As you enter the property at Grande Provence in Franschhoek, you’re immediately swept back in time. You are greeted with manicured green gardens and rows of vineyards that lead you to the restaurant. You know immediately that you’re somewhere special. I would suggest spending a fair amount of time walking around the gardens soaking up the mountain views and staring at the extraordinary sculptures.

When you are done lingering outside, there’s no better way to get back to your roots than with a new Heritage Tasting Menu. Choose between 3, 4 and 5 courses paired with or without wines. The estate wines are magnificent, and we encourage you to pair the dishes to experience the full extent of flavours in both food and drink.

The dishes are perfectly paired.

Young and talented head chef Marvin Robyn has brought a fresh energy to the Restaurant at Grande Provence, and it plays out on the Heritage Tasting Menu which is available exclusively to dinner guests. Robyn has infused the new menu with old favourites celebrating South African heirloom recipes.

Springbok rump with mielie pap, chakalaka, buchu and honey jus.

Dishes include Malay onions, smoked snoek and fish kaiings; ox tongue with sweet mustard and pickled butternut; lamb rump, morogo and rooibos jus; and springbok rump with mielie pap, chakalaka, buchu and honey jus.

Each dish is served with an understanding of its origin and an anecdotal story to accompany it. The flavour profiles are rich in Cape heritage and give guests a chance to understand the history of the region a little better.

Linefish with a bean mash.

Robyn cut his culinary teeth in his grandmother’s kitchen, helping her produce trays of herzoggies for her catering business. He graduated with distinction from the acclaimed Institute of Culinary Arts (ICA) in his home town of Stellenbosch. He joined the Grande Provence team at the end of 2018. His precious experience includes working with leading chefs in a number of top winelands restaurants like Delaire Graff, Cuvée at Simonsig, Equus at Cavalli and finally Makaron at Majeka House.

The restaurant at Grande Provence.

Grande Provence celebrates its 325 year heritage in every facet of its operations, from the 17th century buildings to The Gallery focusing on local artists using age-old techniques with a contemporary vision.

Contact: 021 876 8600
Address: Main Road, Franschhoek 7690
Website: Grande Provence

Pictures: Supplied and Nidha Narrandes

Article written by

Nidha Narrandes is a food-obsessed travel addict with 21 years of journalism experience. Her motto - Travel. Eat. Repeat. She is happiest on a road to nowhere without a plan. A masterchef at home, she can't do without chilli - because chilli makes the world a tastier place.