A New Season Begins: JAN Franschhoek at La Motte Wine Estate

Hey there, food enthusiasts! Get ready for a truly extraordinary culinary experience as Jan’s Season 2 returns to Franschhoek. It’s time to book your spot at JAN at La Motte, where you’ll embark on a gastronomic journey like no other. This exclusive pop-up restaurant, led by the talented South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, promises to amaze your taste buds.

When you step into the world of JAN at La Motte, you’ll be greeted with a seasonal tasting menu that showcases Jan Hendrik’s culinary prowess. Every dish is carefully curated to tantalize your senses, and the wine pairing will perfectly complement the flavors. From 1 September 2023 to the end of April 2024, you have the opportunity to indulge in this remarkable experience.

Immerse Yourself in the Setting

Your journey begins at La Motte Manor House, where you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink. As you take in the beauty of the venue and maybe catch a glimpse of the exquisite Pierneef paintings, get ready to be transported to another world. You’ll be transported to the charming Veepos cottage, nestled in the fields of fragrant lavender.

When I first set foot in this place, I was struck by its simplicity. The exterior may not be much to look at, but the moment you step inside, you’re transported to a different world. It’s like walking into a scene from a movie, where everything is exquisite and enchanting.

Imagine sitting at a table with eighteen seats, surrounded by flickering candlelight. The atmosphere is intimate, and you can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation as you take your seat. The table itself is a work of art, adorned with a bounty of cheese, fruits, and preserves that could rival a still life painting by Van Dyck.

However, as alluring as it may be, this feast is not meant to be touched just yet. There are other surprises in store for you, a multitude of delights that you must savor before you can indulge in the generous cheese course.

It’s all in the details

This place is all about the details. Every aspect has been carefully curated to create a truly magical experience. Take, for example, your napkin. It is not just any ordinary napkin. No, it is a souffle of lavender-scented linen, a fragrant embrace that adds an extra touch of elegance to your dining experience.

And let’s not forget about the cutlery. With each course, the cutlery changes, subtly guiding you through the journey of flavors that await. It’s like a hidden dance, where each utensil plays its part in orchestrating your enjoyment of the culinary masterpiece before you.

As I take my first sip of the 2022 Vin de Joie Rose from the delicate crystal goblet, I can’t help but be captivated by the magic that surrounds me. It’s not just the food or the ambiance; it’s the combination of all these elements that creates an experience unlike any other.

The bread course (we got served a biltong lamington, braaibroodjie macaron, bobotie jaffle choux, witblits and olywe) shows off the incredible cooking skills that have earned Jan Hendrik’s restaurant in Nice its special Michelin star. But this kind of magic can only come from someone who grew up in South Africa.

“I always remember this little house right in the middle of the lavender fields in the Franschhoek Valley at La Motte. I always wondered why it wasn’t a super fancy restaurant,” says Jan Hendrik. He sees this venture as a way of paying tribute to his early years in the food industry. “The time I spent in the Winelands was such an important part of my training in cooking and design that I always wanted to go back for more. It’s like drinking a really good wine. After you taste it, you just keep wanting more.”

Cuisine that tells a story

Let me tell you about this incredible dining experience at JAN Franschhoek. The food there is beyond amazing – it’s like a symphony of flavors that will leave you speechless. I’m not exaggerating when I say that every dish is a work of art.

Imagine being served a pie called the “garage pie” that’s delicately presented in an eggshell. It instantly transports you to distant places, evoking memories of dusty roads traveled. And then there’s the “kook kos” centerpiece, a generous serving of lamb that melts in your mouth. It feels like a feast made by a group of loving grandmothers.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. The naartjie meringue with its delicate tuile doily topping is so fragile, it’s as if angels themselves crafted it. The attention to detail in each dish is simply extraordinary.

What makes JAN Franschhoek even more special is how it manages to elevate fine dining while still creating an intimate and unpretentious atmosphere. Season 1 was absolutely sensational, and I can’t wait for Season 2 to begin. It promises to be another extraordinary culinary journey, filled with captivating stories and flavors that will transport your taste buds.

If you’re wondering about the cost, it’s R2 850 per person. The experience is available from 1 September 2023 to 30 April 2024, and you can start making your bookings from 1 August. JAN Franschhoek is open on Wednesday to Saturday at 7pm, and on Sundays at 12.30pm.

One thing to note is that the experience begins at La Motte’s Manor House 30 minutes before moving on to the Veepos cottage for your lunch or dinner. So make sure to plan accordingly.

To make a reservation or for more information, you can contact JAN Franschhoek at 021 876 9115 or jan.franschhoek@la-motte.co.za. You can find this amazing dining experience at La Motte Wine Estate in Franschhoek.