AFTER the highly successful pop-up restaurant, “Luke Dale-Roberts at the Saxon” reopened at the beginning of May to astounding success. A complete décor overhaul to reflect the food and dining experience Luke Dale Roberts of The Test Kitchen fame wanted to create in the Joburg setting, the restaurant has already become a firm favourite for local gourmet aficionados.
Luke says: “Luke Dale-Roberts at the Saxon” has been extremely well received, I’m so proud about what we’ve achieved in a relatively short time. It’s an engaging, immersive experience and Joburgers are loving it – and the team and I are having a great time too!”
He works closely with head chef Candice Philip who heads up the team at the Saxon, and Luke is on site every few weeks to cook, experiment and refine dishes. “The team at the Saxon is strong, and I’m looking forward to growing and evolving the menu with Candice,” Luke adds.
“We’ve already added a new appetiser list to the menu,” Luke says. Some of the highlights are shiitake jelly with smoked chestnuts, which perfectly echoes the autumn season. “Then I’ve done a chawanmushi with quail and sweetcorn. The delicate flavours of the ingredients are perfect for the Japanese egg custard dish,” he adds.
Diners can expect a nod to The Test Kitchen in Woodstock with Luke’s signature concrete ball. But at “Luke Dale-Roberts at the Saxon” they’ll experience heavenly wagyu beef grilled over coals in the ball right at the table, adding a bit of flair and drama to the dining experience. Another new addition to the menu is a delectable rice pudding and quince dessert, which the pastry chef and Luke recently refined.
In charge of the revamped look at Luke Dale-Roberts at the Saxon is Luke’s wife, Sandalene. The new space has a wonderful feeling of richness yet still remains firmly rooted in its Joburg setting. “I tried to create an Orient-Express feel of opulence,” Sandalene explains, “with wood-paneled walls, blue tones and lots of brass touches it reflects the grandeur that is fitting for a Joburg setting.” By using pandoma on the walls, there is a textured visual element and the purplish grey tone brings a sophisticated feeling to the space. “The dining area is also now light and bright, ensuring the dining experience is not too rigid” she adds.
Sandalene commissioned South African artist Shaune Rogatschnig to do 22 botanical drawings in oil and pen on paper, reflecting not only the stunning garden that the Saxon is known for, but again rooting the space in its South African setting, creating an authentic and slightly whimsical feel.
For Luke, the space has “a refined feeling, that’s bright and open. The energy not only in the kitchen but in the dining space is vibrant.”
“Luke Dale-Roberts at the Saxon” is open for dinner from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Bookings are essential. The seven-course tasting menu is currently priced at R1 330 for 7-courses (which includes two appetisers) or R2 100 with wine or tea pairing. For reservations, call (011) 292 6000 or email to tablereservations@saxon.co.za.
ENDS
The Saxon Collection is a unique group of properties which provide the ultimate journey of discovery and exploration in Africa. Each of the exclusive destinations in this remarkable collection sets it apart from any other experience in the world. The Saxon Collection consists of The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, Johannesburg and Zulu Camp and The Nelson Mandela Centre for Reconciliation at Shambala Private Game Reserve.
The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
Located in the tranquil, tree-lined suburb of Sandhurst, within minutes of Johannesburg’s world-class shopping and business hub, The Saxon prides itself on being voted the World’s Leading Boutique Hotel since 2001.
An all-luxury, 53-rooms and suites hotel with six pools, a private library, wine cellar and piano lounge, The Saxon is internationally renowned for their accommodation and dining offerings.
Nelson Mandela chose these serene surroundings for editing his best-selling autobiography, A Long Walk to Freedom.
Many discerning travellers, including royalty, statesmen, Nobel prize-winners and best-selling authors have returned time and again to experience the unequalled qualities for which the Saxon has gained worldwide renown.
Top-notch chefs create personalized cuisine, complimented by an outstanding selection of wines from award-winning restaurants.
Completing the luxurious amenities of Saxon is the spa, consisting of six treatment rooms, a steam room, Rasul chamber, spa café and hair studio as well as a modern gym with kinesis.
Zulu Camp at Shambala Private Game Reserve
Shambala Private Game Reserve is situated in the picturesque central region of the Waterberg mountain range, where the climate is sub-tropical and pleasantly temperate for most of the year.
The Tibetan word ‘Shambala’ means ‘Paradise on Earth’. Whether you discover it in the bush, the mountains or the silence; whether you feel it in the air or see it in the magnificent, proud wildlife of this land, your own paradise is here – deep within the heart and soul of Shambala.
In this idyllic setting, Shambala Private Game Reserve epitomises Paradise on Earth. Shambala weaves a special web of magic that makes visitors long to return and relive the experience time and again.
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