Jean Cocteau, the French avant-garde artist of the twentieth century, once said, ‘Nothing bold exists without disobedience to rules.’ South African Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen imagines Cocteau as the French counterpart to his own daringness as a chef. Le Bistrot de JAN in Nice, France, is conceived as the younger, naughtier cousin of JAN Restaurant in the same city. Line drawings by Studio Jana + Koos infuse the bistro with a Cocteau-esque aesthetic.
“Everything is tied together by the Cocteau-inspired linework created by Studio Jana + Koos, which adds quirk and playfulness to the overall look, from windows and menus to the restaurant’s social presence.”
Like Cocteau’s disparate creative endeavours, the bistro is a space of combination and juxtaposition — especially of unlikely pairs. Its somewhat rebellious, playful touch is inspired by the adventurous spirit of Chef Jan’s early culinary explorations. His South African heritage and Afrikaans culture, with their strong attachment to sport, are honoured through the striking colour palette of green and gold, a clear homage to the Springboks. At the bistro, grandmother’s indulgent cooking meets overflowing bubbles. This union of comfort and opulence creates a relaxed setting where guests can enjoy à la carte offerings without the stiffness of traditional tasting menus.
Rather than settling for a compromise between two styles, both South African and French cultures are celebrated fully. White tablecloths lend a touch of formality to the small square tables that line the sidewalk in true French fashion. Each is adorned with a small lamp, and food arrives on ornate plates that could have come from a grandmother’s farm kitchen, yet also carries Cocteau-inspired markings. Chandeliers and abundant flower arrangements convey French extravagance, while the famous country chicken pie is playfully shaped like a stylised sun.
Everything is tied together by the Cocteau-inspired linework created by Studio Jana + Koos, which adds quirk and playfulness to the overall look, from windows and menus to the restaurant’s social presence. Le Bistrot de JAN is a place that delights in the idiosyncrasies that make for audacious, original lives.
