Michelin-starred Chef Phil Carmichael is opening a new restaurant in Stellenbosch. The eatery will combine French culinary techniques with South African ingredients for a unique and sustainable dining experience.
Western Cape, South Africa (16 June 2024) – South Africa’s culinary landscape is thriving, with a multitude of exceptional restaurants and eateries showcasing the nation’s rich and diverse culinary heritage. And the vibrant food scene is set to reach new heights with the arrival of Michelin-starred Chef Phil Carmichael, who is opening his debut South African restaurant, Mill St Bistro, in the heart of Stellenbosch this June.
This new establishment promises to elevate local dining experiences by combining French techniques with the finest South African ingredients.
Carmichael, a renowned chef with an illustrious career, has worked alongside international culinary legends such as Michel Roux Jnr, Gordon Ramsay, and Jason Atherton. With his extensive experience in prestigious kitchens around the world, Carmichael has now chosen to bring his expertise to the Cape Winelands.
His new venture in Stellenbosch marks a significant milestone in his career, as he embraces the unique qualities of South African produce and integrates them into his culinary creations.
Mill St Bistro, located at the corner of Mill and Church Streets in Stellenbosch’s historic central quarter, embodies the concept of bistronomy—a delightful fusion of bistro-style dishes with gastronomic cooking methods. This approach ensures that guests can enjoy familiar and traditional dishes made with simple, seasonal ingredients, all elevated by high-level culinary techniques. The restaurant, set against the backdrop of the picturesque Mill Stream Monument, offers a perfect blend of bistro dining, contemporary design, and a commitment to locally and sustainably sourced ingredients.
Chef Carmichael’s dedication to quality and integrity shines through in his collaborations with local independent farmers, producers, and fishermen. These partnerships ensure that Mill St Bistro’s kitchen is stocked with the freshest and most ethically sourced ingredients.
“We want our food to be authentic, not for the label it carries, but for the meaningful and sustainable values it represents,” says Carmichael.
“We’re doing this because it’s how we eat at home. We teach our kids the importance of the provenance of the ingredients and make sure it has as little environmental impact as possible, and ultimately you get a better product that tells a transparent story.”
The menu at Mill St Bistro is a celebration of classical French cooking techniques, using purely South African ingredients. Diners can expect modern interpretations of traditional dishes, incorporating methods such as fermentation, pickling, and preserving. For instance, Carmichael describes a dish of braised beef cheek served with fresh sauerkraut, where the rich, deeply flavoured meat is complemented by the sharp acidity of the sauerkraut, creating a harmonious balance.
Wine enthusiasts will be delighted by the innovative wine service at Mill St Bistro, which utilises the Coravin system to offer an extensive selection of premium wines by the glass. This allows guests to enjoy unique wines such as Luddite Shiraz, either on its own or paired with their meal. The wine list proudly features South African wines from renowned regions including Stellenbosch and the Swartland, showcasing the country’s outstanding viticulture.
The 64-seater restaurant boasts an open-plan layout that extends onto an outdoor deck, creating a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
The wine bar serves as a welcoming meeting place, ideal for casual gatherings or pre-dinner drinks. The design of Mill St Bistro is characterised by its unfussy yet sophisticated aesthetic, with an open chefs’ kitchen, bare oak tables, brass-edged lighting, and warm tones contributing to an airy and refined atmosphere. A semi-secluded dining area offers patrons the option for private sittings without losing the vibrant ambience of the main floor.
“We’ve taken a long time to plan every aspect of Mill St Bistro to ensure we capture an experience that reflects the expertise that has gone into every element and the value it offers,” says Carmichael.
His vision for Mill St Bistro is to create a dining experience that is both authentic and exceptional, grounded in a commitment to quality and sustainability.
With its prime location in the historic Winelands and Chef Carmichael’s dedication to excellence, Mill St Bistro is set to become a cornerstone of Stellenbosch’s dining scene. Reservations for this eagerly anticipated restaurant open on 12 June 2024, and it promises to offer an unforgettable culinary experience that celebrates the best of South African produce and French culinary artistry.
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