nouvelles
A Love Affair with France
The article, titled “Le retour aux sources d’une cheffe sud-africaine” (The Return to Roots of a South African Chef), captures the poetic romance of Chantel’s move to Brittany, France. Twice named the World’s Best Female Chef, Chantel has always held a deep, soulful connection to French culture and landscapes. When she first stepped onto the grounds of the breathtaking 19th-century Château des Tesnières near Rennes, she felt a profound emotional pull—a feeling she describes as a true “homecoming.”
This is not just a culinary venture; it is a labor of pure love. Alongside her closely-knit family, Chantel has transformed this historic, neo-Gothic estate into a sanctuary of hospitality. Together, they have lovingly renovated the château, creating bespoke guest suites where history meets modern luxury, and artistic gardens curated by her mother and sister that are filled with botanicals to inspire the plate. Hidden beneath the estate lies a magnificent cellar holding over 30,000 bottles of fine wine, carefully curated by her father. As Chantel beautifully states in the interview, “This project, we carry it as a family, all together. Like building a castle. Otherwise, it collapses.”
“This project, we carry it as a family, all together. Like building a castle. Otherwise, it collapses.”
The Symphony of the Plate
At the heart of the estate is the reimagined restaurant, Mosaic. Here, Chantel orchestrates a sensory dialogue between her South African heritage and the rich bounty of Brittany. Her signature “botanical cuisine” is a romantic homage to nature. She weaves local flowers, herbs, and pristine French ingredients—like Cancale oysters—into edible poetry. Every dish is a story, meticulously crafted to respect the essence of the ingredient while awakening the emotions of the diner.
We invite you to step into this fairytale with us. Whether you seek the warmth of a family-run estate, the magic of a historic château, or a dining experience that touches the soul, Chantel’s new home awaits your presence.