Franschhoek News and Reviews. Jump & Jive at Friday Nite Live, La Petite Ferme Restaurant, Franschhoek

La Petite Ferme’s answer to the tried and tested Friday night Jazz at La Brasserie, and a really good answer, as in why did it take them so long to think of it?

As we hopped out of our car in an already packed parking area, strains of Carmen’s "Habanera" met us. I’m no Opera buff but I love that piece, and the absence of the rousing chorus didn't bother me.

Walking through The Restaurant to descend the steps we were greeted by a visual feast. In a hard to beat setting of rolling lawns that kind of slope away into arguably the Best view in Franschhoek, a gaily lit Bandstand stood out against a backdrop of Majestic Mountains with silver tipped clouds billowing copiously over them.

Below us, clusters of tables and people to the left and right, a motley mix of Tourists and Locals, such as the notorious Jo "the Connoisseur" Sinfield; Duncan, the man that makes Cotage Fromage tick; Stuart, Inspired by who? ; and our very own PhotoLab crew, Richard & Charlene. Not forgetting, of course, Mark Dendy Young, who IS La Petite Ferme, who bounced cheerily from table to table making sure everyone was happy. Mark, knowingly or not, follows closely in the footsteps of his father John, who 20 odd years ago, had the same way of making his guests feel welcome, part of the family. We were shown our table and advised to order soonish.

The Music theme for the month of December is "Broadway", and Liesl Hartje, trained as an Opera singer, brought us not too shabby renditions of songs such as "These are a few of my Favourite things", Moon River, "Mack the knife" , "I wanna be loved by you", and "There's a place for Us". The very lively accompanying Trio, "Cabaret de Capo" (Keyboard, Double Bass and Drums) were excellent. Keeping in the background, they really delivered the goods. In my ignorance I would have called them Trad Jazz, but they later told me their style was best described as "Cabaret". It wasn’t too long before the audience succumbed to their irresistible beat and joined them on the Bandstand, jiving away.

The Menu offered a "Bandstand Platter" to share, consisting of a selection of Breads, Liver Pate and a herby, zesty, humus that I couldn’t get enough of, plus olives,mushrooms, nuts and crudités. There were 4 main courses to choose from, a lovely Rosemary and white wine grilled chicken dish with chips (nice thin ones) and side salad, A Greek Lamb,Tzatziki and Pita dish, A pasta with homemade tomato sauce and spicy meatballs, and Gnocchi with Feta, sundried tomatoes and Basil Pesto. All this and a bottle of wine per couple for R150 per person. And if this wasn’t enough there was a selection of Deserts and a cheeseplatter, at extra cost.

A memorable evening all in all. We will definitely return.

A bit if advice, book early in the week and specify if you want to sit on the Balcony which is behind glass, or in “The Pews”, outside, either side of the lawn.

Also, do take a jacket, as you never know when the good old “Cape Doctor”, (the south easter) will show up, and it can be chilly. (It did and it was)

Watch this space to find out which Artist/s will be playing for the month of January.

Liesl Hartje studied Opera at UCT, having fallen in love with it in Primary School when she sang in Carmen’s Children’s chorus. To support her passion she has taught English, is trained in secretarial skills, and has also done a lot of writing, and is currently writing for the Month.. You can contact her at liesl@themonth.co.za or on 084 514 4375.