JUNE 2019- Jhb East

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22 Get It Joburg East June 2019 GICE0607_022_1500397331.indd 22 2019/05/15 03:35:01 PM
The world’s his oyster Nico Brandt is a guy who jumps at all the opportunities that life has to offer. He has successfully completed more major projects than one can count on 10 fingers. We caught up with this extraordinary chef in his quaint Kensington bistro, Cut & Craft, in Queen Street. Nico is blessed with a natural flair for aesthetics. He has been in the food industry for about 30 years, during which he has owned or co-owned numerous restaurants. Although food is his first love, he also has a passion for interior decorating and event planning. The largest project he undertook was to arrange a $140-million royal wedding. After obtaining an MBA degree in hotel development through the Glion Hotel School in Switzerland, Nico became involved in many projects at the Kruger National Park. To mention a few, he was appointed to upgrade the menus and décor at Ngala Safari Lodge and was responsible for all the bosbraai sites within the Kruger. In 1999 he was instrumental in the privatisation of all the restaurants in the park. He organised the event for the Transfrontier Park speech by Nelson Mandela, as well as the catering for 3000 people in 2004 for an event to view a total eclipse of the sun. In the same year he became the general manager of the Al Bustan Palace (a Ritz-Carlton Hotel) in Oman on the Arabian Peninsula. There he had to arrange the $14-million royal wedding that stretched over seven days. The royal luxuries included a Swarovski crystal ball for the wedding couple to sit in, silk tablecloths, crystal glasses, Churchill porcelain and more. His last hotel project, before he settled in Kensington, was to upgrade ‘The largest project he undertook was to arrange a $140-million royal wedding.’ the Victoria Crown Plaza hotel in Lagos, Nigeria, from three to five stars. Just over two years ago, Nico bought a golden oldie amidst the hustle and bustle of Queen Street, which he turned into one of the most loved eating spots on the East Rand – Cut & Craft Bistro. The bistro is a warm and inviting ‘home’ that welcomes its patrons with yesteryear’s wooden door frames and pressed ceilings and a wood fire crackling in the fireplace. The homely ambience stretches to the back of the bistro, where one can relax outside under the veranda or umbrellas on sunny days. It is not uncommon to see business people escape from their offices with their laptops to come and work in peace on the veranda. Others enjoy a cup of coffee while browsing through the books of Kensington’s swap library (situated on the veranda) or enjoying the works of artists exhibiting in the restaurant. In two and a half years, Nico has created a venue with heart and soul where people love to eat. The food is just as inviting as the ambience. Nico has designed a mouthwatering menu with something for every taste. Whether you’re a vegetarian, a vegan or on the Banting train, you will find a great meal to indulge in. Some of the favourite meals served at Cut & Craft are the oxtail, lamb neck curry made in authentic Cape Malay style, pizzas, delicious wraps and hamburgers, excellent matured steaks and the popular breakfast option, Crafters Benedict, to mention a few. “Our food is crafted with love. I make comfort food with a twist,” says Nico. Details: Cut & Craft Bistro, 159 Queen Street, South Kensington, 011 615 0230 Text and photo: Ina Gouws June 2019 Get It Joburg East 23 GICE0607_022_1500397331.indd 23 2019/05/15 03:35:11 PM
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JUNE 2019- Jhb East

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