Image courtesy of Elle Decoration

The Chef’s Warehouse & Cookery School is all about food and promises exciting cooking classes and short courses by Dublin born Liam Tomlin and a host of local celebrated chefs and presenters.

Liam is the author of two highly respected books, “BANC” and “Season to Taste”. The school itself forms a part of Liam’s enthusiasm towards fine cuisine and his passion for training young chefs to the highest standards and giving them the skills to work in some of the finest dining rooms around the world.

The set curriculum of 20 classes presented by Liam, Chef and Owner of Chefs Warehouse and Cookery School on the “Basic Techniques & Methods of Cookery” forms the core of the Chefs Warehouse with additional classes and presentations covering such topics as Food Photography & Styling.

The course covers the essential principles of cooking based on the classic European traditions of Liam Tomlin’s training with an added Asian influence inspired by the fourteen years he spent in Asia and Australia.

Cookery demonstration classes consist of a maximum of 20 participants creating an intimate cooking experience where students have the opportunity to interact on a one-on-one basis with Liam, the guest chef or class presenters.

Chefs Warehouse will be staying warm this spring with an aromatic Indian line-up and the Taj Cape Town’s very own Executive Chef Harpreet Kaur will be joining the Warehouse crew as a guest chef for an evening of Regional Indian Cuisine that is not to be missed. The class falls on Tuesday 20th September, from 6.30pm till 9.30pm and costs R575 per person.

Dishes such as such as Galouti kebabs, Allepey fish curry, Methi murgh and Strawberry shahi tukra will be demonstrated and paired with favourite South African wines. Harpreet Kaur will also talk about her culinary journey through Indian regions where recipes and ingredients can change every 50km.

The Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in the city centre and is home to the Bombay Brasserie where Executive Chef Harpreet Kaur wows patrons with some of the best contemporary Indian cuisine in Cape Town.

Chocolate is the one gift that is always welcome and it comes as no surprise that the near universal love of chocolate has become an integral part of global traditions and cultural holidays the world over. As we enter Easter month, many will recall fond childhood memories of hot cross buns, Easter egg hunts and, of course, all the chocolate we desired.

The rich history of chocolate takes us from the Mesoamerican era – where Maya and Aztecs mixed ground cacao seeds with various seasonings to make a spicy, frothy drink – through to Spanish conquistadors bringing the seeds back home to Spain, where new recipes were created. The drink’s popularity eventually spread throughout Europe.

New technologies and innovations have changed the texture and taste of chocolate over the years, yet it remains one of the world’s favourite indulgences.  So much so that no expense is spared in the creation and presentation of the finest chocolate.

The most expensive box of chocolates in the world is sold in Harrods and is made by Lebanese chocolatier, Patchi. At an incredible £5000, each box of 49 chocolates is personalised and wrapped with leather and handmade silk. The chocolates are made from organic cocoa and each is decorated with gold and a Swarowski crystal flower or silk rose.

The Most expensive bar of chocolate bar in the world went on sale in Selfridges on the 4th August, 2009. It was a Cadbury Wispa bar covered in edible gold leaf, the cost of the bar, £961.48, was the precise value of the bar’s weight in solid gold.

Chocolate lovers in Cape Town are in for a treat. The Taj is hosting a Chocolate Afternoon tea where you will be able to treat yourself to a serving a rooibos chocolate afternoon tea with a selection of chilli chocolate, éclairs, choc-chip scones, chocolate truffles and chocolate cake in the Lobby Lounge.

The Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in Cape Town and will host a deliciously delectable chocolate experience along with their High Tea menus everyday this April leading up to a wonderfully memorable Easter in the City.

Compliments of the Chef from the Bombay Brasserie!

In honour of Executive Chef Harpreet Kaur’s triumphant return to Bombay Brasserie we will be giving away weekly prizes in our Bombay Brasserie Compliments of the Chef competition.

This week we are doing a caption competition. Write the most interesting or creative caption for the theme and picture of your choice and you could win a Tasting Menu for two at the Bombay Brasserie to the value of R900!

To enter the competition simply post your caption as a comment on this page along with the letter of the image you have chosen.

Example:  D) I would say this dish had a fun personality that liked to salsa dance and wasn’t afraid to be spontaneous.

Captions can be on one of the following:

* What would you be thinking as you take the first bite?

* Write a compliment to the chef about the dish.

* If the dish was the treat, what was the trick?

* If the dish had a personality what would it be?

* If the dish had a favorite song what would it be?

* Most interesting description of the food as you would describe to a friend.

