A unique hospitality field trip steeped in history
We recently had the awesome opportunity of visiting a very unique restaurant called “Totties” for our latest field trip. Located just 40 minutes drive from campus outside of Knysna, this restaurant came highly recommended to the Principal of our culinary School, Tim Woodford by many of the locals. We were quite intrigued to hear about the history, decor, location and food…everyone seemed to know about this amazing little gem and we couldn’t wait to get there.
The restaurant is situated about 10min drive from Knysna on the Rheenendal road. It was originally started in 1922 by a farmer’s wife Florence Van Reenen (nicknamed “Tottie” because she called her grandchildren “little tots”.) She began a butchery and ‘drug store’ for the local farmers and workers. This later turned into a gas station with the shop continuing to exist, and eventually the restaurant opened next door to the gas station and shop.
The restaurant is still owned by the great grandson of Mrs Van Reenen and the family history is promoted intensely in the restaurant with several pictures, antiques and family heirlooms on show. We were able to meet the owner and he gave us a brief history of the establishment and the surrounding area, including information concerning the recent elephant sightings in the area, as well as the leopard research that is being done nearby.
Apart from the history, the wonderful decor and the awesome atmosphere, the food was out of this world and the presentation was unique and stylish and gave us plenty of ideas to take back to campus for future dishes that we will be making.
We spent the whole morning there enjoying the good food, company and atmosphere, talking and laughing about campus life and what we have experienced so far whist living here. It was a really enjoyable outing and I think it brought us all closer together in the relaxed environment that we were in.
It was a real treat to do something different and I shared some memorable moments with my fellow students from the Plett campus, where it is beautiful to be a chef.
