The Best of Boutique / Joburg
The Best of Boutique / August 2022 / Johannesburg, South Africa
An evening that can only be described as the best of boutique, August saw the return of two SecretEATS chef favourites - Sharnѐ Govender and Carien van Tonder.
As best friends, the dynamic teaching duo spend their days at HTA School of Culinary developing the young chefs of tomorrow. As an opportunity to share their knowledge and experience, the chefs head up FÏN Restaurant at HTA. FÏN is a unique fine dining concept where culinary students host an exclusive event once a month where a seasonal menu is designed to highlight the freshest ingredients and to experiment with culinary trends. Both chefs strive for perfection and the opportunity to spend time in the kitchen with their sleeves rolled up is what drives every menu concept to be better than the next.
The menu consisted of a beautifully boutique tasting experience in 4 courses, plated on beautiful Maxwell & Williams crockery at the stunning Clico Boutique Hotel, perfectly situated in the tranquil, leafy and upmarket suburb of Rosebank.
Opened in 2006, Clico Boutique Hotel was established by Jeanette Schwegman, who wanted to cater for travel-weary and discerning guests. The 70-year old Cape Dutch building is an engaging mix of old and new. The name Clico was inspired by Jeanette’s passion for champagne, with her favourite being Veuve Clicquot. Clico is a more intimate, unpretentious establishment which offers attention to all the important details.
The evening began at 7pm, as guests walked through the picturesque Cape Dutch archway, and through to the events area with a warm fire. Welcome drinks were served, a long with some tasty canapes - Spiced Butternut Crostini, Confit Duck, Apricot Chutney, Horseradish & Micro Salad.
After the meet and greet, guests were led to the glass-enclosed secret dining area where our Secret Chefs awaited, ready to begin and take our taste buds on an unforgettable journey, along with our Premium wine partners for the evening were - Thor Vintners and Freedom Hill.
Thor Vintners is a winery nestled in the heart of the Swartland. They focus on small-batch artisanal wines inspired by ultra-premium Rhône blends. Their vision is to specialise in Swartland grapes and to create rare and iconic blends with character and personality, from their unique corner of the world.
Freedom Hill is a historic winery who’s vineyards overlook the legendary Victor Verster prison (now the Drakenstein correctional services facility), where the late, former President Nelson Mandela took his first steps to freedom. Freedom Hill wines are of distinctive character, abundant flavour, superb balance and stylish finesse.
Next we enjoyed a Slow Roasted Beetroot Carpaccio, Feta & Black Pepper, Mousse, Pickled Baby Beets, Radish, Blood Orange Emulsion, Sparkling Wine & Red Onion Vinaigrette, Beetroot & Sesame Tuile & Baby Rocket; paired with Thor The Peaky Blinder.
Deep Fried Seafood Dumplings, Sauteed Spinach, Blistered Baby Tomatoes, Chorizo, Smoked Tomato & Shellfish Velouté & Paprika Oil; paired with Thor Chardonnay Semillon Roussanne
For the main we sunk our teeth into Sous-vide Rump Steak, Roasted Carrot Puree, Sweetstem Cauliflower, Buttered Baby Peas, Crispy Potatoes, Salsa Verde & Jus; paired with Badlands Shiraz and plated beautifully on the black Caviar range from Maxwell & Williams.
And to end off, dessert was Chocolate Torte, Granadilla Cream, Spiced Pineapple, Basil Gel, Ginger Crumb, Coconut & Yoghurt Snow; plated on the Maxwell & Williams Diamonds Range and paired with Freedom Walk Pinotage 2015.
Not only was the decor exquisite, but the crockery and glassware of the finest quality. Thanks to Maxwell & Williams for elevating our dining experience with their beautiful plates and wine glasses. At heart, Maxwell & Williams' promise holds true to the foundations it was built upon: exceptional quality, and the lifestyle choices that each range creates. Something our loyal customers have enjoyed since the brand first entered the market back in 1996.
Thanks to our photographer Morris from Smile for the Camera for capturing an exquisite evening.