Experiences

HŌSEKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT: A NEW JEWEL ON THE DINING SCENE

The Japanese-inspired HOSEKI launches at Delaire Graff Estate in the Winelands

Lexus Life

A new Japanese restaurant opens its doors at Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch this month. HOSEKI, which means jewel, a nod to Laurence Graff OBE, founder of Graff Diamonds and owner of Delaire Graff, is an incredible destination that offers wine, art, cuisine, a villa and spa.

The restaurant will be in the space originally occupied by Indochine Restaurant and opens at the same time as the refurbished Garden, Luxury and Presidential Lodges, and Spa.

The eatery is managed by Nick Cloete and headed by Chef Virgil Kahn, who spent many years in Asia, including Japan, learning about the culture and cuisine before returning to South Africa in 2009. He worked at the famed Japanese restaurant Nobu before joining the Delaire Graff Estate team to establish Indochine in 2012.

"Japan holds a special place in my heart and always will."

Chef Virgil Kahn

Nick Cloete - Restaurant Manager, Branwin Philander - Sous Chef, Reinold Tromp - Senior Sous, Virgil Kahn - Head Chef

‘Japan holds a special place in my heart and always will,’ says Kahn. ‘The style of cooking is a perfectly balanced juxtaposition of simplicity and complexity combined with incredible ingredients and aromatic spices. This is an inspiring moment for me and for my team as we refocus creatively and present an authentic Japanese restaurant [within] South Africa’s glittering culinary landscape.’

The seasonal menu will be farm-to-table-style, sourcing from the Estate’s greenhouse and gardens, with other ingredients acquired locally from suppliers recognised for their sustainable and responsible sourcing.

The dishes will no doubt be the masterpieces discerning diners have come to expect from Chef Kahn. In addition to fresh sushi, soups, salads, bites and tacos, there is a selection of signature dishes, including delicious flavour combinations such as Cape Wagyu, Teriyaki & Truffle and Mushroom Ragoût; Poussin, Sake & Mirin, Shichimi and Scallions; and Octopus, Togarashi, Robata Eggplant and Fermented Chilli Soy. There is also the chef’s tasting menu, Omakase, which means ‘I leave it up to you’. The extensive drinks menu offers imported sake as well as the famous Delaire Graff wines.

If you loved Indochine interior’s blue and copper hues and the iconic Swallows in Flight art collaboration by André Stead and Lionel Smit, the good news is it’s still the trademark of the luxurious space.

HOSEKI is open daily for lunch and dinner. To make a reservation email restaurant.bookings@delaire.co.za or call (021) 885 8160.

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