Restaurant Rescue Mission: Let’s Save Our Neighborhood Restaurants

Hey there, folks! I want to talk to you about an issue that could really use our attention: our local eateries. They are facing some tough times, and it’s up to us to lend a helping hand. I’m sure you’re aware of the challenges they’re going through, but let me break it down for you.

Our neighborhood restaurants have always been a vital part of our community. They bring people together, they nourish our bodies and souls, and they create jobs for our neighbors. But lately, they have been struggling to stay afloat.

COVID-19 has hit the restaurant industry hard. With lockdowns and restrictions, they have lost a significant portion of their income. Many restaurants had to close their doors, and the ones that managed to survive are barely hanging on. It’s heartbreaking to see these beloved establishments in such distress.

That’s why I’m reaching out to you today. We need to step up and support our local eateries. There are plenty of ways we can make a difference, even if we might not realize it at first.

First and foremost, we can show our support by dining at these restaurants. Whether it’s ordering takeout, delivery, or dining in when it’s safe, every meal counts. By doing so, not only do we get to enjoy delicious food, but we also help keep the lights on and the kitchens running.

Another way to lend a helping hand is by spreading the word. Let your friends, family, and colleagues know about your favorite local spots. Recommend them on social media or write a positive review online. Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool, and your recommendations can bring in new customers and keep the restaurants thriving.

Lastly, we can also support our local eateries by purchasing gift cards. It’s a win-win situation: you get to treat yourself or your loved ones to a future meal, and the restaurant receives much-needed support in the present. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference.

So, my friends, let’s come together and save our neighborhood restaurants. They need us now more than ever. By dining at these establishments, spreading the word, and purchasing gift cards, we can help them weather this storm and ensure they will continue to be an integral part of our community.

When it comes to combating the devastating effects of Covid-19 on the hospitality industry, South African wineries are stepping up to the plate in a remarkable way.

The global pandemic, coupled with strict lockdown regulations in South Africa, has wreaked havoc on the world as we know it. Among the hardest-hit sectors is the hospitality industry, which has been brought to its knees.

Restaurants in Cape Town, in particular, have felt the brunt of this crisis. In the face of months of uncertainty, loss of income, and ever-changing regulations, these establishments have suffered greatly.

But a light of hope has emerged amidst the darkness. Chef-patron Matt Manning and his dedicated team at Grub & Vine have taken matters into their own hands. Teaming up with Alex Dale, the mastermind behind Radford Dale, an innovative winery in Stellenbosch, they have launched the #RestaurantRescueProject.

The goal is twofold: to save the livelihoods of employees and to raise awareness about the dire situation facing the restaurant industry. By “adopting” a restaurant, they aim to generate a much-needed response and bring attention to their cause on social media.

Let Me Explain How it Works

Here’s the deal: a winery decides to “adopt” a restaurant. So, when you buy a voucher to dine at that restaurant, you’ll get some free wine from a partnered wine farm. These are the current partnerships:

• 96 Winery Road and Journey’s End
• Codfather and Alheit Vineyards with Spider Pig Wines
• La Mouette and Strandveld
• Jonkerhuis and Bruce Jack
• Blockhouse and Bruce Jack
• La Tête and Luddite & Elgin Ridge
• Cheyne’s and Journey’s End
• Café Charles and Sijnn Wines
• Between Us and Van Loggerenberg Wines & Thorne and Daughters
• Salsify and Graham Beck, Steenberg & Capensis (Sold Out)
• Grub & Vine and Radford Dale (Sold Out)
• SeaBreeze Fish & Shell and De Grendel Wine Farm (Sold Out)
• The sold-out restaurants and wine estates for this event are Aubergine Restaurant and Lismore Wine Estate, Black Sheep and Carsten Migliarina Wines with Thelema Mountain Vineyards, The Potluck Club and Warwick Wines, Upper Bloem and Villiera Wines, Foxcroft and Hilton Vineyards, and Wolfgat and Savage Wines, David & Nadia Sadie, Donovan Rall Wines, and The Test Kitchen and Keermont, Ken Forrester, Jordan, Oldenburg, Hartenberg, and Radford Dale.

“Restaurants are a vital part of Cape Town’s culinary scene,” I say. “But these amazing establishments are in danger of disappearing forever.” To save them, we need to act fast and work together. That’s the only way to keep them alive and protect the jobs they provide.”

Alex Dale knows what he’s talking about. If we can get more wineries to team up with restaurants and encourage people to support these partnerships, we can give the industry a fighting chance.

If you want to learn more about the #RestaurantRescueProject, check it out. And don’t forget to use DinePlan to book your table.

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