In South Africa, 2019 world best restaurant 'heats up' for post virus ops

<p>A tiny beach restaurant in South Africa shot to fame last year when it was voted the <a href="https://www.africanews.com/2019/02/20/south-african-restaurant-crowned-best-in-the-world/">world’s best eating house</a> for unique dishes.</p> <p>But the limelight faded after the coronavirus pandemic arrived — and today, the much-acclaimed Wolfgat is counting its losses. Eateries across the country have been shut to diners since March 27 when a nationwide lockdown was imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus.</p> <p>Kobus Van Der Merwe, owner and chef at Wolfgat says they are warming up to the reality of the new normal: “We need to rethink the way the service takes place, how the cutlery is handled and the dishes </p> <p>“… how to make sure that we and our guests feel safe and relaxed, to live a new Wolfgat experience. But we’re ready, we’re ready for the challenge.”</p> <p>Starting last month, blanket restrictions were eased slightly, enabling restaurants to cook but just for takeaways. Under normal circumstances, Wolfgat can serve a maximum of 20 sitting guests, but the pressure of the lockdown has weighed heavily on the restaurant.</p> <p>Emily Williams, a staff speaks on the new rules: “Because of the virus, the restaurant won’t be as crowded as it used to be… but I’m excited for the people coming back. Because I miss talking to people, explaining our food at the table and everything.”</p> <p>South african President President Cyril Ramaphosa this week announced that restaurants will soon be able to have sit-down customers, albeit with physical distance restrictions. The country is Africa’s most impact with over 87,000 cases as of June 20.</p> <ul> <li>Confirmed cases = 87,715</li> <li>Active cases = 38,059</li> <li>Recoveries = 47,825</li> <li>Number of deaths =1,831</li> </ul> <strong><em>John Hopkins Uni stats valid as of June 19, 2020</em></strong> <style>.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }</style><div class='embed-container'><iframe src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/--DylxRaNYY' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>