Franschhoek

The Common Room - local grazing ground

The Common Room, the latest addition to the exceptional Le Quartier Français culinary experience, offers diners a menu packed full of lip smacking delights designed by Margot Janse to serve as snacks or the building blocks of a more substantial meal. Margot, in creating this new experience says “Food is constantly evolving and changing and people enjoy food at different times……… we have created a menu that will encourage people to chill out, taste, share and enjoy good times in great company. Being aware that not every meal has to be a “huge spend” we have kept the prices small and the idea is to share with friends” Fish pops with chakalaka ketchup, bone marrow with salsa verde crust, chocolate and milk ice cream sandwich, are just a few of the WOW-bites on offer.

Occupying the space previously used by iCi, Le Quartier Français’s, bistro-style restaurant, The Common Room is poised to become Franschhoek's favourite foodie hangout; the perfect place to relax and linger with friends over a tasty dish or two, the local grazing ground.

Here guests can meet up for drinks and snacks or pop in, sans reservation, for a scrumptious breakfast, lunch or dinner. In a truly delightful twist The Common Room has a strict no reservations policy. This ensures that it is refreshingly first-come first-serve in its attitude towards guests and great cocktails can be enjoyed while waiting for a table.

The decor is plush without being overwhelming, and in true Le Quartier Français style it is supremely comfortable. Common Room themed elements add depth and humour to the experience

The Common Room combines the best ingredients, in both its menu and décor, to create another mouthwatering dining experience at Le Quartier Français.

The Common Room is open 7 days a week from 7.30 am to 10.00pm.

For more information about The Common Room at Le Quartier Français
contact Robyn Watkins  robyn@lqf.co.za    +27 (0)21876 2151.

Le Quarter François is a luxurious Relais & Chateaux country inn situated in the French Huguenot valley of Franschhoek, in the Cape Winelands. The Auberge offers eleven en-suite bedrooms, three Grande Rooms, two Petite Garden Suites, and two deluxe 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.The Tasting Room under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Margot Janse has been in the San Pellegrino top 50 restaurant list for 7 years.

Heritage Day weekend at Solms-Delta, Franschhoek

Heritage Day, 24 September, is a public holiday on which all South Africans are invited to celebrate their cultural heritage and the diversity of our traditions, as the defining characteristics of a nation that belongs to all of its people.  Solms-Delta wine estate near Franschhoek is celebrating the holiday weekend with a choice of heritage experiences:

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday there will be tours of the Dik Delta Culinary Heritage Gardens at 09h00, 11h00, 13h00 & 15h00;  Cost: R40 pp; and
On Friday and Sunday,* experience Fyndraai restaurant’s new Heritage Menu, designed around the culinary heritage of three main cultures that have existed on this farm. Booking for this feast is essential - at least a day before.  Cost: R165 pp. Should you wish to combine the two, take a Dik Delta tour and then enjoy the Heritage Menu lunch at a cost of R200p/p and you will receive a free heritage newspaper.  Remember, to book for the Heritage meal, by 23 September.

The normal Fyndraai menu – a Kaapsekos feast, local food with a twist, is also available as usual; visit the Museum van de Caab that records the complex and fascinating history of South Africa through the people who lived and worked on the farm; a wine tasting – classical wines with a difference – will round off a perfect Heritage Day experience. 

[*Please note: Fyndraai is closed for a private function on Saturday 25 September, but will be open as normal on Friday 24 and Sunday 26.]

Email restaurant@solms-delta.co.za or call Annalize on 021 874 3937 ext 115.

Recipe: How to grill the perfect steak! by Adrian Buchanan - Freedom Hill

The most popular question I get is "How do we grill a steak at home?" Well I can tell you it isn't easy at home, but I can give you some tips. Firstly choosing the steak is the most important part. It should be a thing of love and respect. There are three important things to consider. Ask yourself do you prefer a fillet steak or rump, sirloin or rib eye? This is very important because they each have their own pro's and con's. Fillet is tender, but has little flavor. Rump and sirloin both have fat and sinew to consider, if cut incorrectly the steak will be tough and inedible but holds a lot of flavor. Rib eye has much marbling and can be tough if not aged but can be as tender as fillet and as flavorful as rump. Make sure your steak is at least 1 inch thick if it's a rump or sirloin. Rib eye can be cut slightly thicker and fillet should be a good 5 to 7 cm thick.

Once you have chosen your steak you can begin by salt and peppering the steak. Rub your steak with a little oil. Do not use olive oil; rather use grape seed oil peanut oil or canola oil. Olive oil has a low burn point and will go bitter and blacken quickly. This will give your steak a bitter taste. Heat a pan on the stove until it is red hot put your steak in the pan. Do not shake the pan or move the steak for at least 20 seconds. Turn your steak around and leave it again without fiddling for a further 20 seconds or so. Once your steak has been sealed off remove it from the pan and let it rest on a plate for a couple of minutes.

Preheat your oven to around 220 degrees. Place your steak in the centre of the oven and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes for rare to medium rare. 5 to 7 minutes for a medium and any longer is well done. In my experience this is the best result. Let the steak rest for a minute before you start eating.

Published by: Adrian Buchanan, Freedom Hill http://www.freedomhillrestaurant.co.za/