As Johannesburg slips into its golden autumn rhythm—where crisp mornings melt into sun-drenched afternoons and the city’s gardens come alive in warm hues—there is a quiet invitation to slow down. To gather. To indulge. And now, to savour.
Introducing Plated: A Chef’s Table, an intimate new culinary experience at The Maslow Sandton, where fine dining meets the serenity of nature in one of the city’s most tranquil green spaces.
Set within the lush surrounds of Lacuna Bistro, this thoughtfully curated late-afternoon affair is more than a meal—it is a seasonal journey, plated with precision and staged with elegance.
A Celebration of Seasonality and Setting
Running from late April through to mid-June 2026, Plated: A Chef’s Table captures the essence of autumn through flavour, atmosphere, and intention. Beneath open skies and surrounded by gardens in transition, each sitting is limited to just 30 guests—ensuring an exclusive, chef-led dining experience defined by unhurried indulgence.
Here, the menu reflects the richness of South African seasonal produce. From sweet apricot notes to fresh seafood and comforting classics, every dish tells a story of time, place, and craftsmanship.
An Immersive Culinary Journey
The experience begins with a delicate amuse bouche, setting the tone for what unfolds as a multi-course exploration of flavour.
Guests are first introduced to ostrich carpaccio, elevated with a parmesan wafer and spicy apricot chutney—a bold yet refined opening. This is followed by a vibrant prawn Niçoise salad, where lemon and garlic-infused prawns meet charred greens, cherry tomatoes, olives, and soft-boiled egg, all brought together with a maple mustard dressing.
The entrée delivers comfort and depth: a confit chicken leg glazed with honey mustard, served atop a homemade bean cassoulet and finished with citrus gremolata—a dish that embodies the warmth of the season.
A refreshing pineapple and basil sorbet cleanses the palate before the main event. Diners are offered a choice between two masterfully executed plates: a classic fillet mignon accompanied by potato pavé, charred onions, broccolini, sweetcorn purée and a rich red wine reduction, or a crispy skin sea bass served with soft polenta, salsa verde and semi-dried cherry tomatoes.
The experience concludes on a playful yet sophisticated note with a popcorn crème brûlée, paired with frozen raspberries and mixed berry gel—an indulgent finale that lingers long after the last spoonful.
Perfectly Paired, Thoughtfully Presented
Enhancing the experience is an optional curated pairing, where each course is matched with fine wines or artisanal beverages selected to complement and elevate the menu.
“Our chefs will guide you through a sensory experience where every sip and bite tells a story of craftsmanship, seasonality, and refined taste,” says Thokozane Shongwe.
It is this attention to detail—from the first bite to the final pairing—that transforms the experience into something truly memorable.
An Invitation to Slow Down
In a city often defined by pace and pressure, Plated: A Chef’s Table offers something rare: stillness. A moment to reconnect—with food, with nature, and with the simple pleasure of dining well.
Every detail is considered. Every flavour intentional. The result is an experience that feels indulgent yet grounded, luxurious yet warmly familiar.
Event Details
Dates:
- Saturday, 25 April 2026
- Saturday, 9 May 2026
- Saturday, 23 May 2026
- Saturday, 6 June 2026
- Saturday, 20 June 2026
Time: 15h00 – 18h00
Cost: R650 per person
Venue: Lacuna Bistro, The Maslow Sandton (Corner Grayston Drive & Rivonia Road, Sandton)
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Bookings can be made via Sun International.
