The Magic is in The Detail

“Flashing past the passenger’s window were scenes of resplendent countryside, the Midlands in full spring bloom, we were on our way to Hartford House, a delightful combination of eclectic history, equine excellence, enchanting gardens and the most serene countryside.”

— Kasia Yoko / The Bugle

On driving through the heavy stone-pillared gate, we felt as though we had been transported across the globe, across time, to this quaint English landscape. The treelined pebbled driveways lead us to the veranda of the country manor, which is surrounded by towering trees, forests, lakes, meadows of horses, their stables and paddocks.

And then there’s the food. There is a certain calm and order in Chef Mathew Armbruster’s kitchen at Hartford House, the delicate scents and aromas linger through this bright spotless space, there is something magical about this particular kitchen with each window opening out onto lush, brightly coloured gardens in full spring bloom.

Chef Armbruster is the new generation visionary, his food is honest and full of flavour, indicative of his international experience, Chef Armbruster is not afraid of fussy eaters or complicated orders, in his short years in the kitchen he has seen his share of strange requests and he does not allow minor details to derail him from his true passion; creating food that is authentic and honest.

“From an early age I spent most of my time in the kitchen, influenced by my Italian grandmother “Nonna” which swayed my career path into the culinary arts.” Chef Armbruster told The Bugle, “It is those early days that shaped me into the chef I am today.”

Chef Armbruster studied at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Denver, Colorado, landing a job/working opportunity at Guard and Grace (4 diamond restaurant) and progressed onto Tag Restaurant working under Chef Darren Pusateri for the span of 3 years.

“What I learnt most when working abroad was that my capabilities are far beyond my perception of myself.” said Chef Armbruster, “Working in a high energy, intense environment and still pushing for perfection in everything you do. It’s inspiring. I’m also most intrigued by ‘The Farm to Table Movement’, which has allowed me to work with many diverse ingredients that I never imagined existed.”

Chef Armbruster’s first job on his return from Denver was at The Chefs Table. He opened the restaurant as the Grill Chef, under Kayla Ann Osborn. Over the next two and a half years Chef Armbruster worked his way up to Executive Sous Chef, working closely with Kayla creating menus. It is here that he really fell in love with food and wine pairing. His knowledge grew immensely, along with his talent, allowing him to pair and execute the majority of the wine evenings.

Hartford House has a history of nurturing the talents of famous Chefs. It is surrounded by some of the best farm produce one can find, working here is a chef’s dream. With a beautiful edible garden producing a lot of Chef Armbruster’s garnishes and salads, the food he serves does not just taste good it is also beautiful to look at.

“The thing that attracts me to cooking is that the possibilities are endless. Each minor change you make, creates an endless world of capabilities. Chasing perfection is what chefs do every day, and only the idiots reach it.” Concluded Chef Armbruster.

At Hartford House spring and summer are heralded by multicolor daffodils, flowering cherry trees and hundreds of roses bushes. The magnificent aromas of the antique gardens add to the tranquility of this beautiful space.

Hartford House is the perfect escape from the daily drudgery of life. You will feel like you are miles away from everyday problems, whether you are on a romantic escape or a family getaway.

For more information call Tel: +27 (0) 33 – 263 2713 or Email: info@hartford.co.za