Mentorship Meets Mixology: Luke Dale Roberts & Kurt Schlechter Join Forces
Two of Cape Town’s culinary heavyweights — chef Luke Dale Roberts and cocktail maestro Kurt Schlechter — are teaming up for a bold two-night collaboration this August, celebrating mentorship, creativity and next-gen talent.
Catch them on 22 August at The Test Kitchen Fledgelings and 29 August at CAUSE | EFFECT Cocktail Kitchen at the V&A Waterfront. Expect an unforgettable night of cutting-edge cocktails, bold bites and feel-good flavour.
Where Mentorship Meets the Menu
Following the closure of The Test Kitchen, Dale Roberts launched Fledgelings, a training ground for aspiring chefs and service staff with zero prior experience. Alongside head chef Nathan Clarke, he’s building skills and confidence one plate at a time.
Meanwhile, Schlechter — founder of CAUSE | EFFECT and a global name in cocktail culture — is equally committed to skills development. His bar ranks among the World’s 50 Best Discovery Bars and Top 100 International Bars.
For this collab, he’ll train the Fledgelings in cocktail craft, turning the bar into a space for learning and experimentation.
Bites, Beats & Bold Flavour
Each evening features a sharing-style menu of small plates that celebrate bold flavours and fresh ideas. Think:
- Vetkoek with smoked snoek pâté
- Oysters with Nam Jim & daikon
- Tuna tartare with yuzu & pap tuile
- Korean fried chicken with ponzu emulsion
- Fish tacos with Cape Malay pickle
- Loaded fries with Mornay sauce & jalapeños
- Truffle beef sliders on milk buns
Live DJs keep the vibe upbeat, while cocktails and conversation flow freely. It’s mentorship — with a twist of lime.
“It’s always about more than what’s on the plate or in the glass,” says Dale Roberts. “This is about people, progress and passion.”
Bookings Essential via Dineplan
💳 A deposit is required and will be applied to your final bill.
📍 22 August – The Test Kitchen Fledgelings, Woodstock
📞 021 447 2337 | 🌐 ttkfledgelings.co.za
📍 29 August – CAUSE | EFFECT Cocktail Kitchen, V&A Waterfront
📞 021 422 0266 | 🌐 causeandeffect.co.za
📲 Follow:
@ttkfledgelings.co.za
@causeeffectcpt
