Restaurant plates and interiors work in partnership to impress at Franschhoek’s Le Quartier Français boutique hotel and its award-winning restaurant, La Petite Colombe. No matter where you cast your eye, there’s a lot to like
There were many sensory dining triggers during lunch at La Petite Colombe, but my most memorable was leaving our table to “meet the chefs”. As a diner settling in for nine courses, it’s refreshing to stretch your legs – and senses – mid-menu. “It’s the talking point of La Petite Colombe,” says chef and restaurant co-owner James Gaag. And it is part of the dining experience, even during the five-course reduced menu.
“Today, you’re having traditional Japanese ramen,” explains chef Kieran Gatenby as we stand at the chef’s table’s marble countertop facing the open kitchen. A sphere-like bowl holds an earthy, soya-based reduction and a dainty roll of noodles topped with a soft-boiled quail’s egg, spring onions, toasted sesame seeds and pickled celeriac. Kieran pours over a juiced celeriac broth, releasing horseradish and wild garlic oil. “Use your tweezers, give it a mix around. Don’t be shy to drink from the bowl,” he advises. Simple, fresh and with some woodier notes, it’s brilliant with a glass of Stony Brook Heart of the Lees wooded sauvignon blanc.
It is unsurprising that chef-patron at La Colombe (the globally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant on the Silvermist Organic Vineyards estate in the Constantia Valley), Scot Kirton, and James (who is also La Colombe’s head chef) opened La Petite Colombe in Franschhoek’s Le Quartier Français boutique hotel in August 2017.
Denne historien er fra February 2019-utgaven av Food & Home Entertaining.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 2019-utgaven av Food & Home Entertaining.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Country harm
Country kitchens are a well-loved style that many daydream about. Whether rustic or modern, here are some of the core qualities of a country style that soeaks a thousand memories and enviable kitchen snaps
Your home Composting Guide
Making your own compost will benefit your garden and waste management at home. It could also be a fun learning experience for your family. Here, you get to learn the ins and outs of composting at home
Heavenly HOT CROSS BUNS
It's a trusty traditional favourite this time of the year, and now you can make your own!
Stock up!
While store-bought stock is great in its convenience, nothing beats the authentic flavours of home-made stock
hop hop Hooray
Get your little ones excited for Easter with these cute and tasty cookies
Fun & games
Finding new and exciting things to do as a family where the kids are genuinely entertained, can sometimes be a tricky situation. But fret no more as we've got you covered with activities that everyone will enjoy
THE Liquid gold Rush
Rare and exclusive bottles of whisky and tequila, worth hundreds of thousands, sit unopened as collector's items. Meet Reinhardt Paulsen, the man behind Urban Spirits and a purveyor of sought-after spirits from across the globe
Iconic pairings with a twist
' Looking to upgrade dinner plans, host with ease, and enjoy new spins on the classics? Here are five unique wine _ pairings you simply have to try out!
Reap the rewards
Start tending to your autumn veggie gardens to make these warm and hearty meals perfect for the colder weather!
Liquid gold
What makes RIO LARGO's olive oil as renowned and precious as it is? Edwain Steenkamp visits the spectacular farm to find out