Celebrate Summer Nostalgia in Paarl in October

Spice Route Destination is set to host a single-day programme on 25 October 2025, that threads together art, food, and conversation. The day opens with Summer Nostalgia, a solo exhibition by Marie-Louise Koen, at The Space Gallery, and continues with “The Business of Creativity or the Creativity of Business,” a curated lunch at Jewell’s Restaurant, a small boutique shopping moment, and an informal panel discussion.

Guests move from the gallery to Jewell’s Restaurant where food is used as a pace-setter for conversation. The panel brings together voices that work at the intersection of creativity and commerce and includes Marie-Louise Koen, who is a self-taught artist and interior designer, Cara Saven, the founder of Cara Saven Wall Design, Abigail Bisogno, Spice Route Destination owner, and Arie Fabian from We are EGG and Style ID Africa. These speakers will consider how creative practice informs business decisions, and how business constraints can sharpen creative thinking. The lunch is followed by open time to browse select design pieces.

Jewell’s will offer a three-course set menu that mirrors the day’s seasonal tone. It begins with lavash, ciabatta, and Swedish rye crackers, served with hummus and za’atar, as well as broccoli and almond pesto, and whipped feta with pickled cauliflower. The menu continues to roasted line fish with roasted zucchini and preserved lemon, steamed baby potatoes, fennel, Sicilian peppers, buttered lettuce and seaweed, and a chive butter sauce; and closes with a dark chocolate and hazelnut torte with espresso mousse. Tickets are R500 per person.

The day is designed to be unhurried. It’s an exhibition that sets a mood, a table that carries the conversation forward, and a panel that compares practical experience across design, retail, and hospitality.

Reservations are confirmed on payment via https://pay.yoco.com/jewells-spice-route. Please use “CREATIVE + your name” as the payment reference (e.g., CREATIVE Naledi M).

Guests with dietary requirements are asked to email jewells@spiceroute.co.za ahead of the event.