Not as revolutionary as it sounds: boerekos is strongly influenced by the food of the Malay slaves who accompanied their masters to South Africa.
Seasonal menus, with daily specials, break away from the Franschhoek norm. Living up to Solms-Delta’s celebration of everything Hiervandaan (from this place) they are “anything but French”. Instead, Fyndraai Restaurant explores genuine Cape culinary traditions. This truly is ‘food of origin’.
Afrikaner boerekos, which has strong European and “Cape Malay” (slave) influences, mixes with ingredients first used by the indigenous Khoi nomads who lived in the Franschhoek valley thousands of years ago - but the emphasis falls on what is most palatable today. At experimental tastings, masterminded by acclaimed food scientist Renata Coetzee, most “everyday” Khoi ingredients proved too bitter for 21st century palates.
Sauces and syrups therefore liven traditional favourites on the Fyndraai Restaurant menu: calf’s liver and pickled tongue comes with aartappelvla and balsamic and cherry sauce; malva pudding takes on a new flavour with sour fig custard; rooibos and coconut cheesecake comes with a rooibos syrup with lemon sorbet. Expect kraakbrood, kaaings – and possibly koekemakranka. Right now, chef Shaun is “playing happily”. And yes, there is a glossary translating the unfamiliar local terms of traditional Cape Food for foreign visitors.
Only Solms-Delta and Solms-Astor wines are served. As these wines range from the serious and highly rated through unusual to light-hearted quaffers, there’s something for all palates and pockets - by the bottle and the glass.
To simplify wine choices, the winemaker Hagen Viljoen, chef Shaun Schoeman - and very willing helpers - have compiled helpful suggestions as to their preferred food and wine pairings of the Fyndraai Restaurant menu and wine list.
Fyndraai is open seven days a week from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
To book a table at Fyndraai Restaurant or do a food and wine pairings farm tour, please contact +27.218743937 (ext 142).