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Updated Daily: December 2008

Dining In: The Chef’s Table

Offered by the world’s top restaurants, this dining privilege is the latest in exclusivity. Joanne Collings takes us behind the scenes.

Published in: October 2007

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Dining In - The Chef’s Table

Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
For a culinary extravaganza that blends glamorous excess with a slice of heritage and old world charm, head to the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town. Sitting at the foot of Table Mountain and just a stone's throw from the historic city center, Mount Nelson Hotel is worth visiting for the view alone.

Ian Mancais

Recently refurbished and now more luxurious than ever, the hotel is the ideal venue for an evening of indulgence. Here, dinner at the Chef's Table is a four-course affair coordinated by Executive Chef Ian Mancais and Executive Sous Chef Nick Haszard.

On arrival, guests are welcomed with cocktails and canapés on the terrace overlooking the magnificent gardens. Once inside, an elegantly laid oak table and huge leather-framed mirror on the wall behind provide up to ten hungry spectators with a 'fish-bowl' view of the live kitchen theatre.

Those hoping to acquire a tip or two from the pros can witness an authentic cooking demonstration during the meal, personally presented from a moveable oak and granite cooking hub. With a focus on fresh produce and classical flavors, hearty dishes such as fillet of karan beef with oxtail shepherd's pie and chili garlic lobster with coconut rice are prepared under a hungry gaze. To complement the sumptuous meal, wine enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice with an extensive selection of fine red and white varieties from the region.

An evening with the chefs at Mount Nelson Hotel costs R650 *(US$94.50) per person. Every guest also receives a chef's apron and personalized menu as a memento. For reservations, call +27 21 483 1737.

 


Gordon Ramsay   Uwe Opocensky   Shannon Bennett   Ian Mancais   Matthew Levin
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