Launching My Life with Leopards - Buitenverwachting

MY LIFE WITH LEOPARDS

By

FRANSJE VAN RIEL

The Adventure of a Lifetime

A breath-taking relationship between man and cat

Up to the minute, informative and enjoyable!

Date:       Thursday, 20 September

Venue:     Buitenverwachting Restaurant

Time:       12noon for 12h30 (starting promptly)

Speaker:  Fransje van Riel

Enjoy a delicious gourmet meal (menu below) accompanied by Buitenverwachting’s superb wines.

Talented Constantia author Fransje van Riel has written My Life with Leopards; the poignant story of a man’s dedication to rearing and returning two leopard cubs to the wild.  Graham Cooke was a 22 year old game ranger at Londolozi when charged with this very difficult task.

In 2001, Fransje wrote Life with Darwin and other Baboons; the story of a young woman who dedicates her life to the welfare of orphaned Chacma Baboons.  Her second book The Crowing of the Roosters was nominated for the Alan Paton Award, Africa’s premier non-fiction literary awards, in August 2005.

When asking Fransje what made her write this book, she said that Graham had contacted her after reading her first book about the Chacma Baboons. He had sent her his CV which included a photo of him with a small leopard cub which piqued her interest.  That is when she found out that he had been living with leopards and knew she wanted to do the story!

She said it had taken a long time to write. It hadn’t been easy for Graham to talk about his experiences; he hadn’t told anybody the full story before. Fransje says he is a very guarded person; not unlike a leopard in fact.  The result is the fascinating book which we are privileged to launch at Thursday Club.

Please telephone Sandy on 021 685 8016 to book or per return email sandybailey@telkomsa.net

There will be a lucky draw or two…  See Edgar’s menu below and please let Sandy know your dietary preference when booking.  The price per person is R225 fully inclusive.

Amuse Bouche

Cold Tomato Essence

with milk drop Bocconcini, Heirloom Tomatoes & Pesto

Main Course

Rosemary Pan-fried Free Range Chicken Breast

its own Confit filled Ravioli, Potato Gnocchi & Brassica

Dessert

Baked Cream Cheese Crepe

with Raspberry Sorbet

Friandise & Filter Coffee

Complimented by elegant Buitenverwachting Wine

Vegetarian Menu

Amuse Bouche

Cold Tomato Essence

with milk drop Bocconcini, Heirloom Tomatoes & Pesto

Main Course

Porcini Cannelloni

served with a side Salad of Rucola, Balsamico-Olive Oil Vinaigrette & roasted Pine Nuts

Dessert

Baked Cream Cheese Crepe

with Raspberry Sorbet

Friandise & Filter Coffee

Complimented by elegant Buitenverwachting Wine