On 27 and 28 May 2017, Cape Town’s oldest township, Langa, will play host to The Test Kitchen for a first-ever charity pop-up event. Luke Dale-Roberts and his team will cook two lunches in aid of the Noluthando Early Childhood Development Centre and Project Archangel in an event dubbed The Test Kitchen X The Langa Project.

Wanda Guma and Luke Dale-Roberts to team up for pop-up charity lunches in Langa.

The four-course menu hosted at The Guga S’Thebe Arts and Cultural Centre will provide an experience similar to dining at SA’s number-one restaurant, but for a good cause and at a fraction of the price. There will be 140 seats available per day at a cost of R250 per person. This price will also include wines and craft ciders sourced from local estates.

The catalyst behind this charitable event is Langa-born Wanda Guma, who has spent the last 15 years devoting his time to business development and strategic marketing, as well as various entrepreneurial activities. He heard Luke Dale-Roberts speak at last year’s Business of Design Conference, and immediately approached him with the idea of doing a pop-up restaurant experience.

The art of plating at The Test Kitchen. Photo supplied.

The chef was eager to take part. Explains Wanda, “He was really excited about the idea. We set up a brainstorming meeting with him and his team, and in the end came up with the idea of doing two very affordable charity lunches.”

The aim is to create a fine-dining experience for people in the townships and to dedicate the proceeds to charities, while creating awareness of these organisations. Explains Luke: “I’ve been wanting to get a township charity project started for a while, and The Test Kitchen X The Langa Project is a fantastic way to be involved. From sharing our food philosophy and taste experiences to placing the spotlight on worthy charities, this is a unique way to make a difference.”

Wanda and The Test Kitchen team forsee multiple benefits from project. “For people to experience a gourmet meal for the first time can be life-changing. Also, those outside the township have a chance to visit – over a phenomenal meal and at the same time supporting charity. It will also have economic spin-offs on the day and in the future, for example, promoting township tours or the sale of arts and crafts by artists who exhibit their products at the Guga S’Thebe Cultural Centre,” Wanda says.

Smoked beef fillet, café au lait sauce, ox heart stuffing, porcini and onion at The Test Kitchen. Photo supplied.

The two charities that will benefit include the Noluthando Early Childhood Development Centre in Langa, which provides a safe, caring and hospitable environment for children in the local and surrounding communities, and Project Archangel, which raises funds and support for St Michael’s Home for Abused Teenage Girls.

If you’d like to book your spot, book online via www.thetestkitchen.co.za/online-booking/ or call 021 447 2337 during office hours. There will be no tickets available at the door on the weekend of the event.