Food pilgrims herald Jan’s return to Franschhoek for Season 3.
Food pilgrims, take note! ’Tis the season to book for JAN at La Motte, a gastronomic adventure sans pareil from Michelin-starred SA-born wonderchef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen.
To experience his seasonal tasting menu and wine pairing is to surrender yourself into the hands of a culinary magician. Jan Hendrik’s sublime pop-up restaurant in the Winelands will once again open its portals from 4 September 2024 until 30 April 2025.
Savour the setting
The journey begins at La Motte Manor House. After welcome drinks (and perhaps a peek at the Pierneef paintings) guests are transported to the historical Veepos cottage in the lavender fields… and another world.
The exterior is humble, the interior fantastical: a candlelit 18-seat communal dining table straight out of Babette’s Feast is set against a “kaas en konfyt” cornucopia that looks like a Van Dyck still life. Look but don’t touch. Yet. There are many delights to savour before the generous cheese course.
The magic is in the detail
Eschewing the traditional, the table is set for magic. Your napkin is a souffle of lavender scented linen, the cutlery (changing with each course) subliminally choreographs your enjoyment of each artfully curated morsel. We start with a silver teaspoon, a small knife and a crystal goblet of 2022 Vin de Joie Rose.
The bread course (we were served a biltong lamington, braaibroodjie macaron, bobotie jaffle choux, witblits en olywe) showcases the culinary wizardry that has earned Jan Hendrik’s restaurant in Nice its coveted Michelin star, yet could only have been conjured by a son of South African soil.
Story-telling cuisine
Superlatives do not suffice to describe the food: eight courses that delight, surprise and range from delicate and divinely plated to lavish and abundant. Each dish tells a story. We enjoyed “garage pie”, exquisitely served in an eggshell, that evoked memories of travels on dusty roads.
The “kook kos” centrepiece – large platters of melt-in-the-mouth lamb – might have been served up by a coterie of grandmothers at a family feast. The tuile doily topping the naartjie meringue is so fragile; it could have been crafted by angels.
New season and new menu
JAN raises the fine-dining bar, while at the same time keeping it intimate and unpretentious. “I’m excited to be working on the new menu in collaboration with head chef Lara van Heerden, who has just spent three months with me in France. Season 3 will not only showcase international fine dining but will also place a special emphasis on hearty local cuisine.”
Seasons 1 and 2 of JAN Franschhoek were sensational and we can’t wait for Season 3. The experience is set to be another sensory adventure in story-telling cuisine, well worth the pilgrimage to Franschhoek.
Good to know Booking opens: 1 August for September + October;
1 September for November + December;
1 October for January + February;
1 November for March + April
Cost R3 200
Dates 4 September 2024 – 30 April 2025
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, 6.30pm for 7pm
Sunday, 12pm for 12.30pm
Please note The experience kicks off at La Motte’s Manor House 30 minutes before moving on to the Veepos cottage for your lunch or dinner.
Contact 021 876 911, jan.franschhoek@la-motte.co.za
Where to find it La Motte Wine Estate, Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan
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