Get your friends to vote your caption the best and you win. That simple!

You can increase your chances of winning you can get additional votes by:

1) Tweeting a link to your caption to @tajcapetown and getting retweets on  Twitter.

2) Having your Facebook comment Liked by your friends.

3) Tagging the image you entered a caption on.

The person with the most votes by Friday wins the dinner so be sure to get your friends to vote for you!

The Prize:

The Maitre  tasting menu to be won in our Compliments of the Chef Competition will enchant your senses as you explore dishes from all over India, indulging in authentic Indian flavours presented in a contemporary style.

A Shorba soup taster to start before a selection of three mouth-watering appetisers including Spicy tempered Prawns, Tender Lamb kebabs and Apricot & Potato cakes.

Your journey continues with two Entrees and two side dishes chosen from such delicious offerings as Line Fish in spiced Coconut Curry, Chicken Tikka with Vinegar Shallots and Sautéed Spinach with golden fried Garlic.

Finally a dessert sampler to sweeten the evening with Basmati Rice pudding infused with Saffron, Mango Yoghurt Cheesecake and Tamarind Sorbet.

Terms and Conditions
• Judges’ decisions are final. No correspondence will be entered into.
• Prizes not exchangeable for cash.
• Prizes only redeemable at Taj Cape Town before the end of August 2011.
• Prizes excludes beverages.
• Transport and accommodation not included in prizes.

[UPDATE: This competition is officially closed.]

Compliments of the Chef from the Bombay Brasserie!

In honour of Executive Chef Harpreet Kaur’s triumphant return to Bombay Brasserie we will be giving away weekly prizes in our Bombay Brasserie Compliments of the Chef competition.

This week we are asking you to describe your most perfectly indulgent day ending off with a dream dinner experience at the Taj Cape Town in a 150 words or less and you could win a Tasting Menu for two at the Bombay Brasserie to the value of R900!

To enter the competition simply post your description as a comment on this page.

For example:

“Our perfectly indulgent day would start with a cup of Earl Grey along with a berries and cream waffle before taking a stroll down Cape Town’s beautiful St. Georges mall taking in the sights and sounds of the mother city.  Next a day trip to one of our beautiful beaches to soak in the sun before topping the day off with a rejuvenating spa treatment to prepare for a sun downer of champagne and oysters. Finally, a gastronomic journey through the authentic flavours and finest cuisines collected from the length and breadth of India.”

Get your friends to vote your indulgence the best and you win. That simple!

The winner will in addition have the opportunity to write a feature guest blog post to our blog about their dining experience!

To increase your chances of winning you can get additional votes by getting retweets on your tweet on Twitter, or by having your FB note Liked by your friends.

The person with the most votes by Friday wins the dinner so be sure to get your friends to vote for you!

The Prize:

The Maitre d’s tasting menu to be won in our Compliments of the Chef Competition will enchant your senses as you explore dishes from all over India, indulging in authentic Indian flavours presented in a contemporary style.

A Shorba soup taster to start before a selection of three mouth-watering appetisers including Spicy tempered Prawns, Tender Lamb kebabs and Apricot & Potato cakes.

Your journey continues with two Entrees and two side dishes chosen from such delicious offerings as Line Fish in spiced Coconut Curry, Chicken Tikka with Vinegar Shallots and Sautéed Spinach with golden fried Garlic.

Finally a dessert sampler to sweeten the evening with Basmati Rice pudding infused with Saffron, Mango Yoghurt Cheesecake and Tamarind Sorbet.

[UPDATE: This competition is officially closed.]

Food and romance have forever been entwined in our hearts and minds as the perfect formula for love. With Valentine’s Day approaching and the prospect of indulging in a romantic evening out, smart and sexy choices at the dinner table can only enhance the evenings activities, making this Valentine’s Day an unforgettable experience.

Just the sharing sensuous foods with your partner can make the evening special, but the sensual flavours and intoxicating aromas of certain foods are widely known to stimulate the mind and the senses.

Figs were said to be Cleopatra’s favourite food and the sweet, purple fruits are considered sensual in both appearance and texture. When first introduced in Spain, avocados were found to be so obscenely provocative that Catholic priests forbade them from their parishioners.

Asparagus and almonds have also long been associated with romance. Asparagus often made an appearance at prenuptial dinners in 19^th Century France and even as far back as ancient Greece almonds were tossed at weddings instead of rice. An Indian bridegroom is traditionally given a glass of milk containing crushed almonds and pepper on his wedding night.

