In a culinary showdown, Moud Kgomo from Bafokeng Liquor Store in Vosloorus and Pebetse Molefi from Maling’s Inn in Pretoria emerged as the champions of the central and northern regions, respectively, in the Mzansi Tavern Chef Cook-off.
Kgomo’s winning dish featured succulent lamb shanks accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes, chives, asparagus, and a tantalising bacon topping. On the other hand, Molefi wowed the judges with her creation of spinach, samp, and lamb knuckle paired with a zesty salsa relish. Their triumph in the inland regional competition has provided them with the platform to pursue their culinary dreams.
Kgomo, who had contemplated seeking alternative employment after a challenging year, expressed her gratitude for the recognition. “I’ve been doubting who and what I am, but today, the judges and Heineken have shown me what they’ve done for me. This win has reaffirmed that cooking is my true calling,” she said.
Dreams within reach
Her next aspiration is to establish her own restaurant in the township, where she can unleash her love for culinary artistry.
For Molefi, winning the competition felt like a sign from above, confirming that cooking is her ultimate purpose in life. The IT specialist and mother of three learned her cooking skills from her mother, who shares her passion for food.
“Even at home, I enjoy cooking. My husband often tells me that I need not cook every day, but I find it effortless because I genuinely love it. I enjoy experimenting with new flavours and ingredients,” Molefi revealed. With her recent victory, she hopes to transition into a full-time chef.
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Chefs praised for stellar skills
The inland regional final showcased the talents of 22 tavern chefs hailing from towns across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and North West. Each participant had one hour to create their best culinary masterpiece, leaving the judges’ taste buds in awe. The event marked the fourth leg of the Mzansi Tavern Chef Cook-off, following previous competitions held in the coastal provinces.
The competition, a collaborative effort between Heineken Beverages, Nederburg, and the National Liquor Traders, aims to promote responsible drinking by encouraging food service in taverns. Incorporating meals alongside alcoholic beverages can help regulate consumption, foster a more sociable atmosphere, and provide taverns with an additional revenue stream that contributes to township economic development and employment.
Esteemed chefs Pete Goffe-Wood and Benny Masekwameng, alongside Monhla Hlahla, chairperson of the Drinks Federation of South Africa, served as the competition’s judges. They kicked off the event by briefing the contestants and handing over their competition aprons, setting the stage for a fierce culinary battle.
Goffe-Wood praised the participants for their exceptional cooking skills and expressed hope that the competition would inspire other tavern chefs to pursue their dreams and refine their craft. “We’ve witnessed some phenomenal cooking from the contestants today, and their passion for their craft shone through in the flavours,” he remarked.
Get ready Cape Town
Jolene Henn, representing Heineken Beverages Corporate Affairs, emphasised the company’s commitment to promoting responsible drinking through initiatives like the Mzansi Tavern Chef Cook-off. The competition aligns with Heineken’s Bansela customer rewards program, which incentivises tavern owners to serve food and water while adhering to liquor license trading principles.
The grand final of the Mzansi Tavern Chef Cook-off is scheduled to take place in Cape Town. The provincial winners will compete for the ultimate prize – a tavern makeover worth R100 000. Sponsors such as Heineken Beverages, Nederburg, and the National Liquor Traders eagerly anticipate this thrilling culmination of the competition, which not only celebrates culinary talent but also drives positive change in the tavern industry.
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