Barn find!

I relish any opportunity to take a drive along Chapman’s Peak drive. So whenever we are in the Cape for any reasonable period, taking a drive along the Peninsula is always on the cards. Now that the run has been made more enjoyable with a new favourite stop situated in Noordhoek, the Food Barn. Its owner, Franck Dangereux, has sought to provide a fine dining experience in a slightly more relaxed setting which presents a warm, inviting and comfortable ambience. Its French styled décor melds perfectly into the little village-like setting, not far from the bustle of Cape Town’s core trading and entertainment areas.

The Food Barn has quickly developed a reputation for great food and is one of the gems of the Cape. With a reasonably extensive menu, carefully chosen and normally paired with wine, Dengereux definitely knows his stuff, as the offerings cater for many palates.

Chatting with the family over lunch, it is clear that he has chosen this as a way of life. It is often said that when one loves their work then it isn’t work anymore but instead fulfilment of purpose. The family resides on the farm on the property with their menagerie of animals, exuding a contentness that seems to elude many families. They have been developing the venue into a full destination for people seeking various types of rustic entertainment comprising the drive out from Cape Town city centre through the beautiful scenery with options in Noordhoek including horse riding on the beach. The food barn is part of a facility that provides a few hours of entertainment for anyone taking that break for a morning or afternoon jaunt out of the city.

Back to the dining experience. We were treated to a full four course meal (paired with wine). Franck has a gift for exotic tastes melded beautifully into each course, carefully seeking to bring out the true flavours of the centrepiece of each dish. I loved the lamb and my wife thoroughly enjoyed the fish. We had the fortune of tasting most of the courses of people at the table and I must say, I didn’t find anything that I could fault. My advice is to leave room for desserts, you will regret it if you don’t savour some of the unique dessert offerings on his menu.

If you are around Cape Town and can secure a booking at the Food Barn, make sure you make the time for a jaunt out to Noordhoek to sample this gem.