While I had tried to separate my Blog writing from my new work as a Communications Consultant, my cover was blown (so to speak) when a fantastic 10/10 review for my client was posted yesterday, including me in the praise.
It is the first time that I am offering Communications services for clients, since having owned PR Consultancy Relationship Marketing 25 years ago, focusing mainly on Social Media Communication, but also on client liaison, writing posts and content, organising promotions, proactively identifying all possible communication opportunities for my clients, and providing input into the business operations. Financial pressure created by the effect of the Lockdown on the Tourism industry, in reducing my Tourist Guiding work to zero since March last year, was the incentive for me in accepting this career change opportunity.
Three months ago I was appointed by Utopia Cape Town to handle the restaurant’s communication, and I am loving the communication work, the interaction with its diners, the feedback and praise from its owners and management, and the visible growth in Instagram Followers and Facebook Page Likes, and the resultant effect on reservations. I love the 15th floor location of the restaurant with a 360 degree view over Cape Town, and the excellent food created by Executive Chef and co-owner Pavel Dimitrov. Another two restaurants are waiting in the wings.
In writing about my clients in a Blogpost I will declare my connection to the client, and will not be posting reviews about their businesses, just providing factual news, as I would for any other restaurant or hospitality establishment.
This is what diner Nicolette Anderson wrote about Utopia Cape Town on the Cape Town Restaurants: The Good, Bad & Nasty Facebook Group, after she and a group of friends celebrated a 40th Birthday at Utopia on Saturday:
‘I have to give a huge shout out to Utopia Cape Town (Utopia Cape Town). I organized a friends 40th Birthday Party and from the get go when I messaged them (late at night I might add) I was met with the most amazing service! Their marketing representative (Chris Von Ulmenstein) who answered all my questions (about a 101) with such friendliness made the whole experience so much worth while!! What a lovely lady!!!
We were allowed to set up the table and bring our own decor. The staff was amazingly friendly and oh so helpful!! Making the actual reservation was seemless and again, the lady on the phone was extremely professional and helpful!
Now let’s talk about the food. We went for the 5 Course Set Menu @ R195. They have a vegetarian option as well and it was a hard choice for which option to go for. The ceviche was lovely, the prawns amazing in that buttery sauce, but the Springbok… seriously the BEST I have ever had… and I have eaten at some well known establishments. The beef was just as delicious and they definitely kept the best for last… the crème brûlée. With a hint of orange, a crispy sugary topping and smooth and creamy custard… HEAVEN!! If someone asked me what my last meal would be, it would without a doubt be that Springbok and Crème Brûlée.
I cannot sing their praises enough. Fantastic service, fantastic food and the view is magnificent!! They have indoor and outdoor seating and also offers a smoking area at the bottom of the outside seating, away from guests.
Utopia Cape Town, you have won me over, and I can’t wait to be back to try the rest of the menu!! Thank you for your hospitality and for being totally amazing!!
Thank you so much to Angel Kisses for the stunning decorated sugar cookies and to Cake Me Happy for the gorgeous cake!!
Restaurant: Utopia Cape Town
Service: 10/10
Ease of making a reservation: 10/10
Friendliness of staff: 10/10
Service 10/10
Food: 10/10 the springbok and creme brûlée 😱
Location: 10/10’
I am extremely grateful to Utopia Cape Town for appointing me without a track record in Communications Consulting, for giving me so much leeway in coming up with new ideas, for allowing me to select what to post every day, and for helping me to grow in learning new tools such as the Dineplan reservations system. After two German couples visited the restaurant this past weekend, I thanked them in a Facebook post in German! I also am grateful for what the Lockdown has gifted me, in giving me this new career opportunity, my seventh career to date.
Chris von Ulmenstein, WhaleTales Blog: www.chrisvonulmenstein.com/blog Tel +27 082 55 11 323 Twitter:@Ulmenstein Facebook: Chris von Ulmenstein, My Cape Town Guide/Mein Kapstadt Guide Instagram: @Chrissy_Ulmenstein @MyCapeTownGuide