.: Master of the Trade Routes Gala Finale aboard SA Agulhas II

Friday, August 31, 2012

Master of the Trade Routes Gala Finale aboard SA Agulhas II

The Master of the Trade Routes three-month culinary challenge of winter food specials at the V&A Waterfront has come to an end with the Cape Grace’s Signal Restaurant claiming the title of the Master of the Trade Routes for 2012.

The gala finale was held aboard the SA Agulhas II on Wednesday, August 29th, where the top eight finalists from the original 27 participating restaurants had a last chance to impress a panel of judges: chef, Taste SA Festival director and food stylist Justine Drake, CapeTalk’s John Maytham and Food24 editor Caro de Waal.

SA Agulhas II at her berth in the Victoria Dock

Mark Bayly, Master of Ceremonies for the evening, with a friend

Our wonderful mountain and the V&A Waterfront from the deck of the Agulhas

The canopy on deck, venue for the function

Mark Bayly explaining the format of the evening

Ellen Raubenheimer, publisher of Get It magazine, and Coenie Visser, restaurateur from Oak & Vigne, Greyton

Mark Bayly on stage entertaining us

The judges: Chef, Festival director of Taste SA shows and food stylist Justine Drake; CapeTalk’s John Maytham and Food24 editor Caro de Waal, discussing the dishes.

The V&A Waterfront’s Executive Manager of Strategic Marketing, Chantelle Cole, telling us about the awards

Are they enjoying this dish? Much amusement and discussion

One of the skilled barmen pouring some Groot Constantia Brut

Linda Holmes, John Collins of John Collins Wines, Colleen and Allan Mundell all having fun, and warmly dressed

Sam Wong the sushi chef from Willoughbys

Craig Paterson, Executive Chef at Dash at the Victoria Hotel, dressing the plates

The chefs from Reuben's having time for a celebratory glass of bubbly

An organiser and chef Greg Vaverstock from The Grand in discussion

The judges having judged, they had time for photos and relaxing

Sushi from Willoughby's: Willoughby Threesome - R79
Salmon, Tuna & Local Fish prepared in 3 different ways:
- Salmon in a Citrus Yuzu & Soya Dressing
- Tuna in a spicy Garlic & Peanut Dressing

- Local Fish - Ceviche - Coriander, Lime & Fresh Chilli

Chef Jason Millar from Reuben's restaurant at The One and Only with his Beef and

Guinness Pie

Den Anker’s Seared Canadian Scallop on a White Asparagus Risotto with a lightly curried Beurre Blanc made by talented chef Doekle Vlietman

The Grand’s Grand Fusion seafood pasta with fishcake made from crayfish, prawns and fish

The overall winner, Signal restaurant at the Cape Grace Hotel, with their tender, succulent and spicy De-constructed Bobotie - Bobotie spiced springbok loin, roasted parsnip, pickled mango puree, almond crumble and curried lentil jus

Sevruga’s dish by chef Justine Hurter: Miso-marinated Kingklip with matafam potatoes and caramelised onions and herbs

Harbour House’s free range beef short rib, with Pommes Anna, baby vegetables and a rather sharp balsamic and red wine reduction.

Chef Desmond Ntomnaba and the manager of Harbour House in the Waterfront with their dish

From the second placed restaurant, Dash at the Victoria Hotel, a pan-seared magret of duck breast on a spiced Elgin pear puree with sage and quinoa (Executive Chef Craig Paterson and Head chef Jamie Dempster )

From the right: Executive Chef Craig Paterson and Head chef Jamie Dempster with their support chefs from Dash

Just like the Olympics, a cannon blast of paper heralded the main award winner Signal restaurant and their executive chef Malika van Reenen

The winner! Malika van Reenen of Signal restaurant at the Cape Grace Hotel with V&A Waterfront CEO David Green and Michael Liffmann, Cape Grace F&B manager