Rustenburg – The RESD might sound diabolical, like a secret society with its heart set on world domination and controlling a puppet government from behind the shadows, but the RESD is a group of Rustenburg locals who have a far nobler and more important agenda than mere world domination.
The RESD is the acronym for the Rustenburg Exclusive Secret Dining, which is a collection of all the finest foods and locally produced dishes presented to a select few members of the public in an attempt to remind Rustenburg’s citizens that we live in a city that is littered with Gems. Gems as in wonderful locations and equally wonderfully individuals who have the talents to create an enchanting evening filled with all the culinary delights that Rustenburg has to offer.
On Saturday, (the 3rd of August) after whispers in the shadows and a few secret messages, the Rustenburg Exclusive Secret Dining club hosted their first major event at Chateau de Nates, just outside of town… and boy they did a splendid job!
In perfect hush-hush style, the location was held secret until the very last day; ‘members’ who bought tickets to attend received a message which simply gave the address and a time.
Chateau de Nates was the ideal venue for this gathering – the winter night was cold enough that I would have gladly worn an illuminate cloak but with their warm fire-places scattered carefully around, the patrons kept us warm and a cosy atmosphere kept everyone in high spirits. And this while a Musician Zane Posthumus, and his Guitar entertained us with delightful serenades.
As for our Hosts; none other than Celia Venter (Owner of Smashing Promotions) and Thys Hattingh, Owner of Sweet Mafia (you might remember him from Master Chef SA). Together they, with a few of their close friends and colleges had envisioned the RESD as a perfect way to bring “local is lekker” to a whole new level; they had literally sourced almost everything on the menu from local producers. Even the chef!
We say almost everything because the only thing that was not from Rustenburg was the wine. The selection of wines was perfect–Van Loveren wine Cellars (from the Cape) was kind enough to provide their very best selection.
The chef was Madelein Cloete, lecturing chef and co-owner of the Professional Cooking Academy in Rustenburg. Madelein is local born-and-bred in Rustenburg, she even matriculated at Hoërskool Bergsig before pursuing her studies at the Institute of Hotel and Tourism Management (Mmabatho) and then went on to cook in some of the “hottest” kitchens in the country before returning to her home town in 2004.
Madelein treated us to a meal fit for kings and queens. As for the menu (and I apologise if this leaves you hungry until the next event):
The STARTER was French Brown Onion Soup served with a Traditional Gruyere Cheese Crouton
(caramelised brown onions in a rich, thick beef stock served with a Traditional Swiss Cheese on a crispy French loaf Crouton with a dash of chives), paired with a Pinot Grigio.
While the MAIN was Duck Confit served on a Potato Galettle with Haricot vertand, and a Sweet Cranberry reduction. Duck leg slowly poached in duck fat with thyme until tender and served on a crispy potato cake, green beans and a sweet cranberry sauce -paired with Van Loveren Merlot.
And the DESSERT: Gooseberry Clafouti with a crunchy brown sugar streusel topping and a flamed Cognac Sauce (light warm baked custard with gorgeous Cape Gooseberries Dessert with a crunchy brown sugar topping and a flaming cognac sauce).
Truly the evening was an amazing success, with every single detail considered and executed perfectly. In an evening filled with wonderful surprises, the management from Chateau de Nates gave away the honeymoon suite in a draw. The Winners: Linda van Dyk and Johan Dedricks (who coincidently also decided to host their very own wedding at Chateau de Nates).
If the menu and intrigue was not reason enough to seek out this “secret society,” then I hope the atmosphere and warm hospitality would entice a few of our Platinum Weekly readers to join me at the next meeting.
I’ll see you there.
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