Congratulations on becoming Bryanston’s favourite bistro. You’ve been trading for just over a year now. Besides good food, what is owed to your success?

Great people – everywhere. We’ve been fortunate to have a never ending stream of amazing people come through the doors of Lanser’s on Main. Good food is defined by amazing people. To enjoy it, prepare it, cook it and then tell others about it.

With your latest menu, have you noticed any guest favourites? Is there something that’s ordered more than others?

We definitely have guest favourites. I think I can divide them into at least two categories. Most sold, and biggest compliments. The top three on the most sold list would include Pork Belly, Tomato Tart and the Porcini Risotto. The top three on the biggest compliments list include Steak Tartare, Prawn Pasta and the Lizzie Special Pizza. That said, we’re creating new dishes all the time, so the list is continually changing.

It’s no secret that you worked under Chef Gary Rhodes at his Michelin star restaurant. What is the dining scene like in London compared to Johannesburg?

They’re really two worlds apart. Working in a Michelin Star restaurant in London is seen as a prestigious profession. You’ll find ‘lifers’ who earn a good living and they put their children through prominent schools. Patrons to Michelin Star restaurants come for that full experience. When I worked at Rhodes 24 we had a three month waiting list for lunch and dinner. People would save money for their experience at those top restaurants. It’s not to say you won’t find this in Johannesburg, but it’s just nowhere near that scale.

This is a bit of a strange question to ask someone with a Cape Wine Masters Diploma but, if we had to wake up tomorrow and all the wine in the world had disappeared, what would be second in line to pair food with?

That would be my saddest day ever. I’m mortified even considering a second option. If you pushed me really hard, and you’d have to really push, then I’d suggest going with whatever the latest trend was. Gins are interesting. Whiskey would work. I need a glass of wine before I answer your next question.

A burning question we always want to ask top chefs: Do you cook as fancy at home as you do in the restaurant or do you sneak in a microwave meal and toasted cheese like the rest of us?

I’d never sneak in a microwave meal. Not ever. We don’t even own a microwave at home. I love cooking. It’s natural to me, a part of who I am. However, every now and again I do sneak in a toasted cheese, bistro style.

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Lisa is constantly planning her next meal, or where to eat it. That’s why she believes she is incredibly lucky to work as a freelance writer – it’s basically her job to unearth Johannesburg’s latest gem, or find the one spot that no one’s talking about yet (but soon will be). When she’s not glugging cappuccinos and savouring new flavours, you’ll find her with her nose buried in a book.

… you know the team at Lanser’s on Main is looking forward the evening. Who better to show than Lisa, why we’re Bryanston’s Favourite Bistro? From her review, it seems like we did a great job 🙂

The restaurant is quietly elegant, with little touches that I just fell in love with – like the succulents growing out of vintage teacups on each table. We chose a table on the balcony, where we could take in the electric Joburg night. It’s an ideal spot for date night – not overly fussy, but definitely out of the ordinary.

We gave Lisa a 5 star rating for immediately appreciating what Lanser’s on Main is all about with regards to our menu.  From our beginning we’ve taken dishes that are classic favourites, and then added our own special Bistro twist to them.

The food is out of the ordinary, too. At first glance, the menu is deceptively simple. The usual bistro favourites are all there – think pastas, pizzas, steaks and burgers – but they have very little in common with what’s dished up at other restaurants. That’s because Lanser’s pet trick is to take a global favourite – like steak tartare, for example – and mix it up with a few additions of his own. As a result, dishes that you might count among your ‘bests’ become almost unrecognisable – but in a very, very good way.

Taking into account that many of its lunchtime clientele hail from Bryanston’s bustling office blocks, Lanser’s also offers a quick-eats lunch menu. I wouldn’t want to rush my time here, though. This is superb food prepared with passion and every bite is a pleasure.

Thank you fo joining us for dinner Lisa. We really enjoyed our time with you and your hubby, and look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit.

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It’s not like we ever feel completely relaxed and easy when it comes to welcoming our guests, and ensuring they have the best possible dining experience, but there’s an extra layer of anxiety that is added when it’s someone who’s not only going to critique us, but also write a piece that will end up on a platform serving content to thousands and thousands people every single day.

In Caitlin’s case we did what we do every single day. Heads down, big smiles and deliver the tastiest food, the best service and the most relaxing and enjoyable ambience we possibly can. Based on Caitlin’s write-up, we did it well. Here are a few of her reflections:

If you’re a Johannesburg foodie and looking for the latest spot in the Northern Suburbs to visit, Lanser’s on Main is a great choice. Think authentic and hearty Italian and French food, a passionate chef (Lanser himself) and five-star service all around.

We were greeted by a relaxed and laid-back ambience. The restaurant’s décor is focused on an old-school European Bistro theme, with black and white movies playing above the bar and classic French music playing in the background.

Lanser Fourie, the namesake of Lanser’s on Main, is present and hands-on in all aspects of his restaurant and that passion shines through in the details – from Lanser himself talking through the menu with each guest and taking their orders, to the care that is put into each meal.

It’s definitely worth a visit (and another and another – I know it’s going to be a firm favourite of mine), whether you are a visitor to Johannesburg or a resident.

Thank you Caitlin, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Lanser’s on Main for another visit. And another, and another 🙂

— Lanser

To read the full article on All4Women please click here

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