A weekend in Franschhoek
Whenever I visit Franschhoek on a day trip, I’m always sad to leave. It’s 75km from Cape Town so I prefer to stay over. I decided to make a weekend of it and check out a few new places that I hadn’t been to before. May is the loveliest time of year to visit the Cape Winelands. The vineyards have turned a riot of autumnal colour and the leaves are still clinging on before falling off for the winter.
We stayed at a guest house in a quaint avenue near the heart of the town. It was so easy to walk into the village to explore the shops and restaurants. Corner House Residence offers guest house accommodation on a B&B basis as well as a self-catering house. The staff were exceptionally friendly and the rates are affordable.
I enjoyed a lovely porcini mushroom-inspired lunch at Anthonij Rupert Wyne. Sadly this delicious menu is not available to the public. The deli and Italian restaurant in their tasting are well worth a visit. They are always offering lovely events like local truffle-infused lunches, Cap Classique tastings, and high teas. Check out their website for more info.
This is a small plates casual fine dining restaurant at Le Quartier Francaise. The food is flavour-packed and inspiring. 100% will be going back for more. An example of the menu and what we ate.
CHEFS MENU
SNACKS (optional extra)
Protégé umami oysters – R120 (3)
Edamame beans, sriracha, sesame – R85
CHEFS MENU – R495 p.p. (lunch) | R545 p.p. (dinner)
4 small plates, 1 main course
SMALL PLATES
Sourdough, smoked bone marrow, beef tartare, jalapeño
Korean fried chicken, buttermilk, coriander, almond
Spiced glazed lamb rib roti, rum braised pineapple, coriander
Cape Malay seared tuna, kerala, curry leaf, sultana, chutney
MAIN COURSE
Cauliflower risotto, salsa verde, dukkah, hazelnut, bocconcini
or
Grass-fed beef, pea, pickled red cabbage, crispy sweetbreads, pepper truffle cream
or
Fresh linefish, chimichurri, chorizo, smoked mussel, baby squid
DESSERT (optional extra)
Selection of local cheese, homemade preserves, mini pain aux fruits – R 140
Strawberry, mascarpone, basil, cashew – R125
Banana, chocolate, coffee – R125
Franschhoek town
I loved walking around Franschhoek town on Saturday morning. A bustling local market takes place next to the church with food stands. The town is filled with beautiful boutiques, art galleries, and antique stores to pop into. Aas a top culinary hot spot in South Africa, there are so many restaurants to choose from too.
There are so many wonderful wine estates to visit in Franschhoek but I only had time for one. La Motte. Their restaurant is currently closed for major renovations and is due to open next year. The wine tasting room is worth visiting especially in winter. It’s one of my favourites. They have a big log fire and comfortable couches to cozy up in winter. The wine is served to your table by knowledgeable staff and it’s very relaxed.
I love the La Motte farm shop which is filled to the brim with incredible ceramics and homeware. Their bakery is still operating so you can pick up freshly baked bread. They have an impressive Museum if you have time to explore with a large collection of Pierneefs. Be sure to check out the sculptures around the estate
Sunday lunch was at Epice and it was just spectacular. You can read all about this delicious flavour journey here.
For more about Franschhoek:
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