LEGACY: Two local entrepreneurs step forward to preserve iconic Franschhoek culinary establishment renowned for its exquisite cuisine…

By WSAM Reporter

In a remarkable turn of events, the signature Chefs Warehouse at Maison restaurant in Franschhoek has been given a new lease on life.

Thanks to Cape entrepreneurs Seb Ackerstaff and Jessie Verdonschot, founders of the COCOON design brand, who have stepped forward to rescue the restaurant from permanent closure and announced new revamp plans for the dining spot. The development follows the recent announcement of the restaurant’s impending closure two months ago.

Two months ago, chefs Liam Tomlin and David Schneider, the owners of Chefs Warehouse at Maison, had made the difficult decision to close the restaurant permanently, prompting an outpouring of support from its devoted patrons, who swung into immediate action to save this beloved Cape culinary institution.

 The news soon caught the attention of Ackerstaff and Jessie Verdonscho, long-time fans of the estate who felt the need to preserve its legacy and its people.

The new owners have a grand vision in mind for Maison, and say they are currently drawing up fresh plans to provide the estate with a significant new chapter and renewed lease on life.

In terms of the new plans, the restaurant will be closed for a brief period later this year in order for the new owners to give the space “a refreshed ambience” ahead of the summer season. 

“But Seb and I also have future plans in the works that will see a transformation of the restaurant, villa, and estate as a whole. This work will serve to preserve the estate’s warm and inviting atmosphere whilst thoughtfully expanding on all the offerings,” said Verdonscho.

“We are immensely grateful to our loyal customers, who have become like family, for their unwavering support throughout this journey,” shared Tomlin and Schneider. “Together with Seb and Jessie, we embark on an unexpected yet thrilling new chapter that preserves MAISON’s legacy while propelling us into an exciting new era of reinvention. The evolution promises to be nothing short of extraordinary, as COCOON’s transformative vision merges seamlessly with the culinary expertise and cherished traditions that have made the restaurant a beloved Winelands destination for food enthusiasts”.

Chefs Warehouse at MAISON, owned by chefs Tomlin and Schneider, is an iconic restaurant in Franschhoek, known for its fine cuisine and warm ambience. Since opening in late 2017, the sophisticated, yet relaxed country restaurant, has become a landmark Cape Winelands culinary destination, offering an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the finest flavours and ingredients. The eatery has opened bookings for June and July.

LAZY MAKOTI & J’SOMETHING TEAM UP FOR  UNIQUE COOKBOOK

SELECT: Celebrity chef Lazy Makoti (right)and renowned muso-cum-chef J’Something and Amarula Cream Liqueur are teaming up to create a cookbook celebrating the unique tastes of the country and the creativity of home chefs. The duo will curate a selection of recipes submitted by the people of Mzansi for the #TheGreatMarulaMenu cookbook.  Everyone is encouraged to send their unique recipe that includes either a dash or a good measuring of Amarula Cream Liqueur, whether in a dessert, main meal or cocktail These self-expression recipes using any of the Amarula Cream Liqueur flavours will be reviewed by the chefs to select which home chefs’ recipes will be published in the book and named after the creator.

SA BRANDY SCOOPS WORLD’S BEST ACCOLADE

BOOST: Development comes at a significant time as global trends forecast the resurgence of the spirit…

By Own Correspondent

Local brandy flies high once again – thanks to Van Ryn’s 15YO Single Potstill named World’s Best Wine Brandy at the World Brandy Awards recently.

This is the second consecutive time Stellenbosch distillery Van Rhyn’s has won the title and the third occasion since 2020. Local brandy claimed the lion’s share of accolades in the wine brandy category, scooping 16 separate medals and awards, to leave France in second place, followed by Australia, United States and Canada.

In addition, to the chart-topping Van Ryn’s, local brands singled out by the international judges panel include Van Rhyn’s 10YO (style winner), Viceroy 5Y0 (style winner), KWV 5YO (style winner), Klipdrift Premium Export (gold medal) and Richelieu Vintage 10YO (gold medal), . “This is another proud moment for South African distillers. Their benchmark achievements have been unwavering for many decades, and  recorded across every global competition,” says South African Brandy Foundation director Christelle Reade-Jahn.

The title of World’s Best Wine Brandy first went to Van Ryn’s in 2020 for its 12YO. Last year, the title was claimed by its 20YO Potstill Brandy.

“In this competition, we compete only against brandies that are made from grapes and are aged,” says Van Ryn’s master distiller and general manager Marlene Bester. “The category undoubtedly comprises the crème de la crème, so to win this award consecutively is an unbelievable honour”.

In addition to the three crowning accolades at the World Brandy Awards, Van Ryn’s brandies have in the past 19 years received the trophy for World’s Best Brandy at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) and International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) on no less than 13 occasions.

Van Ryn’s is also a two-time winner of the title of Brandy Producer of the Year at the New York International Spirits Challenge.

According to Christelle, the awards come at a significant time as global trends forecast a resurgence in brandy, particularly at the premium end of the spectrum.