Epice: The love language of food with a touch of spice
In this very table seating, I have experienced three exquisite fine dining menus – Le Quartier Français under Chef Margot Janse, followed by Le Petite Colombe under Chef John Norris-Rogers and now Epice headed by Chef Charné Sampson.
Each with their very own rich culinary story – but Epice is especially spectacular because it takes your senses along the spice route – the very thing that has been the catalyst to wars. Pronounced eh-peace, it is Franschhoek’s best kept secret. The restaurant, owned by the La Colombe Group, only opened their doors on 19 December 2021 – but it’s already the one that deserves culinary bucket-list status.
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Chef Sampson has outdone herself with flavours and textures, and the nuances of spice that don’t overpower, yet bring out the most fragrant qualities of each vegetable, meat, fish and seafood delicacy on the menu. Her dainty use of pungent spices is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. Even after twelve courses, I wanted to stay for more. The closed kitchen was a clear sign that it was time to head home.
The kingdom of culinary creations that is the Western Cape better be ready for Epice because there’s no doubt in my mind that it is going to head right to the top of the list of the most desirable restaurants to dine at sooner rather than later.
The menu is inspired by a culinary jaunt through India and Sampson’s memories of spiced adventures through Spain, Japan, Mexico, Denmark and the US.
It’s no easy feat to intricately weave her own spice map through her plates but here we are, and it’s all masterpiece-worthy. There wasn’t a single dish to fault, from the Saldanah Bay oyster with finely diced granny smith apples and an intensely deep sauce with a tiny hint of chilli and a slight layer of tamarind – to the perfectly cooked grass-fed beef coated in dukkah with a hit of cardamon.
It’s all a wonder, even for someone who believes spice is life. It’s a wonder how the team get it spot on because there’s only a certain level of spice that is acceptable to Capetonians, and they push the envelope but manage to keep it right on point.
It takes understanding, tons of hard work and mammoth talent to get a menu like the one at Epice right, and I bow my hat to them – from one spice-lover to another.
It’s worth the drive to Franschhoek and each dish is worth its weight in spice gold.
Contact: +27 21 492 4044
Email: reservations@epice.co.za
Website: Epice.restaurant
Address: Le Quartier Français, Cnr Huguenot & Berg St, Franschhoek