Darren Badenhorst

Current Chef-owner de cuisine, Le Coin Français and Le Chêne
Born 19 August 1985
Training Christina Martin School of Food and Wine in Kwazulu-Natal
Work history Executive chef of Benguerra Lodge in Mozambique; executive chef at various Three Cities hotels; executive chef at The Restaurant at Grande Provence; opened Le Coin Français in October 2017; opened Le Chêne in October 2019.
Inspiration “Everyday life and elements of nostalgia within my culinary journey. The seasons and the unique Franschhoek Valley.”
Restaurants Le Coin Français; Le Chêne

Restaurants he rates in 2020

Best casual eatery Manousche
Best restaurant for speciality cuisine Genki
Best new restaurant Jewells
Best restaurant that’s stood the test of time Foliage
Best spot to indulge your guilty pleasure Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia
Best hole-in-the-wall Genki
Best overall restaurant experience FYN

Restaurants he rated in 2019

For a casual meal Genki Sushi Bar & Japanese Tapas
For a special occasion La Petite Colombe
For a guilty pleasure Marigold Authentic Indian [now closed]
For a Winelands experience Pierneef à La Motte
For authentic cuisine Marigold Authentic Indian [now closed]
Best new restaurant Protégé
Best “oldie but goodie” Planet Bar at Belmond Mount Nelson
The best restaurant overall Foliage

Restaurants he rated in 2018

For a casual meal Chefs Warehouse & Canteen on Bree Street
For a special occasion Azure Restaurant at Twelve Apostles
For a healthy meal Nourish’d
For a quick bite Jason Bakery
For a Winelands experience Faber at Avondale
The best restaurant overall La Colombe