FROM NICE, WITH LOVE
AN INTERVIEW WITH RESTAURANT JAN HEAD CHEF TENEILLE ELLIS
Despite being a popular fixture of Nice’s Old Port district for well over a decade now, Restaurant JAN still has a way of exciting guests with new experiences and culinary delights. The restaurant has recently opened doors to a new lunch seating every Saturday so we decided to catch up with Head Chef Teneille Ellis to learn what guests can look forward to and how the vibrant city’s summer season will influence the menu.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A CHEF?
I grew up in a very Afrikaans household, so ‘Ouma se kombuis’ was my first restaurant. I helped her bake and cook and those moments just made me enjoy being in the kitchen so I knew that was what I was going to do one day.
HOW DOES THE RESTAURANT’S NEW LUNCH SEATING DIFFER FROM THE USUAL DINNER OPTION AND WHAT CAN GUESTS LOOK FORWARD TO EXPERIENCING?
We have smaller menu options for those who still want to experience JAN but don’t want to fill up before dinner. The experience is more laid back while still maintaining the Michelin standard.
DOES THE JAN TEAM ENJOY ANY FUN TRADITIONS OR SUPERSTITIONS BEHIND CLOSED DOORS?
We make sure to eat dinner together before service, and every Saturday after service we go to Maria to enjoy a glass of wine with a piece of cheese and some good conversation.
HOW DOES THE CITY OF NICE AND THE COASTAL LIFESTYLE INFLUENCE THE CULINARY OFFERINGS AT RESTAURANT JAN?
During the summer months Nice is the most wonderful place to be with regards to produce. There are gorgeous fresh fruits, fresh fish and delicious vegetables. Everything is so vibrant. It’s different to South Africa in that not everything is in season all year round and that takes some time to get used to, but you appreciate the produce and the seasonality so much more once you do.
WHAT SEASONAL PRODUCE ARE YOU USING IN THE KITCHEN THIS TIME OF YEAR?
Morels are in season now, along with amazing fruit like cherries, berries and apricots.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO IN NICE?
Theres the opera house, the shopping district and all the neighbouring villages and places to explore. And of course the beach!
WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR IN THE CÔTE D’AZUR?
Summer has a magical effect, the city is alive, joyous and full. The days are longer, the sun sets later, and there’s always a party around the corner.
WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING WITH CLOSELY WITH THE LOCAL SUPPLIERS?
I love our suppliers! They are kind, very attentive and extremely knowledgeable. They have a lot of pride in their work and making us happy.