For thousands of years, deeply flavoured and fragrant Ajwain seeds have been added to romantic meals, as they are believed to improve digestion and appetite. Often crushed and fried with tamarind seeds in ghee, a clarified butter, this method is widely used in Indian cuisine to develop a subtle and complex aroma that will excite the senses without overwhelming them.

As a sensually indulgent experience, honey itself has been called the nectar of Aphrodite and it is said that there are as many variations of honey as there are styles of wine. It’s also a natural source of sugar to energise you for the evening ahead.

When it comes to essential romantic foods this Valentine’s Day the classic mouth-watering sensual appetizer that is the oyster is a must. Casanova himself supposedly consumed fifty oysters each, day and they have long been linked with romantic meals through the ages.

The Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in Cape Town and would like to invite you to our Unforgettable Valentine event. Indulge in the finest of Indian cuisine at the Bombay Brasserie or enjoy fresh oysters and champagne at the Twankey Bar.

Whether you are looking for memorable first date, preparing for Valentine’s Day or even just trying to add a little spice to your relationship, a romantic dinner is one of the best ways to connect with your partner in an age old tradition tailored for romance and intimacy.

A romantic dinner needs to be special if it’s going leave a lasting impression on both you and your partner long after the night has ended. It’s not an everyday affair. It’s a once in awhile treat that needs to break routine if it is to be savoured. It’s an occasion to dress up in the clothes you are dying to show off, enjoy a spectacular meal that delights the senses and luxuriate in a venue that lends the evening a sense of elegance and glamour.

Bombay Brasserie is a prime location for those wanting a truly fancy night out. Amidst its contemporary design and luxurious decor you will find a rich atmosphere of intimacy and exclusivity. Its highly acclaimed menu provides an extraordinary choice of starters, mains and desserts as well as a wine list tailored to pair the best of South African wines with the best Indian cuisine.

The Twankey Seafood, Champagne and Oyster Bar is the place to go to spoil you partner. With its smooth pillars and dark wood surfaces, Twankey is the perfect place for pre-dinner drinks, or it’s delicious selection of hot and cold seafood tapas in the privacy of its corner booths. Twankey’s plush, comfortable decor and soulful music compliment its selection of fine champagnes and oysters, ensuring an evening of romantic indulgence.

For those wanting to enjoy a romantic dinner outside under the trees, Mint Restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere and varied menu of local and international dishes is ideal for a romantic first date. Mint’s mezzanine level is also perfect for private dining, and features an open plan show kitchen.

The Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in the heart of the mother city. The Taj is a leading destination for fine dining in Cape Town, and ideal for planning your next romantic dinner.

Indian cuisine was influenced by the rise of Buddhism and the belief that food had a profound effect on the body and the mind; that food should be balanced, natural and pure. Vegetarianism became very popular during this period and gave rise to a completely holistic form of cooking. Many of the earliest recipes can be traced back to this time.

One of the great influences on Indian cuisine came in the form of the Persian invasions which gave rise to the Mughlai cuisine that people now associate with India. It introduces the sealed pot method of cooking, also known as cooking in the “dum” and included the use of saffron as well as introducing to India the Persian culture of rich food with dry fruit and nuts and elegant dining experiences. A tradition of flavours and style kept alive today at the Bombay Brasserie.

Rich gravies, pilafs and other non-vegetarian foods such as kebabs, as well as fruits such as apricots, melons, peaches, and plums were also introduced under Islamic rule. Trade and cultural exchanges with China introduced the stir-fry to India along with adding the sweet taste to food.

During British rule, the Portuguese and British introduced foods from the New World such as potatoes, tomatoes, squash, and chillies and cooking techniques like baking. The British also made tea popular in India giving way to such “Raj” traditions like that of high-tea which is an elaborate late afternoon meal served with tea. This led to the formation of Anglo-Indian cuisine and the development of the curry.

The Taj, which provides luxury accommodation in Cape Town, is also the home of the Bombay Brasserie where the true essence of Indian cuisine can be enjoyed in the same elegant atmosphere enjoyed by the Maharajas themselves. An affordable dining experience that promises to take you on this very same journey through Indian cuisine this festive season.

This Christmas, the Taj Cape Town is featuring a number of elegant events for the whole family.

Taj Christmas celebrations range from relaxed family afternoon tea to sophisticated evening functions.

Christmas Eve

Treat your family this Christmas eve with a festive gourmet dinner at Mint Restaurant. Mint offers fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere, making it the ideal venue of the whole family to enjoy a special Christmas Eve supper. The four-course menu offers reduced prices for children under twelve, and kids under five eat free.

