-construction entre- preneurs were utilised in the project), partners and businessmen and his executive directors, Roshini Naidu (who is also his sister) and Julie Naidoo. During his second speech he thanked his family, including his wife Saras (who will be running the hotel's beauty spa, which she promises will be a stunning experience to be opened in the next week or so), sons and daughter for their support. This was followed by a speech by Dube and a toast by Logie Naidoo, who was in fine spirits on the night.
BUT THAT'S NOT ALL: Naidu is set to open a new property, Gate- max, incorporating retail and a 105-room hotel near Gateway by May next year and, if that's not enough, another 240-room hotel near the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC complex later next year (kaching!!) The presence of two Absa wealth bankers at the function (after business hours and on a Friday night) clearly showed that Naidu is a valuable client.
FOOD/DECOR: The entire hotel exudes elegance with tasteful fittings and furnishings (even though I did hear a few were made in China). I loved the custom-made chair covers which featured a Chinese button detail in the back.
The buffet, which offered prawn and chicken curry (a bit mushy for my liking), tough roast lamb and vegetables and beef curry, was disappointing, although the crème brûlee (even if the top wasn't caramelised properly), lemon cheesecake and chocolate gateaux redeemed the evening's meal slightly.
ALL IN THE FAMILY: Naidu's second son, Rushen, is responsible for an innovative network system, using the screens in the rooms to hook up with fellow users in other properties via Skype, Yahoo Chat, etc. Rushen, who seems to display the same business acumen and charm as his father, says he came across the idea during his overseas travel.
OVERALL: Formalities were slightly disorganised but with spirits flowing, luxurious facilities (guests were invited to spend the night in the beautiful rooms) and stunning views, no one was complaining. The real party, I imagine though, took place the next even- ing when friends and family celebrated the hotel's opening. - YN
Residents of Gauteng experienced the former popular Durban tradition of a supper club at the Marlboro Community Hall last Saturday night. When I swanked my way in at 6.45pm, the blaring music took me back to the legendary Palladium night club and its famous supper club evenings.
Not surprising then that this event was the brain child of its former DJ and businessman Ricky Singh, who settled in Gauteng several years ago. He told me his vision for the concept was "firstly family, then business" and that proceeds of the event and future event, would be allocated to aid disadvantaged children (a cause close to both him and his wife, Jo).
My evening started off when I was cornered by the hilarious stand-up comedian Afzal Khan (whom I didn't immediately recognise, but no offence was taken). He had me in hysterics, as guests drib-bled in, chatted about family, life in Durban and some future plans he had for his comedy projects.
As I mingled with incoming guests, I spotted DJ Fouad Sayed in his signature dress (including mafia-style hat) swanking in with a bounce in his stride. The world seemed to get smaller as Fouad mentioned to me that Afzal Khan was his uncle (Indians and their connections).
RETRO SCENE: In the main hall, I was transported to the 1980s with its low house lighting, candle-lit tables bedecked with two-litre bottles of beverages and a buffet-style spread against the walls. A full house of guests rolled in as they were ushered to their tables and immediately served appetisers to get the evening started.
I spotted Avina Maharaj and other members of Midrand Seva Samaj. It was heart-warming to know that the Gauteng Indian community had opted to give up their usual weekend evenings for a family night out.
COMIC DANCE: The ambience of the evening picked up as the kids took to the dance floor minutes before Khan sprang into action with his screw-the-light-bulb and pat-the-dog dance routines to Desi Girl as his backing music. Khan, whose Bollywood song-and-dance moves had some of the ladies off their seats, ended off with side-splitting humour.
GET UP AND GO: Behind me, I spotted 5FM's sassy and sexy Sureshnie Rider with no Mr Rider. With Khan's routine over, Singh welcomed guests in his booming signature voice that took me on a trip to my youth, before introducing Rider, who looked a sight in a stylish, short blue dress (a big contrast from her usual traditional Indian threads). She took to the crowd with ease and had everyone on the edge of their seats as she poked fun at the hilariously funny mannerisms that make us uniquely South African Indians. A kids' dance competition ensued as she coaxed them to "bust a move" followed by a couples' musical-chair competition. Rider finished with a dance contest for grannies and 71-year-old aunty Baby (with a heart condition) amazed everyone as she moved to the beat of Aaja Nachle.
SUPPER CLUB: At about 9.15pm, guests hit the buffet, prepared by Singh's wife, with gusto. I opted for the spicy biryani, which left me panting for liquids to calm my taste buds.
OVERALL: After supper, both young and old succumbed to the music and partied the night away. I left with a definite intent of being at the next supper club on February 13. - NK
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