Franschhoek, November 22, 2006 - Margot Janse, Executive Chef at the 5-star Le Quartier Français, has yet again raised the bar on cuisine excellence. At the Relais & Châteaux annual congress held in Monaco last week, Margot won the inaugural Rising Chef Trophy along with two other chefs, representing hotels from the UK and Italy. In the citation Margot was commended for, 'her shining examples of ambitious and cosmopolitan cuisine'. She was also acknowledged for, 'having shown talent, being creative and showing great dedication to a demanding art.'
The Art of Cuisine
Cuisine is one of the pillars of the international Relais & Châteaux Association. They see it as a living and constantly evolving art. The Rising Chef Trophy has been introduced so that, through its young chefs who demonstrate imagination and initiative, Relais and Châteaux can position itself as the cradle of the great chefs of tomorrow.
Setting the Benchmark
Relais & Châteaux is a collection of the most refined hotels and restaurants scattered around the world. In just half a century, Relais & Châteaux has established itself as the ultimate benchmark for charming hotels and international culinary excellence. Updated annually, the Association's guide lists 456 top establishments in 50 countries, all of which offer the '5 Cs' to the highest standards, 'character, charm, calm, cuisine and courtesy.'
Exciting Creations
Susan Huxter, the dynamic owner of Le Quartier Français, is overjoyed with Margot's latest accolade, saying 'Margot's wellspring of creative talent just keeps on flowing. How she keeps coming up with exciting and adventurous dishes for both our restaurants is quite amazing, even mystifying? What's more important though, is that our customers love her food and keep coming back for more. She deserves every award she gets and, as always, we must acknowledge the fantastic team around her.'
Charming Chef
Now in her 12th year in the kitchen at Le Quartier Français, Margot Janse, known for her charm and modesty, is an internationally-renowned chef who has won many accolades, at home and abroad over the years, for her creative contribution to contemporary South African cuisine. Famous for her organized kitchen, Margot works with a team of 30 dedicated and passionate chefs, who serve the two restaurants at Le Quartier Français.
Finest Restaurants
Le Quartier Français boasts two of the country's finest restaurants. For sophisticated café food, iCi is the ideal venue, while foodies travel from far and wide for a taste of the sensational and award-winning dégustation experience at The Tasting Room.
Luxury Accommodation
Le Quartier Français is a luxurious country inn situated in the French Huguenot valley of Franschhoek, in the Cape Winelands. The Auberge offers fifteen en-suite bedrooms and two deluxe suites (with splash pools), which open onto a rose-filled central courtyard and swimming pool. And for the ultimate in luxury, there are four state-of-the-art suites, The Four Quarters, overlooking a private pool and sun-splashed deck.
Le Quartier has an intimate theatre, the Screening Room, and the hotel's boutique shop, Touches and Tastes, was rated the Best Shop in Any Hotel Anywhere by Tatler Magazine UK in 2005.
Major Accolades
Recent major accolades received by Le Quartier Français and Margot Janse include:
• Top 10 Special Occasions Restaurants 2006, 2007 (Dine)
• World's Best Small Hotel 2005 (Tatler magazine - UK)
• World's 50 Best Restaurants 2002, 2005 and 2006 (Restaurant magazine - UK)
• Best Chef in South Africa and Best Service 2004 (WINE Top 100 Restaurants)
• Chef of the Year 2002 and Restaurant of the Year 2003 (Eat Out Restaurant Awards)
• 9 Awards incl. 3 Platinum Awards (Diners Club Wine List Awards)
• Appointed to the US Conde Nast Traveler Gold List 2006
Links:
• For more on the Le Quartier Français hotel, see www.lequartier.co.za