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Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg and Flames Restaurant Redefine World-Class Culinary Experiences with a New Food, Restaurant and Bar Leadership Team

 
March 26, 2024,
Johannesburg, South Africa

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg has become a go-to destination for casual dining, fine private restaurant experiences, special events and hospitality. Today, the Hotel unveils a talented ensemble of culinary artisans poised to elevate the dining experience to a symphony for the senses. The new guard, comprising of some of the most renowned names in the food and beverage industry in the country, has entered the kitchens at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff and its signature restaurant Flames, bringing with them new ideas, new approaches, dynamic initiatives and unmistakable flair.

Wesli Jacobs, Executive Chef; Katlego Mlambo, Executive Sous Chef; and Brent Davids, head mixologist, can be found creating masterpieces in the kitchen and behind the bar while Bazil Cass has joined the team as the new sommelier, one of South Africa's youngest rising talents in the wine industry.  

Martin Cody, Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, is thrilled to showcase the new talent that joined the team. “We have one of the most luxurious events and dining spaces in the city where guests have come to expect not only the finest experience, but also something truly unique,” he says.

“The new team we have assembled, which was many months in the making, promises that the whole experience at the Hotel’s banqueting spaces and at our flagship restaurant, Flames, is not just a dining experience, but a bespoke journey of gastronomic indulgence, whether casual or more refined,” adds Cody.  ‘’We are so excited with this craftmanship, soul, passion and love of hospitality that the new team is bringing to our hillside oasis. And it’s a pleasure to see them interacting with our guests.”

Step into a world of unrivalled luxury with the best views of the City of Gold for a unique take on the spirt of South African cuisine, flame-grilled and prepared to elevated perfection.

The Executive Chef Wesli Jacobs’ culinary canvas is a tapestry of global inspiration where locally sourced ingredients are transformed into edible opulence. He is responsible for team that orchestrates the dishes across the outlets at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff.  Rooted in his love for Asian cuisine and the allure of umami flavours, Wesli’s culinary philosophy revolves around simplicity and elegance. From bustling conference centres to serene wine estates, Chef Wesli has honed his skills in diverse environments, embracing the richness of South Africa's local ingredients and the nuances of seasonal flavours. Each dish is a mesmerising concerto of textures and flavours that will linger on the palate long after the last bite.

Katlego Mlambo, Executive Sous Chef and the face of the Hotel’s signature restaurant Flames, has an approach that is profoundly influenced by his South African heritage. Reflecting on this journey, he reminisces about the Sundays spent in his grandmother's kitchen, where the aroma of scones would bring the family together, imprinting on him the transformative power of food to evoke joy and connection. Don't be deceived by his youthful fire, Chef Katlego's talent is a supernova and has been evolving around the tutelage of culinary titans such as Luke Dale Roberts, Ivor Jones, James Gaag and Peter Templehoff, just to name a few. Katlego is a star himself, having hosted three cooking shows and been awarded the accolade of Nederberg Rising Star in the EatOut Awards in 2020. Play witness to his rise as he infuses each plate with his own vibrant signature, a testament to the future of gastronomic brilliance.

Armed with a deep passion for the intricate art of vinification, Bazil Cass, a rising star in the South African world of wine, brings a unique touch to his role as a sommelier at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg. He is a Wine and Spirits Education Trust-accredited (WSET Level 2) sommelier and his discerning palate, and insatiable curiosity to learn more, unveil hidden treasures from the cellars of coveted estates. His precision and passion ensure guests can embark on an intimate dance of vintage and grape, where each sip is a whispered secret of the earth.

Brent Davids, Head-Mixologist has carved a unique path in the world of cocktails through his innovative approach and dedication to the craft. With a diverse background, Brent's atelier is a playground of artisanal spirits, exotic infusions, and molecular artistry that will leave one breathless. Be prepared for liquid masterpieces that shimmer with elegance, each sip a testament to his audacious creativity.

A new culinary adventure has begun at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff and Flames. New menus, concepts, a range of new dishes, and a feeling of boundless enthusiasm from the bar and wine team will set a revitalised tone for one of the city’s greatest dining options with the most breath-taking views.  

Expect unbelievably delectable restaurant experiences, exquisite private dining journeys and even cocktail making classes and bespoke pairings with wines and spirits.

Surrender to the allure and let the craftsmanship of Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff unveil a symphony of epicurean delight that will be remembered and revisited time and again.