South Africa, Paternoster, July 2010; WHEN Johan Jansen van Vuuren and Stef Venter opened Abalone House in February of this year they created the first 5-star Boutique Guesthouse in the hugely popular West Coast village of Paternoster. To further enhance their luxury offering, Abalone House has now engaged the services of dynamic management couple - Darren and Lindsay Stewart, who both hail most recently from the world-famous Singita group.

Welsh-born Chef, Darren Stewart, has been appointed as Abalone’s Executive Chef and has been tasked to create a menu that blends seamlessly with the relaxed, yet elegant surroundings of Abalone House and the intimate Saffron Restaurant. Darren describes his food style and philosophy as classical with modern influences. ‘I like to keep it simple when it comes to food, using only the freshest and best seasonal produce available to me.’ says Darren. ‘When I am at home my favourite dish to cook is spaghetti with chilli, garlic, parsley and olive oil. It’s packed with flavour and doesn’t get simpler, tastier or easier than that.’

For the past 18-years Darren has been honing his skills as a chef in various restaurants and kitchens in and around the United Kingdom. He met his South African wife - Lindsay, when they both worked at the renowned Café Poste on the UK Channel Island of Jersey

West Coast seafood and local dishes now feature prominently on Saffron’s menu. The restaurant’s namesake spice also plays an important influence in Darren’s dishes- think carrot, orange and saffron soup with duck ragoût.

Other offerings range from Dorado with beetroot risotto and goats cheese sabayon, whilst a relaxed and informal alternative menu including a classic Caesar Salad, Fish and Chips as well as Mussels cooked in white wine will be available all day at the poolside and the conservatory-styled Orchid Room.

Afternoon Tea becomes a royal affair with ‘Tea by the Sea’ being served daily and includes mouth-watering treats such as Darren’s signature Gateau St Honore, strawberry cream disks and savory pancake roulades served with a selection of fine teas.

Those guests looking for something out of the ordinary can dine at a special Chef’s Table, which sits comfortably in the farmhouse-styled kitchen. Here up to 10 guests can enjoy dining in situ whilst Darren creates special menus on request.

When this energetic couple relocated to South Africa in 2007, Darren took up the position of Head Chef at the well known Franschhoek eatery - Hauté Cabriere, while Lindsay took responsibility for the management of the restaurant. From there the husband and wife duo were appointed by Singita, where Darren worked as a Sous Chef and Lindsay as an Assistant Lodge Manager at the various uber-stylish lodges within the group.

“We are looking forward to the challenge of working at Abalone House and positioning this unique gem as a premium West Coast destination,’ says Lindsay, the newly appointed General Manager at Abalone House.

Abalone House Rates
Rates start from R995.00 - R1350.00 per person sharing, per night inclusive of breakfast and afternoon tea.

For more information and reservations call Abalone House Boutique Guesthouse at (27) (022) 752 2044 or Central Reservations (086 722 7973); email info@abalonehouse.co.za or visit www.abalonehouse.co.za

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