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Scala Pasta/Bar: Where Elegant Ambience Meets Italian Artistry

Nestled in a stylish corner of the city of Cape Town, Scala Pasta/Bar invites guests into a warm and intimate atmosphere where soft mood lighting and tasteful décor create the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening or a refined night out. The space balances sophistication with comfort, setting the tone for an experience that delights both the eyes and the palate.

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the General Manager and the Executive Chef, both of whom added a personal touch to the evening with their passion and enthusiasm. The attentive staff ensured our every need was met, adding a gracious and polished touch to the experience.

Our evening began with a delicate amuse-bouche – a crispy mac & cheese ball served with a luxurious truffle sauce. This comforting yet indulgent starter was a perfect prelude to the meal ahead, teasing the palate with its rich flavours.

Given the choice between the Summer Set menu and the à la carte, we selected the latter to fully explore some of Scala’s signature dishes. To start, the Summer Burrata Salad arrived, a harmonious medley of creamy burrata, grilled peaches, salty prosciutto, balsamic onions, crunchy croutons, and peppery wild rocket. The sweet, salty, tangy, and fresh elements danced beautifully together, each bite a carefully balanced composition.

For mains, we indulged in two standout pastas. The first was the Signature Carbonara, crafted under the guidance of Luciano Monosilio, the acclaimed King of Carbonara in Italy, who consults for Scala. His rendition honoured Roman tradition with a rich, glossy sauce that clung perfectly to the pasta, complemented by crisp guanciale.

The second was the Fettuccine Marina, featuring tender prawns, mussels, and a bright crudo relish. This dish offered a refreshing contrast, with the seafood’s natural sweetness and briny notes perfectly balanced by the zing of citrus in the relish.

As with all the pasta at Scala, both dishes were made entirely in-house and cooked to a perfect al dente.

Dessert was a celebration of textures and flavours, beginning with the Millefoglie. Sandwiched between layers of crisp pastry were silky vanilla and dark chocolate custards, crowned with candied almonds for a satisfying crunch. Our final treat was the visually stunning Scala Egg, a vanilla bean mousse encased in a glossy white chocolate glaze, paired with a vibrant caramel and passionfruit coulis that cut through the sweetness with tropical brightness.

Throughout the evening, we enjoyed expertly crafted cocktails, thoughtfully suggested by the attentive wait staff who happily tailored each drink to our preferences, enhancing the overall experience.

Scala Pasta/Bar is much more than a dining venue; it is a refined culinary journey where atmosphere, service, and expertly executed Italian cuisine come together in perfect harmony. 

We left feeling truly inspired and eager to return.

Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Jade van Niekerk

To book your dining experience at Scala Pasta/Bar, visit dineplan: dineplan.com/restaurants/scala-pasta-bar

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2023 World Luxury Restaurant Awards Winners Announced

The World Luxury Awards celebrated its 17th year of awarding some of the top hotels, spas, restaurants and travel establishments on 28 October 2023. It was a night to remember. This luxurious affair was hosted by Grand Hyatt Athens in Greece and saw almost 300 establishments from around the world awarded for their dedication and commitment to the luxury hospitality and travel industries.

“We are very proud of all of our winners, and being able to celebrate with them on an occasion like this is very special. The ceremony was incredible. The interactive entertainment, The Greek Priestesses and The Famous Zorba, were highlights of the evening and were thoroughly enjoyed by all. We wish to congratulate all our winners, also to those who were not able to be with us. A special congratulations to our overall winners: the Global Hotel of the Year – Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the Global Spa of the Year – Spirit Hotel Thermal Spa, the Global Restaurant of the Year – Le Pavillon and the Global Travel Establishment of the Year – Australia Zoo.” says Jana Stoman, the Executive Manager for the World Luxury Awards.

A brilliant and tantalizing 6-course menu was prepared for all to enjoy throughout the night. We wish to recognize and give thanks to Alpha Wine Estate for providing the Greek wine pairing that complemented each course.

Prior to the Gala Ceremony, on Friday evening, the guests who opted in were treated to a spectacular walking tour of Athens by the Greek Gourmet Tours. After viewing multiple ancient and historical sites and a stunning walk around the Acropolis, the tour culminated in a sumptuous dinner at a delightful and modern, Greek tapas-style restaurant. One can truly say, dining in Greece can be an adventure on its own! Thank you to Anastasia and her team at Greek Gourmet Tours for providing this wonderful experience.

“Travelers today increasingly value experiences over possessions and are willing to invest in unique, authentic, and immersive travel experiences. It is with the unwavering commitment of dedicated staff that guests can enjoy this. We congratulate the 2023 winners, who have worked hard and tirelessly to be successful in a very competitive industry.” says Jana Stoman.

The after party on the Rooftop was blessed with a full moon, a blood moon in fact, rising overhead, and the Acropolis blazing in its glory in the distance. Many guests enjoyed socializing with new and old friends while the DJ enticed them onto the dance floor. It ended a momentous occasion, perfectly.

“The World Luxury Awards would like to recognize and thank France 24, our official partner sponsor for 12 years, for being with us tonight and remaining a part of our family in the hospitality industry.” says Brandon Lourens, Chief Executive Officer of the World Luxury Awards.