Test Kitchen opens

When Luke Dale-Roberts resigned from La Colombe after a four-year tenure that saw the restaurant climb the ranks to number 12 in the world, speculation was rife as to what the acclaimed chef would do next (and the reason behind his resignation).

 

As a result, Capetonian foodies would have happily given their left foot to crack an invite to one of the most-anticipated restaurant openings in the city’s history. (Arguably more exciting than the opening of Gordon Ramsay’s ill-fated Maze.)

And Luke did not disappoint on Friday night as he opened the doors to Test Kitchen at the Old Biscuit Mill in Salt River to over 200 friends and media.

As the name suggests, diners at the Test Kitchen are treated to Luke’s experimental creations. By day, lunches are casual and well-priced, prepared using fresh produce picked up at the Neighbourgoods Market. By night the industrial-chic restaurant turns into a more formal affair with five- and eight-course menus available that showcase Luke’s true talent and innovation. Guests can also sit at the more casual ‘kitchen bar’ and enjoy food dish-by-dish as it comes out the kitchen.

“The style of food is still very much mine,” Dale-Roberts explains, "but at the same time the space has to remain collaborative and creative." His team, which he describes as “young and extremely talented”, will use cooking methods that range from “very old to very new, and used in conjunction with one another”.

Although I’m yet to sample the ever-changing restaurant menu (the official opening is 24 November), deep-fried sushi, pork belly and pesto chicken were among the food served at the launch – suitably low-key so that Luke could also enjoy the party in the marquee tent erected to accommodate the hordes of well-wishers.

The restaurants seats just 30 diners, so book early.

The Test Kitchen, Shop 104 a, The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
Telephone: 021 447 2337
reservations@thetestkitchen.co.za