Can we please just take a moment to realise what just happened here. Okay, let’s go: Mere months after opening a restaurant in Nice back in 2013, Jan Hendrick van der Westhuizen from Middleburg, South Africa, received his first mention in the Michelin Guide. And now, three years later, his restaurant, co-owned with Pascal Szafranski, has gained its first Michelin Star. *Insert celebratory applause.*

The restaurant is called JAN and already been included on a list of the World’s 15 Best Restaurants (as curated by Condé Nast Traveler), as well as recommendations by the New York Times and Gault et Millau restaurant guide.

And, Jan is the first South African to receive this accolade in Asia and Europe. Imagine that. Here’s what it’s about:

A 28-seater fine-dining restaurant in the up-and-coming bohemian district of Nice Port, JAN is a celebration of South African hospitality and serves honest food inspired by local produce from the markets of Nice.

Van der Westhuizen studied culinary arts and applied design in Stellenbosch, after which he worked for food publications both locally and abroad. It is during this time that he happened upon the concept of adapting and serving South African favourites like melktert and biltong to audiences in Europe.

Van der Westhuizen was recently joined by South African chefs Kevin Grobler and Rutger Eysvogel, who now form part of the international award-winning team at JAN.

How cool? Well done, boet (although I do feel the word boet is a bit out of place).

Does fine dining tickle your fancy, but you feel France is just a tad too far to visit for some delicious cuisine? Please, don’t stress – and don’t pay full price either. Locally, we have some of the best selection of cuisine and if you get The Entertainer app, you can enjoy some delightful 2-for-1 specials at renowned restaurants like these. (Also, you don’t have to use a tacky voucher, just pretend you’re paying with some invite-only app and all will be great). Last year, Capetonians saved around R3 700. If you go here and get it now using the code 2oceans you’ll get 14% off – but that deal only lasts until the 14 February, so get on it.

[source: iol]