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Casual take on fine-dining at La Motte’s friendly new brasserie

L'Ami: French for ‘friend'

AFTER a lengthy closure of the restaurant at La Motte in Franschhoek, the family farm of Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg re-opened its doors during the 2024/25 festive season, welcoming guests to a “reimagined experience”. What's now on offer, says CEO Hein Koegelenberg, is really good food in a relaxed, casual setting. La Motte's L'Ami Family Brasserie features a skilled team in the kitchen including renowned chef Richard Carstens (previously of Arkeste at Chamonix Estate), a wrap-around stoep (veranda) with surrrounding garden, and an à la carte menu – dishes from an ‘open coal grill', an impressive state-of-the-art Vulcano Gres imported from Spain!

“We celebrate both our French heritage and South African roots, and nothing shares the true flavours of local cuisine as well as a little smoke and fire… Experience the hospitality of the winelands as well as the flavour of open-fire cooking in all kinds of innovative ways.” The latest offering from La Motte is unlike the estate's more family-friendly Garden Café and bakery serving breakfasts, light lunches, breads and pastries. It's also quite different from the exclusive fine-dining experience across the road at JAN Franschhoek, a tiny cottage in a lavender field where modern global cuisine is paired with the estate's wines and “presented with mesmerising flair”. L'Ami (‘friend' in French) brings together the rich flavours of both France and South Africa, with lunch served from Wednesday to Sunday, dinner on Friday and Saturday. A great setting to enjoy the simple pleasure of a well-prepared meal. Good value. Plus an interesting winelist which, besides the range of La Motte whites and reds, includes several Champagnes and a selection of top South African wines from outside Franschhoek.

 

 

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