In the heart of the city, Frere’s bistro was opened by owner, and chef, Jason Whitehead in March 2013. This cosy, romantic French Bistro seats about 35 inside and 20 out, and they’re happy to be rented out for functions and events. Chef Jason believes in flexibility, so he changes the menu every three months and will be happy to whip you up something unique if you let him know in advance.
Frere’s Bistro Review
Pan Seared Duck Breast with Vanilla Quinoa salad // 72
This made me very, very happy. The tender pepper-crusted duck was seared to perfection – crisp on the outside and pink within. It was served on a bed of quinoa that, earthy sweetcorn and fresh tomato salad, with a gentle vanilla cream, which balanced deliciously with the peppered duck.
Asparagus Soup // 69
I never order soup at restaurants, but there was no way I couldn’t give the asparagus and truffle soup with a poached egg and parmesan crisp a whirl. And it was worth it. The soup was light, made creamy by the soft poached egg and the truffle gave it a rich intensity.
Wildebeest with Peaches // TBC
One of the less gamey of the game, the meat didn’t overpower the gentle flavour of the peaches. Served with crispy sweet potato and pumpkin croquettes, and a rich jus, this was a well balanced and beautifully put together plate. A little Africa in France, no?
Lamb Ribeye // 135
What must be an attempt to never make me want to eat anything else ever again, Jason came up with this freaking magical dish. Slow cooked and tender lamb rib-eye, served on homely and slightly sweet braised peas and leeks, with a hearty thyme and tomato sauce and………. Goat’s cheese puree that knocked my socks off. This relatively simple dish is up there with one of the most delicious I’ve had this year. Everything just went so very well together.
Pancake Cannelloni // 45
Oh, hello there. Pancakes rolled with rich mascarpone cheese and sweet dates with a ginger caramel sauce. The cheese and dates were divine and I loved the ginger in the sauce. It needed a little something to cut through the sweetness, maybe a squeeze of lemon, but all in all, it was delicious.
Berry Crème Brûlée // 45
When ever I see a flavoured crème brûlée on a menu, part of me has to try it (because crème brûlée) and part of me knows that I wont like it because I don’t believe it should be flavoured. The first part always wins. Luckily Frere’s agree with me, and they keep their crème brûlée traditional, with a surprise berry compote at the bottom of the dish. Perfect.
The staff are exceptionally warm and friendly, the atmosphere is cozy, the menu is simple but deliciously sophisticated without being pretentious. And the chef, well, he’s a honey – he just wants to feed people great food. Nice one.
Tues – Fri: Open 12pm – Close.
Sat: 6pm – Close.
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Directions to Freres Bistro
1a, 42 Hans Strijdom Avenue
Foreshore
Cape Town
021 418 1609
