A friend of mine said she couldn’t get a table at the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo, but her friend knew the chef and they setup a table in the kitchen. But it wasn’t a downgrade – it was a coup of note! And you can do the same – right here in Cape Town.

I went for a lunch at the Mount Nelson‘s ‘Chef’s Table’ last week and it beat my every expectation. If you’re looking at having a culinary feast, with a vibe and buzz second to none, you simply have to do this. And if you’re thinking of where to take a first date – even better, as you will never have a moment’s silence! There is non-stop action going on in the kitchen and any guests with their backs to it, have a massive tilted mirror to watch, aimed directly back at the machine room!

The gals take in Dion’s wise words

Chef Dion was on hand to describe each course – which were refreshingly big portions, given the number of courses to get through.

A word of warning: The beef fillet might kill you. Braised for 5 hours at 56 degrees. Total madness!

Check this out:

Because of the success of the Mount Nelson’s Chef’s Table for dinner, Chef Rudi Liebenberg is now offering guests the opportunity to enjoy lunch in the heart of the hotel kitchens. The Chef’s Table is a custom-designed interactive culinary experience featuring exquisite dishes paired with fine wines.

Conventional wisdom states that if you can’t stand the heat it’s better to stay out of the kitchen, but the chefs at Cape Town’s Pink Lady think otherwise. Guests will be escorted to their intimate “in-kitchen” restaurant, located in an alcove where an oversized mirror positioned on one of the walls ensures that all guests have a clear view of the goings-on around them in the busy kitchen. Guests may choose to observe the preparation of specific dishes, and then as each course is plated and served, chefs are on hand to share cooking tips, anecdotes and the inspiration behind each dish.

The Chef’s Lunch Tables cater for up to twelve guests seated at four separate tables. This is a unique lunching experience where the five course menus are designed according to what is seasonal or what is foraged that day. The Chef’s Lunch Tables will only be available on Fridays from the 1st of July onwards. The cost, including a glass of wine with each course, is R500 per person.

For further information and reservations, please contact Mount Nelson restaurant reservations on +27 0 21 483 1000 or e-mail: restaurantreservations@mountnelson.co.za.

I cannot recommend this highly enough. Go as a group, or go as a pair – either way you’re sure to have a blast.

Oh, one last tip..

The Mount Nelson’s self-proclaimed ‘Resident Alcoholic’ and wine sommelier, Carl Habel, is on hand throughout the meal – pairing wines with each course. He’s very good and informative – but crazy at the same time.

That said, make sure you have a driver or a taxi to take you home!

 Beware – much fun to be had!