Nestled between the towering mountains of the Cape wine lands you will find the beautiful Franschhoek Valley. Well known as the food and wine heartland of our country. Here some of the worlds best wines are grown and our top chefs create beautiful international cuisine.
In 1685 when Protestantism was outlawed in France hundreds of so called Huguenots fled their homeland and 277 of them arrived by ship at the Cape of Good Hope. Many of them were given land by the Dutch government in a valley called Oliphantshoek, named due to the vast herds of elephants that roamed the area. This is where they settles and it became known as Franschhoek - French Corner.
Although it varies year on year up to 8 of South Africa s top 100 restaurants are situated in Franschhoek - the gourmet capital of South Africa. Franschhoek Food is a celebration of the cuisine found in this area. Some of the establishments that are included are: Haute Cabriere, Le Quartier Francais, Grande Provence, Reubens, Genot. A few of each restaurants signature dish recipes are included as well as the suggested wine to accompany the dish beautiful color photos, information on the location and people.
As a chef I want to find cook books that are visually appealing and challenge me as a cook. The joy of this book is that it not only has recipes that will challenge me and my cooking skills but also has recipes that are easy to put together but still gorgeous to present at a dinner party. There is also such a variety of recipes and cuisines all of which still keeping to the basic French flair. Although Franschhoek is a French country inspired town and the restaurants have followed suit each chef has added there own inspiration and this shows in the recipes and food. I love paging through a book and finding so many recipes that I must try.
Some of my favorites:
- The filled lamb loin and white chocolate spring rolls - Haute Cabriere - Mathew Gordon
- The salmon and prawn Yakitori - Salmon Bar - Judy Sendzul
- The Parmesan crisps and spring vegetable and nettle risotto - Le Quartier Francais - Margot Janse
- Blue cheese tart and waterblommetjie souffle - La Basserie and La Fromagerie - Melize Oliphant
- Chicken pie - Kalfi's - Sandra van Zyl
- The sweetcorn soup with truffle popcorn - Reubens - Reuben Riffel
- The feta and dried tomatoe focaccia - Bread & Wine - Niel Jewell
Franschhoek food is an inspiring and beautiful tribute to the top culinary corner of South Africa and a must read for anyone who has loved Franschhoek, food and wine.
ENJOY!!!
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