The superlative French fine dining eatery, Auberge Michel in Sandown – one of the Eat Out Top Ten 2006 restaurants – has recently introduced a Degustation menu for the first time.

The menu, which consists of new culinary creations, will change monthly.

French-born chef Frederic Leloup was classically trained in a Michelin-rated restaurant and continues to travel to France each year to keep in touch with the latest trends.

Leloup’s goal is for each guest to experience the actual flavour of the ingredients in the most natural way. There is an emphasis on organic products in his kitchen.

The five-star restaurant boasts an impressive foodie tick-list:

*A separate pastry kitchen
*An expert sommelier and extensive wine cellar
*Imported teabags mad of silk
*Plenty of staff to ensure your experience is seamless
*A private dining room with its own entrance

Says classically trained co-owner (the second owner is top Johannesburg businessman Vusi Sithole), Michel Morand, “To be in the restaurant business it has to come from the heart.”

July: Seven-course Degustation menu

Beetroot carpaccio in anchovy dressing with marinated scallop and wasabi cream.

Braised butternut gnocchi in black truffle emulsion served with greens and olive oil shaving.

Pan fried foie gras and pear tartlet served with a pink peppercorn and mead reduction.

Braised Scottish salmon with sesame crust and confit grapefruit.

Springbok fillet with tropical pepper and coffee caramelised seasonal fruits and vegetable.

Apple cannelloni stuffed with date compote served with red wine and liquorice reduction.

Chocolate macaroon, butternut ice cream and curry sabayon.

The cost of the seven-course menu is R420.

Auberge accolades and awards
*Named the country’s first five-star establishment by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
*Voted the only Top 10 restaurant in Johannesburg, 2006, by Eat Out Magazine, Wine Magazine, Diner’s Club and Business Day.

Auberge Michel
122 Pretoria Avenue, Sandown, Johannesburg
Call 011-883 7013
www.aubergemichel.co.za