What one might have thought to be the final chapter of a French novel with African flair, has been written into the introductory paragraph of a whole new book. A short winter visit to the former Morrells Boutique Estate, now reimagined as Le Manoir, proved as much. Retaining its French country feel with ivy-covered walls, romantic wooden doorframes and cobblestone pathways, the heart of the property seems to have stayed intact.
As with anything in life, new ownership and a name change evidently came with a lot of newness for Le Manoir. It is, however, still positioning itself as the ideal destination for a romantic getaway, a business retreat, or a memorable dining experience in Northcliff, Johannesburg. In fact, it’s proven to be a rather competitive option for those keen to explore some new dining experiences in Joburg, especially if you’re keen on French-inspired elegance and modern sophistication.
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Contrasting Styles and Colourful Cuisine at Le Manoir
Hints of contemporary style highlight the current owners’ decorative direction, boasting relatively simplistic, yet modern spaces in contrast to the original, French country feel. The gardens, which promise the most exquisite setting for intimate soirees come spring and summer, are brought indoors with fresh flowers on dining tables, and of course, Chef Ken’s colourful plates.
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A Menu That Celebrates Le Manoir’s Roots and Local Produce
At the in-house Restaurant 197, a new culinary adventure has been taking shape, with Executive Chef Kagiso Phuduhudu, aka Chef Ken at the steer. Alongside internationally acclaimed Michelin-starred Chef Keigo Kemora, he’s been developing menus that celebrate not only the French-inspired roots of the newly opened Le Manoir, but also locally sourced produce from Joburg and surrounds. A blend of precision, innovation and seasonality is tangible on every plate, with seasonal South African ingredients that are transformed through refined French techniques and a modern approach to culinary artistry. With the help of beautiful crockery, Chef Ken’s dishes represent his artistic culinary mastery, highlighting his passion for creating immersive dining experiences.
Le Manoir guests can expect to indulge in an elegantly plated amuse-bouche, followed by delightful starters like Steamed Black Mussels with a White Wine Velouté, Confit Garlic, Charred Sourdough, Lemon Oil and Micro Herbs, or Chilli Paste Glazed Eggplant with Whipped Feta, Toasted Pine Nuts, Basil Oil and Baby Herbs. The latter was a welcome start to the evening – fresh and light and the perfect way to prepare the palate for the flavour-filled fanfare that was about to transpire.
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Generously portioned mains will see guests linger over intricately interwoven ingredients, with dishes like Herb Crusted Lamb Rack and Wild Mushroom & Truffle Risotto being but two of the mouthwatering options. The Aged Beef Fillet with Pomme Purée, Glazed Baby Onions, Wild Mushrooms and Red Wine Jus was a hearty meal, and the ideal choice for a cold, winter evening.
For dessert, the choice was simple: Mollen Chocolate Fondant, Salted Caramel Tuile and Vanilla Ice Cream. And, delicately plated petit fours rounded off the dinner perfectly.
Facades and Flavours That Transport You To France
This Northcliff-based boutique estate’s country-style facades and the romantic ways in which Joburg’s late afternoon sun plays with the intricate leaves of satin white rose petals and cerise pink Bougainvilleas are sure to transport you to a small village in France. And, a dinner here will keep you anchored through local flavours, whilst allowing you to dream about your next adventure as you discover Chef Ken’s elevated plating and subtle French influences at the same time.
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