The roof of the ballroom at the Westin Grand in Cape Town nearly came down when Rust en Vrede was announced the top restaurant in South Africa at the 2010 Eat Out awards on Sunday night. But that’s not all: the same restaurant also took the Best Service award, Restaurant of the Year, and chef David Higgs was crowned SA’s best chef. The accolades are well deserved. David and his team have shown astonishing talent and Rust en Vrede pulls out all the stops to make dining there a show-stopping affair.

The hotel ballroom was transformed into a magical white foraging forest, with elegant cut-out trees that sparkled with crystals and candles. We feasted on a zingy beetroot and ricotta starter prepared by PJ Vadas of The Roundhouse, with fruity olives and lemon confit, matched with La Motte 2009 Chardonnay. This was followed by a sublime land-and-sea dish by Chantel Dartnall of Restaurant Mosaic in Pretoria, which was paired with La Motte’s organically grown 2010 Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc. The exquisite main course of pan-fried beef fillet was prepared by winning chef David Higgs and perfectly paired with Rust en Vrede 2007 Estate. The final touch was a magnificent dessert plated on a wooden board, by Jardine's Eric Bulpitt – pear in ember served with a chilled glass of 2009 Nuy white Muscadel courtesy of Veritas.

Margot Janse of The Tasting Room in Franschhoek gave a heartfelt tribute to the late Lannice Snyman, a beautiful lady and culinary genius. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. As of this year, the Lifetime Achievement award will be dedicated to Lannice. This year we recognised Walter Ulz of Linger Longer for his invaluable contribution to the culinary arts.

Congratulations to you all!
Abigail

Go to the Eat Out Awards 2010 gallery.