DUSK Restaurant, the boundary-pushing dining venture co-owned by Callan Austin and Darren Badenhorst, has launched a heartfelt partnership with the Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch and Clay Café Paarl.
The collaboration merges culinary creativity, community upliftment and a deeply personal story from Callan himself.
A personal connection
Callan adopted his first dog, Teddy, from AWSS three years ago. Coming home to Teddy each day became an unexpected grounding force amid the pressures of restaurant life. That bond inspired him to give something back.
“I wanted to create something meaningful through food, using our platform to benefit an initiative that’s close to home for me,” he says.
With shared enthusiasm from South African culinary ambassador Tamsin Snyman, co-owner of Clay Café Paarl, the idea took shape.
From painted bowls to purposeful dining
Nearly a year ago, Callan spotted Clay Café’s paint-your-own dog bowls. The quirky ceramics sparked a concept. A dish served in those bowls. Playful. Unexpected. Purpose-driven.
After sharing the idea with Tamsin and AWSS, the collaboration came together with excitement from all sides. The goal is simple. Raise awareness for AWSS and inspire DUSK’s guests to donate funds, food, or time.
Meeting the dogs behind the cause
To ensure the initiative reflected a genuine connection, the DUSK team visited AWSS to meet the dogs, spend time with the staff and understand the organisation’s day-to-day needs.
Each bowl used in the restaurant now carries the hand-painted name of a dog the team met. A few bowls also pay tribute to the pets of the DUSK brigade.
A dish inspired by unconditional loyalty
The resulting dish, featured on both of DUSK’s signature summer menus, is called “A Man’s Best Friend.” It draws inspiration from everything a dog would adore.
Guests can expect:
• A Beeno-style biscuit
• Cold-smoked venison tartare
• Smoked parmesan custard
Because, as the team notes, you always have to pay the “cheese tax.”
The dish delivers a nostalgic, humorous moment, paired with DUSK’s trademark technical precision.
Where to experience it
“A Man’s Best Friend” is featured on:
• DUSK Summer Epicurean Menu – R2,095 per person
• DUSK Summer Odyssey Menu – R1,795 per person
Optional wine pairings are available on both menus.
