From pearls to magic: a journey of la dolce vita
What Magica Roma lacks in seafront views it makes up for with delicious food served in a warm familial environment
19 February 2025 - 05:00
Ezio De Biaggi was 19 when he arrived at Cape Town station in 1972 as an apprentice chef, at the end of a southern odyssey which had begun at a hamlet near Lake Maggiore in northwest Italy.
He had flown to Johannesburg and then caught the train to Cape Town. This is a seemingly unremarkable feat, until you factor in his lack of English. Though, whether any English would have helped him is debatable. He was bound for the banqueting section of the Heerengracht Hotel, which he found without difficulty or English — it was situated across the street from the station...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.