On 27 and 28 May, Langa in Cape Town will host what many consider to be ‘the top restaurant in South Africa’ – The Test Kitchen. The Guga S’Thebe arts centre will see acclaimed chef Luke Dale-Roberts and his team from The Test Kitchen, cooking two lunches in aid of the Noluthando Early Childhood Development Centre and Project Archangel. This Test Kitchen X The Langa Project is set to be a new benchmark in charity events.
The four-course menu showcasing Luke and his team’s talents will provide a true The Test Kitchen experience. There are 140 seats available per day – R250 pp, which includes wines and craft ciders sourced from local estates.
Pop-up township restaurant experience
The impetus behind this event is Wanda Guma. Born in Langa, but raised in the US, Guma returned to Cape Town in his late teens. In the past 15 years he has focused on Business Development and Strategic Marketing, involving himself in entrepreneurial activities in Langa. Guma heard Dale-Roberts speak at last year’s Business of Design Conference, and approached him with the idea of doing a pop-up restaurant experience in a township.
“He was really excited about the idea of being involved in a township project of some kind. 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,” Guma explains.
The idea is to make a township fine-dining experience available, while charities benefit from the proceeds.
Dale-Roberts adds: “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.”
Guests can not only expect sublime food and wine at a fraction of the cost, but also hear what charities want to achieve with donations.
Guma sees multiple benefits stemming from the project. “For people from the townships to experience a true gourmet meal can be life-changing. People outside the township have a chance to visit the township – over a phenomenal meal and supporting charity. It will also have economic spin-offs on the day and in the future – promoting township tours, or the sale of arts and crafts by artists exhibiting at Guga S’Thebe.”
Dale-Roberts adds, “The Test Kitchen X The Langa Project is going to be a benchmark: not only for how gourmet restaurants can play an integral part in raising money for worthy charities, but also for the unique dining experience it will create.”
What: The Test Kitchen X The Langa Project
Where: Guga S’Thebe Arts & Culture Centre, Langa, Cape Town
When: 27 – 28 May, 2017
Tickets: R250 pp, with wines and craft ciders from local estates
Book: www.thetestkitchen.co.za/online-booking/, 021 447 2337 office hours (no door tickets on promo weekend)
WS
