Article Secret Eats An Exclusive Invitation-Only Culinary Experience

We invite you to come with us to Secret EATS an exclusive invitation-only culinary experience.

Ladies and gents, buckle up because we’re about to spill the beans on one of the most unique fine dining experiences we’ve ever had.

Secret EATS at The Old Oak Restaurant in Linksfield, Johannesburg. This isn’t your everyday meal, it’s an invitation-only, ultra-exclusive world class culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.

 

From the moment we arrived, the excitement was palpable. We received a discreet message revealing the secret location and, after repeating a special passphrase, were warmly welcomed with a refreshing glass of Arbeidsgenot Brut the perfect way to kick off our covert culinary escapade. We were then escorted to a stunning open-air space at the award-winning Old Oak, where a dazzling array of freshly prepared canapés awaited us.

Highlights included the Biltong Tartare Crostini, a revelation we wish we’d discovered sooner, and the Mushroom Vol Au Vent, featuring crispy pastry filled with exotic mushrooms and a touch of creaminess that hit all the right notes. Not to mention the Day Lilly, a whimsical creation of yoghurt mousse topped with seaweed caviar, served in a wine glass that left us grinning from ear to ear.

As the night unfolded, our culinary adventure took centre stage with a dazzling array of courses, each paired to perfection with wines from Arbeidsgenot. After being seated, we were welcomed by Darren Meltz, the events director, who laid out the evening’s exciting agenda. Next up, Arbeidsgenot Winery dazzled us with an introduction to their vineyard and the first wine that would perfectly complement our first course. Then, the phenomenal Chef Ransley Pietersen took over, his bold, inventive approach to flavour pairing is truly next-level.

We kicked off the feast with a sumptuous Confit Duck, adorned with hazelnuts, radicchio, broccoli, black radish, cauliflower, and a luscious demi-glace, all paired with a refreshing blend of Grenache Rose and Grenache Blanc.

The journey continued with a vibrant Mussels & Squid dish featuring white anchovy, beurre blanc, Grana Padano, Calabrese chilli, fennel, and a delicate touch of nasturtium, beautifully matched with Arbeidsgenot Verdelho.

For our main, we savoured a tender Lamb Saddle with beetroot, basil, spinach, onion, apricot sorrel, and a rich jus, perfectly complemented by a robust Arbeidsgenot Shiraz.

And to top it all off, we indulged in the intriguing Fallen Oak, a playful medley of mango, white chocolate cremeux, passion fruit, coral cake, brandy snap, and a dash of parrot impatience, paired exquisitely with Arbeidsgenot Tannie Esther Muscat D’ Alexandrie. A dessert so divine it practically stole the show!

Each course was a masterpiece, an explosion of flavours and textures that showcased Chef Ransley Pietersen’s culinary genius and the art of perfect wine pairing. Every bite and sip transported us into a realm of pure gastronomic bliss!

What truly made this experience unforgettable was the interactive element. It was an evening filled with shared stories, laughter, and a real sense of community. Every aspect, from the perfectly paired wines to the meticulously plated courses, showcased the passion and artistry behind Secret EATS.

We would like to say a special thank you to Secret EATS, our host Darren Meltz as well as Chef Ransley and his team and the staff at The Old Oak Restaurant for an unforgettable and truly one-of-a-kind fine dining experience.

We look forward to attending many more secret dining experiences and raising our glasses with you again soon!

Make sure to check out their website and social media platforms for more information and to be added to their exclusive invitation list!

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter / X | Request an Invite

Please view Cludds Reviews on Facebook to read more about the dishes that we enjoy and what we have to say!