Private events
The experience
Discover an oasis of inspired dining as world-renowned chef and culinary auteur Elsa Van Der Nest welcomes you to an exclusive gourmand experience, hosted at her elegant home in Cape Town’s Constantia Valley. Surrounded by some of the world’s oldest wine estates, with the towering peaks of the Table Mountain National Park as a backdrop, be enchanted by the natural beauty surrounding Elsa’s historic Cape Dutch-style home- stead.
That natural splendour is mirrored in the eclectic style of Elsa’s private
home, where you’ll find the table – indoors near the fireplace in winter, or out on the sun-dappled terrace in summer – beautifully laid with vintage Russian glassware, French cutlery and hand-crafted napery collected by Elsa on her travels through France and Italy.
The décor and menu for every meal with Elsa is unique; her inimitable approach to culinary artistry informed by decades of experience in fine-dining restaurants and luxury event catering worldwide, allowing for a seamless tapestry of European and Asian culinary influences to come together in one unforgettable occasion.
in vino veritas
The Constantia Valley is the cradle of winemaking in South Africa, and although the Cape may fall into the so-called ‘New World’ of wine, its winemaking heritage stretches back to 1659. That’s more than a century before the first vines were planted in California or Australia!
With Elsa’s home set amid the historic vineyards of Constantia, each menu is paired with a selection of premium wines from an award-winning local cellar, bringing a taste of terroir to the culinary experience. Where possible, the winemaker will be on hand to present each wine.
the finer details
Culinary events with Elsa Van Der Nest may be hosted at either lunch or dinner.
All reservations for culinary experience are exclusive, ensuring absolute privacy and attention to your party at all times.
To ensure an unparalleled culinary experience, reservations are for a minimum of 10, and no more than 12, guests per event.
Clients are welcome to share their favourite plates, flavours or cuisines with Elsa beforehand, or may simply leave the menu in her experienced hands.