Eike by Bertus Basson – Long Table Experience Stellenbosch, Western Cape
What happens when South African culinary royalty comes together like a rock superband? Pure magic. The Taste Stellenbosch long table experience at Eike by Bertus Basson was nothing short of extraordinary – a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of traditional South African cooking that had my taste buds singing from start to finish.
The Setting
Nestled in a historic building in the heart of Stellenbosch, Eike provides the perfect backdrop for this culinary concert. The atmosphere immediately transports you into a world where nostalgic food memories come alive through innovative interpretation.
The All-Star Chef Lineup
Bertus Basson orchestrated an incredible collaboration featuring five other top South African chefs, each bringing their unique flair to create a melody of taste that resonated throughout the evening:
- Marthinus Ferreira (Jordan Restaurant)
- Jess van Dyk (Post and Pepper)
- Aunty Alenor (Aunty and Aunty)
- Shaun Scrooby (Vuur)
- PJ Vadas (Vadas Smokehouse)
- Christophe Dehosse (The Vine Bistro)
The Culinary Journey
Opening Act: Fresh oysters, sushi, and beef samosas set the stage perfectly – an unexpected but brilliant fusion that immediately showcased the evening’s creative ambition.
Family-Style Starters: The tempo picked up with Marthinus Ferreira’s fried polenta, cauliflower, and crispy kale dish, followed by Jess van Dyk’s stunning burrata with roast butternut and ginger tomatoes. The traditional smoorsnoek and lepelbrood from Aunty Alenor brought authentic South African soul to the table.
The Main Event: This is where the chefs truly belted out their emotional ballad of South African favourites. Shaun Scrooby’s braai’d free-range chops with chermoula paired with charred lemon and olive oil green beans, plus fired edamame, were phenomenal. Bertus’s apricot and open-fire yellow tail fillets accompanied by fresh garden leaf, kohlrabi, and fennel bulb salad showcased his mastery. PJ Vadas’s whole roasted onion with onion & juniper puree, pancetta, and onion rings kept our food emotions running high.
The Unexpected Stars
The vegetable dishes absolutely stole the show! Jess van Dyk’s mushroom, truffle, gnocchi, and crispy potatoes could convert any carnivore, while Marthinus Ferreira’s beef fat butter carrots with pickled carrots and spiced carrot puree would melt the heart of even the most hardened meat lover.
Grand Finale
Shouting “encore,” Christophe Dehosse completed the evening with exquisite petit fours, including Valrhona dark chocolate truffles and caramelised choux buns with orange custard that provided the perfect sweet ending to this culinary symphony.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a meal – it was a celebration of South African culinary heritage elevated to new heights. Each chef brought their A-game, creating a harmonious blend of traditional flavours and modern techniques that left me completely enchanted.
If you’re looking to experience the very best of South African cuisine in one unforgettable evening, this long table experience is an absolute must. Come ready to have your culinary playlist expanded by these Stellenbosch chef rock stars.
Highly recommended for: Food enthusiasts, special occasions, culinary adventurers, and anyone wanting to experience the pinnacle of South African dining.
Book well in advance – experiences like this are rare gems in the culinary world.
Also See: Unforgettable Sanctuary: Where the Mountains Meet Manhattan
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