Quintessential specialises in cocktail-focused events and is the brainchild of two Capetonians, Josh Kaplan and Josh Sarembock. Founded in 2017, Quintessential was born out of the pair’s long-term experience in the bartending and mixology game.

On March 28, Quintessential X Radisson Blu will be hosting an evening dedicated to two of Cape Town’s favourite things: cocktails and fine dining. This event will be the second installment of the Quintessential X Radisson Blu collaboration.

The first event took place on March 14 and tantalised the tastebuds of attendees. The evening was a warm-up to the 28th, filled with delicious food, creative cocktails and a picturesque view of the heart of Cape Town’s CBD. Upon arrival guests received a welcome cocktail, a preview of what to expect for the next event.

The cocktail consisted of El Jimador tequila blanco, carrot juice, green pepper juice, cumin syrup, celery bitters, and lemon. The expectations for the evening were met and surpassed.

The food was delectable. Guests were treated to fried chicken starters, deep-fried goats cheese bites and lamb tramezzinis. For the non-meat eaters and a personal favorite, there were avocado chips and vegan stir-fry tramezzinis.

Vegan stir-fry tramezzini and avocado chips

With a new focus on collaborative events, Quintessential has co-hosted successful popups alongside Dash at the Queen Victoria Hotel at the V&A Waterfront, Café Caprice and Socal on Bree.

Quintessential pride themselves on their bespoke service offering that makes the brand what it is. Instead of focusing on classic cocktails, these two entrepreneurs have ventured into the unknown. Aside from the alcohol, not one item in a Quintessential cocktail is store-bought or poured from a container.

Each juice, syrup, bitter, and infusion has been meticulously tried, tested and freshly made. Quintessential somewhat translates practices of molecular gastronomy into their product offerings. You will never find these cocktails on another menu.

True to Quintessential’s style, the second event promises to be even better than the last. The evening of March 28 will combine fine dining with eccentric cocktails at an affordable rate.

Guests will be able to indulge in a delicious four-course meal paired with three world-class cocktails. Think pinotage reductions, sesame oil bitters and fresh juices thrown into the mix.

A sneak-peak of what to expect: Roasted beef fillet, Port jus, Buttermilk mash to be paired with a Herradura Reposado cocktail infused with apple, pinotage, lemon and cinnamon bitters.

The evening promises to be a taste-trip unlike any other. On the night, guests will hear anecdotes on the creative process behind the thirst-quenching creations from both Kaplan and Sarembock. For the non-meat eaters, there will be a vegetarian menu available.

Ticket prices for the event come in three different tiers:

  1. The Grand Daddy: 4 courses, 3 cocktails for R475
  2. The Food Experience: 4 courses without drinks for R330
  3. The Mixology Experience: 3 cocktails without food for R225

Included in the price of each ticket is an invitation to have exclusive access to the Radisson Blu‘s Ghibli Rooftop Pool Bar to enjoy the sunset.

For booking information, email Quintessential on [email protected].

Quintessential X Radisson Blu will be hosting two more bespoke events after this month’s, one in April and a special event for Mother’s Day. Keep an eye on their social media for more details.

Instagram: @quintessentialbar 

Facebook @quintessentialcocktails

 

Picture: Supplied

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