competition
ore than a year since launching the search for the Garden Route and Klein Karoo’s most talented untrained chef, Danelle Barnard of Great Brak River took top honours in the final cook-off. Competition was tough though, with Johan de Jager of George and Alexandra Durrer of Wilderness also proving that passion, dedication and practice result in outstanding culinary skills. “The standard of the competitors was very high and the quality of the products presented in the final was truly of a professional class. I really see it that there were three winners,” said chief sponsor, celebrity chef François Ferreira. “Danelle, who is already working in the industry, will now be able to obtain a much desired qualification.” Barnard, an employee at Transkaroo restaurant in Great Brak River, has won a distance learning Diploma in Culinary Arts from the François Ferreira Academy worth R40 000, a qualification accredited by the international City & Guilds. She was overjoyed, describing how she repeatedly tried to secure funding for training over the last 15 years. “When I heard about the South Tasting Eden competition, I realised I had to grab the opportunity with both hands. It really is WOW in capital letters for me,” she added. She started the year-long course immediately and finds the classes “very interesting and informative. Because I have a few years’ experience already, I believe the course will set me apart from other students, some of whom have only just finished high school. I hope to use this to my advantage to go even further. While I have a good foundation, I can already see that there’s still a lot to learn.” South editor Liesl Hattingh said: “Tasting Eden was both an opportunity for a deserving local hobby cook and a celebration of the
From the judges’ table South deputy editor itha Kieser joined nine Sa chef’s association accredited judges to select the overall winner. “i am so glad i was a judge. normally food judges and critics are highly qualified, experienced chefs – as indeed they were during this competition with the exception of me. i don’t walk in the footsteps of foodie gurus, master chefs or connoisseurs. i can only claim that i love cooking anD eating; that i appreciate a plate with beautiful food compositions and flavours. “the Tasting Eden competition was an exciting, sumptuous affair. i judged by heart, astounded by the brilliance offered on a plate, by one chef, in such a short period of time. it was a real feast for the palate and a pleasure to watch these creative locals cooking so superbly despite the pressure. “You could see from the moment they stepped into the kitchen that it was competition time. they each love what they do and can cook up a storm – the results tasted as good as they looked, and they looked indescribably beautiful! “it was difficult, but a privilege to be a judge.” – itha Kieser South extends sincere thanks to all judges, starting with François Ferreira, who selected the finalists with the help of Karin du plessis, local unilever representative, and foodie trudie niehaus. the judging panel at the final cook-off comprised: itha Kieser, Dylan Heydra, pieter Wicht, Quinton Hewitt, Heno du plessis, carol Wicht, Karen du plessis, trudie Swanepoel, pieter Swanepoel and anne Hadley.
(Back row, from left) South’s itha Kieser, Liesl Hattingh and Shyne murray with carol Wicht and François Ferreira from the François Ferreira academy. (Front row, from left) Runner-up alexandra Durrer, winner Danelle Barnard and runner-up Johan de Jager
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