Foraging in Franschhoek with Chef Chris Erasmus
The idea of foraging for your daily food is not fun for all – especially if you haven’t got a clue of where or what to forage for – so it may seem like madness to forage for a whole restaurant daily. Twice daily, in fact.
That’s what it takes to find the quota of special ingredients as close to their natural state for Foliage restaurant in Franschhoek. Chef proprietor Chris Erasmus must definitely have a touch of madness about him to adopt this approach, and indeed, that’s what makes it work. I wouldn’t suggest that anyone forages without a guide. Don’t pick mushrooms on your own!
I followed Chef Erasmus for a full day and evening service, which included 3 trips out to the local secret spots that he has permission to forage lightly in. Quite a few of the possible foraged plants are not widely used, so not much knowledge of their preparation exists amongst chefs. Chris has taught himself about these ingredients and continues to do even more obscure things to them. If you are a foodie adventurer, Foliage is calling you…
The last supper with Margot Janse – Claire Gunn
[…] Before I was a photographer, I was a chef and one of the best places I ever worked was at The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais, Franschhoek. The legendary Dutch-born chef Margot Janse was the executive chef and my Head chef was Chris Erasmus. […]