The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français was awarded the Grolsch Service Excellence Award at the 2014 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards on Sunday 16 November.   

What is it that makes great service? Every diner will have his or her own particular preferences, but there are some universal requirements. Attention to detail. A friendly demeanour, and a touch of personality. Staff members with a thorough knowledge of the menu and wine list – and the confidence to suggest food pairings. The ability to anticipate guests’ needs, coupled with the sense of when to give room to breathe. And throughout, knowing how to pace a meal – not too fast or too slow. Just right.

Indeed, that’s quite a list. And it’s not often that you’ll find all of these hallmarks of great service under one roof, but when it happens, as is the case with The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français in Franschhoek (number 3 on our 2014 list of Top 10 restaurants), then it really is something to celebrate.

Directed by award-winning chef Margot Janse, the service at this establishment has been proclaimed by this year’s judging panel as being, quite simply, flawless – which makes it a deserving winner of the Eat Out Grolsch Service Excellence Award.

The Tasting Room team accepts the Grolsch Service Excellence Award on stage at the 2014 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards.

Says Eat Out editor and chief judge Abigail Donnelly, “Great front-of-house skills are matched with bold, professional personalities on the floor, delighting customers with their rich storytelling. This is perfectly in line with Margot’s ahead-of-the-curve philosophy.”

From the moment you walk into the door and are welcomed by gracious staff, you know this will be a memorable experience. The Tasting Room waiters have intimate knowledge of the menu, and take pride in explaining the philosophy and history behind each dish. This is about real insight, not just delivering a recited repertoire. As a result, guests witness true South African storytelling through the medium of food. Add inspired wine service and attentive but professional manners, and what you have is an intensely rewarding dining experience.