This past Easter weekend I was down in Cape Town for the Two Oceans Half Marathon. As much as I enjoy doing this particular run, it’s really just a good excuse to visit one of my favourite cities and experience some world class fine dining ;-) Having previously visited La Colombe in Constantia – and having loved it – my benedict and I decided to book a lunch at their sister restaurant La Petite Colombe in Franschoek.

We arrived at the beautiful Le Quartier Francais Hotel and were directed to the restaurant. Shortly after being seated we were served caraway sourdough bread along with some home churned butter. For starters, both my benedict and I selected the yellow fin tuna dish. It was served in an array of aubergine, miso, naartjie and avocado. This dish was beautifully presented and delicately detailed to perfection. It tasted absolutely amazing boasting fresh Asian flavours – love at first bite (I kid you not). The next course was the tortellini of prawn, glazed chicken wing and squid served with parsnip, cashew nut and spicy coconut. This too, was a very tasty dish. We then opted for the additional supplementary surprise dish called ‘Meet the Chefs’. We were escorted to the kitchen pass where one of the chefs introduced the surprise dish to us; a modern day fine dining version of ‘dippy eggs and soldiers’. It was mushroom veloute and quail egg served in a shell like dish accompanied by sandwiched foie gras (intended to be dipped). Wow, wow, wow. This dish was phenomenal; absolutely superb. We were then treated to a lovely refreshing orange sorbet which was uniquely presented within the skin of an actual orange giving the illusion of a freshly cut orange segment. For the main dish I selected the beef fillet and cheek which was served with broccoli, bok choi, porcini and wild garlic. The fillet was perfectly cooked and the dish flavourful. Loved it! For dessert I chose the chocolate and pumpkin dessert – Valrhona Caraibe (only the best chocolate) served with homemade pumpkin ice cream, pan d’ epices (French cake), cocoa nib, orange and pecan. This was a decadent, well balanced and absolutely delicious dessert. My benedict went for the Gonedsa boerenkaas served with walnut, apple and sultanas. Another fabulous dish. La Petite Colombe and Chef John-Norris certainly lived up to the established great reputation of La Colombe and are in every way equally phenomenal.

The service at La Petite Colombe is superb. The restaurant has the most beautiful light and airy layout which opens up to an outdoor area giving you the option to sit either inside or outside. It’s a stunning setting; perfect for enjoying their exceptional food. They are currently still running their winter lunch special so be sure to take advantage of this absolute steal. I look forward to visiting La Petite Colombe again in the near future.