The glittering awards ceremony was held at the Westin Cape Town, in the Grand Ballroom, and guests were treated to a four-course meal prepared by top chefs. Without further ado, here are the winners of this year’s awards.
The ambience of a restaurant needs to be taken into account when choosing where to eat. You need to feel that you belong.
Stylish need not equal award-winning design. It is all about the different elements coming together to create an aesthetically stylish whole. Comfy chairs are a start, and so are the music and the lighting – all of which shouldn’t be too hard or too soft. By the same token, good-looking crockery and well polished wine glasses should also be taken into consideration.
It’s also about excelling in quality – a standard that fits snug in a particular style of restaurant, whether it offers a luxuriously rustic ambience or a beautiful 5 star view. Lastly, design is key – from glamorous to off-beat, classic elegance to sophisticated urban chic.
In 2011, we announced a brand new award at the Eat Out Restaurant Awards. In 2012 the award is presented in association with Visi, arguably South Africa’s most prestigious design magazine. And for the first time we asked the public to nominate their pick of the most stylish restaurants. Nominations have been narrowed down to a list of 20 by Eat Out, and the winner will be judged by Sumien Brink (editor) and Annemarie Meintjies (deputy editor) of Visi. Judging is currently underway for the 2013 award.
The 2012 finalists and winner
(announced at the Eat Out DStv Food Network Restaurant Awards on Sunday 25 November 2012)
The first of our style nominees is Woodstock Italian spot Burrata. With cosy face-brick and quirky details, this restaurant strikes the right note with ambiance.
Mother city Peruvian restaurant, Keenwa, does ethnic without a hint of kitsch. Stop by for pisco sour and ceviche in a stylish baby blue and chocolate brown interior.Read more…
The Restaurant at Waterkloof
Nestled in the gap between the Helderberg and Hottentots-Holland mountains, this restaurant combines contemporary design with beautiful views.
International food writer Bruce Palling and Eat Out editor Abigail Donnelly are the judges for the 2012 Eat Out DStv Food Network Restaurant Awards.
Eat Out’s dedicated team of professional reviewers has sampled aperitifs, sipped soups and devoured desserts all across the country, to bring us reviews of the best restaurants in their area. Their knowledge and expertise will help to inform the shortlist for the Top 10.
As such, with the input from the entire Eat Out community, Abigail and Bruce will draw up a list of nominees. Each nominee had to adhere to the following guidelines:
The establishment must have been open and operating since November 2011, i.e. for a full year.
The owners and chef should show an absolute passion for their business.
Dedication to uplifting the industry should be displayed.
Chefs should care about sourcing quality produce.
Consistency and excellence must shine through every aspect of the business.
After drawing up the list, Abigail and Bruce will eat at each of these restaurants to score them on food, service and ambience, taking into account a multitude of aspects that make the eating out experience a showstopper.
Judging criteria:
Restaurants must have been open, with the same chef, for a period of one year to be eligible for the Top 10. They are judged on a scorecard out of 100, on the following criteria:Food /70
Which includes:
Menu composition and seasonality /15 – choice, cooking techniques, dietary requirements, local ingredients, choice of fish, out-of-season ingredients Presentation /15 – visual appeal, fits description, use of plate, garnishes Taste /25 – execution of dish, balanced, flavours complimentary, texture Wine /10 – choice, other beverages offered, staff knowledge, pairing and value for money Value for money /5
Service /20 – reservation, arrival, staff attitude and knowledge, specials, wine matching, dietary requirements, extra mile, billing Ambience /10 – comfort level, cleanliness, cutlery, music and bathrooms.
Review Team
Our dedicated team of reviewers has made their way through everything from the aperitif to dessert all across the country, to bring us news of the best restaurants in their area.
