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!