Herbert Janse, brother to Executive Chef of Le Quartier Français, Margot Janse, flew in from Holland and spent an intensive couple of weeks redesigning the world-renowned restaurant.
With a background in set and theatre design he certainly has theatrical flair, and has created a stage worthy of the cuisine. ‘The décor reflects Margot Janse’s food,’ says Herbert. ‘The unexpected.’
The Design
The Tasting Room has been wallpapered with candy foil wrapping from Paris. The turquoise foil has an Art Deco motif, and the light bounces off the blue in pink.
Inside the immediate feature is a large, square light hanging in the entrance hall. Suspended from the base are over 2000 balls.
The unexpected touch here is that there are 20 randomly placed balls, which are lit brighter than the rest. ‘Like a starry sky,’ Herbert explains.
Against the far wall different coloured ropes have been placed in lines to create an organic shape that resembles the mountains in the Franschhoek valley.
The tables don’t have tablecloths, joining a worldwide movement away from the stiffness and formality the term ‘fine dining’ conjures.
There’s also a set of crockery stuck upside down to the ceiling – almost like a wink from the chef herself.
Special offer
The Tasting Room is open from Tuesday to Saturday evenings, and to celebrate the new look Tasting Room, the restaurant is offering a Companion Fare every Wednesday night until the end of August. This means you pay for one dinner and the other dinner is on the house.
To book, email restaurant@lqf.co.za and quote ‘Wednesday companion fare’.