MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANTS COMPARABLE TO PLATED RESTAURANTS
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In Asia, Europe, North and South America Michelin star restaurants aspire to a one, two or three-star rating. South African restaurants aim for one, two or three plates. The prestigious Plate Rating equates to global standards of evaluating and rewarding refined and fine-dining establishments. Look carefully when you visit plated restaurants, and you will see that the three-plate awards are edged in gold, two plates in silver, and three plates in bronze. In 2015 the JHP Gourmet Guide™ was launched, and the system remains steadfast and unwavering.
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TRUSTED AND RESPECTED PLATED RESTAURANTS
Trust takes time, so does credibility. The evaluation system for the Plate Rating, unchanged since launched in 2015, is lauded for its authenticity, impartiality and credibility, celebrating the uniquity of South African cuisine and service, therefore respected and revered by chefs.
One plate = excellent cuisine
Two plates = exceptional dining that demands a detour
Three plates = world-class destination dining – worthy of a flight
The question about how plated restaurants compare to Michelin star restaurants, is often asked. Chantel Dartnall, uber-awarded globally, speaks out on behalf of the chefs:
CHANTEL DARTNALL COMPARES PLATED RESTAURANTS TO MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANTS
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To be selected as one of South Africa’s three-plated restaurants and featured in the JHP Gourmet Guide is a major honour, it is humbling, and a huge boost of motivation. One of the ultimate accolades in South Africa, like being awarded three Michelin stars, through hard work, dedication and perseverance. Receiving this award acts as reassurance for us that we are on the right track, we receive confirmation that we are doing not only the right things, but that we are also doing them right.
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PLAY YOUR PART
You too play a part in the process – nominate restaurants that you believe are worthy of a plate. This ensures that, in addition to the restaurants nominated by the reviewers, the JHP Gourmet Guide team is kept abreast of undiscovered treasures. Trusted reviewers, credible and proficient, professional and experienced, have worked hard to meet global expectations. They remain anonymous. After initial reviews, should the restaurant be noteworthy and be considered a contender, a final visit is arranged. The chef decides on what dishes are to be tasted, and they are interviewed about their cuisine and ethos. In this way, each restaurant is given the opportunity of being evaluated for what they do best. Email your suggestions to info@jhpr.co.za.
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HOLISTIC RESTAURANT CRITERIA
All restaurants are assessed to a lengthy list of vital criteria that involve more than merely cuisine. Restaurants are globally benchmarked, not compared to one another. The evaluation begins with a reservation and welcome, incorporating many interactions and touch points. Value, which is an individual perception, is not taken into consideration as with high-end dining, many patrons will pay a premium price for a stellar, personal, unforgettable experience. Plates are awarded to a restaurant, not a chef – like Michelin star restaurants.
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CONSISTENCY IS KEY
With consistency being such an important aspect of a restaurant evaluation, and caution being one of the cornerstones of the JHP brand, plates aren’t awarded lightly. A restaurant is therefore initially awarded one or two plates, never immediately a three-plate rating.
This is a marathon, not a sprint, it is not a competition, but a programme that recognizes ongoing excellence. The JHP Gourmet Guide™ celebrates and lauds a community of craftsmen and their dedication, passion and talent. Building our brand has been greatly supported by local and international partners. Our sincere ongoing thanks to Dineplan, Swiss International Air Lines, ABALOBI, KitchenAid Africa and Mervyn Gers Ceramics, states Handley, originator and curator of the Plate Rating, owner of Jenny Handley Performance Management.
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PLATED RESTAURANTS FOR 2020
THREE PLATES (GOLD)
Greenhouse, Indochine, La Colombe, Restaurant Mosaic, The Test Kitchen.
TWO PLATES (SILVER)
Camphors at Vergelegen, Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia, Dw eleven-13, Foliage, FYN, Grei, La Petite Colombe, Nobu, The Pot Luck Club, The Restaurant at Waterkloof, Wolfgat.
ONE PLATE (BRONZE)
Aubergine, Cavalli, Chefs Warehouse & Canteen, Chefs Warehouse at Maison, Coobs, Eike, Fermier, Janse & Co, Jordan Restaurant, Le coin Français, Marble, Myoga, Rust en Vrede, Salsify, Terroir, The Chefs’ Table, The Shortmarket Club, The Werf, Upper Bloem Restaurant, View.
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THE ANNUAL, PRINTED 2020 JHP GOURMET GUIDE™
Embark on a culinary trail that will lead you into South Africa’s top restaurants, allow you to meet the chefs and share their inspiration, then return to your own kitchen to recreate their recipes. Each of the plated restaurants featured in the 2020 JHP Gourmet Guide™ has a recipe that they have so generously, personally tested and shared. Making this guide a keepsake, not only of your travels but as a recipe book. There are no advertisements in the book, thereby highlighting independence and objectivity. Guides are available to purchase in Woolworths, Exclusive Books and plated restaurants at R299, nationwide.
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GOURMET GUIDE MAGAZINE
The bi-monthly online Gourmet Guide magazine is loved by food-loving followers. Trail the steps of chefs starting a new journey, get inspired by their seasonal recipes, find new restaurants, travel to the four corners of the globe and to Michelin star restaurants. The magazine is free to read, download, print and share.
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