A more formal Christmas Eve offering is to be found at the Bombay Brasserie.

Bombay Brasserie is renowned for offering some of the finest gourmet Indian cuisine. On Christmas Eve, the five-course tasting menu promises to be a gastronomic adventure par excellence. At R550 per person (or R750 with wine pairing) for five exquisite courses, it represents good value too.

From 6.30 PM the Taj will be hosting Christmas carols in the lobby, with complimentary cocktails and live musical performances.

Christmas Day

The Taj Cape Town has a number of fantastic options for Christmas Day, including a festive buffet at Mint and afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge.

You will enjoy live jazz during lunch and there will be live festive entertainment throughout the day.

In the evening, you once more have the opportunity to enjoy fine-dining at Mint and the Bombay Brasserie.

Mint is offering a superior a la carte three course menu, for R250 per person (or R350 with wines selected by Mint’s sommelier).

At Bombay Brasserie, you can enjoy an elegant five-course tasting menu, designed with the most demanding epicureans in mind.  This is set at R550 per person, or R750 with sommelier-paired wines.

Day of Goodwill

On 26 December 2010, Mint Restaurant is hosting a sumptuous champagne brunch. Enjoy jazz and relax with the whole family at this festive occasion.

Continue the festivities with a lavish supper at Bombay Brasserie.

The Taj offers luxury accommodation in Cape Town.  Too book any of these special festive meals or events, and for other dining reservations, you can call the hotel directly on +27 (0)21 819 2000.

December is party time in South Africa. Not only are there the usual New Year and Christmas festivities, but the summer weather puts everyone in a mood for celebrating.

The Taj Cape Town provides an elegant way to mark the closing of another successful year, and to really get into the spirit of the Festive Season, without even leaving Cape Town.

With superlative cuisine and five-star service, the Taj offers understated opulence, for a more refined end-of-year celebration.

The Taj Cape Town is home to two world-class restaurants: Mint, offering exquisite contemporary dining, and the Bombay Brasserie, which serves gourmet Indian cuisine. Both are offering special menus around the festive season, including Christmas and New Year feasts.

For a more informal party, the Twankey is great venue for special occasions. The Twankey serves an impressive selection of fresh oysters, wines and cocktails.

Tailor-made year-end parties

For anyone planning a year-end party, the Twankey’s private mezzanine can be reserved for up to thirty guests. This is ideal for office functions or for social groups that wish to mark the end of the year in a fun and stylish way.

The Taj can also arrange private functions for larger groups, such as year-end parties for larger businesses. As many as 100 guests can be comfortably entertained, with various music, decor and menu options available.

End-of-year functions are an excellent way to reward employees for their hard work over the course of the year and promote harmony at the office. To organise a year-end function designed to take care of each of your guest’s needs, phone the Taj Cape Town on +27 (0)21 819 2000 to speak to a function coordinator.

The Taj, conveniently situated in the Cape Town city centre, is easy to access and will provide guests with secure parking.

To book luxury accommodation in Cape Town or to organise a end of year function email the Taj or call the hotel directly on +27 (0)21 819 2000.

People of all ages, from many different backgrounds, celebrate Diwali throughout India, and around the world. The festival emphasises spiritual activities, such as worship of the goddess Lakshmi, and other deities, including Lord Ganesha, Mother Kali and Lord Chitragupta.

Diwali also includes fun ceremonies and celebrations, such as lightings, crackers, colourful rangoli making, social gatherings to exchange greetings and share sweets with your loved ones.

The festivities at the Taj Cape Town reflect this tradition, lighting lamps to give thanks and providing special Diwali menus in its restaurants this weekend.

Guests at Mint, the contemporary all-day dining restaurant, will enjoy a welcome masala daiquiri on arrival followed by a variety of vegetable tempura. Starters are a choice of espice chicken or mushroom cappuccino, with a choice of Tandoori lamb chops, yellow dal tadkewali or chettinad chicken for the mains. The dessert menu includes assiette of Indian sweets or carrot halwa/ gulab jamin with ice cream.
Mint’s Dinner menu is R300.00 per person and runs from Friday 5 November until Sunday 7 November.

