10 replies on “Tasting Room Africa/Middle East best in World’s 50 Best Restaurants”

1. Chris, go and have a look at the article on the San Pellegrino awards in the New York Times- it is clear that the judging system holds little credibility and the only reasons that restaurants actively pursue the award is the immense profits that come with it.

   Judges are only allowed to nominate or vote for restaurans they have actually eaten at in the last 18 months (which essentially disqualifies a restaurant such as Luke Dale Roberts’ Test Kitchen, having been open for less than 6 months.) It is wel known that restaurateurs often “invite” judges to give them that oppurtunity to eat, without paying. Reputable masters of the kitchen such as Guy Savoy have declined participation. I smell a big, furry rat!

2. You are absolutely right about the rat.

   I could tell you an interesting story about the South African situation in respect of the San Pellegrino Restaurant Awards, and my last sentence in the blogpost hints at it. I am happy to tell you over a glass of wine, but could not write it out of respect for the late Lannice Snyman.

   Chris

3. I’m definately not pointing fingers at the Snymans, Chris, neither Lannice nor Tamsin- I have the greatest respect for the integrity of both. I just think that the rules of the voting system does serious damage to the validity of the results. Judges are obliged to cast 7 votes, 3 of which MUST be for restaurants outside of their “zone” South Africa remains small-fry in the international culinary community, but we are practically the only country in our zone with any restaurants worth mentioning. Rust&Vrede has deservedly moved up in the rankings, and I have little doubt that Luke Dale Roberts will be back with a vengeance next year. Incidentally, judging by a meal I had at Chefs warehouse last week, I also have no doubt that chef Liam Tomlin would have been right up there with the contenders, if he had to open a Cape Town restaurant next week. Perhaps we would be ranked more appropriately of we were competing in the same zone as Australia!

4. Any restaurant judging system is bound to be controversial Kobus.

   The 12 Eat Out Top 10 restaurants caused a huge outcry in 2009, with new categories created and joint place winners. Last year’s choice of Aubergine as the best restaurant in Cape Town caused a stir too.

   As long as the judging system is consistent, year on year, and within a given year, there should be no problem in accepting the results. Given that we are so far from the world gourmet stage, La Colombe’s 12th position last year was miraculous. I agree about Luke Dale-Roberts for 2012.

   Chris

5. Liam Tomlin has already had one restaurant go bust, I don’t think he will want a repeat performance.

6. Having a restaurant go bust is often not neccesarily a reflection on the food, Sam. In fact, many a top chef as been involved in restaurants that went belly-up, or jumped ship just before. Fact remains, Liam’s food and culinary skills are superb, and a visit to Chefs warehouse is allways a joy.

7. He may well be a good cook but I find Chefs Warehouse very very expensive, I have seen items on sale at Chefs Warehouse at 30/40% more than the Waterfront for the identical item. No value for money there which is key in these times.

8. I agree, what an expensive shop. I went there with my wife once and we could not believe the prices.

9. I disagree. Most of the kitchen equipment I have bought there are not available elsewhere, and the prices match or are even somewhat cheaper than websites such as yuppiechef.co.za. But then again, Sam, I do think that one can buy the cheaper chinese rip-off versions at shops like @home in the Waterfront- if you don’t mind replacing it again after a couple of months. The pantry is well-stocked with hard-to-come-by dried goods and delicacies that, although not cheap, are often cheaper than buying the same items from other delicatessens or even open-air markets in Cape Town.

   The only prices I could find fault with are the books- if you hunt around on websites, you can find the same titles at 15-25% less- but the prices are mostly the same as Exclusive Books’ stock.It’s still a joy to have all of this available from one location, and with such excellent service as well.

10. That shop is a rip off, look on the internet and things are 40% cheaper, the rent is not that bloody expensive !