Despite hearing rumours about Chef Margot Janse’s intended departure from The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français whilst I was in Johannesburg last month, it was still a shock to hear the confirmation of her resignation today. Continue reading →
Tag Archives: Food Theatre
Le Quartier Français’ The Tasting Room Chef Margot Janse sets record of longest-standing fine-dining chef in SA!
Today culinary history is made with Chef Margot Janse of The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français, now part of the Leeu Collection, celebrating her 20th anniversary at the same restaurant! There is no Fine Dining chef in our country who has worked in the same Continue reading →
French Champagne from Reciprocal Wines paired with Oyster King at I ♥ my Laundry!
I ♥ my Laundry hosted a tasting of French Champagnes led by Reciprocal Wines’ Tarryn Thomas, with oysters from Oyster King, at its Buitengracht Street branch with a number of bloggers last week.
We first met Tarryn at I ♥ my Laundry a year ago, when she did a fascinating tasting with The Winery of Good Hope wines and the effect of tasting them in Riedel Glassware on the enjoyment in wines compared to drinking the wine from ‘ordinary’ domestic glasses.
Riedel is one of the brands represented by Reciprocal Wines in South Africa, as is Miele temperature controlled wine storage units, but its major focus is imported wines, and 52 Champagnes specifically. Tarryn told us that the company was created in 1969, importing ‘gems and everyday drinking wines of family-owned businesses‘, which are accessible and not too expensive.
Tarryn poured Champagne Gardet Brut Premier Cru NV, made with 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. This was followed by Champagne Jacquinot Private Cuvée Brut, with 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, which comes from Épernay. The highlight was the Louis Roederer Brut and Brut Rosé. The champagne producer also makes Cristal, but only in excellent years. Continue reading →