‘A table for four? That’ll be R20,000’- 'Tis the season for SA’s wealthy to tuck into deluxe festive fare

The wealth brigade are sparing no expense for indulgent festive fare, forking out up to R5,000 per person for a seat at the Christmas and New Year’s Eve tables of some of South Africa’s grandest eateries.

That comes with all the trimmings — from cuisine such as foie gras, oysters, guinea fowl, caviar, ostrich and scallops, to entertainment by the popular Mzansi Youth Choir or local hit maker Jimmy Nevis. 

A table for four adults at a New Year’s Eve bash at the five-star One&Only in Cape Town costs R20,000 — a stark contrast to the cost of a basic monthly food basket for a family of four of about R3,200, according to the latest Household Affordability Index.

The hotel’s head chef, Prajal Rana, has curated a six-course Christmas menu including Japanese cuisine with a Peruvian twist at R3,000 per person, while the New Year’s feast, with similar flavours, will cost R5,000 per person and includes an “Old Hollywood style” celebration that includes a performance by Jimmy Nevis.

Martin Cody, general manager of Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff in Johannesburg, said it is renowned for “its luxurious and indulgent festive menus”.

“This year is no different. The offerings on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day provide a variety of festive favourites with Flames’ signature African twist.

“Whether it’s a midday brunch or an evening buffet selection, guests get to indulge in familiar favourites like gammon, roasts and turkey elevated by our award-winning chef Daniel Payne and his team’s unique take on festive delights.

“Each sitting will be accompanied by entertainment including performances from the Mzansi Youth Choir.”

Cody said the Flames restaurant was fully booked for brunch on Christmas Day, but some tables were available on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

The vast Christmas buffet at R1,795 per person includes caviar, suckling pig, Wagyu beef pasta salad, a sushi and oyster bar, a charcuterie selection and more than 15 desserts.

New Year’s buffet dinner at R2,295 per person has a caviar bar, Peking duck, foie gras torchon with pistachio, liquorice brioche and a seafood braai that includes Norwegian salmon, banana leaf-steamed sea bass and lobster tails.

“Since the pandemic South Africans have resumed their love for social engagements and celebrating with family and friends. Last year was a positive year with indications at this stage that 2022 will surpass the success for the festive period of 2021,” said Cody.

The Twelve Apostles in Cape Town is fully booked for its Christmas and New Year festive fare at R1,850 and R4,150 per person respectively.

A total of 44 guests will indulge in the New Year’s five-course dinner, which includes oysters, seaweed salad, Boerenkaas souffle, duck liver and roulette chocolate truffle.

At The Oyster Box in Umhlanga, Christmas Day lunch at R2,600 per person — for 125 people at its Grill Room and Ocean Terrace — is fully booked.

The lunch features gueridon trolley service —  a special serving cart brought to a guest’s table — and includes smoked gammon, soya and honey glaze organic grass-fed sirloin, wild garlic marinated leg of lamb, Wagyu roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.

The hotel’s Saturday Night Fever-themed New Year’s Eve dinner and dance will set guests back R2,900 per person.

While many are opting for large gatherings, others are going for the private chef experience in the comfort of their homes.

Miles Reolon, director of Seasoned chefs, said the private chef experience was still popular despite Covid restrictions being lifted.

“It’s as popular as ever. We are about three to four times busier compared to last year.”

He said guests enjoyed the intimacy and individual attention.

“We have many traditional Christmas offerings across the country. The most expensive packages range between R1,000 and R1,500 per guest.”

“We are doing stunning gourmet menus influenced by the tastes of Africa. These are tasting menus for festive bookings and leading up to Christmas.”