Having undergone extensive refurbishment, Franschhoek’s Haute Cabriere Cellar Restaurant has re-opened this weekend under management of the von Arnim family with new head chef Ryan Shell at the helm.
Shell, who is 28, has taken over in time for the spring and summer season at the beginning of September. Having completed his final term as a lecturer at the Prue Leith Chef’s Academy, Ryan has relocated to the Cape winelands where he will get stuck into reworking the menus at the Franschhoek restaurant.
No stranger to this corner of the Cape, some of Shell’ss formative chef years were spent at Le Quartier Francais’s The Tasting Room, where he worked alongside acclaimed chef Margot Janse. and he is delighted to be returning to these parts.
His work experience includes stints alongside a number of other well-known local chefs, including Mike Bassett, Rudi Liebenberg and Chris Erasmus as well as time spent at Michelin star restaurant Longueville Manor on the British Island of Jersey.
Shell says holidays spent with a much-loved aunt sparked his interest in food: “My aunt loves cooking and passed on this interest to me. She encouraged me to apply for chef’s school and from my first day, I knew I was in the right place and it’s just got better,” he says.
Shell is stepping into former Haute Cabriere chef Matthew Gordon’s shoes. He says of this opportunity: “My job is to continue to grow the great name that Haute Cabriere has enjoyed for close to two decades and while I’m not planning to reinvent the wheel I am excited about putting my own stamp on things.”
A look at his new menu showcases country favourites given a sophisticated twist, which is Shell’s signature style of cuisine – described as brave yet grounded, modern with classic foundations.
Haute Cabriere Cellar Restaurant looks forward to a busy spring and summer season as it attracts both locals and visitors. The Tasting Room and Restaurant are both situated on Franschhoek Pass (Lamprecht Street). Tasting Room hours are from Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 17h00, Saturday from 10h00 to 16h00, and on Sunday from 11h00 to 16h00 Contact reservations@cabriere.co.za or call 021 876 8500 for more information.
www.hotelandrestaurant.co.za