Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen has superstar status amongst South African and international foodies, as much for his Michelin-starred restaurant in Nice, France, as his genre-breaking Klein JAN restaurant on the Tswalu Kalahari private reserve in the Northern Cape.
For the last two years ‘Jan’, as he is fondly known, has brought a taste of the Klein JAN experience to the Franschhoek valley, with a seasonal pop-up on the La Motte estate.
This week it was confirmed that JAN Franschhoek will return to the lavender fields that frame the entrance to the valley, with a series of curated dining experiences hosted within the quaint 18th-century Veepos cottage.
Generosity and flair are Jan’s signatures, and around the 18-seater table diners can look forward to Jan’s inimitable combination of nostalgia and global culinary trends, promising a journey through food and wine that is both familiar and adventurous.
‘Me and my team are more conscious than ever of preservation, not only with ingredients, but also places, experiences, and the people who continue to support us,’ says Van der Westhuizen. ‘I'm excited to be working on the new menu in collaboration with Head Chef Lara van Heerden, who has just spent three months with me in France.'
With a focus on hearty local cuisine, especially as winter keeps a grip on the Cape, look forward to menus that are proudly local, while allowing room for the exotic. Here family traditions and regional favourites are re-interpreted through seasonal themes, with a sense of glorious abundance and generosity at every turn.
'As a family, we’ve always treasured our heritage, but at the same time we are all for renewal and energy,’ adds Hein Koegelenberg, CEO of La Motte wine estate. ‘The third, eagerly awaited season of JAN Franschhoek kicks off the announcement of an extensive new offering at La Motte to be rolled out towards the end of the year.’
And now, the low-down you need to know:
From September 4, 2024, until April 30, 2025, JAN Franschhoek will be open for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday. The experience starts with a welcome in the La Motte Manor House at 6.30 pm, and dinner begins promptly at 7 pm.
On Sundays, the JAN Franschhoek experience is served as an extended lunch. Guests are welcomed in the La Motte Manor House from noon, with lunch starting at 12.30 pm.
Reservations open on Dineplan on August 1, 2024 to the following schedule:
August 1: Reservations open for September and October 2024
September 1: Reservations open for November and December 2024
October 1: Reservations open for January and February 2025
November 1: Reservations open for March and April 2025
And the damage? This multi-course food and wine experience is priced at R3200 per person. Click here to book!
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