A New Chef and a Fresh Culinary Vision for Cape Town’s iconic Nellie
Cape Town’s beloved Nellie, the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, has welcomed a new Executive Chef, Luke Lawrence Barry. With extensive experience internationally, Chef Luke is set to elevate the hotel’s already renowned dining experiences.
He spent the past ten years perfecting his skills in Hong Kong. And, his career has seen him open a number of restaurants that explore diverse cuisines and innovative culinary experiences. In his new role at the Mount Nelson, Chef Luke manages a collection of much-loved dining establishments. While he believes it’s important to preserve the unique flavour of each, he also values sustainability, seasonality and the celebration of South African cuisine.
“I’ve always appreciated and respected what Mount Nelson does and represents,” he says. “This majestic property possesses 125 years’ worth of history that I feel I need to uphold, which is a huge responsibility.”
So, what can we expect from the new chapter in this renowned establishment’s culinary journey?
Chef’s Table
The iconic Chef’s Table is a revered institution at Belmond Mount Nelson. Here, Chef Luke and his team will craft an intimate dining experience, highlighting the best local ingredients. With the menu changing daily, this experience offers diners an ever-unique journey of creativity and flavour. For dessert, Executive Sous Chef Vicky Gurovich adds her creative touch, constantly reinventing the dessert selection with creative flair.
‘Four-hands’ Dinners
In an effort to create positive change through collaboration, Chef Luke is introducing ‘four-hands’ dinners at Chef’s Table. In these exclusive bi-monthly events, ‘Four-hands’ Dinners will feature emerging culinary talents from Mount Nelson and beyond.
The inaugural ‘four-hands’ dinner will be hosted on 24 August 2024. In honour of National Women’s Month in South Africa, it will feature rising star, Chef Mmabatho Molefe – an exceptional female chef who champions African cuisine. She will be joined by winemaker Kiara Scott Farmer from Brookdale Estate.
The Fountain Restaurant
Chef Luke is also spearheading the creation of a new dining spot. Opening later this year, The Fountain restaurant will offer a relaxed Mediterranean culinary experience on the hotel’s expansive lawn. Guests can enjoy Neapolitan pizzas and fresh antipasti prepared live, all while sipping cocktails and watching the sunset at The Nellie’s newest alfresco hotspot.
Elevated Experiences All Round
Mount Nelson’s other dining venues are also getting exciting updates under Chef Luke’s vision with menus focusing on local inspiration and global flair, in honour of the hotel’s rich history.
- – At Oasis Bistro, led by Sous Chef Lloyd Destadler, guests can now enjoy a farm-to-table approach. The menu will highlight locally sourced ingredients that reflect the hotel’s serene surroundings.
- – Planet Bar introduces a mix of timeless classics and globally inspired snacks that capture Cape Town’s vibrant flavours.
- – And, on The Verandah, Chef Luke, together with Sous Chefs Brinelle Cunningham and Llyl Manuel, present intricate dishes that celebrate local heritage through innovative cooking techniques.
“South Africa is the driving force behind this menu,” Chef Luke says. “We want to showcase South African flavours and cooking methods, so much of the food will be touched by smoke and fire.”
So, just because the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel honours 125 years of history, doesn’t mean there is nothing new to discover here.
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