Savor culinary secrets in a 200-year-old wine cellar

Dining at La Petite Dauphine Guest Farm’s Café BonBon is a leisurely experience, during which you will enjoy some of the culinary secrets of the picturesque Franschhoek Valley best by allowing yourself to be tempted by the range of hand- crafted fine flavours, diverse textures, freshest local ingredients and unpretentious presentation of food.

Café BonBon is set in a skillfully- converted 200- year- old wine cellar. Nestled under majestic oak trees the café terrace offers a glimpse into refined country life with ponds, vineyards and orchards. The dramatic Franschhoek Mountains form a perfect backdrop to the café setting.

Matthee says most of the ingredients of the menu are locally procured to accentuate the rustic, home- grown, French- Cape food flavours for which Café BonBon has become so sought after.

He says the Café remains true to its reputation of offering fine wines that complement its food.

The menu reflects the peace and uncluttered atmosphere of the rural setting by extending the simple sophistication into the cuisine.

“Our food is French- Cape inspired with an emphasis on using local, seasonal produce. Whether it is summer, autumn, winter or spring we take advantage of what is growing in our gardens and available in the near vicinity, from our herbs, olives, and farm fruit, nuts and vegetables to Cape Salmon.

“Our guests enjoy the fine detail of our food without it being over-complicated,” says Matthee.

Café BonBon is popular for breakfast, lunch and dinner with additional clientele visiting inbetween meals for coffee and a slice-or-two from the superb range of cakes that are baked daily and include lemon meringue pie, New York-style cheese cake, chocolate cake, and a carrot and walnut cake.

The wine list of local wines and a select few vineyards form further afield has been carefully considered to complement each item on the menu.

The Café BonBon breakfast menu is appetizing enough to ensure you enjoy a languid morning after the feast.

Café BonBon has a selection of La Petit Dauphine and Franschhoek products that guest may purchase to take home such as: La Petite Dauphine Olive Oil; Franschhoek honey; pickled Garlic; garlic and olives; and homemade jam.

Another attraction at Café BonBon is Veruska’s Wine Bar, which reflects the soul of Franschhoek. Inspired by the sophisticated streets and rustic warmth of the Franschhoek Valley, this cosy wine bar has a relaxed ambience, with subdued lightning, and exposed brick walls lined with shelves of wines. Haut Espoir Wines are served in the rustic space, infused with traditional elements. The trading hours at Veruska’s Wine Bar are from Monday’s to Sunday’s 10am to 5pm and Wednesday’s 10am to late. La Petite Dauphine also offers enchanting sites for outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions; under the flowering gum tree overlooking the pond, or under the 200 year-old oak trees, all with breath-taking views of the Franschhoek Mountain as a backdrop. La Petite Dauphine’s tranquil setting, well-appointed and luxurious interior décor is reflected in the wedding function suites, which are elegant and spacious. La Petite Dauphine’s dedicated team of highly experienced wedding planners are on hand to guide and help turn dreams into reality.