On previous trips to Franschhoek, the Vrede en Lust sign had practically begged me to take a detour off the road as it peered innocently from the side of the Cape Dutch building, with a backdrop of vineyards and mountains. So this time, we gave in to temptation and visited this beautiful Klapmuts winery, on the outskirts of Franschhoek. And what a treat it was!

EAT: Lust Bistro & Bakery

The Lust Bistro & Bakery beckoned us in from the cold with its warm and inviting interior, wooden décor, and friendly staff who approached us the moment we entered the door. Situated in a Cape Dutch building, Lust offers a mix between a modern restaurant and old world farm kitchen (inspired by the kitchen in the Manor House), with glass windows offering stunning views, chequered tiles skirting the edge of the room, and pops of character brought about by scarlet hanging lamps and repurposed wine crates for flower boxes. With a homely atmosphere filled with happy chit-chatter and the smell of food wafting through the air, it didn’t take long to discover why Lust is fast becoming Franschhoek’s favourite place to meet and eat.

We met Chef Jean Pierre Smith, a man quick to smile and welcome us into his comfort zone. As an esteemed chef with many triumphs as a restaurateur (and once chef to David Copperfield), it’s no surprise he’s made Lust Bistro & Bakery such a success.

Sunday buffets

We were ushered inside and shown to our reserved corner table. We were immediately lured to the Sunday buffet table, which boasts a new menu each Sunday, from 12h00 – 15h00. You pay for the weight of your plate (R22 per 100g), which is a clever move on their part as once you’ve seen all the food on offer, you can’t resist lumping just a little bit more of everything onto your plate. Bookings are essential.

The table was laden with delicious pork and caramelised onion quiche with a sweet chilli bite; cheese, broccoli and cauliflower bake; roast potatoes; Greek salad; and warm lamb and onion pie. We were also given a platter of Jean Pierre’s freshly baked artisan breads.

The bakery counter immediately grabbed my attention with its setup of alluring cakes and bakes peering at me from the corner of the restaurant. Here, you can pick up a range of freshly baked artisan breads to take home with you.

Off the menu

The early birds get the worm. Or in this case, hand-rolled, all butter croissants served with freshly brewed Terbodore coffee! Even though I visited at lunchtime, my eyes still skirted past the American buttermilk pancakes with fresh strawberries and bitter chocolate and honey sauce.

Apart from the a la cart menu, daily specials are chalked up on the blackboard and change according to the season and the weather. The intimate menu means that Lust has perfected their dishes. Recommended dishes include the Lust specialty lamb burger on herbed ciabatta with avocado paté and caramelised onions; slow roasted pork belly; and the ginger spiced malva pudding. Be the boss of your own sandwich or pizza and create your own out of a range of toppings available. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to leave with a smile and at least one popped pants button…

Don’t forget to try the Belgian Hot Chocolate, Red Espresso, or one of the freshly squeezed juices such as carrot, orange and ginger, or cucumber and mint juice. There is also a wide range of estate wines on offer.

I love: the mango and raspberry smoothie

I recommend: the charcuterie, ploughman’s, or cheese platters which can be prepared for one or two people, and are great for pairing with a bottle of estate wine.

One last tip: use the bathroom, even if you don’t need to. The red door marks the barrier between the restaurant and the unisex bathroom. Here, you will find stunning artwork, fresh hand towels, and the most amazing smelling hand wash and moisturising cream.

More information

• Times: Monday to Saturday: 07h30 – 17h00, Sunday and public holidays: 08h00 – 16h00
• Contact: +27 (0)21 874 8155 or email lust@vnl.co.za
• Get social: Facebook and Twitter

DRINK: Wine tasting centre

The Winery at Vrede en Lust is fast on track to becoming a carbon neutral winery with a solar panel plant that will generate enough electricity to power the winery. Find out more about the solar power plant.

Relax in the Cape-African winery overlooking the vineyards and Groot Drakenstein Mountains. Make yourself at home at one of the tasting tables or leather couches, accompanied by food platters from Lust Bistro & Bakery. Cellar tours are available.

Wine tasting

• Free tasting of 3 wines
• Seasonal tasting of 5 wines: R25
• White only tasting of 6 wines: R25
• Red only tasting of 4 wines: R25

I love: the artisan food and wine pairing available for R150 per person

• Semillon with Salmon fishcake
• Barrique with mini chickpea summer salad
• Chenin Blanc with duck rillettes on sour dough
• Riesling with panfried polenta
• Frangipane disc with orange marmalade
• Carbernet Suavignon/Shiraz with baguette and prosciutto , Huguenot and beetroot chutney
• Caseys Ridge Syrah with sautéed wild mushrooms
• Boet Erasmus with dark chocolate truffle

Times: Monday to Sunday from 10h00 – 17h00. Groups of 10 or more by appointment.

Contact: +27 (0)21 874 1611

SLEEP: The Manor House or Jonkmanshuis

The Manor House

The Manor House is one of the oldest manor houses in South Africa still lived in today with foundations going back almost 300 years. The house has 5 rooms sleeping 2 people each, with panoramic views available from every window. Imagine solid yellowwood floors and 5m high yellowwood ceilings, a spacious lounge with fireplace, formal dining room, and farm style kitchen with a fireplace. Both the kitchen and lounge open onto a patio with views of the Franschhoek valley, while the upstairs lounge opens onto a deck overlooking the pool house and mountains. The garden features a swimming pool, boma and braai area, and a pool house with a bar, dining area, bathroom, and large patio. Find out more.

Jonkmanshuis

Jonkmanshuis has 3 deluxe 2-bedroom suites, sleeping 4 people each, called Jacques, Marguerite, and Barbere. Located between the winery and the Manor House next to the Marguerite chardonnay block on the farm, each suite has a living room with tasteful decor, a cosy fireplace, and flat screen television. Guests staying at Jonkmanshuis can enjoy use of the garden, braai area, and swimming pool. Find out more.

For a well-rounded weekend trip for wining, dining, and reclining, visit Vrede en Lust!