Fresh focus at Tokara
Has Richard Carstens finally found a culinary home at Tokara restaurant in Stellenbosch? Carstens made his name at Lynton Hall in KZN, later introducing Capetonians to his cuisine at Nova in 2008. Best known for multiple flavour distillations and textural renditions, Carstens promises “not too much molecular focus” on the a la carte menu. Instead “understated modernism without being too wacky”.
The degustation menu is for “more playful” experimental dining. The restaurant re-opened in October under the management of Wilhelm Kühn, co-owner of Cape Town’s Jardine Restaurant. The glass and steel space has fresh upholstery and a new foyer bar. Former chef Etienne Bonthuis left Tokara to start his own Dorp Street venture. www.tokararestaurant.co.za
