Four Eat Out Award finalists you need to know about

The relevance of awards can sometimes be questionable.

Its arbitrary voting structures almost always have some sort of popularity tied to it and rumours of bias will always follow these sort of microcosms of finding the best in whatever industry.

The Moonlight versus La La Land Oscar mistake in 2017 showed just how ingrained that is in Hollywood.

But in South Africa the Mercedes-Benz Eat Out Awards is an established food awards spectacle, that annually announces what is considered to be the best in dining in the country.

You can’t help but wonder how much of it is made up on the spot, which restaurants didn’t make the cut on the Top 30 list and why didn’t it?

Well, I chose four restaurants from the Top 30 which I experienced and in short – they were all exceptional. Perhaps these are the ultimate food awards, because they represent the best South Africa has to offer, legitimately?

Janse & Co

Being relatively new, Janse & Co however is backed by some of the country’s best chefs and staff.

Why it deserves to be on the list: They’re innovative. Food isn’t just food here, ingredients are elevated, meats are smoked on-site, there’s a small wine-list that supports small wine producers and your bill won’t feel like extortion.

The ethos of ethic ingredients also make this a joyous place that delivers on all aspects.

Grilled leek topped with roughly sliced smoked almonds, beurre noisette, and house-made crème fraîche.

What you need to know: In the bustle of Loop Street there’s a sense of business. Janse & Co takes full advantage of that – it’s the sort of place you can do a business lunch over only a few courses.

There’s no need for long pairing menus and it can be casual fine dining. If you want to linger longer you can as well. It really is a place that offers you choice, and in fine dining that’s somewhat rare.

Salsify

Aged beef prime rib. Picture: Justin Patrick

Why it deserves to be on the list: Like Janse & Co, Salsify might be new, but the team behind it is a smart and capable bunch that ensured this Camps Bay hotspot makes it on the list.

The tasting menu is spectacular with great global influences through a very elevated South African lens. For dinner service, you can also make use of an a la carte menu.

Restaurant Mosaic at the Orient 

The round head in the square hole will always be Restaurant Mosiac. Every year the team outperforms their previous status with not only incredible dishes but also more layers to an already other worldly experience.

It is again the only restaurant from Gauteng on the list.

Why it deserves to be on the list: It is one of the country’s best restaurants with no gimmicks. Each course comes with the appropriate uhm’s and ahh’s. It’s rich. It’s exquisitely plated.

One of Chantel Dartnall’s whimsical dishes at Restaurant Mosaic. Picture: Supplied.

Nothing here doesn’t come with a story from Chef Chantall Dartnall. It is true dinner theatre in an opulent setting.

What you need to know: The food is rich but delicate and one of the country’s most luxurious experiences when it comes to dining. You also need to get there a few hours earlier to explore the Adriaan Boshoff Museum.

FYN Restaurant

Perhaps one of the most stunning new properties, FYN really delivers when it comes to expert menus. The plant-based menu doesn’t feel like an afterthought, nor does the pescatarian menu.

Why it deserves to be on the list: FYN operates on the merger of kitchen and dining room – and it works. You feel part of the experience because you feel part of the kitchen.

It ensures an experience where you don’t feel like there’s a secret someone isn’t telling you. Instead you leave feeling like you got the best experience regardless of which menu you decided on or what bottle of wine you chose. It’s almost FOMO-less, which is absolutely refreshing.

Sweet Kaiseki tray. Picture: Supplied

What you need to know: If you ever needed someone to experience South African fine dining, FYN is a remarkable place that always uses local favourites in elevated ways. From dombolos to spiced guinea fowl meat, it really is SA on a plate.

The 30 nominees are: Camphors at Vergelegen; Chefs Warehouse at Maison; Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia; Eike; Faber; Fermier Restaurant; Foxcroft; FYN Restaurant; Greenhouse at The Cellars-Hohenort; Grei; Janse & Co; Jardine Restaurant; Jordan Restaurant; La Colombe; La Tête; Le Coin Francais; Le Petite Colombe; Overture Restaurant; Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant; Protegé; Restaurant Mosaic at the Orient; Rust en Vrede; Salsify; The LivingRoom at Summerhill Estate; The Restaurant at Waterkloof; The Shortmarket Club; The Test Kitchen; The Werf at Boschendal; Tjing Tjing Momiji; and Wolfgat

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.