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Pioneering young African chef Vusi Ndlovu is opening a new fine-dining restaurant, EDGE, celebrating African cuisine and culture, in South Africa's Western Cape this winter.
Located in the culinary epicentre of Franschhoek, and opening in partnership with Absie Pantshwa, Mandlakazi Pantshwa and associates, the restaurant will celebrate Africa holistically, offering a snapshot of the continent on the plate, from the food and wine, to the art on the walls and the staff apparel.
Ndlovu will be putting his signature spin on the ever-changing menu, showcasing contemporary and minimalist dishes highlighting meticulously researched indigenous and local ingredients. Dishes include: flamed calamari, almonds, speck, soused grapes, dill crème, and aged Frankie Fenner beef, fired lettuce, beef fat emulsion.
Ndlovu's experiences, culinary interests and recipes passed down over generations will all intersect on the plate. "This might be granny’s cooking, but not like you’ve ever seen it before," reads the press release. There will also be an emphasis on fire cooking. “We believe the best stories in Africa have been told around a fire hence we wanted to embrace the continent and its vibrancy the only way we know how, with food around a fire in a prime location,” says Absie Pantshwa, who is overseeing operations.
A monthly industry night hosted at the restaurant will also allow fellow chefs, producers and restaurant owners the opportunity to come together to share food, wine and ideas, while the last Sunday of the month will be dedicated to 'EasySunday' sessions, including live jazz in the garden.
Ndlovu was a S.Pellegrino Young Chef finalist in 2018, he also co-founded the African Culinary Library, a resource dedicated to preserving and promoting African food culture and cuisine.
Listen to Vusi Ndlovu's fascinating journey into cooking in our Freshly Squeezed podcast series.
See some of the dishes below:
All images: Alix-Rose Cowie
