May 2016 will see a new eatery opening up in the buzzing Umhlanga village near Durban. Called The Chefs Table, the open–plan kitchen and restaurant will offer diners the chance to watch talented young chef Kayla-Ann Osborn and her skilled culinary brigade in action.

Kayla trained at Thousand Hills Chef School before joining the team at Pietermaritzburg’s fine-dining restaurant, Trafford’s, in 2013, where she headed up the kitchen. She has now made the move to the sandy shores of Umhlanga to open up her dream restaurant. The upmarket eatery will be located on the first floor of the recently built Protea Hotel on Chartwell Drive, and will offer an innovative concept that incorporates the latest international trends in dishes made from seasonal, fresh ingredients.

A salmon dish at The Chefs Table. Photo supplied.

The stylish open-plan kitchen, situated in the heart of the dining room, is where the chefs will cook in full view of the guests, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere on their own culinary stage. Guests will also be able to take a seat at the U-shaped kitchen counter, where they can watch their dishes being prepared, ask questions, sample tasters, and receive recommendations directly from the chefs.

A beef dish at The Chefs Table. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The menu will change daily, dependent on availability, and will feature seasonal produce. The offering may include starter options like beetroot-and-lemon cured salmon with gremolata emulsion, cucumber mint flowers, pickled apple and salmon caviar, or roasted bone marrow and slow-braised beef tongue with mustard paste and herb cream. For mains, expect to see dishes like balsamic braised beef short-rib with cauliflower and parmesan purée, organic baby carrot, basil emulsion and daikon radish, or slow-roasted lamb belly rolled with ginger, turmeric, garlic-and-star-anise paste served with lemon spätzle, heirloom tomatoes, tomato gel and a lamb reduction.

A beautifully plated prawn dish at The Chefs Table. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

As for the drinks, a full bar will include a wide range of single malts, premium spirits, an extensive cocktail menu, and vintage wines from the cellar.

The Chefs Table is still under construction, but watch this space for news on the official opening closer to May 2016.

Another dish to look forward to at The Chefs Table. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.