An atmosphere of sheer bliss engulfed the Amazink restaurant, a dinner and performance venue in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch, when it was relaunched on Wednesday evening (29 June), after being closed for two years owing to Covid-19 restrictions.
The pandemic’s travel restrictions delivered a severe blow to the tourism and hospitality industry. Now these have largely been lifted an opportunity existed for kykNET’s In Die Sop, with Bertus Basson, to breathe new life into the venue.
As South Africa’s first “township dinner theatre”, Amazink was beloved by locals and tourists. It featured vibrant and soulful local rhythms woven through life stories on stage. The lockdown and travel restrictions abruptly silenced it.
Basson has been involved with Amazink from its very early days. So it was a happy return to work for him and his team, and particularly with the Amazink crew pursuing a new concept that fits in squarely with today’s needs – for leisure, entertainment and interaction over excellent local cuisine.
Chef Noxolo Klaas said it was a privilege to have Basson and his team here. “They looked at Amazink with fresh eyes and spotted opportunities. We can’t wait to share our local hospitality with everyone!”
The menu celebrates local tastes, with grilled chicken, pap, spicy chakalaka and coleslaw. Basson’s influence is evident in the details, from delicious home-made peri-peri sauce to the smooth running of the front-of-house.
