The quirky neighbourhood of Observatory is to be home to a new social dining eatery called Reverie Social Table, created and owned by Chef Julia Hattingh. Each evening guests are invited to sit around Julia’s bespoke 18-seater dining table where they will enjoy a five course meal designed exclusively for them. If you love food, wine and great company then this is the place to be. It is encouraged that phones are put away and that you simply indulge in the reverie of the space and food that has been created.
Born and bred in Cape Town, Julia has always been in love with food…and shoes and clothes and bubbly (pretty much the things I love most too) and her decision to become a chef was one she made when she was still in high school, and she set about making her dream of owning a table d’hôte style eatery a reality. She went on to graduate from the Meerendal Hospitality Academy in Durbanville in 2006 under the tutelage of David Higgs (Saxon Boutique Hotel, Rust en Vrede) and Wade van der Merwe (Cakes by wade) and then went on to establish her career at Le Quartier Fracais’ right when South Africa was embracing culinary trends.
Hattingh says “Although my roots are deeply rooted in South Africa I needed to explore Europe and mostly the vast culinary influences that pulse through the continent. During my two years in London I worked for Gary Rhodes at the one star Michelin-awarded Rhodes 24 (now closed), as well as with Chefs Adam Gray, Andrew Barkham, Omar Romero and Gregory Czarnecki Executive Chef at Waterkloof Estate in Somerset West.” Thanks to Chef Czarnecki, Chef Hattingh then went on to work at Alain Senderens (now Lucas Carton), a two star Michelin-awarded hotel and restaurant.
Early 2014 saw Chef Hattingh return to Cape Town where she took on the position of Head Chef at Holden Manz where she was able to hone her business skills as well as an overall knowledge of kitchen management.
Chef Hattingh’s contemporary style is strongly influenced by the chefs that have mentored her throughout her career, and a great career it has been thus far, and now her dream of owning her own table d’hôte style eatery is a reality, and she celebrates in saying “I’m exactly one year ahead of schedule!” And with her focus and drive I am sure that Reverie Social Table is set to be a huge success.
Booking is essential and both reservations and payment can be made online. Each person will pay R700 for a five-course meal, including wine and excluding gratuity. Credit card facilities are also available at the venue but booking is essential.
By day the eclectically furnished eatery welcomes you to relax, make use of the free Wi-Fi and tuck into the plate du jour; whatever it may be that has inspired Chef Hattingh that morning.
Visit www.reverie.capetown or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Open Monday to Saturday.
Morning coffee from 11h00, and lunch served from 12h00 to 15h00.
Supper from 19h00 to 23h00.
Information supplied by 20 Across PR consultancy
