Paternoster's first five-star boutique guesthouse, Abalone House, is welcoming dynamic culinary duo Darren and Lindsay Stewart to its restaurant, Saffron.

Newly appointed executive chef Darren has been honing his skills for the past 18 years, first at various UK restaurants, Café Poste among others, which is where he met South African Lindsay.

The two returned to SA in 2007 and initially worked at Franschhoek's Haute Cabrière, where Darren was head chef and Lindsay manager, and luxury game reserve Singita, before landing on the idyllic West Coast town's shore.

Darren describes his food style as classical with modern touches. ‘I like to keep it simple when it comes to food, using only the freshest and best seasonal produce available,’ he says.

Using the West Coast as an inspiration, the menu will include the likes of carrot, orange and saffron soup with duck ragout, and dorado with beetroot risotto and goats’ cheese sabayon. Those keen for something more informal can order from an alternative menu starring classics such as fish and chips, Caesar salad and mussels in white wine, which is available in the conservatory-style Orchid Room.

High tea fans are set to be impressed by the Tea by the Sea menu, which promises treats including Darren’s signature gateau St Honore, strawberry cream disks and savoury pancake roulades served with a selection of fine teas.

For more information and for reservations, call 022 752 2044, e-mail info@abalonehouse.co.za or visit www.abalonehouse.co.za.