A Winter Culinary Journey: De Tafel’s Elemental Menu Series at Palm House
From smoke-kissed game and wild veld herbs once prized by Khoi healers, to oysters delicately laced with bokkom and vibrant greens foraged from the Cape’s rugged landscapes, de Tafel at Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa invites diners to immerse themselves in a sensory story of land, ocean, air, and fire.
This season, the Elemental Menu Series is a five-course culinary narrative that honours the Cape’s diverse ecosystems. Each course is rooted in terroir and tradition, presented with modern elegance and the primal allure of flame, smoke, and foraged abundance.
The Three Elemental Journeys
Land and Air
A bold, game-forward feast that dances between earth and sky. Think springbok, kudu, duck, and quail, flame-seared to perfection, alongside rich marrow and veld-infused broths once favoured by Khoi healers. The experience culminates in a delicate fynbos-inspired panna cotta—a whisper of the wild, reimagined in dessert form.
Salt and Sea
A celebration of the Cape’s coastal treasures. Saldanha oysters arrive crowned with bokkom mayonnaise and aromatic garlic buchu, while sustainably caught line fish is prepared with a respect for both flavour and the ocean. Sea lettuce, kelp, and samphire add natural salinity, transforming the plate into an edible seascape.
Field and Forest
An opulent plant-based journey where indigenous herbs, roots, and wild fruits take centre stage. Highlights include abalone mushrooms, Cape sour figs, yuzi-buchu pearls, and coal-baked celeriac—an ode to the Cape’s forgotten botanical abundance.
Curated by Executive Chef Gregory Henderson, the Elemental Menu reflects his passion for indigenous and ancient ingredients, sustainable foraging, and redefined South African luxury.
“At de Tafel, we celebrate the Cape, its biomes, and the singular ingredients they offer throughout the year. This winter, we’ve layered that philosophy with the elements—transforming raw nature into refined luxury,” says Henderson.
Priced at R645 per person, the Elemental Menu is a deeply local, immersive experience that honours the natural rhythms and rich culinary heritage of the Cape.
Limited seating is available, and bookings are essential.
De Tafel at Palm House Boutique Hotel & Spa
10 Oxford Street, Wynberg, Cape Town
Dinner: Wednesday to Sunday, 18h00 – 21h30 (last orders)
Tel: +27 745 5008
www.palmhouse.co.za/considered-cuisine