Friday night - 02 August, I had the pleasure of attending "A Taste of The Plantation" at the renowned Plantation wedding and event venue in Lovemore Park, Gqeberha. As one of the invited bloggers, I was eager to experience the celebrated cuisine that has made The Plantation a top wedding venue in South Africa for the past 18 years.
The evening was nothing short of magical. The Plantation, nestled in an enchanting indigenous forest, provided a picturesque backdrop for the event. Known for its beautiful facilities, impeccable service, and superb cuisine, The Plantation lived up to its reputation.
The tasting event, aimed at current and future wedding and event clients, offered a unique selection of menu items through a five-course tasting menu. It was an incredible opportunity to savor the diverse flavors included in The Plantation’s wedding and event packages.
Co-owner Sarah Dirsuwei’s dedication to excellence was evident throughout the evening. She emphasized the importance of food in creating unforgettable events, and her passion shone through in every detail. The head chef, Annelie Oosthuizen, guided us through each course, breaking down the menus with expertise and enthusiasm, enhancing the tasting experience for all guests.
For someone like me, who has never easily opened up into tasting sushi, The Plantation sushi was my first step to it, as it gave me second thoughts and a taste that says, “carry on, enjoy me…”.
The menu was a testament to The Plantation’s food philosophy of serving generous portions of the finest local ingredients, freshly prepared and beautifully presented. We began with a trio of canapés, including calamari strips with caper tartar sauce, butternut soup in an espresso cup, and a vegetable maki roll with fried ginger shrimps. Each bite was a delightful burst of flavor.
The second course offered an alternate drop of decadent roasted marrow bones with crispy Karoo lamb flank and mosbolletjies, or Thai chicken dim sum in a green curry coconut broth with fried noodles. The marrow bones were particularly indulgent, while the dim sum provided a perfect balance of spice and richness.
The third course, a trio of proteins, featured springbuck phyllo parcels with red onion marmalade, traditional pork belly with crispy crackling, and Middle Eastern fillet of chicken. Each dish was expertly crafted and highlighted the diverse culinary skills of the team.
For the main course, we enjoyed an alternate drop of two exquisite dishes: a roulade of chicken with caramelized onion paired with slow-cooked pulled beef, served on a baked potato cake with green beans, and a chicken ballotine with creamy spinach paired with a pulled-lamb rissole, served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with seasonal vegetables. Both options were hearty and satisfying, showcasing the quality and care put into every plate.
The evening concluded with a medley of wedding cakes by Chantel Stoltz of Perfectly Crafted Boutique Bakery. The alternate drop of classic vanilla, zesty lemon, strawberry milkshake, classic chocolate, cookies & cream, and coffee cakes was the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable night.
The mood and vibe were so calm and inviting, as guests were all smiles and taking photos to capture the moment. You could see cheerful faces, great couples and friends nodding to the tasteful eats, and the amazing team serving with smiles.
"A Taste of The Plantation" was a delightful experience that highlighted the exceptional culinary talents of an all-women chef team. Sarah Dirsuwei’s flawless management and Annelie Oosthuizen’s culinary mastery made the event a standout success. For anyone considering The Plantation for their special occasion, this tasting event truly showcased why it remains one of the Eastern Cape’s best venues.