What the chef ordered: Darren Allsopp from VUE Shortmarket

We all swoon over the food they make, but where do South Africa’s top chefs eat when they’re off duty and what do they love most on their own menus? Find out here.
1 min read

Darren Allsopp, who is head chef at rooftop restaurant and bar VUE Shortmarket, on Cape Town’s cool Heritage Square, dishes up what he’d order on his own menu and where he eats out when he’s not the one cooking.

What would you order at VUE Shortmarket?

It comes down to two dishes. First, our mushroom faux-gras, as it goes with so many different wines and really has become a signature dish that epitomises what we do here at VUE Shortmarket. My second dish would be the lamb ragu. It’s simple, rich in flavour and has a very special place in my heart.

Where do you eat out when you’re off-duty?

Like most chefs, I am very easy to please and just happy to have someone cooking me a meal for a change. I prefer small independent eateries that are food and chef focused and allow the chefs to express themselves.

What would you order?

I generally leave it up to the kitchen to decide, whether it be a tasting or set menu, or simply asking them to send out a few of their best and favourite dishes. I find this is a great way to get to the heart and soul of the restaurant and really allow them to showcase what they are all about. Having said that, a cheeky 2am curry or boerewors roll after a long service always hits the spot!

Sarah Buitendach

With a sharp eye for design, Sarah has an unparalleled sense of shifting cultural, artistic and lifestyle sensibilities. As the former editor of Wanted magazine, founding editor of the Sunday Times Home Weekly, and many years in magazines, she is the heartbeat of Currency’s pleasure arm.

Latest from Pleasure

Africa in your kitchen

The Contemporary African Kitchen: Home Cooking Recipes from the Leading Chefs in Africa is a grand book, not least because it does a divine…

Don't Miss

0