Azure, the signature restaurant at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, has made its debut onto the American Express Platinum Fine Dining Awards for 2013. Azure was among just 18 restaurants in the Cape Peninsula, from a total of 83 restaurants across South Africa, to receive the accolade this year.   

The American Express Platinum Fine Dining Awards platform is widely recognized as a barometer for discerning diners seeking a quality dining experience, and was created to acknowledge establishments setting the bar for fine dining in South Africa.  

Selection criteria include quality and creativity of cuisine, service, wine list, décor and ambience, as well as overall excellence and American Express card acceptance. Azure was one of only 12 new restaurants on the list this year, two of which are in Cape Town.  

Respected Cape Town-based ‘foodie’ and food author Tamsin Snyman, who served on this year’s judging panel and who focussed on judging restaurants in the Cape Peninsula and the Winelands, said that it was evident that restaurants from these regions had become more creative and were going the extra mile to stand out from the crowd. She also noted that restaurants linked to accommodation have shown a marked improvement in their food quality this year.  

With Executive Chef Henrico Grobbelaar at the helm, Azure Restaurant offers a classic fine dining experience, with inspiring seasonal five-star menus, and an unrivalled setting offering sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean. The restaurant also boasts a professional sommelier service and an award-winning wine list.   

Says Horst Frehse, general manager of The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa: ‘We are honoured to have our signature restaurant included among the 2013 award winners. This is really a tribute to Chef Henrico Grobbelaar who has proudly placed his individual creative stamp on the menu at Azure, since he took up the reins here in 2010. The restaurant has really come into its own, having been recognized among the best of the best within culinary circles over the last two years - including as a Eat Out Top 20 Restaurant last year.’  

Azure Restaurant Reservations can be made at 021 437 9029, or visit www.12apostles.co.za.