As the opening date draws near, the food-loving public are getting excited about the new restaurant Africola, the labour of love project from South African-born, awarded chef Duncan Welgemoed.
The new restaurant has a capacity for 80 diners who can opt to drop in for some South African booze and snacks, or stay longer and enjoy an indulgent and unique dining experience.
“Africola is going to be all things, to all people”, explains Executive Chef Duncan Welgemoed.
Gathering inspiration from his heritage and a desire to bring something entirely new to South Australia, the menu will feature a perfect marriage of South African flavour with some of Duncan’s Portuguese, Indian, Malaysian and Dutch influences.
Pair that with Welgemoed’s keen ability to reinvigorate tradition with a clean and contemporary style and you have Africola’s cuisine. The concept, as Welgemoed puts it: “…is unlike anything South Australia has ever seen.”
Africola’s menu will be cooked using traditional and contemporary cooking techniques: a full hearth has been built for slow cooking certain dishes over ash and coal.
Welgemoed’s business partner, award winning local designer James Brown (of Mash) brings his idiosyncratic aesthetic to the design of Africola. The fit-out will showcase the Alliance Graphique Internationale member and Creative Director of awarded design studio MASH’s usual vivid palette ensuring the South African theme will not only be present in the food, but also in the design and overall experience.
“Expect to feel like you are in a colourful Shebeen and Braai in Johanesberg, from the design and the music, right through to the handmade plate.” Explains Africola’s part-owner and Designer James Brown.
For the drinks, award-winning ‘molecular biologist’ Andrew Cameron has been shipped in from Brisbane, brewing Africola’s very own brand of beer named “Mafuta”, the signature “Africola”, and developing an iconic list of cocktails that will respond heavily off the vibes and flavours of South Africa.
Front-of-House Manager Tessa Footner joins the crew, along with secret-weapon Sommelier Koen Janssens, who has composed a deliberate and thoughtful list highlighting South African wines.
Paul Glen and James Hillier (of Golden Boy and Rocket Bar, respectively) also bring their own brand of finesse to this collaborative effort.
Africola opens its doors to the public November 19.
Bookings are open now through [email protected] or 08 8223 3885
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