Wednesday 6 October 2021

#WineRoutingWithLloyd - Pierneef à La Motte

It's a well known fact that La Motte is one of my all time favourite #WineRoutingWithLloyd stops. It's on my list to visit with every trip to Franschhoek! This last trip was my visit to the restaurant - Pierneef à La Motte. I had previously been treated to a meal prepared by Chef Eric Bulpitt so was excited to sample something coming his kitchen in his playground. 

Like most things at La Motte, inspiration is drawn from the artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, hence the restaurant name - Pierneef à La Motte. The restaurant has a unique focus on heritage cuisine whilst embracing and interpreting various cultures; ingredients & recipes. Which resonates with the adoration Pierneef had for the South African landscape & the country's diversity. 


The restaurant reminds me of an old school dining room on the farm, with a modern contemporary twist & pop of colour. I must say, I rather like it. It's raining outside & the fire is crackling in fireplace whilst families are enjoying their Sunday lunch. It feels like home; cosy & relaxed. 


The à la carte menu provides hearty, comfort food & presented picture perfectly by Chef Eric. There are frequent interpretation changes to the menu, but the focus on culinary heritage is constant, using & modifying recipes that have been used over more than 3 centuries. The seasonal menu is inspired from produces straight out of the gardens at La Motte.


The menu perfectly pairs each offering with a La Motte wine. Chardonnay with the Fish or the La Motte Millennium with the Pork. One thing that I admire is that these pairings go beyond just what you taste, but extend to the play on textures of food & wine too. 


Never skip dessert! Especially when a Chocolate Torte from La Motte is on offer. (Okay, well it's an overload of chocolate. But good gosh, it is absolutely divine.) A Milk Chocolate Crémeux, Hazelnut crumbs, Raspberries with a Hazelnut Ice Cream. What a delightful explosion of flavour & texture alike with each mouthful. Pair it with the Cabernet Sauvignon & you're all set.  


The restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday; 11:30 - 15:30 but a reservation is a must. (You can do that here.)

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