There’s something truly magical about the change of season. It brings with it a change of attitude, colour and unnoticeably a change in eating habits.
Cape Town foodies are spoilt for choice. Beach, mountain or winelands, there’s a restaurant worth visiting with mind-altering views in any one of these settings. With that said, there are very few that will catch your breath like the view from La Petite Ferme in Franschhoek.
While not everyone can escape the city’s bustle for a weekend away, lunch at this establishment could very well be just as relaxing as a mini-getaway. It’s a windy day in wine country, just enough of a breeze to toil the leaves down from the already woody trees and remind you that the clock is ticking on extra sunlight in the city.
La Petite Ferme is a Franshhoek favourite which, like the seasons, keep evolving to give their patrons a different food experience, with the same old world charm and seriously good wine.
When you sit down to indulge your senses, you are greeted by friendly servers offering up cockle-warming La Petite Ferme cellar wines to pair with the autumn menu. Say yes to the wine. Always say yes to the wine.
Starter options include the classic country style chicken liver pâté, plated with fragrant mosbolletjies and pickled red wine figs, alongside a delicate Tartare of Cured Franschhoek Trout.
Country charm is best served in the form of old favourites. The starter portion of Bobotie Bitterballen which is a mesh of slow-roasted beef brisket infused with Cape Malay spices. Deboned, rolled, crumbed and deep-fried, the Bitterballen is a Dutch favourite enjoyed best in cold weather. It is served with a custard, raisin gel and puffed rice.
The signature lamb dish is still here, many will breathe a sigh of relief. It is delicate combination of slow-braised lamb, aubergine and minted yoghurt – and served for mains. Other options include a deep-fried pomme anna and a beetroot-bacon hash with a generous portion of slow-braised springbok shank. And if you’re vegetarian, then the wild mushroom arancini, and homemade gnocchi of sweet potato and ricotta is a must have.
For those of a more decadent bent, the Chocolate Torte with salted caramel and liquorice chocolate mousse is the conclusion to your extravagant tasting.
The restaurant is a quaint farm style house draped in history, but decked out in luxury. There is accommodation too, so if the citybug bites hard, this is the perfect place to escape to, and it’s great to know that the food is a win too.
Address: Franschhoek Pass Road
Contact: +27 (0) 21 876 3016
Website: http://www.lapetiteferme.co.za
Pictures: Claire Gunn and Nidha Narrandes