{"id":12197,"date":"2010-09-14T10:30:53","date_gmt":"2010-09-14T08:30:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.whalecottage.com\/blog\/?p=12197"},"modified":"2011-05-01T21:23:39","modified_gmt":"2011-05-01T19:23:39","slug":"the-franschhoek-restaurant-route-highlights-in-the-gourmet-capital","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chrisvonulmenstein.com\/blog\/franschhoek\/the-franschhoek-restaurant-route-highlights-in-the-gourmet-capital\/","title":{"rendered":"The Franschhoek Restaurant Route: highlights in the Gourmet Capital"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Franschhoek still officially carries the Gourmet Capital crown, even though it faces strong competition from Stellenbosch, which is\u00a0seeing the opening of an increasing number of excellent restaurants, so much so that we recently suggested that the town establish the Stellenbosch Restaurant Route<\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Franschhoek probably has sat back on its gourmet laurels for a while, but must be delighted about the opening of two new excellent restaurants, Ryan’s Kitchen and Pierneef \u00c3\u00a0 La Motte, which add new interest to Franschhoek as a culinary destination.\u00a0 In fairness to Franschhoek, I have suggested a Franschhoek Restaurant Route:<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Pierneef\u00a0\u00e0 La Motte<\/a><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0is culinary art, and has upped the quality of Franschhoek’s restaurant choice.\u00a0 Its focus is Winelands Boerekos with a contemporary twist.\u00a0 Chef Chris Erasmus is a breath of fresh air, working with historic recipes and transforming them into works of art,\u00a0 reflecting Pierneef’s standards.\u00a0 Tel (021) 876-8000<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Grande Provence<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a> is quietly delivering quality cuisine, with chef Darren Roberts\u00a0doing the most beautiful presentation of his food.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The restaurant is not afraid to charge\u00a0 a price that reflects his standards of cooking.\u00a0\u00a0 Outstanding decor, and surrounded by artwork from\u00a0its Gallery.\u00a0 Perfection is visible from the time\u00a0one drives into the wine estate.\u00a0 Top 10 restaurant for the past two years. Tel (021) 876-8600.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 The Tasting Room<\/strong> is loved by some, but not by all.\u00a0 It is expensive.\u00a0 It seems to have good nights and bad nights.\u00a0 Joint 10th with Overture on Eat Out Top 10 Restaurant List last year.\u00a0 Tel (021) 876-2151<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Ryan’s Kitchen<\/a><\/strong> has only been open for three months,\u00a0set in a\u00a0guest house,\u00a0\u00a0with\u00a0a high-tech kitchen, and quality cuisine by chef Ryan Smith.\u00a0 “Contemporary South African cuisine” is the restaurant positioning, and a stronger African feel will be introduced in October, with a “Taste of Africa” menu.\u00a0\u00a0 Tel (021) 876-4598<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Reuben’s<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>has been the darling of Franschhoek, and a recent Tweet stated that it is the restaurant that tourists visit, while those that know go to Le Bon Vivant.\u00a0 \u00a0Opened 6 years ago, the restaurant’s service standards have dropped as Reuben’s has expanded to Robertson, and chef Reuben Riffel has taken on more projects.\u00a0 Recently lost the sommelier to Bosman’s, but may not be a bad thing for the restaurant, as she was not very customer-friendly.\u00a0 The biggest compliment to Reuben and his team, but also\u00a0the largest challenge, in opening Reuben’s at One&Only Cape Town<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0(A first meal at the new Reuben’s was a-maze-ing).\u00a0\u00a0 Tel (021) 876-3772<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Allee Bleue <\/strong>has been very low key restaurant-wise, and it is uncertain exactly where the management wants to go with its dining options.\u00a0 The Bistro at the entrance to the wine estate has always been friendly, and serves Bistro-style food at reasonable prices.\u00a0 The departure of Chef Dane Newton is a shame, but with his replacement currently working at the Michelin-starred Schwarzer Adler, interesting things could be coming out of this kitchen soon.\u00a0Tel (021) 874-1021<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Cafe Bon Bon <\/strong>is one of the most relaxed and friendly breakfast and lunch-time stops in Franschhoek, on a most beautifully developed small-holding.\u00a0 Tel (021) 876-3936<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Haute Cabriere <\/strong>is owned by Franschhoek restaurant mogul Matthew Gordon.\u00a0 While many find the ‘cave’-like interior a shame given the beautiful view outside, it remains popular, also as\u00a0a wedding venue, and has a good relationship with Cabriere wines. Tel (021) 876-3688<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 La Petite\u00a0Ferme <\/strong>is one of the best known restaurants with consistent quality and does not amend its menu much.\u00a0 Visitors return, not only for the quality food but also for the wonderful view over Franschhoek, and for the relaxed atmosphere.