The Bombay Brasserie, the fine-dining Indian restaurant, provides a sumptuous setting for an unforgettable Diwali meal. The five-course set menu, providing vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, is a modern interpretation of traditional Indian cuisine, from the corn and almond soup starter to a strawberry chenna toast dessert. Vegetarian options include Kashmiri Tikka and Paneer Mutter, a cottage cheese and green pea curry. For meat eaters there’s Gost Awadhi Korma, a rich lamb curry or Murg Khandari, chicken with pomegranate seeds. Rajma Raseela, a sweet-bean curry and chigoza palak, sautéed spinach toasted with pine nuts are common to both menus.
The Bombay Brasserie Dawali menu is available for dinner on Friday 5 November as well as Saturday 6th November and is priced at R395.00 per person. Unfortunately Bombay is closed on Sunday.

For reservations call us on +27 (0)21 819 2000
Spend the weekend enjoying the festivities as well as the hotel’s luxurious accommodation and world class Jiva Spa, making this year’s Diwali in Cape Town one to remember.

Madame Zingara combines circus skills with burlesque and vaudeville to create an unforgettably decadent night out.

One of the shows  (image courtesy of Madame Zingara)

A gourmet delight
And while the show alone might be worth the price of admission, the food is not an afterthought. Actually, with dishes like Zingara’s legendary chilli chocolate fillet on the menu, the meal is almost as dramatic as the performers on stage.  Madame Zingara also boasts extravagant cocktails and a meticulously chosen wine list.

It’s not common to find food this imaginative combined with thoroughly skilful and well-considered performances. The effect is almost overwhelming – to enter Madame Zingara’s ornate velvet tent is to travel to another world through a whirlwind of bohemian magic. And everyone is in character – even the waiters turn out to be performers. In fact, some people find interacting with their waiters the most entertaining part of their evening.

Dazzling detail
The attention to detail is striking, from the décor to the costumes, from the stage make-up to the set design. And if all that leaves you feeling too plain, you can even buy fancy dress from the Bijoux Boutique – and really be part of the action.

The menu tries to cater for everyone, with vegetarian options and consideration for special dietary requirements.

And the fun doesn’t end with dinner. The shebeen drinks area outside means that you can get up from the dinner table and party the night away.

Madame Zingara’s Love Magic Tours is in Cape Town until August. Prices vary depending on where you choose to sit, with tickets starting at R300. This includes the show and a five course meal.

Call the Madam Zingara box office to make a reservation on 021 001 3366.

The Taj Cape Town is located close to Cape Town’s varied and interesting nightlife. The well-informed staff at the Taj Cape Town are happy to keep guests up-to-date on the latest events.

Mint, an all-day dining restaurant located at the exclusive Taj Cape Town hotel, offers innovative local and international fare. The Father’s Day special includes a delightful three course menu, complemented by Taj’s characteristically warm Indian hospitality.

Dine in style

The restaurant’s elegant show kitchen allows diners to catch a glimpse of the chefs at work preparing the day’s fare. Mint is situated in the old Reserve Bank building in the Cape Town city centre. This restored historical landmark offers old-world charm combined with cool contemporary flair. Weather permitting, sweeping double-volume glass doors can be opened to create a charming inside-outside dining experience, lending a cosmopolitan ambience to the occasion.

The men will be greeted with a complimentary Jack Black beer upon arrival, and the table d’hôte will cater for even the most discerning palate, showcasing some of Mint’s finest offerings. The menu consists of gourmet dishes with unusual culinary twists. Choose from three options per course, and sit back and enjoy the relaxed yet sophisticated ambience of Mint.

Booking details

Impress your dad by booking a Father’s Day celebration at Mint!

• R240.00 per person
• Half price for children under the age of 10
• To book, please email Kerry at mint.restaurant@tajhotels.com

Nobu’s food is best described as new-style Japanese and, while that may seem cold, we can assure you that it is anything but. In fact Nobu manages to be consistently delicious.

Dining at Nobu is an experience so it can get a little overwhelming if you have no idea what to expect and no guidance. For this reason we thought we’d take this opportunity to give you a few of our local tips.

Nobu is not a starter, main and dessert kind of restaurant instead it is multi dish, multi course extravaganza. At Nobu we always find that it is best to order for the table. This allows everyone to experience everything – so dish envy is completely eliminated – and it also gives you the chance to work your way through the menu; and this is definitely a menu you’ll want to work your way through.

Through our own trial and error we’ve discovered that the very best way to experience what Nobu has to offer is to let their skilled maître d’ do the ordering for your table. In this way it’s much like our Bombay Brasserie when put your dining experience in our hands by opting to go with our chef’s suggestions.

