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Franschhoek has a small, serene southeast Asian nook in Ōku restaurant.
The swish little city trades on its French roots, naturally, with its Bastille Day celebrations, French names, structure and its historical past.
With its heat, continental local weather, the valley – a prime vacation spot on the Cape’s wine routes – is greatest for heavy, strong crimson wines and wealthy, fruit-driven whites.
A smattering of southeast Asia has been added to this tasty European combine with Ōku, the fusion restaurant housed in a courtyard in direction of the highest of the principle drag, near the monument to the unique French Huguenot settlers.
It’s a splendid place, set in a relaxed cocoon outlined by simplicity of favor and color. The ground to ceiling home windows look out on three sides – courtyard and road in view – and complicated bonsais do responsibility as artwork.
There isn’t any visible litter; the main target may be very positively on the meals. And what meals it’s – delicate, but strong; acquainted, but unique; fantastically plated, the essence of umami.
The workers is tremendously educated too, explaining every dish intimately.
There are two choices: a four- or five-course à la carte menu at R575/R675 a head, and an 11-course kaiseki menu (R950 a head, and R1 650 with wine and sake pairing). Go hungry, since you actually need the latter.
And thirsty. The wine checklist is targeted on native wineries within the valley and there’s a number of sakes, together with home model beer-styled sakes, all served pleasingly warmed.
The menu is slanted in direction of fish, however the kitchen whips up some fabulous vegan fare – you should definitely notify the restaurant upfront. Tuna, oyster, salmon, prawn and crab are rounded out with lamb, duck and even beef.
All of those had been pronounced scrumptious by the considerably discerning meat eater within the occasion, who had come alongside mainly for the sake.
Ōku shone within the vegan division. Japanese milk bread with miso for starters set the tone for a protracted afternoon of consuming and slurping and having fun with. The tom yum broth with shitake, chilli, coriander and lime introduced simply the correct amount of warmth and bitter; roasted edamame, Chinese language cabbage, crimson pepper, smoked aubergine, kale and lime upped the style stakes even greater; shitake gyoza, tempura kale, roasted cauliflower with udon, tofu, tatsoi and child corn – issues simply received tastier the additional down the kaiseki menu we went.
It culminated within the great chokorētomūsu, a darkish chocolate mousse with figs, strawberry, cinnamon and nutmeg, accompanied by Hakutsuru Plum sake. Go away a smidge of house for the soufflé-like Japanese cheesecake. It’s a froth of pear, white chocolate and cinnamon deliciousness.
Ōku, underneath the regular hand of chef proprietor Ryan Shell, is every kind of fabulous and also you’re suggested to make it your subsequent Franschhoek cease.
Reservations are suggested.
Location: Heritage Sq., 9 Huguenot Highway, Franschhoek
Instances: Monday – Sunday: 12pm – 3.30pm; 6pm – 8.30pm
Web site: eat-oku.co.za
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