Image: Via Twitter @TestKitchenCT
Cape Town’s The Test Kitchen closes its doors due to COVID uncertainties
A sad day for the South African culinary industry as Cape Town’s ‘The Test Kitchen’ closes shop this coming September.
Image: Via Twitter @TestKitchenCT
One of South Africa’s finest culinary institutions will be closing its doors on September 30. Chef proprietor, Luke Dale Roberts pointed out that the current global uncertainty around COVID has become difficult to sustain the iconic restaurant.
THE TEST KITCHEN’S STATEMENT
In a press statement shared by cookbook author and culinary consultant Tasmin Snyman via Instagram, Roberts will be closing the Test Kitchen and focusing on new projects he has on the way.
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I felt it was the right time, the food we are producing is some of the best since we opened, and I am immensely proud of that, says Roberts in the statement.
The statement mentioned that Roberts is excited to announce future projects and devote his time to The Pot Luck Club and The Test Kitchen Fledgelings which is a social upliftment dining venture between Roberts and his wife Sandalene.
South African restaurants have endured a tough 18 months since the start of the pandemic. The constant back-and-forth between opening and closing as well as frequent alcohol bans has taken its toll on restaurants. Although Roberts believes that The Test Kitchen has reached the end of its creative cycle, the uncertainty surrounding COVID has played a huge part.
I believe that creativity comes in cycles, and I feel like I have come to the end of this creative cycle. With the current global uncertainty around COVID it has become very difficult to sustain a restaurant of this kind and maintain everything that I believe in, says Roberts.
THE TEST KITCHEN’S LEGACY
The Test Kitchen will leave behind a significant legacy in the South African restaurant industry. Over the last 11 years, the restaurant stacked up a considerable amount of culinary awards.
From Roberts’ 2011 ‘Chef of the Year’ award at the Eat Out DStv Food Network Restaurant Awards to being voted as the ‘Best in Africa’ and ranked 48th place at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2014 (currently ranked 44th), the acclaimed restaurant as gathered 34 accolades since opening its doors in 2010.
I’d like to unreservedly thank everyone who has been a part of The Test Kitchen over the years. The staff, loyal guests, and everyone else who played a part in this incredible time of my life, and I look forward to continuing my creative journey, concludes Roberts in the statement.
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