You know that place you drive past once or twice a week and never pay attention. The one day that you do pay attention you think it’s a catering company. Then they paint it pink and you think; “What is this place?”. Last night I had the pleasure of dining at one of the most hidden gems the west rand has to offer.

Set in Florida north, on one of the busiest streets, Gordon avenue, is Les Delices De France. It was recently painted pink, so it’s a little hard to miss it. Don’t be fooled by the surroundings, the restaurant deserves the same attention as the biggest and best South Africa has to offer.

This event was one of the meet ups that I so dearly enjoy; Wine and Belgium Beer connect. Hosted by my favourite chef, Philippe, the guest wine maker/sommelier, Helena (who was also at the Prosecco meet up) served us wine and MCC from their flagship range, Integer. This wine farm, Hoopenburg, is set in Stellenbosch and is not in retail as yet.

We tasted their Brut MCC, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and a blend between 36% Syrah, 36 % Mourvedre and 28% Carignan which are all French grapes. The most interesting pairing that’s worth mentioning was the pairing between the Hoopenburg sauvignon blanc and a salmon mousse macaroon. The macaroon was a combination of sweet and savory and coupled with the white wine, the combination was explosive and made the white wine more tolerable because you know I love my reds so I always hate on the white wines. Another canapé worth mentioning was the garlic snail vol e vent. Anything pastry makes my heart smile!

When the meet up concluded we preceded to order mains which were just as delicious as the canapés. I had rabbit for the second time in my life. First time was in Italy, which I wasn’t a fan of as it was dry but this time, Les Delices de France, did not disappoint. From the gravy to the tenderness of the meat, it was of finger licking quality. My husband had the duck which French restaurants know how to create really well. Seared skin until crisp, topped with a citrus and fig sauce.

Yesterday was also a first for our table. We ate brain. Not to be confused with the overtly sexual term, we literally ate brain. Can’t remember if it was goat brain but brain is really mushy. Taste wise, I loved it but don’t think I can stomach a giant portion of that.

Overall, you know by now I rave about the Meet ups hosted by Chef Philippe and Chef Jeff. I’m just glad that this time, it was so close to my house which we know we will be coming back for. They also host a number for food and wine pairings throughout the year which I would love to attend.

I was transported to France last night in the middle of Florida north, Roodepoort. Great Food, Great wine, Great hosts. The combination every restaurant seeks to achieve.

Rated #12 of 1169 restaurants to visit in Johannesburg on Tripadvisor, I proudly rated it 4.5/5.0 on Zomato.