Newmark launches Pop Up Dining Experiences
Posted on: 18 September 2023 Written by: Newmark Hotels & Reserves
South Africa; Cape Town, 18 September 2023, This month Newmark Hotels & Reserves will launch the first of a series of pop up dining experiences with Chef Chris Erasmus & Sommelier Marlvin Gwese.
During these evenings guests can expect to be transported on a multicourse gastronomic journey prepared by Newmark’s culinary authorities, Group Head Chef Chris Erasmus, and Group Sommelier Marlvin Gwese.
Dash Restaurant at the Queen Victoria Hotel in Cape Town’s V&A Precinct will play host to the inaugural event on 29 September. Thereafter the evenings will take place monthly, popping up at different Newmark restaurants on each occasion. Seats are limited and bookings are required.
Highlights from the debut 6-course fine dining menu on 29 September include pepper seared yellowfin tuna loin expertly paired with a glass of creamy Creation Viognier and slow fire roasted beef brisket served with a peppery Boschendal Black Angus Red.
One of South Africa’s most well-known chefs, Erasmus has worked in top restaurants in both South Africa and the world. Some of these include Noma (Copenhagen), Per Se (New York), Spectakel (Amsterdam), Icarus (Salzburg), Le Quartier Francais, and Erasmus’ own Franschhoek-based restaurant, Foliage.
“Since joining Newmark my role has involved a lot of mentorship and training, so it is a great pleasure to get into the kitchen and cook up dishes that I personally love. Guests can expect classic “Chris-style dishes” which, of course, include a lot of foraged ingredients and local produce,” said Erasmus.
“I’m already getting started on pickling ingredients for the first evening and will be foraging in our property gardens and on the beach on the morning of the event to ensure that we use only the freshest possible produce,” he added.
Another industry leader, Marlvin Gwese has risen to fame as one of South Africa’s leading Sommeliers. Having worked for brands like Cape Grace and The Liz McGrath collection, Marlvin joined Newmark earlier this year as its Group Sommelier. He is now responsible for the wine and beverage experiences at all Newmark’s restaurants across Africa.
“Chris and I work closely together, travelling to the various hotels and lodges and developing their food and wine offerings. We have become close friends and it has been great fun planning this menu and pairing each course with specialty wines. These are not the average restaurant selections but some truly unique vintages that show off the variety and quality of the Cape’s fine wines,” said Gwese.
“Food and beverage is such an important part of what we do. We have never abided by the norm that hospitality restaurants are loss-leading hotel support but have instead strived to be the best of the best in this sphere. Chris and Marlvin are true leaders and creators and an evening showcasing their distinctive styles could only ever be described as an auspicious occasion,” commented CEO of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, Neil Markovitz.
Reservations for the Pop Up Dining Experience on 29 September can be made directly at Dash Restaurant & Bar or on Dineplan. Call 021 418 1466 or email dashmanager@queenvictoriahotel.co.za.
Updates for upcoming evenings in the series will be announced via Newmark’s social media channels. The October event is expected to take place at the newly renovated Shoreditch Restaurant at The Winchester Hotel in Sea Point.