DUSK goes to the dogs
DUSK Restaurant, the boundary-pushing dining experience co-owned by restaurateur duo Callan Austin and Darren Badenhorst, has launched a heartfelt collaboration with the Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS) and local winelands eatery Clay Café Paarl.
The initiative blends culinary creativity, community upliftment and the deep personal connection that executive chef Callan has to the cause.
Callan adopted his first dog Teddy from the AWSS three years ago. Returning home to his best friend each day became an unexpected anchor in the intensity of restaurant life, and it’s this emotional link that sparked Callan’s desire to give back. “I wanted to create something meaningful through food, using our platform to benefit an initiative that’s close to home for me,” he explains – and with the shared interest from well-known South African culinary ambassador Tamsin Snyman and co-owner of Clay Café Paarl, an idea took shape.
After spotting Clay Café’s paint-your-own dog bowls almost a year ago, Callan imagined creating a dish served in those very quirky ceramics – something playful, unexpected and anchored in purpose. Once he shared the concept with Tamsin and AWSS, the collaboration came together naturally, with mutual excitement from all parties. The goal: raise awareness for AWSS and inspire DUSK guests to donate funds, food or even their time.
To bring true authenticity and passion to the project, the DUSK brigade visited AWSS to meet their pack of pooches, spend time with the team and understand the organisation’s daily realities. Each dog bowl used in the restaurant now carries the painted name of a dog the team met, with a few bowls also honouring the DUSK team’s own pets.
The resulting dish that features on both DUSK’s signature summer menus, “A Man’s Best Friend”, is inspired by everything a dog would love. It features a Beeno-style biscuit, cold-smoked venison tartare and a smoked Parmesan custard – because you always have to pay the ‘cheese tax’, bringing a humorous, nostalgic touch to the experience while maintaining DUSK’s signature standard of craftsmanship.
Beyond the dish, the collaboration highlights the ongoing work of both partners:
Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch
More than an adoption centre, AWSS also has a busy clinic delivering urgent, lifesaving treatment to injured and abandoned cats and dogs. AWSS is committed to creating “a home before a home”.
The organisation currently cares for 112 dogs and 61 cats, supported by 23 staff members including inspectors who are on the road reaching animals who would otherwise be left to suffer alone. They also have a dedicated group of volunteers who walk and socialise the animals.
Monthly running costs exceed R750 000, and the onsite veterinary clinic provides essential support to low-income pet owners throughout the region.
Clay Café Paarl
Snyman runs a paint-and-donate programme where patrons can paint a dog bowl that is then fired and donated to a shelter. When approached by Callan, she immediately recognised the alignment between DUSK’s idea and her existing community initiatives.
With this initiative, DUSK and Clay Café Paarl aim to use their respective platforms to uplift an organisation doing essential work and to offer guests an easy way to contribute. The two restaurants also pose the question to other establishments: “How can you make a difference through your enterprise?”
Supporters can donate funds to the AWSS, and those wishing to get more hands-on can also visit Clay Café Paarl to paint a dog bowl of their own.
“A Man’s Best Friend” dish can be enjoyed by experiencing either DUSK’s Summer Epicurean Menu priced at R2 095 per person, or the Summer Odyssey Menu priced at R1 795 per person. These menus are also available with wine pairings.
To reserve your table and dining experience at DUSK, book online or WhatsApp +27 71 942 3724.
Image credit: Mia van Heerdan
