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
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
Some of the dessert items from Emporio Leone.
A red velvet cake
Tiny chocolate tarts
Sticky macaroons
Mini meringues
Baby cakes
Chocolate truffles
Lauren Cohen of Corporate Image PR getting into the spirit of the Navy
The stern of the Agulhas II showing the canopy erected on deck, in which we celebrated
Photographs © John Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2012
