Salon, the dining experience inspired by Luke Dale Roberts’ global culinary career, has announced Tadiswa Chikwanha as the new head sommelier in charge of guests’ beverage experience at the restaurant. 

“I am on my journey with wine, and this is an exciting new chapter,” says Chikwanha, who was born in Zimbabwe and raised in Cape Town. “In my previous roles, I enjoyed incredible exposure to both local and international wines, and I look forward to bringing that experience to the guests at Salon.” 

No stranger to excelling, Chikwanha was awarded the title of top-performing Zimbabwean sommelier at the Stellenbosch Wine Routes Ubuntu Trophy 2023. He has extensive hospitality experience, qualifications from the UK-based Wine & Spirit Education Trust and certifications through the South African Sommeliers Association.  

In his new role at Salon, Chikwanha will work alongside Schulze and Dale Roberts in refining the Pioneer and Iconic pairings for each dish, as the Journey menu evolves. 

“I believe that the perfect food and wine pairing takes a few palates, and I’m excited to work with some of the most respected chefs in the industry,” he says. “I’m really hoping to be able to grow the wine offering to include more boutique producers, and showcase wines that are not yet well-known. I think that will really enhance the wine experience, alongside the incredible plates I’ll be pairing with.” 

Salon, an Eat Out 2-star restaurant in Cape Town’s Old Biscuit Mill precinct, has been exciting diners with its inventive multi-course menus since opening in April 2023. Dale Roberts and executive chef Carla Schulze have worked together to create a memorable food journey for diners that uses Dale Roberts’ career as inspiration.  

Along with Chikwanha’s appointment as head sommelier, Dale Roberts and Schulze have extended the signature Journey menu to 11 courses just in time for season.  

Starting with Dale Roberts’ roots in England and his formative years cooking in Asia, the extended menu then moves to his time in Europe, Latin America and finally South Africa, the country he has called home for nearly two decades. “Chef Luke and I just have too many ideas,” explains Schulze. “We did a few special event menus in the summer, and we realised some of the dishes were so good we had to put them on the menu!” 

Diners can look forward to a plate of proudly South African “Padkos”, where Dale Roberts and Schulze celebrate local flavours in an entirely novel manner, such as their unique take on classic Snoek Tart or tiny bites of flavour-packed “Slangetjies” and “Roti”. There’s also an inspired bread course that evolves with the seasons and the whims of the kitchen. 

 

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With an exciting new drinks journey and a menu to match, guests have a lot to look forward to at Salon.