If you do decide to go with this option, when you dine at Nobu, it is best to be upfront with the maître d’. Let him know if there are any ingredients you are allergic to or anything you just don’t eat. But, again in our experience, it is worth going to Nobu with a completely open mind and palate … because when you do you’ll enjoy a dinner at Nobu that is a meal you remember and talk about for years.

Nobu is open for dinner from 6pm – 11pm. To book call + 27 21 431 5111.

We want to ensure that everyone who’d like to experience the Taj Cape Town restaurant offerings, over the 2010 World Cup, has the opportunity to do so. For this reason we are now taking bookings for that period.

If you’re a local – or a visitor – and you’d like to join us for a meal, or series of meals, over the 2010 World Cup please give us a call +27 21 819 2000. We’d really like to make sure that everyone who’d like to dine at the Taj Cape Town, over the 2010 World Cup, has the opportunity to do so.

We look forward to seeing you in less than a month!

Mint Mother’s Day menu

Treat Mom to a dining experience with a difference. The menu consists of gourmet dishes with unusual culinary twists. Choose from three to four options per course, and sit back and enjoy the relaxed yet sophisticated ambience of Mint. The menu also includes tasty vegetarian selections. The starters, mains and desserts have been carefully selected to please any palate.

Enjoy your meal under the trees of St George’s Mall or catch a glimpse of chefs in action beside the impressive open plan show kitchen. A glass façade offers city views and the restaurant boasts a floor to ceiling wine wall. Mint is family friendly and you will feel right at home in this intimate three-level eatery.

Mint is situated in the old Reserve Bank building in the city centre. This restored historical landmark offers old-world charm combined with cool contemporary flair.

Booking details

Impress your mom by booking a Mother’s Day celebration at Mint!

• R230.00 per person
• Half price for children under the age of 10
• To book, please email Kerry at mint.restaurant@tajhotels.com

Enjoy a special family celebration in the heart of Cape Town. A sumptuous meal, warm atmosphere and good company, what better way to spend Mother’s Day?

According to our hamburger experts the four best burgers in Cape Town can be found at:

• Beleza– insiders tip: ask for the Nikki Burger (it’s a bacon, cheese and chilli burger that’s not on the menu but it’s excellent).
• Café Caprice – insiders tip: really enjoy the setting. Caprice is located just opposite Camps Bay beach and this means that you get to enjoy your burger with a large side of people watching.
• Royale Eatery and Royale Kitchen – insiders tip: Royale (located at the top end of Long Street, probably Cape Town’s most well-known and loved street) has great décor and good burgers. Their milkshakes are definitely worth a try!
• Hudson’s Burger Bar – insiders tip: Hudsons (situated on Kloof Street, opposite the Lifestyle Centre) offers an excellent selection of burgers. The vibe is as cool as only Kloof Street can be.

Let us know if you have any more burgers that we should add to our Best Burgers in Cape Town collection.

It is the sixth consecutive year Le Quartier Français has been placed in the top 50 and the second consecutive year for La Colombe.

[insert names] placed in the top 100.

It’s fantastic that these two local restaurants have once again been recognised as some of the best in the world. Congratulations!

Recently we took a midday stroll through the Company Gardens and ended up at Mint for a light summer lunch and both were excellent. The gardens were full of people enjoying their lunch break and children on their way home from school. It was so full of life, laughter and happiness that we arrived at lunch in the best mood. No parking grumpiness or midday traffic stress.

Could you ask for a better Friday? We think not!

Just how many artisan coffee shops – charging at least R20 for a flat white – can Cape Town support? We’ve noticed that coffee roasting and hotels seem to be the two most popular, or at least fastest growing, sections in Cape Town.

We’re not complaining, mind you, because we happen to like both coffee and hotels. We are just wondering if – in the long term – Cape Town can support all this coffee and all these rooms?

On the plus side Deluxe, the coffee showroom and roaster, just up the road from us is excellent. They don’t do food, they don’t do tea; instead they do excellent coffee and brilliant fresh juice. What’s more their flat white is only R10, which is half the price of everywhere else, and it’s as good  – if not better – than some of the more well known roasters.

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We are looking at branching out and trying some new coffee places – where do you recommend we try for our daily fix?

We enjoyed reading Jamie’s review so much that we just had to share it with you. If you’d like to read Jamie Who’s review of the Twankey please click here.

The Statue that sits above the entrance to The Twankey. It also happens to be the statue the seafood, champagne and oyster bar is named after.

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Restoring the Taj Cape Town property has been a big job and we are delighted that all aspects of it are now complete and 100% ready to go.

