Dinner with JAN

Last night, I was lucky enough to be invited to a dinner hosted by Emperor’s Palace in their Aurelia’s Restaurant to celebrate the recent Michelin Star award of Nice-based South African Chef, Jan Hendrik Van Der Westhuizen and his restaurant, JAN.

It was a magical evening in so many ways. Jan’s food is endlessly beautiful and interesting, filled with so many stories and layers and textures. He is as self-deprecating as he is charming, and as kind as he is clever. We were also all gifted with a copy of his masterful new book, A Breath of French Air, which he not only wrote but also styled and photographed himself.

Thank you to everyone who so generously hosted us, and to Jan for giving so freely of your time and creative genius!

Here are a few memories from the night.

Jan’s ‘Olive Tree’ – ridiculously delicious crumbed olives with crispy olive and rosemary bread sticks

Look who I found!
The very lovely Leandri and Seline, and Emperor’s GM, Nigel Atherton