947 host Anele Mdoda being Chef Greg Czarnecki's sous chef during Disney+ South Africa's media launch inspired by FX's 'The Bear'. (Supplied/Disney+ South Africa) Disney+ SA celebrated The Bear with a three-night event featuring Michelin-star chef Greg Czarnecki's culinary masterpieces. Held at Acid Food & Wine Bar, the event was transformed into the show's setting, highlighted by a four-course-themed menu.
Guests embraced ' Chicago chic' dress code, reflecting the series' modest yet impactful style, and enhancing the immersive experience. When Disney+ South Africa decided to host a three-night event to celebrate FX's The Bear and its impressive 23 Emmy nominations , I knew I had to be there. The series, known for its intense portrayal of the culinary world, deserved nothing less than a spectacular tribute, and Disney+ delivered just that.
The festivities kicked off with an exclusive media launch that was nothing short of magical. Held at the female-owned Acid Food & Wine Bar in Parktown North, the venue was transformed into the bustling, vibrant world of The Bear . The event's highlight was the presence of award-winning, Michelin-star-trained chef Greg Czarnecki, who brought the series' culinary excellence to life with his extraordinary creations.
Chef Gregory Czarnecki at Disney+/The Bear Joburg Experience. (Supplied/Disney+) Chef Gregory Czarnecki at Disney+/ The Bear Joburg Experience. (Supplied/Disney+) Among the special guests was 947 breakfast host Anele Mdoda, who, like the rest of us, was immersed in the captivating world of this critically acclaimed series.
As we stepped into the transformed venue, it was clear that the evening would be one to remember. Masego Maps Maponyane and Anele Mdoda at the Disney+ The Bear Joburg Experience. (Supplied/Disney+) Based on the invitation, I assumed the intention was to get us to cook our own food but I was much more keen on receiving the Michelin-level service guests were treated to at the experience.
Chef Czarnecki's culinary masterpieces were nothing short of spectacular. Each dish he presented was inspired by The Bear , meticulously crafted to reflect the show's dedication to culinary excellence, passion, and precision. As he introduced each course, Chef Czarnecki shared insights into what it takes to open and run a restaurant – from harnessing the pressure to be exceptional to blending tradition and innovation, assembling a winning team, and building a lasting legacy.
The four-course menu was a testament to the chef's talent and creativity. We began with a bread and butter dish, featuring three types of bread and three types of butter: natural, salted straw wine, and onion and ashes. This delightful start was followed by a hake quenelle served in champagne sauce with a side of caviar, perfectly paired with a glass of Cederberg Five Generations Chenin Blanc 2023.
Disney+'/The Bear Joburg Experience. (Supplied/Disney+) Disney+'/The Bear Joburg Experience. (Supplied/Disney+) The third course was a poached chicken morel served with port jus and crispy chicken skin, accompanied by a glass of Antonij Rupert Merlot (2018).
Each bite was a revelation, showcasing the intricate balance of flavours and textures that chef Czarnecki is known for. READ | The Bear gets the suffering and self-sacrifice of a top-flight kitchen just right The evening concluded with a dessert that was as beautiful as it was delicious: rum baba, vanilla bleu de la reunion, and passion fruit. The dessert wine, Thelema "Vin de Hel" Muscat Late Harvest (2021), was the perfect finishing touch to this extraordinary meal.
As I savoured each course, it became clear that food was the perfect medium to celebrate a show like The Bear . While the series is ostensibly about a restaurant, it's truly about the lives of its unique cast of characters. The culinary artistry on display at the event mirrored the show's intricate storytelling and deep emotional resonance.
Guests were invited to dress according to a Chicago chic theme, which proved to be a fun challenge. Neo Nontso at the Disney+ The Bear Joburg Experience. (Supplied) Rozanne McKenzie from Jacaranda FM at the Disney+ The Bear Joburg Experience.
(Supplied/Disney+) Maps at the Disney+/The Bear Joburg Experience. (Supplied/Disney+) Considering how moderately the cast dresses, interpreting this theme for a dinner event was tricky. I opted for a white top and black wide-leg pants inspired by Jeremy Allen White's character, Carmy, and wore sandals from the Crocs height collection as a nod to Carmy's favourite footwear, Birkenstocks, as I do not yet own a pair.
Disney+ South Africa's event was a fitting tribute to The Bear , a series that has captured the hearts and minds of viewers worldwide. With the first three seasons now streaming on Disney+, fans can dive into the intense, beautiful world of the show and experience the culinary magic for themselves. READ MORE | The Bear stars Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Lionel Boyce on S3's culinary catharsis and delectable drama We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives.
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