Marking 280 years of Moët & Chandon savoir-fête and toasting in the festive season in grand style, friends of the House gathered at world-renowned chef Luke Dale-Roberts’ The Potluck Club Johannesburg on Wednesday, 29 November for an inspired evening of culinary artistry paired with the world’s premier champagne for celebration.
In the company of Charles de Pontevès of Moët & Chandon, the occasion crowned an exceptional year for the House, which has been associated with the celebration of success and of life’s most memorable moments for nearly three centuries, since its founding in Epernay, France, in 1743. Bringing guests together in culinary experiences, helmed by world-class chefs, is a defining mark of its legacy, honed on a tradition of fine craftsmanship and innovation.
The season’s most coveted culinary collaboration saw Moët & Chandon united with Chef Luke at his lauded restaurant for a journey of sensory exploration and joyful salutation of the House’s remarkable 280 this year. The experience was designed to evoke each of the five senses and stages of the champagne-tasting journey, from sound and sight to aroma and taste, in a theatrical display of artistry and skill.
Five exceptional Moët & Chandon champagnes met their match when accompanied by the sensory dishes created by The Potluck Club team consisting of Chef Luke, Head Chef Ebie du Toit and Group Executive Chef Jason Kosmas. The Rosebank restaurant is renowned for its signature modern global fare that delights the eye as much as the palate, served in a convivial environment with the open kitchen on full display. It’s currently riding a wave of success, having received two stars and two plates, respectively, at the recent Eat Out Restaurant Awards 2023 and JHP Gourmet Guide Restaurant Awards.
The ‘Aroma’ course, a taster of oysters and caviar presented in a cloud of salt-infused ice, gave diners the heady sensation of being at the seaside. It was complemented by the fresh elegance of Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut. The ‘Sight’ course delivered a tuna Ssam replete with smoked pineapple and tamale, artfully paired with the intense fruitiness of Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial Rosé.
Diners enjoyed a surprise crunch in the ‘Sound’ course, a harmonious layering of flavours featuring porcini brioche ‘soldiers’, chicken liver and foie gras with peach jam, served with the creamy Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial. The Japanese-inspired ‘Feel’ course of lobster topped with a ‘snow’ of dill granita arrived enveloped in the fragrance of orange blossom, matched with the Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2015. For the ‘Taste’ course, Chef Luke drew on his culinary experience to present a flavour sensation pairing duck with the floral nuances of the Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial.
Following this effervescent occasion, The Potluck Club festivities continue through December with the Moët & Chandon Aperitif experience. The four-course menu comprises Chef Luke’s sensational ‘Aroma’, ‘Sight’, ‘Sound’ and ‘Feel’ dishes, served with a glass of Moët & Chandon champagne.
The Moët & Chandon Aperitif experience is available on Friday 8, 15, 22 and 29 December from 15h00 to 18h00, paired with Moët & Chandon. To reserve your spot, contact The Potluck Club Johannesburg, 010-745-3999, thepotluckclubjhb.co.za
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