A TASTE OF THE USA IN FRANSCHHOEK

An American, a Saffer and a Scotsman walk into a bar... No, it’s not the beginning of a joke; it’s how The Franschhoek Beer Company was created and, after that, Franks Corner Bar and Grill.

Amid fine-dining establishments and picturesque wine farms, Franks Corner stands out with its refreshing, unpretentious American style. The brainchild of US entrepreneur and Franschhoek resident Frank Rodriguez, along with business partner Alex McCormack and in collaboration with acclaimed chef Reuben Riffel, this contemporary restaurant and taproom showcases ‘New-Style American’ dishes that celebrate diverse culinary cultures.

Made to share, the baba ghanoush, West Coast mussels in a classic cream-and-wine sauce, and salt and pepper calamari were all *chef’s kiss* – but save space for the corn dogs with homemade ketchup and pickled cucumbers!

For the main course, Franks offers prime cuts of grain-fed beef cooked in an imported Pira charcoal oven and flame-grilled. The pork chop with braised red cabbage, blue cheese and mustard cream, and the Nashville hot chicken (a deboned chicken quarter brined, marinated and char-grilled) were my favourites. There’s also a wide choice of sides and delicious desserts.

It’s in Franschhoek, so obviously there’s a great wine list and, of course, The Franschhoek Beer Company provides great brews, all available on tap. Try all six with a Tasting Tray. franks-corner.com

– Charis