The Twankey seafood, champagne and oyster bar is located on the corner of Wale and Adderley Street in the Cape Town City Centre. It is open from 10am till late (11pm and beyond) Monday to Saturday and it is set to take the Cape Town luxury bar scene by storm.

If you’re in the Cape Town city centre pay the Twankey a visit for your morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, after-work drink(s) and those evenings where you’re looking for some good fun, laughter, great food, wine, spectacular cocktails, excellent seafood and unforgettable music.

We hope to see you at the Twankey soon.

Mint is located on St George’s Mall and diners who want to engage with the pedestrian hustle, without immersing themselves completely in the bustle, can dine on the Mint veranda (porch) under the umbrellas. For guests looking for a more tranquil experience the Mint interior – decorated in calming greens and blues – allows diners to watch the city pass by through the large glass doors that lead onto St George’s Mall.

The food, at Mint, is excellent (even if we do say so ourselves) and the constantly evolving menu has something for everyone.

If you’re looking for a light lunch we suggest ordering two dishes from our starters section. Presently our asparagus trio and the tuna are both exceptional!

For a more substantial meal all the Mint main courses are all well sized and, when coupled with a starter and a dessert, they will leave even the hungriest patron satisfied.

If you live in the Cape Town city centre, and you’re looking for something different to do over lunch, why don’t you take a relaxed amble through the beautiful Company Gardens and join us for lunch?

To book call +27 21 819 2000.

If you’re a cyclist we’ll forgive you for only visiting after the race. However if you’re a supporter – and we know there are quite a few of you heading this way on Friday, Saturday and Sunday – there is really no reason not to indulge in our three superb Taj Cape Town restaurants.

All our restaurants are so unique that you could easy have breakfast in Mint, lunch at the Twankey, a spot of tea in the lounge (which used to be the old Reserve Bank hall) and dinner at the Bombay Brasserie all on the same day. Delicious and far less painful than spending hours in the saddle!

To make a booking call us on +27 21 819 2000.

Judging from the review Chef Caro thoroughly enjoyed her Bombay Brasserie experience.

Below are the provisional Bombay Brasserie and Mint menus. Please bear in mind that they will be changing slightly. When this happens we will update them here, on the Taj Cape Town blog, and on the Taj Cape Town website.

Both restaurants are open to the public and we’d love to have you join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner – at Mint – and dinner at the Bombay Brasserie.

For further enquiries, or to book, please contact us on +2721 819 2000.

Bombay Brasserie Menu – February 2010

Mint Menu – February 2010

Over the last few weeks we’ve focused a great deal on our three dining options: The Bombay Brasserie, Mint and The Twankey Seafood, Champagne and Oyster Bar. We’ve highlighted their history, their design and their décor but, up until now, we haven’t mentioned the food. That all changes today.

Last week, at a warm-up Bombay Brasserie dinner, we experienced just how the Taj Cape Town’s Bombay Brasserie menu and various dishes captivate a diner’s taste buds. The Bombay Brasserie offers guests Indian cuisine as they’ve never experienced it before. In fact every dish we sampled left us speechless (in a good way).

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Hopefully we’ll see you in the Taj Cape Town and the Bombay Brasserie soon.

It now looks like this:

At this rate you’ll be joining us for a lazy lunch or and a delectable dinner in no time.

This week we are introducing journalists, friends and some Cape Town locals to the very special Taj Cape Town and its unique city-centre offering.

The Twankey Seafood, Champagne and Oyster Bar team were in early Sunday morning to ensure that come Monday (today) everything was just right.

Two months ago it looked like this:

A month ago it looked like this:

In our next post we’ll show you what it’s looking like now.

A month ago the show kitchen was being fitted and the walls painted.

It’s now come so far we need to dedicated an entirely different post to it. See you on Monday with the latest Mint photos.

A month ago it looked like this:

Tomorrow we’ll show you what it looks like now.

Just over two weeks ago we posted about the Bombay Brasserie progress we’d made and used this picture:

Here is a more recent Bombay Brasserie picture, of the same area, taken just a few days ago:

The Bombay Brasserie – modelled on its namesake in London – will treat guests to the finest Indian specialty dining. Here mouth-watering meals will be skilfully prepared using traditional ingredients, creating some of the finest Indian cuisine outside of India.

The Bombay Brasserie – located in the Cape Town city centre on Wale Street – will be a combination of contemporary design and the elegant opulence of the old Reserve Bank. High ceilings will create a sense of space, without detracting from the exclusivity and intimacy of the experience. The luxurious décor will complement the existing heritage pieces and create a rich atmosphere, a wonderful stage for the highly acclaimed menu.

