As the grip of winter loosens its icy hold on South Africa, Blackrock Casino is gearing up to welcome the warmth of Spring with a lavish Spring Wine and Dine event. Promising an extraordinary culinary experience, this event is set to tantalise the taste buds of attendees with a meticulously crafted four course meal.
Marking the arrival of September 1, 2023, the Spring Wine and Dine Menu boasts a delightful welcome drink—Laborie Sparkling Wine.
The gastronomic journey then commences with a delectable starter, Cajun Chicken Salad. This tantalising dish features crumbed Cajun chicken strips and ripe avocados resting on a bed of fresh garden greens, finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. The starter will be expertly paired with Annabelle Sparkling Wine.
Continuing the culinary journey, guests can anticipate an entrée that elevates the senses, Roasted Vegetable Tower. This masterpiece layers roasted butternut, chickpeas, and baby marrow over a bed of couscous, accompanied by a refreshing mint pea puree. This delightful entrée finds its match in the KWV Chenin Blanc.
The pinnacle of the evening arrives with the main course, Balsamic Pepper Steak. Diners will savour chargrilled beef rump marinated in balsamic and pepper, laid atop a bed of steamed root vegetables, and perfected with a red wine reduction. This sumptuous offering will be paired with the robust Roodeburg Black.
Culminating this epicurean journey is the dessert: Frutus Con Crema. Guests will relish the combination of fresh mixed fruits nestled in a cloud of whipped cream, crowned with a luscious strawberry topping, and accompanied by a delicate burnt meringue. This sweet finale harmonises seamlessly with the KWV Moscato.
With the event date set for September 1, 2023, the Spring Wine and Dine experience is priced at R320 per person. The festivities will commence at 6:30 pm for a 7 pm start and will unfold until 10 pm.
For reservations and bookings, interested attendees can reach out via email to Andre.coetzer@tsogosun.com or Aruna.ramdharie@tsogosun.com.
Anticipation is high for the Spring Wine and Dine event, promising an unforgettable evening of gastronomic excellence.
Moreover, in a notable development designed to elevate the culinary landscape, Blackrock Casino proudly introduces its newest Executive Chef, Doran van Zyl. With a profound culinary background and a fervour for crafting exquisite dishes, Chef van Zyl is poised to redefine the culinary scene not only in Newcastle but beyond.
Starting his role on 1 August 2023, Chef van Zyl brings over a decade’s worth of culinary experience to the table. Hailing from Vanderbijlpark, he embarked on his culinary journey by pivoting from fitting and turning to pursuing his true passion, food.
“After school, I initially started studying fitting and turning, but it wasn’t for me. Food was always my passion, and I stopped my studies to start studying in the hospitality sector,” explained Chef van Zyl. His journey led him to Intec College, where he honed his skills and completed his studies in 2010.
Chef van Zyl’s culinary odyssey began as a commis chef, working alongside a chef de partie in a bustling commercial kitchen for six formative years. This early experience laid the foundation for his subsequent achievements.
He then expanded his repertoire as a deli chef at Spar before reaching a pinnacle in his career as the Head Chef at the renowned Biekie Bos function venue in Meyerton. Subsequently, Chef van Zyl assumed the role of sous chef at the esteemed Emerald Resort and Casino, further enriching his culinary prowess.
Armed with a wealth of experience and a keen eye for detail, Chef van Zyl embarked on his role as Executive Chef at Blackrock Casino in Newcastle. “I have a lot of fine dining experience, and I have an eye for detail,” shared Chef van Zyl, underscoring his commitment to creating an unparalleled dining experience.
Central to his culinary philosophy is striking a balance between aesthetics and flavour. “The appearance is important, as you first eat the food with your eyes. Flavour is important, as you want to eat food that has taste. If food has that wow factor, people will start talking about it,” he emphasised.
As Chef Doran van Zyl assumes his role, he envisions a revamped menu that tantalises taste buds and presents a visual feast. His plans include innovative dishes, meticulous refinement, and elevated presentation, with a planned launch of these exciting changes in September.
“I am currently working on the menus, and we are going to have new specials from September, a new buffet look, and new items to enjoy,” revealed the dedicated Chef.
With a promise to infuse elegance and culinary innovation, Chef Doran van Zyl is poised to usher in a new era of extraordinary dining at Blackrock Casino. As patrons anticipate this culinary journey, they are encouraged to share their thoughts in the comment section below, welcoming the arrival of this culinary virtuoso and his vision to elevate the local dining experience.
