JOHANNESBURG — As the city transitions from golden autumn into the stillness of winter and the promise of spring, a new kind of culinary ritual is taking shape in the heart of Sandton. Following a successful soft launch on 25 April, Plated: A Chef’s Table has officially extended its run — now continuing as a monthly experience through to November.
Set within the lush gardens of The Maslow Sandton, this intimate dining concept is more than a meal. It is a carefully orchestrated encounter with flavour, seasonality, and storytelling.
A Table Set for 30 — Where Every Detail Matters
Hosted at Lacuna Bistro, Plated: A Chef’s Table offers a rare kind of dining — one that favours intimacy over scale, and intention over excess.
With just 30 guests per sitting, the experience unfolds beneath open skies in one of Sandton’s most tranquil green spaces. It is here that Executive Sous Chef Thokozane Shongwe leads guests through a curated, multi-course journey — offering not just dishes, but insight into the inspiration and craftsmanship behind each plate.
“Our chefs will guide you through a sensory experience where every sip and bite tell a story of craftsmanship, seasonality, and refined taste,” says Shongwe.
A Menu That Moves With the Seasons
At its core, Plated: A Chef’s Table is a celebration of South African seasonal ingredients — thoughtfully plated and elegantly presented.
The introductory menu reads like a journey:
- Ostrich carpaccio with parmesan wafer and spicy apricot chutney
- Prawn Niçoise salad with lemon and garlic prawns, charred green beans, cherry tomatoes, olives, and maple mustard dressing
- Confit chicken leg glazed with honey mustard, served with homemade bean cassoulet and citrus gremolata
A refreshing pineapple and basil sorbet resets the palate before the main event:
- Filet Mignon with potato pavé, charred onions, broccolini, sweetcorn purée and red wine reduction
or - Crispy skin sea bass with soft polenta, salsa verde and semi-dried cherry tomatoes
The experience concludes on a sweet, unexpected note:
- Popcorn crème brûlée with frozen raspberries and mixed berry gel
From the first amuse bouche to the final spoonful, every element is designed to feel indulgent — yet grounded in nature.
A Perfect Pairing: Wine, Craft and Balance
Beyond the food, guests can elevate their experience with a curated pairing selection — featuring fine wines and artisanal beverages carefully matched to each course.
From crisp, refreshing notes to deep, complex finishes, the pairing journey enhances each dish, creating a seamless balance between flavour and texture.
Dining That Reflects the Rhythm of Johannesburg
What makes Plated: A Chef’s Table particularly special is its timing.
Set between 15:00 and 18:00, the experience captures Johannesburg at its most atmospheric — when the afternoon softens, the light warms, and the city slows just enough to savour the moment.
It’s an invitation to pause.
To linger.
To reconnect with food in its purest form.
Event Details
📍 Venue: Lacuna Bistro
📍 Location: The Maslow Sandton
🗓 Dates:
- Saturday, 30 May 2026
- Saturday, 27 June 2026
- Saturday, 18 July 2026
- Saturday, 29 August 2026
- Saturday, 26 September 2026
- Saturday, 31 October 2026
- Saturday, 28 November 2026
⏰ Time: 15:00 – 18:00
💰 Cost: R650 per person
👗 Dress Code: Smart Casual
🔗 Bookings: https://www.suninternational.com/maslow/events/
A Culinary Escape Worth Experiencing
In a city that rarely slows down, Plated: A Chef’s Table offers something rare — a moment of stillness wrapped in flavour, craftsmanship, and connection.
It’s not just about what’s on the plate.
It’s about where you are, who you’re with, and how it makes you feel.
And through winter into spring, that experience now continues.
