COCKTAILS WITH A CAUSE:
THE TEST KITCHEN FLEDGELINGS X CAUSE|EFFECT COCKTAIL KITCHEN
South Africa, Cape Town, 28 July 2025: Two of Cape Town’s leading voices in food and drink, chef Luke Dale Roberts and cocktail innovator Kurt Schlechter, will join forces this August for a collaboration that puts mentorship, learning and flavour in the spotlight.
On 22 August at The Test Kitchen Fledgelings and 29 August at CAUSE | EFFECT Cocktail Kitchen at the V&A Waterfront, guests are invited to take part in two spirited evenings shaped by collaboration, creativity and a shared commitment to developing the next generation of hospitality professionals.
The Test Kitchen Fledgelings is a mentorship-driven restaurant founded by Luke Dale Roberts in the wake of the pandemic, transforming his iconic Test Kitchen space into a platform for training and upliftment. Here, young individuals with no formal experience are given a chance to learn every aspect of the restaurant trade, from kitchen prep to guest service, under the guidance of Dale Roberts, head chef Nathan Clarke, and a deeply committed team.
For this collaboration, Dale Roberts has partnered with Kurt Schlechter, the award-winning bartender and founder of CAUSE | EFFECT Cocktail Kitchen renowned for his deep knowledge of South African ingredients and his ongoing work in skills development, Schlechter will be working with the Fledgelings in the lead-up to the event, teaching cocktail-making techniques alongside the CAUSE | EFFECT Cocktail Kitchen team. From balance and preparation to presentation and service, the bar becomes another space for discovery and growth. Voted South Africa’s best cocktail bar, CAUSE | EFFECT Cocktail Kitchen has also been recognised internationally as one of the Top Ten in the World’s 50 Best Discovery Bars, ranked #99 in the Top 500 International Bars, and named the 53rd Best Cocktail Bar globally by the World’s 50 Best Bars in 2022.
A specially designed menu of small plates will be served on both evenings, created by the Fledgelings kitchen team and drawn from their à la carte offering. Designed for sharing, the dishes reflect the team’s growing confidence and playful approach in the kitchen, with bold flavour combinations and a relaxed sense of generosity.
Menu highlights include vetkoek with smoked snoek pâté, oysters with pickled carrots, daikon and Nam Jim dressing, and tuna tartare with miso, black garlic mayo, pap tuile and yuzu. Guests can also expect Korean fried chicken with ponzu emulsion and Asian slaw, fish tacos with Cape Malay pickle, fried hake, crispy onion and basil mojo, loaded fries with Mornay sauce, pickled jalapeños and parmesan, and the TTK beef slider served on a Japanese milk bun with truffle-mayoed onion, pickled cucumber and cheddar.
Both evenings will also feature a live DJ, adding to the easy-going atmosphere and sense of celebration. Expect an easy-going evening with a great playlist, vibrant cocktails and food that’s generous in spirit and flavour.
“It’s always about more than what’s on the plate or in the glass,” says Dale Roberts. “The Fledgelings programme is about creating spaces where people can grow, learn and feel proud of the work they’re doing. Collaborating with Kurt, whose work across the drinks world is both serious and meaningful, brings a whole new dimension to that vision.”
Bookings are essential and available via Dineplan for both venues. A deposit is required to confirm your reservation and will be applied to your final bill on the night.
22 August – The Test Kitchen Fledgelings, Woodstock 021 447 2337 | www.ttkfledgelings.co.za
29 August – CAUSE | EFFECT Cocktail Kitchen, V&A Waterfront 021 422 0266 | www.causeandeffect.co.za.
Bookings via Dineplan | A deposit is required to secure your seat and will be deducted from the final bill.
Follow @ttkfledgelings.co.za and causeeffectcpt on Instagram
For press enquiries, contact Lise Manley of Manley Communications on lise@publicity.co.za or phone 082 828 5168.
For CAUSE | EFFECT Cocktail Kitchen press enquiries katie@lumeagency.co.za or phone
081 851 2765
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