Five SA restaurants in AmEX Fine Dining Awards

In true fine dining style, the Cape Town leg of the soiree was held at Cavalli Wine & Stud Farm in the Cape Winelands, an establishment that continues to provide exquisite culinary pleasures and experiences. The Joburg event was held at Thava Indian Restaurant.

"The awards continue to reflect the country's rising culinary spirit and serve as a catalyst in championing the enhancement of the fine-dining industry and experience in South Africa. As the exclusive issuer of American Express in South Africa, we are honoured to be associated with this initiative as it not only celebrates South African restaurateurs but also promotes fine dining," said Pamela White: Head: Corporate Card Services of Nedbank.

Undeniably exquisite culinary experience

The American Express Platinum Fine Dining Awards continue to pay tribute to the country's restaurants that consistently achieve excellence, creativity and providing an undeniably exquisite culinary experience.

This year, Tamsin Snyman, author, publisher and Academy Chair for the region African & the Indian Ocean Islands for The World's 50 Best Restaurant Awards was at the helm of the American Express Platinum Fine Dining judging panel, having been handed the baton by long-time restaurant critic Victor Strugo, who held this position since the inception of the awards.

"The 2015 list of restaurants has stabilised considerably after the restaurant industry saw a lot of movement within the top echelon of restaurants in South Africa. This has persuaded us to revisit our judging criteria, which has been in place since inception. As such we worked carefully as a team to ensure the best quality restaurants are selected," said Snyman.

Snyman explains that an additional condition for restaurants to be selected for these awards was the acceptance of the American Express Card and their commitment to honouring one dinner reservation (for up to four people) by a Platinum Card member who books within four days of the desired dining date.

"Despite the volatile and challenging economic conditions, we are encouraged to see that the fine dining industry remains strong, with 89 top restaurants continuing to deliver distinctive experiences for the prevailing palate of the discerning diners. It is against this backdrop that Nedbank and American Express continue to celebrate restaurateurs that pride themselves in offering memorable experiences for diners," concluded White.