The Test Kitchen is best known for its unique dining experience and gastronomic cuisine. But what truly makes this restaurant stand out amongst its competitors? The man; Luke Dale-Roberts, himself.
By Mikaela Kagan
Dale-Roberts prides himself on his dedication to perfection and his unrivalled commitment to innovation. After earning a place on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and taking a top spot on Eat Out’s Top 10 since 2010, he still felt the need to surpass himself, seeking new opportunities for growth and creativity. To no one’s surprise, he sealed his position as the best in the business with his well-deserved win at the 2016 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Awards. Chief judge and editor, Abigail Donnelly, awarded the Test Kitchen with the Restaurant of the Year award for an astounding fifth consecutive year. After yet another exceptional year, Luke’s unconditional desire to push culinary boundaries has once again raised the standards of fine dining in South Africa.
True to his ever-evolving personal commitment to excellence, Dale-Roberts has reinvented the magnificent Test Kitchen, unveiling a revamped sensory culinary experience. The restaurant has now been divided into two conrasting parts; the Dark Room and the Light Room.
The Dark Room is a hedonistic, luxurious space boasting wood-clad walls, sinister manipulated shadows and a rich colour palette. The idea behind this quiet, mysterious room was to create an environment condusive to intimate and engaging conversation over beautifully-crafted finger food. It is here where guests instinctively lower their voices, breathe a little deeper, and gain a heightened appreciation for their surroundings. The Dark Room hosts the first seven courses of the new tasting menu, before guests transition to the Light Room.
Upon entering the Light Room, one is handed a geranium-infused glass of water, served with rose petal ice cubes – an instantly refreshing juxtaposition to the edgier weight and decadence of the Dark Room. Tables are laid immaculately with traditional linen, creating a more formal setting and a bright sense of occasion. It is here, in crisp and clean-cut beauty of the Light Room, that the patrons will be served the remainder of the elegantly-plated menu.
There are three menu options on offer to suit your taste and budget:
Tasting menu #1 includes cocktails, a glass of MCC, coffee, and after-dinner brandy.
Tasting menu #2 with a wine pairing includes cocktails, a glass of MCC, coffee, and after-dinner brandy.
Tasting menu #3 with an iconic wine pairing includes cocktails, a glass of MCC, coffee, and afte-dinner brandy.
Each menu will leave you with a lingering sense of awe at having partook in one of the very best dining experiences the world has to offer.
THE DETAILS
When: Tuesday-Sunday; Dinner sitting 18:30-20:30 PM
Where: The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915
Reservations: (27) (21) 447 2337 // reservations@thetestkitchen.co.za
Website: thetestkitchen.co.za
FOLLOW THEM
Facebook: The Test Kitchen
Twitter: @TestKitchenCT
Instagram: @thetestkitchenct
