Get ready, food enthusiasts! An extraordinary culinary event is about to unfold on South African soil. Fresh off the success of their collaboration at Italy’s Ein Prosit festival, two of South Africa’s most celebrated chefs – Kobus van der Merwe of Wolfgat and Johannes Richter of The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate – are joining forces once again for an exclusive, once-off dining experience in Paternoster. This highly anticipated event will take place on 23 and 24 November at Kobus’ iconic West Coast restaurant, Wolfgat, offering a limited number of lucky diners the chance to experience the culinary magic that arises when two creative forces merge their passions for sustainability and hyper-local ingredients.
A Meeting of Minds: Hyper-Endemic Ingredients & Coastal Cuisine
With a focus on the land and sea, the collaboration between Kobus and Johannes promises an unforgettable multi-course tasting menu, paired with curated wines to elevate the experience. The dishes will draw from the chefs’ shared philosophy of hyper-endemic cooking, highlighting the rich bounty of their respective regions.
Johannes Richter, renowned for his innovative use of ingredients from Durban’s tropical shores, is thrilled to cook alongside Kobus on his home turf. “I’m excited to share a similar experience with diners in Paternoster. Kobus is a pioneer of hyper-endemic cooking, and it’s an honour to collaborate with him again,” says Johannes. Expect to see the likes of Vanessa’s chicken, West Coast mussels, and green mango transformed through ancient techniques infused with contemporary flair.
On the other hand, Kobus will showcase his distinctive Strandveld cuisine, drawing on the wild, coastal abundance that the West Coast offers. Think snoek croquette with sour fig mayo, limpets served in their shells, and white mussel parfait, all served with the signature care and creativity that has earned Wolfgat global acclaim.
An Unmissable Weekend of Food, Wine, and Sustainability
But the culinary magic doesn’t stop at the food. The wine pairings for this special menu have been meticulously curated by Johanna Richter, the talented sommelier and front-of-house manager at The LivingRoom. Together with Kobus and his team at Wolfgat, Johanna will ensure that each glass perfectly complements the dishes on offer, creating a harmonious experience that resonates with the weekend’s themes of sustainability and local terroir.
This unique collaboration will be spread over two lunches and one dinner service during the weekend. Diners can choose from:
- 23 November: A lunch and dinner seating
- 24 November: A final lunch service
With limited seats available, this exclusive event is set to be a highlight of the South African culinary calendar. It’s a celebration of innovation, sustainable cooking, and the artistry of two chefs who are dedicated to showcasing the true flavours of their regions.