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<\/p>\nIt’s a sad day for the Cape Town culinary scene as Chef Ash Heeger announces the closure of Riverine Rabbit. Chef Ash has announced her decision to move back to the United Kingdom and start a new journey in the hope of achieving a work\/life balance with her partner, Erin. In a heartfelt statement, Ash sheds light on her reason for leaving Cape Town and the impending closure.<\/p>\n
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\u201cFor those of you who do not know me personally, I wear my heart on my sleeve and this statement is no different. I\u2019ve prioritized my career above all else my entire life. It\u2019s served me well so far and I\u2019ve excelled in this industry as a result, shaping me into the person I am today. I\u2019ve spent the last four years as a restaurant owner and it\u2019s been the single most rewarding experience of my life. I\u2019ve learnt what it takes to be a leader, an employer and a mentor to those around me.<\/p>\n
Most importantly, I\u2019ve loved every second with my team who have become my family. However, the ambitious pursuit of my career goals has been the detriment of many of my personal relationships. For the first time, I\u2019ve found something that is more important to me than my career, or my business. And that is my own happiness. I\u2019ve made the decision to close Riverine Rabbit towards the end of the season and move back to the United Kingdom to be with my partner, Erin. Making our relationship my priority.<\/p>\n
This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, one that I\u2019ve not made lightly. I do not wish to keep The Rabbit open without my presence in Cape Town, it just wouldn\u2019t feel right. The restaurant is so much a part of me, I can\u2019t imagine not being a part of its everyday life.<\/p>\n
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I love my business, Cape Town and my country, but I firmly believe this is the right call for me, for now. Having my sister Mandy on board for the last two years has been absolutely fantastic and I\u2019m so grateful for her support throughout our time together and with this decision. This is definitely not goodbye; this is just the next step in my journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
We cannot wait to see what this personal journey holds for Ash. The United Kingdom has a talented and passionate chef entering their culinary scene. That being said, we know the Cape Town food scene will be waiting in anticipation for her return.<\/p>\n
Riverine Rabbit, owned by sister team Ash Heeger & Mandy van der Berg, opened its doors in October 2018, showcasing the best local ingredients and wine South Africa has to offer. Shining a light on sustainability and the ever-increasing need for restaurants and patrons alike to become more aware of the provenance of their food. The small family-owned restaurant has a different take on fine dining, focusing on the food and service and not the \u201cfills\u201d that tend to follow. Set in a welcoming environment off bustling Bree Street, diners could expect a relaxed yet conscious fine dining experience.<\/p>\n
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