Shawn Greyling from Joburg.co.za (Nowhere to go? Know where to go!) recently interviewed Lanser Fourie, Chef and owner of Bryanston’s Favourite Bistro, Lanser’s on Main. While you can read the full interview here, we selected some of our favourite questions and answers, and pasted them below:
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.
