Styles Of Cuisine In South Africa's Culinary Capital

Styles Of Cuisine In South Africa's Culinary Capital

By:


The town of Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands has become synonymous with excellent local cuisine and wines. The high street is adorned with award-winning restaurants showcasing eclectic and contemporary fusions of traditional and international cuisines. The surrounding wine farms have been equally recognized and have been awarded some of the highest accolades for wine production and viticulture. It is no wonder then that this area of the Western Cape in South Africa is a favourite spot for gastronomic tourists to enjoy fine wine and innovative cooking.

Heritage
Franschhoek's association with wine and cuisine began when 277 French-Huguenots fled France in 1688 as a result of the persecution of Protestants. Arriving in the Cape of Good Hope by boat, they settled in a valley then called Oliphantshoek (meaning "Elephant Quarter") granted to them by the Dutch rulers of the area. The name was soon changed to Franschhoek ("French Quarter") as a colloquialism for the population of French living in the valley. Their passion for food and wine accompanied them to the Cape and thus the area was soon producing wines and concocting sumptuous culinary delights.

When slaves from South-East Asia and East Africa were brought to the Cape of Good Hope, the culinary traditions from those locations were combined with the European ones, creating what is now regarded as traditional South African fare. Cape Malay culture and Afrikaans "Boerekos" (Farmer food) is a blend of European, South-East Asian and African heritage. Many dishes are recognizable European favourites, flavoured with aromatic Indian and oriental spices. Bobotie for example, is one of South Africa's signature dishes, made from an exotic mixture of ground beef, spiced fruit, almonds, curry spices and an egg custard topping which is baked in the oven. The dish bears slight similarity to cottage or Shepherd's pie yet has incorporated the eastern influence of meat coupled with the sweet taste of fruit and biting curry spices. The dish is often served with sliced banana, staying faithful to this tradition.

Contemporary Franschhoek is no longer a small colony of Europeans, Africans and Asians, however, the emphasis on food and wine, especially the daring experimentation with bold flavours and textures has remained. The area boasts 40 wine estates and 28 restaurants, 8 of which are considered premier restaurants in South Africa. This might seem to be quite a big feat for a peaceful little town in the countryside. However this is typical of Franschhoek fashion - the townsfolk have not appropriated their impressive culinary and viticultural skills. They are their centuries-old heritage and way of life.

Restaurants
The many restaurants of the area present a versatile collection of French, South African and international cuisine. Contemporary interpretations of classic dishes are common; however, do not presume that one dish is the same as another. Chefs of the area thrive on the pairing of unexpected flavours to challenge the norm while appeasing the senses. Visual presentation, fragrant aromas and mouth-watering flavours keeps the cuisine of Franschhoek fresh and innovative.

Farms surrounding the town produce traditional Cape food in Malay and Boerekos styles. It is common to blend sweet and savoury tastes. Common ingredients include chicken, lime, tomatoes, onions, chili, garlic, ginger and Indian spices. Mild curries, "bredies" (stews), sosaties (kebabs marinated in a thick, sweet sauce) and breyani (from the traditional Indian "biriani" dishes) are popular preparation methods straight from old-world cook books.

"Potjiekos" (Afrikaans for "pot food") is a term given to rich stews prepared in traditional black cauldrons cooked slowly over a fire. Stewed over a number of hours, ingredients are added slowly and the pot is only stirred at the end of preparation, just before serving.

An example of a delectable Potjie includes chicken with apricot, ginger, garlic and spices. Tomatie Bredie (tomato stew) is cooked very slowly, coupling rich, fatty meat such as mutton with tomatoes. An edible Lily called waterblommetjie (water flower) is also a popular ingredient in potjies and even has its very own stew: waterblommetjie bredie.

"Veldkos" (Afrikaans for "field food") refers to food which is gathered in the bush. This includes wild asparagus, waterblommetjies and other indigenous herbs and flowers.

Wine Farms
The geography of the Franschhoek area lends itself to wine production. The climate is moderate and Mediterranean - the many vineyards in the valley are exposed to a generous amount of sunlight and yet are kept moderately cool due to their low position and the strong Cape South Easter (a ubiquitous local breeze).

The wine farms in the area are renowned for their boutique wines and experimental adaptations of classic tastes. The area produces an immense variety of distinguished Mediterranean vintages including rich, soft reds such as Shiraz, Mourvdre, Grenache and Carignan.

Wine and Food Pairings
Whilst both food and wine in Franschhoek are exquisite, the combination of the two amplifies the gastronomic experience. When certain food flavours and textures are coupled with matching wines, the senses will experience true delight.

Common pairings include a lively ros with fish, smoked chicken and hard cheeses whilst a crisp, dry white wine compliments diverse cuisine choices such as Mediterranean vegetables and slightly sweet Thai influenced dishes. A Shiraz finds the perfect accompaniment in rich, wholesome foods including game, roast meat and bredies. These examples are extremely general and it must be noted that each specific wine produced in the Franschhoek region will have a perfect complimentary dish which is anything but generic to match. Due to the experimental traditions of cuisine and wine, unexpected but beautifully matched pairings are often the order of the day.

It is no wonder that Franschhoek is dubbed "the culinary capital of South Africa". With the impressive selection of restaurants and wine farms producing contemporary, experimental and old-world wine and cuisine with flair and innovation, Franschhoek stands out on the Cape map as a location where superior wine and food will always be celebrated.

About the Author:
Solms-Delta is a Franschhoek wine estate featuring Fyndraai restaurant which serves traditional Cape Food as and offers food and wine pairing tours as well as wine tasting in the cellar.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


Tags: , , , , ,

|

Loading...
Related....
Videos...

Recent Food-and-Drink Articles

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!

Loading

Site Navigation:

Copyright 2005-2011 ArticleSnatch, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.