A Fresh Take: Executive Chef Wesli Jacobs joins Cape Grace
If Netflix's The Bear offers any insight into the high-stakes world of hospitality, it's that a head chef sets the tone for the entire kitchen.
At Cape Town's Cape Grace Hotel - recognised as one of the city's best by Time Out - a new chapter begins under Executive Chef Wesli Jacobs, who brings a fresh vision to its five-star dining experience.
We were introduced to Chef Jacob's culinary creativity during a lunch hosted in Heirloom's private dining room alongside celebrated former World's Best sommelier, Philippe Faure-Brac.
Jacobs rose to the challenge, plating a menu set to stand beside wines open to critique by Faure-Brac (no pressure). Faure-Brac, whose attendance was a masterstroke - aligned perfectly with the hosting of the ASI General Assembly in Cape Town for the first time in its 55-year run, a landmark for the African continent as a whole.
The collaboration of this Fairmont property, under Accor's ownership, has led to significant refurbishments and enhancements at the Cape Grace, including the introduction of Heirloom Restaurant - first, under the leadership of acclaimed chef Gregory Czarnecki in 2023. Chef Asher Abramowitz later took over the reins in 2024, bringing added focus to South Africa's rich culinary heritage.
Now, Jacobs and his team, including sommelier Alvezo Abrahams, showcased exactly what guests can expect in the months ahead.
Think elegant dishes rooted in South African traditions of Cape Malay cooking with touches of finesse. Fine examples include the Seafood Biryani (paired with a Cape Point Reserve Sauvignon Blanc) and the Springbok Potjie (paired with Beyerskloof Reserve).
Other splashes of contemporary flair included a Fynbos Sorbet palette cleanser and Baked Alaska, "not done Ouma's way" - best described as a smile-inducing dish, even before tasting it.
Jacobs, formerly of Four Seasons Westcliff, where he led the award-winning pass at Flames, tells us that while he might be looking to break the mould in some instances, he and his team are pushing to put it back together in a totally unique way.
Cooking from the heart and memory as odes to aunties or grannies are no longer platitudes when you consider the selection Jacobs shared. And it's not just Heirloom that are under his care - with Bascule Bar and the Library Lounge as part of his culinary canvas.
The lunch menu certainly has set sizzling aspirations for the season ahead.
The Cape Grace is inviting guests to join them for an adventurous pairing of chardonnays at the end of June, featuring Atlas Swift - just ahead of their new winter menu launch in July. Advanced booking is advised.
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