Restaurant JAN, a South African restaurant in the South of France, was awarded its first One Michelin Star in the 2016 French Guide Michelin. This makes owner and proprietor Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen the first South African to ever receive this prestigious accolade in the whole of Asia and Europe. Accurately described as the Academy Awards of the restaurant industry, Guide Michelin awards stand for consistency and excellence in the food and service industry and are seen as a benchmark in the culinary world.
Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen and Pascal Szafranski opened JAN in Nice in 2013 and received their first mention in the Michelin Guide a mere eight months after opening its doors. Subsequent accolades include a spot on a list of the World’s 15 Best Restaurants (as curated by Condé Nast Traveler), as well as glowing recommendations by the New York Times and Gault et Millau Restaurant Guide.
A 28-seater fine-dining restaurant in the up-and-coming bohemian district of Nice Port, JAN is a celebration of South African hospitality and serves honest food inspired by local produce from the markets of Nice.
Originally from Middelburg, South Africa, Jan studied culinary arts and applied design in Stellenbosch, after which he worked for food publications both locally and abroad. During this time he came across the concept of adapting and serving South African favourites like melktert and biltong to discerning culinary audiences in Europe.
Jan Hendrik was recently joined by South African chefs Kevin Grobler and Rutger Eysvogel, who now form part of the international award-winning team at JAN.
Following on the success of his first recipe book, The French Affair (2013), which received the Gourmand World Cookbook Award in the Best French Cuisine Cookbook in the South African category, Jan now releases his second publication JAN – A Breath of French Air. The book will be launched in South Africa during March 2016 and in the UK throughout the course of April. Contact the restaurant for details regarding launch dates and signings.
Tel: +33 (0) 4 97 19 32 23; email: jh@janhendrik.com or visit: www.restaurantjan.com / www.janhendrik.com