Benny Masekwameng is executive chef at South Africa's Tsogo Sun, as well as a food consultant to Africa.com. He recently upgraded South African Airway's first and business class menus and has been a judge on South Africa's Masterchef. He grew up in Johannesburg. See www.southafrica.net.
A table with a view of the kitchen. I find it entertaining watching the chefs do their thing; you get to see exactly what is going on in the kitchen. You can be sure your food is not coming out of a microwave or a packet when you are watching the kitchen.
The Asian dishes at Indochine in Stellenbosch at Delaire Graff Estate. The chef, Virgil Kahn, offers a true and authentic experience of Asian food with a perfect balance of flavours from both Asia and South Africa. He uses ingredients that come straight from the estate's own greenhouse, including fresh herbs and micro greens. See www.delaire.co.za.
It's not exactly a secret – it's won many, many awards. But La Colombe now has a new location, at Silvermist Organic Wine Estate, set in the mountains of Constantia with a beautiful entrance among the pine trees. It feels hidden. I have had three experiences at La Colombe and still I am excited with the service and the food offering. The service and food experience, directed by Scot Kirton who trained under Gordon Ramsay, is out of this world. See www.lacolombe.co.za.
The best place to go on a day off is Chefs Warehouse and Canteen. It is a tapas restaurant where you cannot make a booking. The dining area is always full and there is always a queue. However, the food is worth waiting for. The Warehouse also doubles as a cooking shop for cook books, utensils and tools as well as a deli for relishes, sauces and pasta – I guess that's why it's called the Chefs Warehouse. See www.chefswarehouse.co.za .
My favourite indulgence is the South African wines. Wine tasting in the Winelands and discovering different wines from the different regions is a passion of mine and the world-class standard never ceases to amaze me.
A big night out? In Cape Town? Without a doubt The Pot Luck Club. They have Asian-themed tapas and some of the best cocktails in Cape Town. It is on the top floor of a silo at the Old Biscuit Mill at Woodstock with views of Cape Town. It takes a couple of weeks to get a table but once you are there, you have the best of what Luke Dale-Roberts has to offer. See www.thepotluckclub.co.za.
The best time to visit Cape Town is spring and summer when there is an abundance of fruits, vegetables and seafood. The sun sets late so there is more daylight to eat and drink. It is harvest time for all of the wine estates so tourists can fully experience the best Cape Town has to offer.
Try and avoid the franchised fast-food chains and immerse yourself in authentic Cape Town cooking. South African food has so much to offer your taste buds so come and enjoy something unique.
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