KNYSNA NEWS - “We will set sail again,” said Markus Färbinger, co-owner of Île de Païn restaurant, chocolatier and bakery on Thesen Island reassuringly after it was almost destroyed in a fire 2 weeks ago.
Färbinger said on Monday, May 18 that until they have received the final reports from the forensic investigators and the structure engineers, he could not comment whether the building that houses the restaurant can be saved or whether it be will be condemned to be demolished. “But we can assure you, Île de Païn will be ‘sailing’ again. Whether it will happen in stages or all at once, that I cannot say at this stage,” he said.
He did say, however that Île de Païn will be baking bread outside the restaurant under the trees, from this week onwards, but that it will be for private consumption only. “But who knows, we may have a surplus that we can give to the public as well,” he said smiling. Färbinger said that they were waiting for a new shipment of chocolates and nuts from Europe that will arrive any day.
The fire started at about 19:30 on Wednesday evening, May 6 and the Knysna Fire Department arrived at the scene at 19:40. According to the Knysna municipal manager Grant Easton, the fire spread rapidly and firefighters conducted an external attack on the fire. The cause of the fire was still under investigation, but no persons were injured during the fire.
Fortunately, even though the top level of the building that housed offices was completely destroyed, the actual restaurant and bakery is still standing. Many other business owners at the Boatshed, the centre which houses Île de Païn, suffered losses with smoke and water damage, but the brunt of the damage was suffered by Chris Mulder of CMAI architects and the owner of the Boatshed centre. Mulder was also the founder and instrumental in developing the Thesen Islands in the late 1990s.
Mulder said on Monday, May 11 that he and his wife returned from holiday the day after the fire and that Färbinger and his partner Liezie (a daughter of Mulder) had to cut their annual leave short and returned to Knysna on May 14. “Not only am I very grateful to my family who proved once again that we’re a family who doesn’t give up easily, but to the people of Knysna - you were absolutely magnificent! You came together and helped out where you could. Some grabbed hoses and started extinguishing fires, others helped to evacuate the surrounding shops and businesses – you were just amazing.”
Mulder said even now after the fire, people have given his staff office space and lent them computers to use until the building is structurally safe and sound again.
Mulder forwarded a letter from Färbinger that appeared on Facebook, to the Knysna-Plett Herald after the fire. In his letter, entitled Fire Gives and Fire Takes, Färbinger also thanked their guests, the staff, their family, the Thesen Island commercial and residential community. “And not the least, the lightening response of the Knysna Fire Department that has by far outweighed the devastating event,” he said.
“Only now can we feel how much Île de Païn meant to us as a place to work, play, respite and share our lives. What initially may make us feel that something has been taken from us is slowly already replaced by an opportunity to create new, to exercise our creativity, to join efforts with the community close and far, hand in hand and in spirit.”
“Feelings of abundance will rise from the ruins. Actions of love and sharing will soon build something new, something inspiring, something that will fill all of our souls once again. Wholesome intentions will make way to new creation,” Färbinger wrote in his letter.
“Life is happening to everyone. What happens in life is not good or bad. It is acceptance of what is, and the awareness that what unfolds is exactly what should be.”
Île de Païn was the first artisan, wood-fired oven bakery in South Africa, reviving a tradition that started on this very continent about 7 000 years ago. It is a time-honored tradition.
The baker uses time to coax the best out of the natural ingredients to produce not only a delicious but also nutritious food, through slow fermentation and long rising of the mixed ingredients.
Pastry
The same philosophy holds true for all the food and beverage offerings at ile de pain. Our rustic but yet refined desserts are varied, balanced and delicate there is something for everyone whether you fancy something fruity, creamy or chocolaty. From a simple chocolate chip cookie made with the best chocolate on earth to a delicate, multi-layered experience in our Coconut Dacquoise, you will come back for more…
Chocolate
The lack of quality chocolate available in South Africa forced us to venture out to find the best chocolate in the world. With Felchlin in Switzerland we found a partner who shares the same philosophy about producing quality product and business ethics.
Our chocolate does not need any further explanation. Taste for yourself and ask questions when you come in. We have 500 g bars (for the serious chocolate lover and fanatic home baker) to smaller specialty items for a luxurious treat.
Onlookers stand and stare at the horror of the fire raging through Île de Païn restaurant on Thesen Island.
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ARTICLE: INGRID LEHMENSICH-BOTHA, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD CORRESPONDENT.
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