LA PARIS ESTATE
Accommodation and Bistro in Franschhoek
The ‘Food Revolution,’ as I like to call it, swept through South Africa like a new Taylor Swift album. Suddenly, the passion for food was everywhere. People started caring more about what they ate – where the ingredients came from, whether there are any hidden preservatives, and (obviously) how delicious it is. Never far behind the fresh-off-the-press trends, La Paris Estate invested a huge amount of care and thought into their newest venture – the La Paris Bistro and Deli – and we paid them a visit!
La Paris Estate, of the beautiful Western Cape winelands region, has lovingly restored their historic buildings to make up the modern property. Gabled facades and chalk white walls contrast the lush green gardens.
Inspired by luxurious comfort and natural materials, the La Paris Bistro is an experience in sumptuous modern styling, featuring indoor palms and hanging ferns. The Bistro restaurant is set atop beautiful solid French Oak wooden floors. The outdoor terrace is under the towering oak trees of the estate and umbrellas opens onto lush lawns and the expansive courtyard of the estate
Head Chef Nico Vorster is at the helm in the kitchen. He brings with him years of five-star food experience, and describes his style as “elegant food of daring flavours and familiar favourites.” The kitchen as a whole have taken on the ‘Farm to Table’ philosophy, and they do not compromise on their quality. The Bistro sources all ingredients locally, from responsible producers and strives to respect the raw product, doing as little as possible and keeping the integrity of the natural flavour.
The inspired menu features both healthy and sinful dishes, including light options like cured salmon, pickled cucumber, sesame slaw, and rice bowls, to delicious mains like mango-ginger prawns with citrus couscous, seared beef salad with gorgonzola and Peckham pears, or craft beer battered line-fish and hand-cut chips. Lunch is served from 12h00, and the estate makes for the perfect lazy lunch venue – sitting pretty among the trees and mountains of one of the most beautiful regions in the country.
If you want to drop in a little earlier, breakfast is served from 08h30 to 11h00. The morning menu is just what the doctor ordered to break your fast – all of the dishes use eggs from farm-raised, free-range chickens. Fruit bowls, freshly baked pastries, and locally sourced meats are also available. Enjoy your meal with a cup of expertly made coffee, sitting on the veranda while listening to birds chirping.
La Paris Bistro also makes some delicious cakes, available at the bistro and deli, or to order. Their selection includes carrot cake, cheesecake, red velvet cake and chocolate cake. Their favourite cake is probably the iced caramel sponge cake, with macadamia brittle, and caramelised popcorn topping. It is a real crowd pleaser! The bakery also produces stunning wedding cakes, which is handy as La Paris is a hugely-popular wedding venue.
The Bistro Bar is fully equipped with everything any special occasion needs – over 70 locally sourced wines, craft beers, and local craft spirits (which barmen turn into wonderful cocktail creations in the blink of an eye).
The Bistro Deli is a fresh produce and supply store, which carries both local and imported products of the highest quality. Fresh selections of organic produce, plus meats, cheeses, and biltong cover every shelf, just waiting for you to take them home to enjoy. They also have ready-toeat take-away options along with coffee, tea, juice, and the delicious cakes made by the bakery. The Deli has two walk-in wine cellars, in total housing over 70 different wines.
Weddings at La Paris can be hosted in one of three stunning venues: a 400-seater, venue, fit with a crystallised chandelier called The Lyceum; a 120-seater black and white marbled venue called The Winery, complete with historic wine tanks, and outdoor settings in the Rose Garden; and the circular Arbour venue among tall, tightly-clipped hedges.
For a little peace and quiet, which everybody needs sometimes, head out to La Paris Estate for a day of good food, great wine, and stunning surroundings. The estate is child-friendly, as is the Bistro (with a dedicated kiddies menu), and the manicured lawns are the perfect playground for nature-loving little ones.
For more information, please visit www.laparis.co.za.