Top Stellenbosch chefs to tantalise Jozi with unique culinary creations
On Wednesday, 30 October, the fourth annual Stellenbosch at Summer Place extravaganza hosted by Sanlam Private Investments (SPI) – a flawless pairing of wines, food, art, music and fashion from the country’s premier wine destination – will beguile Jozi socialites with more opulence and taste than ever before.
Five of the finest chefs from the Stellenbosch Winelands have been selected to elevate this carefully curated taste of the Stellenbosch lifestyle to unsurpassed gourmet heights with signature dishes to match the stellar wines selected for this lavish lifestyle event . They are Bertus Basson of Overture, Michael Broughton of Terroir, Grégory Czarnecki of Waterkloof Restaurant, George Jardine of Jordan Restaurant and Christiaan Campbell of Delaire Graff Estate.
Each of these renowned maestros will conjure up a unique culinary sensation for the event, which will be prepared in front of the guests and enjoyed with matching Stellenbosch cellar gems throughout the evening. The carefully selected wines for the 2013 showcase were chosen through a strenuous selection process and will be accompanied by acknowledged wine expert and high-profile wine judge, Christian Eedes, on the evening.
Bertus Basson, famed for the phenomenal success of Overture restaurant at Hidden Valley wine estate, which has won five Eat Out Top 10 awards since it opened its doors in 2007, will be sharing the spotlight with an exclusive line-up of Shiraz and Pinotage impressions unique to Stellenbosch. Bertus, who is also a judge on the popular South African reality cooking show on television, The Ultimate Braai Master, will ignite the gourmet side of the grill when he fires up “The ‘Big Green Egg’ – a revolutionary ceramic braai marvel – at Summer Place to add a black tie twist to his spice rubbed entrecôte (steak).
Bertus Basson Overture Hidden Valley
Chefs Michael Broughton and Grégory Czarnecki, who are both celebrated for their classic French cooking techniques presented in contemporary, seasonal fare, will stand their gastronomic ground against bold Cabernet Sauvignons and red blends.
Master saucier, Michael, who has launched his first restaurant, Broughton’s, in Parkview in 1997, heads up Terroir restaurant at the family-owned Kleine Zalze wine estate, which consistently shines within South Africa’s top 10 restaurant ranking. He is no newcomer to Stellenbosch at Summer Place and this year he will wow guests with a braised lamb risotto with spring vegetables.
Michael Broughton
Chef Grégory, who has cooked in some of the finest Michelin star restaurants in France, lends fine dining flair to Waterkloof wine estate’s signature ‘restaurant in the sky’ and is recognised for his artistic combinations of textures, tastes and flavours. He will pair his beef fillet with beer braised beef croquettes and a rare selection of red wines.
Waterkloof Chef Gregory Czarnecki shot by Christine Meintjes
Seasoned chef George Jardine of Jordan Restaurant, who is also a regular contender on the Eat Out Top 10 Restaurant Awards list, has been showcasing and sharing his culinary skills at Stellenbosch at Summer Place since the event’s inception in 2009. This year he will whip up a unique indulgence of soft polenta and kaaiings, accompanied with cauliflower spoom and spicy greens, to tone with an impressive medley of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc wines.
George Jardine
Completing this fired-up five is Christiaan Campbell, the Executive Chef of the two beautifully appointed restaurants at the prestigious Delaire Graff Estate who is renowned for his creativity and dedication in his culinary pursuits. Christiaan has come up with an alluring creation of cured cob with asparagus, broad beans, new season potatoes, pickled sea lettuce and goat’s cheese, to pair with award-winning Sauvignon Blancs.
Chef Christiaan Campbell in Action
In addition to witnessing and indulging in this real-time culinary production, guests will also tuck into flying canapés or they can relax in the stylish lounge area where tables will be brimming with artisan cheeses and sweet delicacies. A professional barista will be on hand to add a taste of the coffee-culture to the event.
George Jardine Chalmar beef ribeye with celeriac, spinach and tempura shimeji mushrooms
“Intimate, engaging and slick, this year Stellenbosch at Summer Place is raising the bar with a more fine-tuned and focused grapes-gourmet-and-gallery affair, by flawlessly pairing the finer things in life in one holistic extravaganza. These include Stellenbosch’s best wines, finest chefs, freshest music, rarest art and edgiest catwalk fashion,” shares Annareth Bolton, CEO of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
As well as stimulating the taste buds and offering a variety of artistic flavours and textures to savour throughout the evening, Stellenbosch at Summer Place 2013 will be a highly visual feast. Those looking to understand the investment value of their wine or art collection will find benefit in rubbing shoulders with the wine and art gurus at the event.
Tickets are limited and flying fast so get yours for R500 on www.webtickets.co.za now. This sought-after pass includes all the food, wine and swanky entertainment on the evening. The luxurious Summer Place is located in Hyde Park and doors open at 18h30.
For more information on Stellenbosch at Summer Place 2013 contact Elmarie Rabe at Tel: 021 886 8275, send an email to events@wineroute.co.za or visit www.wineroute.co.za
