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The Lost Ingredients of South Africa have found a new home in The Palace of the Lost City’s luxurious Crystal Court. In partnership with Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, a new culinary adventure is just beginning at Sun City’s royalty central. But, there is a lot more to come.
Chef Jan delves into the rich culinary heritage of South Africa in a campaign called The Lost Ingredients of the Lost City. Through this, he celebrates ingredients unique to the region yet are often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of modernity. Amaranth, Cleome, Jew’s Mallow and Cowpea are four favourites, with Chef Jan uncovering their tastes one by one. Subsequently, each ingredient honours ancestral culinary cultures and nurtures sustainable future food ways due to their water-wise resilience.
Chef Jan said: “This project aims to spotlight these ingredients in innovative dishes, highlighting our commitment to celebrating the vibrant flavours of South African cuisine. We look forward to sharing these delightful creations with guests and inviting them to experience the essence of our hospitality and food culture in a thoroughly renovated space.”
Therefore, the start of this culinary adventure at The Palace launches with the Crystal Court undergoing a luxurious makeover, with corn and maize at the centre.
We finally achieve the original vision of our founder, the late Sol Kerzner, to offer a seven-star dining experience starting with breakfast fit for a king.
The Lost Ingredients collaboration launched with a spotlight on heirloom corn and other types of maize that shape South African cuisine. Chef Jan highlights the versatility of corn, and how many different forms it can take. From traditional pap to contemporary dishes, Chef Jan and The Palace celebrate its cultural significance and role in local food security.
Furthermore, South Africa’s beloved corn takes centre stage in the Crystal Court, with art installations escalating the exuberant nature of The Palace even further. Finally, this humble ingredient is placed on its well-deserved pedestal.
Brett Hoppé, Sun City’s General Manager, said: “We aim to restore the Crystal Court dining area to its former glory while incorporating modern elements. This involves updating the architecture, enhancing the landscaping, and revitalising the interior design. This creates a harmonious blend of historical charm and contemporary style, ensuring that the space feels timeless and inviting.”
The Palace has been a long-time favourite of South Africans looking for a bit of luxury and wonder. Inspired by the lore of an African kingdom once lost to the jungle surrounding it, The Palace is encircled by mountains and exotic gardens. Since opening in 1992 as Sun International’s “six star” property, it has enthralled travellers from around the world.
Recently, it completed a full-scale refurbishment valued at R200-million. This saw The Palace’s rooms, villas and Plume restaurant renovated and the addition of The Royal Spa. Additionally, a further R30-million was spent on the reimagination of the Crystal Court dining experience, elevating the hotel’s offering to new heights.
“We owe much of our success to the story of The Palace as a place of myths and wonder, of luxury and royal pampering. Now, however, we embark on a new gourmet journey that takes dining at The Palace from a good food experience to one that is truly exceptional. By consulting one of the country’s most creative and applauded chefs, we finally achieve the original vision of our founder, the late Sol Kerzner, to offer a seven-star dining experience starting with breakfast fit for a king,” said Hoppé.
However, the Crystal Court transformation is just the beginning of Chef Jan and The Palace’s journey together. Over the next 18 months, carefully curated guest experiences will be introduced alongside new seasonal menus at Tusk Bar, the Pool Deck and in-room dining. Therefore, the overall dining experience within The Palace will be redefined, including service, ambience and interior design aspects.
“We cater to guests who hail from around the country and the world, but their expectations are all the same. They want a luxurious setting and an innovative meal that surprises, delights, and wows them. With Chef Jan and his team on board, we are confident that the restaurants at The Palace will go from ordinary to exceptionally extraordinary,” said Hoppé.
Chef Jan added that “storytelling has always been at the forefront of what [they] do and this inspires meaningful experiences that trigger emotional and memorable connections with guests. The details behind uniqueness and the dedication to choice and quality has been and will continue to be [their] number one priority.”
So, if you want to feel what it’s like to be royalty, The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City is a coronation away. The partnership with Chef Jan is just the beginning of a masterful culinary adventure, starting with the opulent Crystal Court.
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