Chefs Warehouse at Maison sources only the very best local ingredients from small-scale suppliers and farmers.
The chefs buy in all fish on the bone and all meat as whole carcasses: butchering, filleting, curing, and processing everything in-house, and leaving nothing to waste. The menu is served over four courses and celebrates the coming together of people around a table sharing not only the food but more importantly, each other's company.
Each course is designed to invoke memories of past meals shared with friends or loved ones. Whether it’s a picnic in the garden, a lazy meal by the sea, a quick bite on the street, or a feast with family.
In this, we aim to unite all guests while they reminisce and share their specific memories of familiar moments.
Liam Tomlin knew that Maison and Franschhoek would be the perfect home for his winelands Chefs Warehouse, and chef partner David Schneider, the culinary artisan, to put it on the map. The relaxed, contemporary farm setting that allows the outside to be felt within is a drawcard; the sophisticated yet fun fare is what converts judicious diners into regular fans.
David transforms seasonal, regional ingredients from ordinary to extraordinary, making it look effortless, yet there is intellect and instinct behind every plate. His menu accents local, with house-made condiments and additions for the four courses evoking memories of past meals shared. There is an ode to picnics, seaside, street food, and family feasts. His ethos is ethically centred on the seasons and making full use of every animal, with on-site processing. Lavish vegan and vegetarian options are praiseworthy, reflecting how he elevates each element from its simplest form.
A course of small dishes may include wood-fired mushrooms (foraged from Newlands Forest) with truffle and hazelnut, smoked snoek with cabbage, cultured cream and chives – though it may sound unusual – is enchanting, and yellowtail ceviche with lime, sweet potato and corn,
reminiscent of David’s travels to Peru. You may make your own miniature ham and cheese sandwiches from the area-sourced prosciutto proudly on display, with little brioche slices. Or cut your seaweed parcel open with scissors so that you can devour line fish. In colder times of the year, expect local truffles, chestnuts, pear, and celeriac. Here is a serious chef who just wants his diners to have fun.