Nikki G

Le Franschoek Hotel and Spa for lunch

Le Franschoek Hotel and Spa. We are located in Gordons Bay so we took a lovely wander over Sir Lowrys Pass, through Grabouw, Elgin, over the Franschoek pass and landed up at what used to be the Swiss Farm Excelsior which we have both visited previously. A glorious setting with rolling lawns, a sparkling pool, trees covered with Autumn leaves, and live entertainment on call by lots of squirrels scurrying around. We sat outside, very elegant and sophisticated veranda area where we were the only guests. The prices were on the fairly high side but as a tourist with Euros, Pounds or Dollars, probably more affordable. We chose to share the Ribeye as we were assured it was enough for 2 (it was) and after a beer each, chose a bottle of red. Here's where things got sticky.....food arrived on a platter, husband asked whether either our plates could be hot or the platter with the meat and chips on should be hot. We were told the salad couldn't be on a hot platter (fair point but could you not serve it separately?) We mentioned this to our waitress, who said she had told the chef. We then asked for serving utensils, which never arrived, and dug our forks into the salad and chips with our used knives and forks (or hands!). It's not a problem sharing with my husband but not great if you are out with a friend. The salad was glorious with a superb lime chimichurri dressing, the chips were run-of-the-mill oven chips and the meat was so well done (does "chargrilled" mean tough as leather?) that we left quite a bit of it. Of course, it was cold too. Here comes the bit that really rattled my cage. The waitress appears to clear our plates, Mike is still chewing on his meat and sipping half a glass of red wine and the dear girl barks out " I will get your bill" (no, she was not going off shift). No offer of a dessert menu, coffee, nada. We paid, tipped her well (why I wonder) and left. Setting and ambience: 9/10 for serenity and beauty Food: 6/10 Recommend? No, not really as they were not at all open to valid requests, and showed it!