Chef Chantel Dartnall pays tribute to Mother Nature in her latest menu, titled Natura Naturans: The Earth Laughs in Flowers. Her signature botanical cuisine is showcased in the new seasonal menu, and the dishes are truly a feast for the eyes.

To whet the appetite, the playful My Bento Box comprising a pickled carrot ice lolly, spring marshmallow, garden pea and smoked snoek and patat. Says Dartnall: “For this season I have combined four amuse bouche into one serving to mimic the concept of the Bento Box as my version of a delightful entrée before the first dishes are served.”

In her Under the Veil dish, which features langoustine, white peach and hibiscus, Chantel is inspired by her grandmother. “She always smelt faintly of lavender and 4711 Eau de Cologne and was able to take humble moments – such a pitching a make-believe tent in her bedroom – and transport me into a world of enchantment.”

From the Frozen Ocean sees Arctic Salmon ‘cooked’ in front of the guests, while Cherry Blossom pairs duck wings and lightly smoked duck breast with cherry flavours. For dessert, The Earth Laughs in Flowers combines passionfruit, Valrhona chocolate and violets in a riot of colour and flavour

Each bread in the bread course is made in-house and paired with a different butter or sauce – mosbolletjies are dunked in an aged Parmesan sauce, while spring flower tuiles are served with anchovy butter, and the seaweed and dill rolls are served with vanilla seaweed butter.

There is a choice of four Natura Naturans menus – the Grande Dégustation, the Market Dégustation as well as the pescatarian and vegetarian options. Diners can partake of the sommelier’s wine pairings as well as a non-alcoholic pairing with drinks specially chosen to complement the meal.