5 minutes with Reimond van der Walt, Chef at Old Road Wine Company in Franschhoek
Such fun talking to Reimond. While he realises that chefs from other countries are worth watching, he feels that there is nothing we are not able to achieve here in the kitchen, that the so-called celebrity chefs and restaurants in the capitals of the world can. He keeps his eye on what’s happening in Franschhoek, what the local chefs are doing in their fine dining kitchens. Reimond’s food is fine food, though more in the style of a serious Bistro. He tries to source local as much as possible, supporting the small producers in the valley who offer fine products.
The Fat Man Restaurant
The service in The Fat Man Restaurant is efficient, friendly and not intrusive. The people who present the wine tastings are well trained and do an outstanding job.
I was interested to know more about Reimond, so we spent 5 minutes while he told me about his life and work.
A student at Capsicum
Where did you train as a chef?
Capsicum Culinary Studio – Centurion, Pretoria
What do you like to eat most?
All food really, everything has a time and place, but fresh Fish is always a winner
What’s your least Favourite Food?
I really don’t have a least favourite single, not an easy question, as there really isn’t any food I “Dislike”.
Jamie Oliver TV Celebirty Chef
Do you have a childhood, Mom or Gran food memory?
Not Really, neither my Mom nor Gran were active cooks. I watched a lot of cooking shows as a kid and mostly got inspired by the Chefs on the shows. I was pretty much the active cook in the family
What is your morning routine?
Coffee……… and the day begins. Actively trying to get back into an exercise routine with a brisk jog in the mornings before work. Since our baby was born, we kind of let it slip a little
From where do you draw your inspiration?
I draw a lot of inspirations from my surroundings. Nature and Man made. I take a lot out of the area around me and what produce it has to offer,
What’s your Favourite Dish you are cooking now?
Pork Belly…. My wife is somewhat of a pork belly snob… so every pork belly dish I do, I try and do it to Her standards.
Favourite Cooking Tools?
Dessert Spoon and Paring Knife… basically all you need.
What is your ideal neighbourhood eatery?
Casual, and inviting. Comfort food but with a new experience. Comfort food that pushes the boundaries of your comfort foods.
A bowl of free range eggs
5 ingredients always in your fridge at home?
Coriander, Limes, Soy Sauce, Eggs Yoghurt.
Name 6 food items you would take to a Desert Island?
A whole Sirloin, Curing salts and spices. Jelly Babies ( Sweets ), Potatoes and Onions.
Freddy Cole, Nat King Cole’s brother
What is your Desert-Island Disc?
Freddy Cole – My Mood Is You.
Your most Underrated Wine?
Tall Horse Merlot
Saturday night after service tipple?
Maybe a quick drink at the local pub with a friend. But I usually head home for a glass of wine with the Wife.
Tall Horse Merlot, Reimond’s most underrated wine
Restaurant Peeve?
“The Customer is always right”
Your key Wardrobe Item?
Sweatpants and Vests— Off days are off days
Talent you would like to have?
Playing any sort of musical instrument very well
Bees in your Bonnet?
2020 has been a roller coaster…. And that’s about it
Restaurant Memento?
I collect badges and patches from the restaurants and fit them to my “Remember Apron”
Who is your Music person?
Paolo Nutini
Bedside Book?
Micro
Ben Shapiro is an American conservative political commentator
One guest for dinner – who would that be?
Would probably be more than one person for dinner. Ben Shapiro and Steven Crowder
Routine after lunch or dinner service?
Relax a little… and head home to the family
I’m currently working on…. an amazing Pokemon Card Collection. It has grown as a hobby over the past few years.
My favourite weekend getaway is…. Dropping the boy off at the Grandparents and heading back home with my wife!
Guilty Pleasures?
Japanese Mayo…
One day, I will…. I would like to go abroad and work in some international restaurants… One day I Will.
Tjaart Reimond van der Walt
Head Chef
Restaurant – Old Road Wine Co.
Contact details – 0734711665
Street address, R45 Main Road
Franschhoek
Telephone for reservations – 021 271 0379
Email – info@orwc.co.za
Website www.oldroadwinecompany.com
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