Restaurant Mosaic at the Orient Boutique Hotel celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and was the only restaurant outside of the Western Cape to take a spot in the Eat Out Awards, achieving the 5th spot on the top 10 list. Fellow chef David Higgs, one of this year’s three judges for the awards, described Mosaic as providing “impressive, superior food and a seasonal menu where boundaries are pushed in a magical setting.”
Says Dartnall: “We are delighted to be ranked among the best restaurants in South Africa. There are so many passionate and hardworking chefs out there so that to be selected from such an illustrious group is indeed an honour and a humbling experience.”
She is as passionate as ever in her chosen career: “As we celebrate our 10 year anniversary, and amid loud expressions of gratitude and wonder, I look back upon some of my most memorable dishes and moments. It has been a journey of both growth and harmony – a beautiful symphony that is unique to Mosaic.”
“My approach to cooking has matured during the past 10 years, resulting in my dishes evolving into more precise, but still delicate, botanical pieces. All the flavours are in balance with each other; from the intricate amuse bouche to the sweet savourings of dessert. Even though each one is unique on their own, they come together in a beautiful story where each ingredient becomes a chapter that in the end flow together in a perfect harmony, creating a magical ambience.
“The delicate herbs and flowers are more than just garnish, they become essential ingredients that allow you to emerge yourself not only in the tranquillity of nature but also take advantage of the health qualities of each chosen ingredient. I want to create memorable experiences and thus, each dish is not only perfectly paired with the ideal wine, but even the plate and cutlery is chosen with great care and attention to detail.
“My team is made up of people from the local community none of whom have had any classical training or any other training for that matter, apart from what they’ve learnt in the Mosaic kitchen. That’s our philosophy: building up our team and empowering them!
The restaurant marked its 10 years with a remodel of the restaurant interiors, adding additional historical Art Nouveau detail and a fresh new approach to the existing décor and design. For a look at the new-look restaurant, as well as Chef Chantel in action creating her exquisite dishes, take a look at this video: https://youtu.be/u5hxUlDkPjg
