EarthBox is a unique dining experience located at Lourensford Estate outside of Somerset West. Visitors can participate in yoga and Pilates classes, live music performances, choir recitals, and a distinctive Chef Series. The venue offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and immerse oneself in the captivating narratives intertwined with the ground beneath us. The gastronomic journey is expertly crafted by Chef John Joseph and expertly matched with wines from Nederberg winery, making for a truly unforgettable experience.
What is EarthBox?
EarthBox is a unique dining experience located at Lourensford Estate outside of Somerset West. The underground chamber is an artistic and gastronomic venture that narrates the land’s tale. Visitors can participate in yoga and Pilates classes, live music performances, choir recitals, and a distinctive Chef Series. The venue offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and immerse oneself in the captivating narratives intertwined with the ground beneath us.
Within the scenic confines of Lourensford Estate, situated just outside Somerset West, EarthBox sets itself apart by providing an extraordinary and captivating dining experience. The brainchild of Marina Busse and Braam Baard, EarthBox isn’t just an artistic exhibition – it’s a dive into the untold stories of nature that lie beneath our very feet.
Built into the heart of the landscape, this intricately constructed underground chamber humbly narrates the land’s tale. Encased under a weather-resistant steel covering, the large exhibition area can be accessed via two winding paths. The exhibition area itself is a wonder with walls that have been layered, textured, and even humidified on site. The intention is to fill the chamber with the same soil that was dug out during its construction, once the exhibition comes to a close. Nonetheless, this closure date is expected to extend beyond the initial estimated time-frame of three months.
Interimly, EarthBox has plans to host an array of unique events and tours. Activities that visitors can look forward to include yoga and Pilates classes, musical performances during Sunday Sessions, and choir recitals. A distinctive Chef Series will also be added, bringing a gastronomic perspective to this artistic venture.
A Night to Remember at EarthBox
During a recent Valentine’s Day visit to EarthBox, the most striking aspect was the absence of mobile phone signals. This provided a rare opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and become fully engrossed in the evening’s happenings. The mastermind behind the evening’s epicurean expedition, Chef John Joseph, was waiting to greet us within the chiseled-out confines of EarthBox.
Chef John Joseph, known for his whimsical and challenging character, had crafted a menu that was a sensory journey, designed to excite our taste buds and stir our imagination. The first course, deeply inspired by nature, was an interesting take on honey and the pheromones used by queen bees to keep their kingdom in check. This was contrasted in the second course by ice-cold shaved celery, shaved truffle, and a celery perfume (dispensed from a spray bottle), served with a duo of comically presented mozzarella balls.
Each dish was expertly matched with wines from the reputed Nederberg winery. The one deviation was Joseph’s reimagining of his preferred breakfast dish, boerewors and eggs. Instead, what was served was a gourmet version of beef tartare, prepared with top-quality ingredients typically found in boerewors, and topped with caviar sourced from South Africa.
The gastronomic journey was further augmented by the tunes of a proficient pianist, stationed in the center of our grand dining table, and the evening was rounded off with a delightful pumpkin tart.
The EarthBox Experience: A Blend of Old and New
Amid an environment dotted with rock formations and soil that is millions of years old, it seemed fitting that our exit from this singular experience was in the contemporary Land Rover Discovery Sport plug-in hybrid. This modern touch complemented the contrast between ancient and modern that is a distinguishing feature of EarthBox.
Although the session with Chef John Joseph certainly stood out as a unique experience, EarthBox has a plethora of events to look forward to, including future Chef Sessions. For those who find the fusion of art, nature, and cuisine intriguing, a visit to earthbox.co.za is strongly suggested.
Nestled amidst an age-old landscape, EarthBox serves not only as a venue for artistic and culinary appreciation but also as a reminder of the captivating narratives intertwined with the ground beneath us. It beckons us to take a pause, disconnect from our daily preoccupations, and immerse ourselves in the tales of the land, shared through an artistic perspective and culinary art.
What kind of events are held at EarthBox?
EarthBox hosts a variety of events, including yoga and Pilates classes, live music performances, choir recitals, and a distinctive Chef Series.
Who is the chef behind the gastronomic journey at EarthBox?
The mastermind behind the epicurean expedition at EarthBox is Chef John Joseph.
What kind of cuisine is served at EarthBox?
The cuisine at EarthBox is expertly crafted and designed to excite the taste buds and stir the imagination. Each dish is expertly matched with wines from Nederberg winery.
What is the atmosphere like at EarthBox?
The atmosphere at EarthBox is captivating and immersive, with a rare opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and immerse oneself in the captivating narratives intertwined with the ground beneath us.
What is the venue like at EarthBox?
EarthBox is built into the heart of the landscape and is an intricately constructed underground chamber that humbly narrates the land’s tale. The exhibition area itself is a wonder with walls that have been layered, textured, and even humidified on site.
What is the best way to experience EarthBox?
The best way to experience EarthBox is to attend one of their many events or Chef Series, which offer a unique blend of art, nature, and cuisine. Visitors are encouraged to take a pause, disconnect from daily preoccupations, and immerse themselves in the tales of the land shared through an artistic perspective and culinary art.
