Lunch at Pierneef à La Motte

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A view of some of the pristine historical buildings, lush gardens and vineyards at La Motte from the driveway, with a mountain backdrop to match.

In December last year I was invited to visit Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant in Franschhoek at the esteemed La Motte Wine Estate in Franschhoek for lunch with my family. I’ve visited their restaurant a few times before, but not since chef Eric Bulpitt has taken up the reigns as executive chef less than a year ago.

The name “Pierneef à La Motte” is inspired by the estate’s admiration of iconic South African artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef (1886 – 1957) and celebrates his exceptional creativity and artistic innovation in their culinary execution of modern South African heritage cuisine.

Chef Eric Bulpitt of Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant.

Chef Eric Bulpitt recently made the move from Faber Restaurant to Pierneef à La Motte, following in the footsteps of chef Michelle Theron. Eric developed a love for farm to table cooking from an early age after spending childhood holidays on his grandparent’s self-sustained farm. Today, he shares La Motte’s passion of authentic local produce and sustainably sourced ingredients, cooking South African heritage cuisine with a modern interpretation.

The ever-changing new a-la-carte lunch menu at Pierneef à La Motte includes starters like the Cape Bokkom Salad, Heirloom Tomato Salad, Saldanha Bay Mussels and Braise Ox Tongue. Main course options are Sustainably Caught Line Fish, Kroon Duck, Butter Roasted Aubergine and Karoo Lamb Biryani. For dessert, choose between Spring Berries, Selection of South African Cheese, Dark Chocolate & Pistachio and Summer Fruit Tart.

Two-course lunch, excl. wines – R395 / Two-course lunch, incl. wines – R495

Three-course lunch, excl. wines – R425 / Three-course lunch, incl. wines – R595

(Kids menu also available.)

Take a look at our three-course lunch with wine pairing experience in pictures, with short descriptions and comments as captions. Pierneef à La Motte remains a pioneering destination for authentic South African heritage food, prepared innovatively with a contemporary take, and served within a premium, welcoming environment. Be sure to also visit the Pierneef gallery for an up-close view of Pierneef’s iconic artworks, La Motte’s Farm Shop for some beautiful produce, linen & gifts, and the wine tasting centre for a range of exquisite wines.

Contact the restaurant: [email protected] / T: +27 (0)21 876 8000

The entrance to La Motte’s restaurant, farm shop, art gallery, garden and wine tasting area.
Familiy portraits of the Rupert family against the wall inside Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant. La Motte is owned by the Rupert family.
Pierneef art printed on the lights at the serving counter at Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant.
Mosbolletjies and sour dough bread.
Beef fat spread, beetroot marmalade and green olives served with the bread & mosbolletjies.
La Motte’s chardonnay, served with my line fish main course. The wine pairings are highly recommended.
Cape bokkom salad, baby gem lettuce, home-made mustard, toasted organic almonds, pickles and bokkom dressing. Served with La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc. This is a stunning dish, a true SA interpretation of the popular classic Caesar salad.
This was an exceptional smoked trout starter. I didn’t get the full description, but I surely hope it will be featured again soon on the menu! One of the best dishes of the day.
Sustainably caught line fish (monk fish) two ways, onion confit. The texture of the monk fish was absolutely perfect – such a great dish! I would suggest that they drop the fish knives though, as a regular knife would make slicing much easier.
Poached apricots, almond crumble, clotted cream. Served with La Motte Straw Wine.
Selection of South African cheese and preserves. Served with La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon.
Chef Eric at work in the kitchen with a staff member.

 

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2 Comments

  1. Looks divine! Oh, and I adore those pendant light fittings – so quirky!

    1. thefoodfox

      I agree Marika – stunning!

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