American Express dining experience at pre-opening of Saint restaurant

Joburg is a city that pulses with energy. It is dynamic, cosmopolitan and the heartbeat of the South African and African economy. A wonderful melting pot of different languages, fashions, ideas, foods, music and people. And right here, in the very centre of all of this sits the Sandton skyline.

On Friday evening, 10 August 2018, American Express® Cardmembers and a selected group of invited guests became the very first to dine at Saint ‘Pazzo Italiano’, the latest venture from internationally-acclaimed chef David Higgs and entrepreneur Gary Kyriacou of Marble fame. Setting the tone for glamour, taste and quintessentially African chic, Amex Cardmembers will put David Higgs to the test. This is Italian cooking with a twist; aimed at the trendy, the hard-working, the well-travelled and the stylish from Johannesburg to Tokyo, from Cape Town to Accra.

Chef David Higgs

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Chris Wood, Head of American Express South Africa

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The bespoke American Express Saint Experience, in collaboration with Moet and Chandon, allowed guests the opportunity to experience an exclusive three course sit down menu with paired tastings at the city’s hottest new eatery, located in the newly developed MARC building, weeks before it is set to open to the public.

“Unlocking one in a lifetime experiences and giving our clients the opportunity to be part of the thrill of Joburg’s optimism and energy, and most importantly, being there first, is at the heart of what it means to be a valued customer of Amex,” says Chris Wood, Head of American Express South Africa. “We are constantly seeking ways to wow our customers. Having an Amex card in wallet is about so much more than making a purchase, it’s a lifestyle and the experiences we are crafting in South Africa hold true to the global tag line of “DON’T live life WITHOUT IT™,” adds Chris.

“American Express has long been supportive of our vision to create exceptional dining experiences for our patrons, and Saint provides us an opportunity to continue that longstanding relationship in an exciting new setting where we will be serving dishes for people on the move – quick to prepare, but tasting and good to look at,” said Kyriacou.

South Africa’s reputation for culinary excellence is globally recognised. Travellers from near and far flock to our restaurants to experience that unique and wonderful blend of what is internationally on trend, with a mix of African magic.

While Marble has gained kudos for celebrating quintessentially South African fair, Saint sees the powerhouse duo introduce the concept of “Pazzo Italiano”, meaning “Mad Italian” – an offering which encompasses pizza and pasta as well as a range of dishes cooked on woks and an open fire.

“It’s not an Italian restaurant but there will be a definite Italian feel,” says Chef David Higgs.

“Amex is at the fore-front of promoting excellence, and is committed to being part of the culinary revolution in our country and part of the global food culture,” confirms Chris with his quiet, calm, but totally focused determination. “Eating out and crafting memories is all part of a quality lifestyle that our clients demand and expect.”

And for Amex, a once-off dining experience is not enough. In October Amex will be hosting the Amex Dining Awards. “The short-list of restaurants are testimony to our gastronomic brilliance in this amazing country. Look out for the Amex winners. If it’s the best eating out experience you are looking for, then this list of restaurants is the one to guarantee this,” says a confident Chris.

About Saint ‘Pazzo Italiano’

Saint is located at Shop UR 18 I The MARC Building on Rivonia Road, Sandton.
The 1000m² restaurant seats approximately 230 and features a large bar, and a balcony seating area overlooking Rivonia Road.

About American Express

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. American Express has partnered with a select group of leading banks and financial institutions around the world to issue American Express-branded products and acquire merchants on to the American Express merchant network. By leveraging its partnerships, global infrastructure and the powerful appeal of the brand, American Express has gained even broader reach for its network worldwide. In South Africa, Nedbank Ltd is the licensed issuer of American Express-branded Cards in South Africa, and also signs up merchants to accept American Express Card transactions. For more information, visit www.americanexpress.com or Like the American Express South Africa Facebook Page; @AmericanExpressSA.
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