Sadly Christine recorded on her facebook page that she has closed at the Gables in Dullstroom. Fortunately Nic Gray who worked with Christine, is now The Artful Chef at Chapter One restaurant at The Highlander Hotel and his creations are awesome. The trio of trout, mussels and fillet steak are superlative but the whole menu is outstanding. All is not lost !

A group of 7 of us were fortunate enough to get a booking this last weekend. We did book 2 weeks in advance, which I would recommend. For a start, I had read recent reviews and although all comments about the food were excellent I did read some complaints about their children policy. When I booked I was told that children under 8 are not welcome. Always contentious, but I agree with the restaurant on this occasion. This is not a family restaurant. There is no kiddies menu or iPhone charging stations at the table. There are others in Dullstroom that are, but they are not fine dining restaurants. We did take our children but they are teenagers and were welcome. So onto the food. There is no menu. Guests are tempted with a choice of a few starters, mains and desserts that change on a regular basis. Several of us chose the ravioli starter, others opting for the soup. The ravioli was exceptional, as good as I have had anywhere in the world. For my main, I went for the pork belly. Generous, succulent, and of course under delicious crackling. Others dishes ordered included Trout 4 ways, and souse-vide fillet. I tried both and they again were world class. Michelin quality. If we had Michelin awards in South Africa, I have no doubt most of them would end up in the western cape but 1 may end up here. Really, it is that good. Ambiance is relaxed, spacious, but cozy, helped by a roaring fire and gigantic tables (no feeling like you are eating in a plane). They could well seat twice as many patrons, but have clearly decided that it is not about maximizing profits, but rather providing carefully considered dishes cooked by the co-owner head chef. Price is in-line with more reputable franchise restaurants, making value here exceptional. A meal of this quality would cost 2-3 as much on a trendy Cape Wine Farm or “cheffy” Johannesburg restaurant. Service was exemplary through out the evening. Folks it really is this good. The Art of food does not just deserve it’s No 1 rating for Dullstroom, but should be a top contender in the whole of South Africa.

We admired the charming décor on the first floor: White painted exposed beams, exceptional lighting, beautiful art works and soothing music. The host Dave received us warmly and we were offered drinks and the menu was explained. We shared two starters between the four of us – a Thai soup and Bobotie spring rolls. Our mains included pork three ways, a refreshing take on chicken roulade and rib-eye steak. The dessert of rum & raisin ice cream and baklava was also shared. The dishes were all presented skilfully, the portions were generous and the taste exceptional. The flavours were layered and the dishes were prepared and served with love and passion. Chef Christine indeed creates miracles. The whole experience exceeded our expectations and the dinner was exceptional.

What a great experience! No fixed dinner menu but everything was delicious!

Have stopped there a few times now, sometimes bringing regular visitors from overseas who now insist this is a must. The ambience, service and food were excellent.