Last night, I was delighted to witness the union between a good friend and his soulmate at the legendary wedding venue, Oakfield just off Beyers Naude drive. What made me a little more excited was obviously the menu which was prepared by an old friend, Philippe Frydman.

I met Chef Philippe just under 4 years ago when he was hosting small suppers at up and coming restaurants around Gauteng. Since then I’ve watched him go from restaurant to restaurant dabbling in a variety of cuisines, bringing some of the tastiest foods right into our mouths. Knowing that he had taken up residency in Oakfield wedding venue and that my friend’s decided to get married there, I was a ball of nerves and excitement for the menu he prepared.

Let’s get down to business: The menu

What I liked

While in the kitchen I got to taste the duck terrine. Tucked inside each slide were pieces cranberry and pistachio just at the perfect ratio to add some sweetness and earthy taste to each bite. Accompanying the terrine was that I thought is parma ham/ prosciutto but turned out to be smoked ham that wrapped a fresh quartered-fig with some tangy cranberry sauce on the side. That concluded a well plated starter.

The mains were buffet-style which included 2 vegetables, rice, butter chicken, grilled tilapia and phyllo-wrapped sirloin steak.

My next personal lesson that I’d like to learn is how to create a home sous-vide “machine” and infuse all yummy flavours in the proteins I cook. I am looking forward to spending the next couple of months learning from Chef Phillipe. I am so grateful for the friendships I forge in life. This chance encounter became an acquaintance who then became a friend and confidant and you hope you bring as much joy in their lives as they do to you.

The future looks bright for this duo. Catch up with you soon.