In the Port of Nice district, the restaurant “Le Jan” shines with Mediterranean gastronomy influenced by South African flair. As the first South African Michelin-starred chef, Jan Hendrik Van Der Westhuizen offers cuisine that is strong in character, authentic, and sensory.
Chef extraordinaire, Jan Hendrik embodies creativity and talent. With a higher professional diploma in culinary arts and pastry, the chef holds a certification in wine studies obtained from the Cape Wine Academy. Holding a degree in applied arts and photography, he has made it a full-fledged activity. From publishing culinary books and travelogues enhanced by his own snapshots to organizing gastronomic and wellness trips, and creating an online home decor store, Jan Hendrik is a multifaceted chef. Owner of restaurants including the highly successful “Le Jan” in his beloved city, Jan is a personality. Enter his culinary and artistic universe, and you will be enchanted!
In a poetic atmosphere and elegant decor adorned with vintage furniture and objects, the symphony of dishes begins and reveals Jan’s identity-driven cuisine: a tasting menu with food and wine pairing featuring the finest French and South African varietals.
The appetizers:
Tuna and rooibos ~ Scallops, lemon meringue and caviar ~ Biltong and brioche
The starters:
Corn and whelk ~ Lobster, radish, and vanilla
The main courses:
Charolais beef, foie gras, and truffle ~ Chorizo, gelled apple, quail egg, and velouté
The combination of Mediterranean and South African ingredients, the play on textures, and the beauty of the dishes make them incredibly delicious, delicate, and creative.
Leave the restaurant to head to the Maria room (a tribute to his grandmother and to women)… a culinary escape crush! A large buffet offering around twenty cheeses with surprising condiment choices like a chemist: flavored oils, dried fruits, sweet and savory cakes, sweet candies, jams…! Take a seat, taste, and travel!
The dessert and petit fours:
Pineapple meringue doily
“Doily – the African flower doily” is an exotic dessert, nodding to crochet sewing. Tied to his childhood memories, Jan represents it with a sweet wafer. A marvel for the eyes and taste buds!
“Le Jan” is a sensory culinary experience, unusual and refined. Through his dishes, Chef Jan Hendrik conveys the flavors of his country and the Mediterranean. His hands offer a wealth of discoveries, like a painter’s palette! The friendly and warm service is both French and Anglo-Saxon, for a complete experience.
In private with Pascal, Friend & Collaborator of Jan
How would you describe your relationship with Jan?
“Long-time friends, our collaboration is a strength because we complement each other: Jan brings his culinary and artistic wealth, while I contribute my financial and administrative advice, my management, and my dual presence when Jan travels.”
What are Jan’s sources of influence? How does he achieve such remarkable results?
“His travels, cultural and sports activities, and various encounters are his sources of inspiration. His open-mindedness, curiosity, and artistic talent lead him to this creativity!”
Who are your suppliers in the Azure region?
“Having grown up in the countryside surrounded by farms, Jan places great importance on the quality of his products. We work exclusively locally with short supply chains: farm, agricultural butcher, port of Nice… to ensure freshness, quality, and seasonality… Offering gastronomy full of flavors!”
Any upcoming projects?
“We have recently opened ‘Le Bistrot de Jan’ next to the restaurant, where dishes designed by Jan are offered in a relaxed atmosphere. We are thrilled with the positive feedback. In the near future, we would like to create a fine delicatessen with signature Jan dishes to go.”
Restaurant “Le Jan”
Address: 12 Rue Lascaris 06300 Nice
Phone: 04 97 19 32 23
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 7 PM to 10 PM.
www.janonline.com/restaurantjan
