As you may know I was scheduled to tee it up in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro Am this week, but unfortunately I’ve had to withdraw due to a neck injury.
Obviously it’s really disappointing because it’s always such a joy to play that tournament and I love the golf courses, especially Pebble Beach. I’m sorry also to have to let down my playing partner for the week, Kelly Slater, who is a phenomenal surfer, a great guy and a seriously talented golfer.
But, as any professional athlete will confirm, you have to mindful of what your body is telling you and at times such as this basically do the right thing. And I’ve been advised that the ‘right thing’ this week is a diet of rest and recuperation, making sure I get the proper treatment on my neck. All being well, I’ll be in good shape for the following week when I’m due to play at another of my favourite courses, Riviera CC, in the Genesis Open. More on that in next week’s report.
So anyway, that news kind of cuts things short for now. However, I do want to take a moment to reflect on an event that took place here in Florida last Thursday, the official opening ceremony at our fourth Big Easy Winebar & Grill (pictured above), located in Miami’s impressive new Brickell City Center. Thank you to our partners at Grove Bay, Ernie Els Hospitality and everyone who attended, including my good friends Michelle Wie and Branden Grace (pictured below).
Our existing Big Easy’s – in Stellenbosch, Durban and Dubai – have all established themselves as go-to restaurants with our ‘South African Inspired Steak House’ concept in their respective communities. They’re also attracting a really diverse crowd, which is great to see. It looks like that’s the case in Miami, too. We’ve actually been open for business a few weeks now and already we’ve enjoyed some great reviews and customer feedback. Click here for one such review, from Digest Miami magazine.
Our award-winning Executive Chef Maryna Frederiksen, a native from my homeland, is doing an incredible job bringing a taste of South Africa to Miami. Some of my personal favorites are on the menu; if you get the chance to order the Tomahawk Steak, Big Easy Burger or Bunny Chow, trust me, you won’t be disappointed! The diverse menu here also has a selection of dishes that celebrate Florida’s sensational seafood and Latin influence. And, as you’d expect, you can sample a selection of great wines, including many award-winning varietals from the Ernie Els Wines portfolio.
Please visit the website http://bigeasy.miami for more information or to make a reservation. Also, you can navigate from the drop-down menu above, in the Design section, if you’d like to book a table at any of our other Big Easy Winebar & Grill restaurants located around the world.
Okay, I’ll sign off now. Follow me on Twitter @TheBig_Easy.
