Stanford restaurant, Madre, was again awarded a position on the prestigious 2023 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards listing.  This time with a star. 

The ceremony took place on Sunday, 19 November 2023, where over 800 guests gathered in appreciation of culinary excellence.  The menu was inspired by an all-female cast of seven chefs preparing meals with a team of 200 chefs, served by 250 staff at the Grand West Casino while the awards were announced between courses. Fifty-one restaurants received 1, 2 or 3 stars. 

The Overstrand was represented by Madré Bester.  Madré opened her first restaurant in Stanford in 2004.  She moved premises in 2018 and took over the restaurant where another awarded restaurant, Marianna’s, was previously based in the village. 

Although Madré has been included on Eat Out listings in 2022 this was the first time that the Stanford eatery won a star. For Madre her restaurant is about celebrating community.  It is about sharing a lifestyle and sharing it with people.

Eat Out chief judge Abigail Donnelly says: “This year’s winners have demonstrated a seamless combination of consistency and quality, coupled with a commitment to progression and experimentation. We have seen the young and upcoming shine and the established legends generously imparting their wisdom, fostering a wonderful spirit of mentorship within the community.

Overstrand Municipality Mayco member for Investment, Infrastructure and Tourism, Clinton Lerm, applauded Madré for her continued efforts to raise the bar in her pursuit of originality and quality.  “This award highlights the Overstrand’s acknowledgement as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and comes at a time when we are preparing for the festive season, hosting many visitors with dining and wining high on their agendas.”

Madré joins three other Overberg restaurants who also received a 1-star rating.  They are Farro in Bot River, The Tasting Room at Creation and The Melting Pot in Grabouw.