We’ve reached the 30th edition of our #RainbowFriday blog and this week we’re looking forward to wooing our taste buds at a South African Michelin-starred restaurant in France. Indeed, it’s none other than the renowned JAN in Nice.
Restaurant of the week: JAN
Not only is JAN a saffa favourite in France due to its South African flavours, but it also boasts the first Michelin-star awarded to a South African – owner and chef, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen.
Jan’s love of cooking and baking started in his grandmother’s kitchen in Mpumalanga. From an early age, Jan learned the magic of South African hospitality, and he wanted to carry this idea of a warm, welcoming space where people share a meal through to his restaurant.
He obtained an advanced diploma in culinary arts and a Master’s degree in Pastry, but also boasts additional skills through his Bachelor’s degree in Applied Design. It was during these latter studies in Stellenbosch that Jan’s love of food fused with his love of wine. As a chef with a defined artistic flair, he briefly served as contributing food editor for ELLE South Africa before jetting off to France to join ELLE International in Paris.
Through hard work and determination, Jan started his flagship kitchen, JAN, in Nice and it has only gone from strength to strength.
JAN menu
JAN doesn’t offer an a la carte menu, and opts instead for seasonal based tasting dishes with distinct South African flavours.
They craft plates through a fusion of French and South African delights and the menu includes saffa tastes like biltong, mosbolletjies, peppermint crisp tart, Kalahari salt, Menton olive oil and other scrumptious treats.
You have a choice of two four course menus with or without wine for dinner for the entire table. For lunch, you can choose between a two or three course meal with or without wine, or a menu for the entire table.
JAN contact details
Patrons are advised to book in advance as the restaurant is quite popular and cancellations need to be made 48 hours in advance.
Restaurant details
Address: 12 Rue Lascaris, Nice, 06300, France
Phone: +33 04 97 19 32 23
Email: jh@restaurantjan.com
Website: www.restaurantjan.com
Trading hours: Tues – Thurs: 18:30 – 00:00, Fri – Sat: 12:00 – 15:00 and 18:30 – 00:00
Special features
The restaurant also offers gift vouchers if you want to treat your friends or family to a South African feast. Jan also offers culinary excursions, has a cook book and welcomes collaboration on projects.
Feel free to follow them on Facebook.
Remember to check in again next week for your South African expat shopping feature.