Chef Siphamandla Shawn Manqunyana is in Gqeberha to serve up a side of romance and put a spin on date night with the inaugural Plated Evening event.
The Kwazakhele-born chef said the Plated Evening would bring something different for Nelson Mandela Bay on Friday with the event being held on the first day of Women’s Month.
“We want this event to celebrate women, to the gents to say let your lady rest on a Friday to be spoilt.
“To get that experience of going on a date, it is not just being taken out to eat, it is a whole evening experience.
“That is why we chose to kick it off in Women’s Month, for me there has always been a rally of women behind me so [I am] saying to women in Gqeberha let your partner, husband, friend take you out.”
Manqunyana said they would consider hosting more events as only five seats remained for the exclusive event that would cater for 20 people.
People will get to enjoy a three-course meal, with roasted butternut soup with spiced crème fraîche and herb oil as the starter.
The main course will be grilled lamb loin with beetroot purée, garlic mash and seasonal vegetables accompanied by a bottle of wine, with a chef’s surprise for dessert.
The recipient of the 2024 Capsicum Culinary Studio bursary said they decided to partner with the owner of Phaka Restaurant in 14 Irvine Street in Richmond Hill to ensure an intimate and memorable evening.
“We decided to cater to a small number of people, we did not want to overcrowd people.
“Locals also get bored of attending the same thing so we wanted to keep people longing for the next cookout.
“Chef Phakamisa Kolisi [of Phaka restaurant] is all about fine dining.
“I am a self-taught cook that did not follow a recipe, but now I am learning to use a recipe, so we are bringing those different elements.
“A different touch from the young generation with a bit of the old, it is more of a student and a lecturer relationship.
“He loves to share knowledge so this is a great opportunity for me to learn the fine dining experience.”
Phaka Restaurant owner Kolisi said he was excited about the partnership as it would help to expose his restaurant to new clients.
Kolisi has been a chef for 15 years, with international experience — in the US and Sweden.
He infused his love for Xhosa indigenous food in his restaurant with an international standard, calling it an African Fusion.
“I am excited to learn from chef Manqunyana, it is not common for chefs to work together,” Kolisi said.
“Food plays an important role in relationships, while you are eating you can romance one another by feeding each other while having fun with your food.
“So we want couples to leave the kids at home, come out together and enjoy themselves.”
People can RSVP for the event at Phaka Restaurant, with single tickets at a cost of R450 and couples R800.
The Herald
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