Mixing local and international flavours at AtholPlace
SANDTON – Malherbe joined the AtholPlace team in August last year and has brought a fresh and unique approach to each dish.
Situated in the heart of Sandton Johannesburg, the award-winning, 5-star, AtholPlace Restaurant, is known for its exceptional food and service. On 4 May the new and flavoursome autumn menu was launched, created by executive chef Willie Malherbe.
Malherbe joined the AtholPlace team in August last year and has brought a fresh and unique approach to each dish. Having worked at esteemed restaurants around the world and having been inspired by top international chefs he has worked with, Malherbe uses his skill and local ingredients to bring a flavour explosion.
Malherbe said, “It’s always exciting for a chef to create new and innovative dishes for guests to enjoy. I like to mix local favourites with international flavours, adding a unique and light twist to each dish.”
This was achieved with mouth-watering dishes such as the biltong crusted springbok loin with wild mushroom purée, baby vegetables and truffle jus or the chilli cumin lamb with peanuts, mint and steamed basmati rice.
Asked where his passion for cooking stemmed from, Malherbe acknowledges his grandmother. “I grew up in a family where food was enjoyed immensely – it was a big part of our daily life and mealtimes were always a grand affair.”
After school, Malherbe attended the Institute of Culinary Arts (ICA) in Stellenbosch and as part of his practical training, he was fortunate enough to work at Waddesdon Manor, a Rothschild property, situated in Aylesbury. “I gained an immense amount of experience, having the opportunity to train in the kitchens of greats such as Anton Mosimann, Raymond Blanc and Michael Roux.”
On Malherbe’s return to South Africa, he worked under Reuben Riffel as Sous Chef, opening the original Reuben’s restaurant in Franschhoek. From there he went on to work for Molori Safari Lodge and Molori Private Retreats and finally AtholPlace Restaurant. “There are exciting things that we are working on at AtholPlace, including themed nights, tasting menus, food and drink combinations and much more,” concluded Malherbe.
For reservation enquiries please contact AtholPlace Restaurant on 011 783 7553 or eat@atholplace.com
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