PRESS RELEASES

Protégé – Leeu Collection Press Release

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SCOT KIRTON SET TO OPEN PROTÉGÉ, A CASUAL-STYLE RESTAURANT AT LEEU COLLECTION’S LE QUARTIER FRANÇAIS, FRANSCHHOEK

Franschhoek, the world-renowned and picturesque food and wine capital of South Africa, is abuzz with the news that Leeu Collection’s Le Quartier Français boutique hotel has closed the Garden Room and Bar which will re-open as an exciting new casual-style eatery under the guidance of previous Eat Out Chef of the Year, La Colombe’s Scot Kirton.

The refurbishment is due to be completed by late October 2018.

Scot is proud to be part of the process of recognising young talented chefs and giving them the opportunity to put themselves on the map. In keeping with this, the restaurant will aptly be named Protégé.

Stephen Raaff will head the kitchen team with Rebecca Warner overseeing the front-of-house. Stephen has been part of the La Colombe group since 2013 and has been involved at both La Colombe and Foxcroft restaurants in Constantia, working closely with both Scot and Glen Williams, Chef proprietor of Foxcroft.

Rebecca started working with Scot in 2009 in the kitchen of the River Café at Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate. A few years later she made the switch to front-of-house at La Colombe and has never looked back.

Scot is planning an experience that is both casual, comfortable and very much one that the locals can call ‘home’. His philosophy and approach to food lies in the fusion of Asian and French cuisine and the pursuit of excellence and perfection on each plate, resulting in numerous local and international awards.

The menu will be based on an à la carte offering where guests are free to select as many or as few courses as they desire. Stephen will be working with local suppliers to keep the menu as fresh and as seasonal as possible.

“The opening of Protégé excites me,” says Kirton. “It’s all about the freshest local produce used in the simplest of ways – it’s comfort food I cook at home. I could not be prouder of having Stephen lead the team. He has given me so much over the years and now it’s time for me to help him achieve his dreams.”

The restaurant space has been designed around the central show kitchen with al fresco dining planned at both ends of the restaurant. Interior design will be under the careful watch of Rotem Shachar and Megan Bond.

“Food and beverage in the hotel and hospitality sphere has evolved to the point where hotel guests must be offered a unique and top-class dining experience and choice as part of their overall guest experience. Protégé will complete the Le Quartier Français transformation that has been ongoing for the past year,” says Analjit Singh, founder of the Leeu Collection.

Protégé will be open for breakfast from 7am-10am, for lunch from 12:00 pm-2:30 pm and for dinner from 5:30 pm-8:30 pm. Hotel guests at Le Quartier Français will enjoy breakfast as part of their room rate.
 
For more information, please visit: www.protegerestaurant.co.za.