YOUR HOSTS

Opening Thursday, 23 January, Wilde Vy Bistro is the creation of South African chef Jürgen Snyman and Ghanaian entrepreneurs Kwasi Osei-Kusi and Charles Bucknor, based in Accra. The trio first crossed paths in Cape Town when Snyman was Executive Chef at Kloof Street House, Asoka and Egghead restaurant group. They connected over their shared passion for a people centered approach to hospitality – Osei-Kusi and Bucknor sponsor their team annually for training in Cape Town, organised with the support of seasoned restaurateurs Liam Tomlin and Ivor Jones.

In June of 2024, an opportunity for Snyman to be involved in an exciting new venture on Hooggelegen Farm arose and the idea for Wilde Vy Bistro was born.

THE CONCEPT

The trio turned to Design Build Collective (DB-CO) to craft an interior design concept that harmonises with the heritage of Hooggelegen Farm. Inspired by the meticulous process of wine production, DB-CO’s transformation of the previous restaurant space encapsulates not only the essence of wine but also the art of patient anticipation and the timeless beauty of its birthplace – the six-generation Hooggelegen Farm.

The intention is to honour the farm’s heritage by preserving existing artefacts and architectural elements, blending the restaurant seamlessly with the surrounding landscape using organic materials such as wood, rustic bricks, and sleek concrete, along with marble and brass to add contemporary detailing.

www.db-co.co.za

THE MENU

The menu has been carefully crafted to suit diverse palates and preferences – everything is simply delicious. Sections are divided into SMALL PLATES (Happies), RAW, SALADS, SEA, FIRE GRILL, VEGETARIAN, SIDES, DESSERT, as well as a thoughtful KIDDIES MENU.

A few dish highlights to whet the appetite include:

SMALL PLATES (HAPPIES)

●      ‘Duck Liver Parfait, Brioche and Cherry Granola’

RAW

●      ‘Citrus Cured Overberg Trout, Ajo Blanco, Apple and Cucumber’

SEA

●      ‘Line Fish, Braaied Bok Choi, Mussels and Tikka Masala’

FIRE GRILL

●      ‘Côte de Boeuf, Smoked Aubergine, Black Garlic and Steak Sauce’

DESSERT

‘Chocolate, Passion Fruit, and Granola’ – a dessert that will tempt even the most die-hard non-sweet tooth!

TABLE RESERVATIONS

WILDE VY BISTRO | SET IN THE CAPE | ROOTED IN AFRICA

Signal Gun Wines, Hooggelegen Farm, Hooggelegen Road, Durbanville, Cape Town, 7550

Open Monday to Friday from Noon to 9 pm and Saturday to Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm.

For bookings, go online to www.wildevybistro.com, email: reservations@wildevybistro.com, or WhatsApp +27 64 643 9766.

Follow Wilde Vy Bistro’s story: @wildevybistro

For Press and media assistance contact Ian and Lise Manley of Manley Communications Atelier via premierbrands@publicity.co.za, call +27 (0) 82 826 0456 or visit www.manleycommunications.com

EDITOR’S NOTES

Chef Jürgen Snyman: With over 25 years of hospitality and management experience, Snyman is a highly experienced and respected executive chef and restaurant manager. He most recently led the operations of Kloof Street House, Asoka, and Egghead restaurants and brings an extensive background in both fine and casual dining hospitality, both locally in South Africa and abroad in New Zealand.

Snyman has decades of experience implementing all SOP and management systems in restaurant establishments. He has collaborated with esteemed chefs and food critics in the hospitality industry. Snyman is an excellent people leader and has spearheaded front-of-house operations, trained, and mentored staff over many years to enhance customer satisfaction – evidenced by the excellent reviews at the restaurants he has led.

As a chef and manager, he has successfully launched and operated multiple restaurants, consistently exceeding revenue targets and improving profitability. He has built and maintained strong relationships with suppliers, staff, and customers. As a leader in his field, he brings passion, creativity, and strategic thinking to the table, driving restaurant success and inspiring kitchen staff and front-of-house teams to excel.

Kwasi Osei-Kusi: is the dynamic founder and CEO of Jamestown Coffee Company, Nyaniba Collective Ltd., and Alley Bar Ltd. He has led the development of one of Ghana’s fastest-growing hospitality groups, which now boasts six restaurants, a neighbourhood market, a coffee roasting and agro-processing enterprise, and a wine import business. Notable establishments in his portfolio include Treehouse Restaurant, Jamestown Coffee Company, Alley Bar, Le Petit Oiseau, Barn Door Beergarden, and Nyaniba Market.

Osei-Kusi is particularly passionate about coffee and community, with Jamestown Coffee being a flagship brand, with a roastery in Ghana and a growing chain of cafes across Africa.

A former Board Director and Country Manager at General Electric Oil & Gas, Osei-Kusi brings exceptional operational, marketing, and financial expertise to his ventures. His hospitality journey reflects a blend of innovation, quality, and a commitment to creating exceptional customer experiences.

Osei-Kusi studied at St. Lawrence University in the state of New York and loves to travel, having visited 50 countries around the world.

Charles Bucknor: studied at Ashesi University in Accra, Ghana  and is a seasoned entrepreneur with extensive multinational experience. He is a co-founder and director of Alley Bar Ltd., Treehouse, Le Petit Oiseau, Barn Door Beergarden, and Nyaniba Market. Bucknor’s expertise extends beyond hospitality, as he previously served as co-founder and CEO of Aphro Beverages, an international brand specialising in premium African alcoholic beverages.

At Aphro Beverages, Bucknor transformed the company into a million-dollar business within 18 months, expanding its market presence across West Africa, the USA, and the UK. The brand earned accolades like “Spirit of the Year” and was recognised as a “Cultural Breakthrough” by Ghana’s presidency.

Bucknor’s extensive experience in project finance and development has been instrumental in their ventures’ success. His strategic acumen has helped manage stakeholder relationships across regulatory and financial landscapes. In the hospitality sector, Bucknor has been instrumental in creating vibrant dining and nightlife experiences, contributing to the success of their shared ventures.

Together, Osei-Kusi and Bucknor represent a powerful partnership that combines deep operational knowledge, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial vision. Their establishments reflect a shared commitment to innovation and excellence, with each contributing their unique expertise – Osei-Kusi with a focus on coffee and lifestyle-driven ventures, and Bucknor focusing on experiential dining and beverages.

The duo’s shared journey now extends internationally with the launch of their beer brand, “Black Star Beer”, and Wilde Vy Bistro in South Africa – a testament to their dedication to redefining hospitality standards both in Ghana and abroad.

ENDS/