\u00a0 Tel (021) 876-3016<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Dieu Donn\u00e9<\/strong> also has an excellent view from its glass ‘walls’.\u00a0\u00a0 Its food quality was better when it first opened about two years ago. Tel (021) 876-2493<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Le Bon Vivant<\/strong> <\/a>is tucked away, off the main road, and is a ‘loner’, doing its own thing.\u00a0 Beautiful presentation of food by chef Pierre. Tel (021) 876-2717<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Rickety Bridge<\/strong> has a restaurant right at the vineyards, and offers picnics in summer.\u00a0 Tel (021) 876-2129<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 French Connection<\/strong> is another Matthew Gordon restaurant, and is a pedestrian favourite of locals and tourists.\u00a0 Good main road location.\u00a0\u00a0Serving breakfast as well now.\u00a0\u00a0Tel (021) 876-4056<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Dutch East<\/a><\/strong> was struggling when we visited it in June.\u00a0 It seemed to be trying too hard.\u00a0\u00a0 There is no particular style of food served.\u00a0\u00a0 Tel (021) 876-3547<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Chez d’Or<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>was previously Cafe Rouge, and has expanded its size, and brought the restaurant closer to the main road.\u00a0\u00a0 Sandwiches and pedestrian Bistro food.\u00a0\u00a0 Tel 082 372 7645<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Allora <\/strong>is a good quality Italian restaurant.\u00a0 Despite sister-restaurants in Johannesburg, the welcome is personal and one does not get\u00a0a chain-feel at all.\u00a0Good value family eating.\u00a0 Tel (021) 876-4375.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Col’Cacchio<\/strong> is one of a chain by the same name, and one can predict what is on offer.\u00a0 Not the best service, but very popular for outside sitting.\u00a0\u00a0 Tel (021) 876-4222<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0Boschendal<\/strong>– other than going there for historical reasons, or to eat their long-standing buffet lunch, there is little to attract one to an estate that does not yet embrace excellence, a shame given its heritage.\u00a0 Its Le Piqniques are well-known and very popular in summer.\u00a0\u00a0 Tel (021) 870-4272<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Fyndraai<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>at Solms-Delta wine estate is a pleasant surprise, with interesting Kaapse kos.\u00a0 On good weather days, sitting on the terrace is a treat.\u00a0 Tel (021) 874-3937<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Cotage Fromage <\/strong>is a joint venture between Matthew Gordon,\u00a0Duncan Doherty\u00a0and Pierre Smith, serving breakfasts and lunches, and doing the catering for wedding and other events at Vrede & Lust.\u00a0\u00a0 The menu does not reflect the\u00a0capabilities of the three chefs.\u00a0\u00a0 Tel (021) 874-3991<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 The Grillroom<\/strong> <\/a>is another Matthew Gordon restaurant, and fills a niche\u00a0for patrons wanting mainly steak.\u00a0 Unique restaurant in that one can buy good quality meat to take home too, as well as Franschhoek wines.\u00a0\u00a0 Tel (021) 876-2548<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Cafe des Arts<\/a> <\/strong>has taken over from Topsi’s, a Franschhoek institution.\u00a0 Topsi\u00a0still appears to be there regularly.\u00a0(Tel (021) 876-2952<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Salmon Bar<\/a> <\/strong>is undergoing a renovation in part of the old Bouillabaisse building, which will enhance its visibility when it re-opens in November. Tel (021) 876- 4591<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Bread & Wine <\/strong>is linked to Le Quartier Fran\u00c3\u00a7ais, and only serves lunches.\u00a0 Previously included in Eat Out<\/strong> Top 10 list, to the surprise of many.\u00a0Good bread and charcuterie. \u00a0Tel (021)\u00a0876-3692.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0 Mon Plaisir <\/strong>is on the Chamonix estate, and is owned by a French couple offering French fare.\u00a0 Little ambiance inside the restaurant.\u00a0 Tel (021) 876-2393<\/p>\n

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Franschhoek still officially carries the Gourmet Capital crown, even though it faces strong competition from Stellenbosch, which is\u00a0seeing the opening of an increasing number of excellent restaurants, so much so that we recently suggested that the town establish the Stellenbosch Restaurant Route. Franschhoek probably has sat back on its gourmet laurels for a while, but […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false},"categories":[124,14,20,21],"tags":[577,314,1699,7312,182,143,315,36,5320,2536,6580,6159,1386,7026,7206,7308,7310,240,5717,32378,2436,7200,1551,7306,7305,2351,250,7314,4710,4199,32369,7304,1137,160,233,140,1899,581,582,1138,7313,549,2485,3794,1310,33,2129,7013,6611,7315,13,1347,6884,41,583,433,4836,1287,7181,65,1072,32376,6086,7309,4608,1362,7316,3159,7311,578,32373,7307],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t