After seven years of serving thousands of meals on Andringa Street in the charming winelands town of Stellenbosch, Restaurant Jardine is bidding farewell to its loyal diners on 9 June.

The eatery was founded by the celebrated chef George Jardine and his wife, Louise, back in 2016. The following year, the restaurant secured a spot in Eat Out’s coveted top 20 list at the Eat Out Restaurant Awards, cementing its reputation as a culinary destination. Restaurant Jardine is celebrated for its emphasis on seasonal flavours, showcasing locally sourced produce in its ever-evolving menu. Guests will have fond memories of the perfectly-cooked Chalmar sirloin with gorgonzola and the smoked salmon with roasted baby beets and horseradish. Let’s not forget the drool-worthy Valrhona chocolate hot pot!

 

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With their eyes set on new adventures, Louise and George Jardine will be passing on the reins of the restaurant to current head chef, Hilde-Lee Olivier. Having been an operator and partner in the business for the last three years, Olivier is well-equipped to take over ownership of the establishment.

“Hilde-Lee has been our rock and right hand,” says George. “During the highs of life before COVID and the most challenging lows of lockdown, she helped Jardine Restaurant to constantly evolve and reach new levels of deliciousness and great service. It has always been our plan to look for a different challenge once our kids leave school and we can’t wait to follow Hilde-Lee’s journey, this time as loyal customers.”

Olivier boasts an impressive culinary pedigree, having honed her skills in the kitchens of esteemed establishments such as Delaire Graff, Terroir at Kleine Zalze and Jordan Restaurant, before joining Restaurant Jardine in 2018. She has exciting plans in store for the eatery, promising guests “something fun, different and exciting” that will shake up the oak-lined streets of central Stellenbosch.

 

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As Restaurant Jardine bids farewell, Louise adds: “We are ending on a high note, celebrating and thanking our loyal guests with a winter special, a Jardine at Home Meal Box for Mother’s Day and a final Quiz Night for our last dinner service. We had so much fun here!”

Stay tuned to Eat Out for updates on Hilde-Lee’s new venture – we can’t wait to see what’s in store!