our multi-award winning, world-renowned fine dining restaurant, brainchild of executive chef, Margot Janse, has recently undergone an interior design overhaul.
Herbert Janse, Margot's brother flew in from Holland and spent an intensive couple of weeks redesigning the restaurant. "The décor reflects Margot's food," says Herbert, "the unexpected." The entrance to The Tasting Room has been wallpapered with turquoise candy foil wrapping from Paris with an Art Deco motif, and the light bounces off the blue in pink and gold, radiating a warmth. Inside the entrance hall the immediate feature is a large, square light. Suspended from the base are over 2000 balls with 20 randomly placed balls, which are lit brighter than the rest. "Like a starry sky," Herbert explains. Against the far wall different colored ropes placed in lines create an organic shape resembling the mountains in the Franschhoek valley. Joining a worldwide movement away from the stiffness and formality the term 'fine dining' conjures, there are no tablecloths. The artisanal handiwork of the tables is crafted by Franschhoek local, Stuart Douglas of Douglas & Co., who specializes in custom made cabinetry and designer furniture. Made of Blackwood and Franschhoek Oak from trees felled when the dam was built, Stuart's handiwork caters to contemporary lines with visible joinery and dials, 'no curves or frills'. Amongst the combination of square and round tables is a three meter long 'feature table', divided in the middle with a sculpture creating dining space for two sets of guests. Olive cutlery from Studio William Welch neatly off-sets their clean finish, alongside specially made side plates by celebrated local artist Clementina van der Walt. Antique crystal bulbs dating back to 1910 have been placed irregularly on the ceiling, and a set of crockery is stuck upside down to the ceiling - a wink from the chef herself. To celebrate the new look we are offering a Companion Fare every Wednesday night till the end of August. Pay for one dinner and the other dinner is on us. Please email restaurant@lqf.co.za and quote 'Wednesday Companion Fare' Le Quartier Français is a luxurious Relais & Châteaux country inn situated in the French Huguenot valley of Franschhoek, in the Cape Winelands. The Auberge offers eleven en-suite Auberge Rooms, three Grande Rooms, two Petite Garden Suites and two deluxe Auberge Suites (with splash pools), which open onto a rose-filled central courtyard and swimming pool. And for the ultimate in luxury, there are four state-of-the-art suites, The Four Quarters, overlooking a private pool and sun-splashed deck.
|