At the Bombay Brasserie all dishes will be a delicate melody of flavours, a taste of modern fine-dining Indian fare.

The Bombay Brasserie in the making.

Less than one month ago the Mint show kitchen looked like this:

The Mint show kitchen now looks like this:

Things – at the Taj Cape Town – are really starting to take shape.

Mint will specialise in innovative international and local fare. Here diners can expect to find a menu that consistently tempts their senses, taste buds and appetites.

This surprisingly intimate three-level restaurant will have a spectacular open-plan show kitchen, allowing guests to glimpse cuisine being created. An impressive floor to ceiling wine wall, an informal wine tasting nook and a mezzanine level (perfect for private functions) all adding to the ambiance. A ceiling-height sliding glass façade, opening onto St Georges Mall, will allow Mint guests to experience outdoor under the trees.

Mint’s setting and tasteful décor will create a relaxed atmosphere where every guest feels at home.

This will soon be Mint's show kitchen.

Mint’s a la carte menu and light meals are ideal for business lunches, dinners and celebrations.

This commitment, to preserving and improving on what already exists, is what the ground floor of the old Temple Chambers (BOE building) – in the Cape Town city centre – has experienced. It has been restored to remarkable condition and – when the Taj Cape Town officially opens its doors – it will be the home of The Twankey Seafood, Champagne and Oyster Bar.

The Twankey Seafood, Champagne and Oyster Bar is a rare find. Flowing champagne and local wine, the freshest seafood tapas, elegant décor and sublime local music tell an unforgettable Cape Town city centre story.

The large street-side windows will create a unique viewing room for The Twankey guests. While its interior, all plush comfortable décor and soulful music, will effectively distinguishes it from the lively city bustle that lies street-side of the glass. Its design and central location will give diners the opportunity to indulge in delicious champagne and South African wine, delectable seafood tapas and other seafood delicacies, while watching authentic Cape Town pass them by from the best seats in the house.

The Twankey will be open from mid-morning and serves light breakfast snacks, pastries, coffee. For lunch and dinner – and everything in between – speciality seafood dishes are served as tapas. An express lunch – a light selection of hot and cold seafood tapas – is also on offer for the time constrained.

It really has got a great selection of pieces from the original structure. These include beautiful marble detailing and wood-paneling. All of this, coupled with the exceptional food and trademark Taj service, adds to the The Taj Cape Town Bombay Brasserie dining experience. It’s going to be unforgettable.

Work presently underway in the Taj Cape Town's Bombay Brasserie

The Bombay Brasserie Indian specialty restaurant is unlike anything presently on offer in Cape Town. The Bombay Brasserie’s dishes are not all about heat or sauce; instead they’re a delicate melody of flavours, a real taste of modern Indian fare.

Mint, the Taj Cape Town’s relaxed all-day dining restaurant, will showcase innovative international and local cuisine. Its main features – apart from the consistently tempting menu – are the open-plan kitchen (making it possible for diners to sneak-a-peak at their meals being prepared) and the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening onto St Georges Mall. These doors, when open, create a seamless indoor-outdoor dining experience.

The final dining experience on offer – at the Taj Cape Town – is the Twankey Seafood, Champagne and Oyster Bar situated on the corner of Wale Street and Adderley Street. Here flowing champagne, fresh seafood, elegant décor, wrap-around glass windows and background jazz tell a glamorous story. Twankey guests can spend an hour, an afternoon or a whole day sipping on something delicious, snacking on delectable seafood tapas and watching the Adderley Street bustle pass them by.

Behind the scenes at Mint. In the background you can see the floor-to-ceiling glass façade that opens onto St Georges Mall.

That means we’ve excelled for 107 years in the notoriously competitive hospitality industry – which is a remarkable achievement, even if we do say so ourselves.

As a brand the Taj has seen some fantastic things and lived through inventions that have forever changed the way the world works. Over the course of the 107 years we, at the Taj, have had to learn to adapt to the changes, without losing the charm and magic that makes every one of our hotels so spectacular.

At the Taj Cape Town we plan on tackling the fine art of blogging in the same manner the Taj group has always handled changed, by taking it in our stride.

We believe that blogging will allow us to share what we know makes our Cape Town city centre hotel so unique and spectacular.

Over the course of the next few weeks, months and years you can expect – through this blog – to be included in our whirlwind Cape Town adventure.

Welcome to the Taj Cape Town.