My love and respect for the earth was nurtured as a young boy. Born and brought up on a farm on the North Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal, I followed my dad around his farm to gain a knowledge and understanding of the agricultural produce. Through this, I developed a love for food and working with fresh produce and ingredients. My passion for cooking lead me to swop a career in commerce for my Chef’s whites. I am a graduate of the International Hotel School, having completed my training with the Three Cities Group at the DISH Restaurant at the Royal Palm Hotel, under the guidance of former Group Executive Chef Shaun Munro.

I have had a strong Asian and African influence in my life which I have tried to combine on a plate, thus creating fusion cuisine. My specialization is within the Food and Beverage sector. Using my background in commerce, I pride myself with the firm understanding and grasp of hotel financials, food costing and menu engineering. I am also fortunate to have a background in marketing and HR / IR.

During my career I have entered numerous Culinary competitions including the Chaine de Rotisseurs Jeunes Commis competition, UFS Young Chefs Challenge, Suncoast Spice and the UFS Chef of the Year. I have also been part of the Good Food and Wine Shows in Durban and Johannesburg for three years. I have cooked alongside BBC Chef Reza Mahammad, Top Billing’s Joanne Strauss and Eastern Mosaic’s Jailoshni Naidoo – as well as being featured on the latter two television programmes. I am also a regular on SABC radio sharing recipes, cooking tips and ideas with listeners. I am currently a SACA accredited competition judge and serve on the Gauteng Committee of SACA.

Since graduating, I have worked at 1 on 1 Gateway Conference Centre, Quarters Hotel Florida Road, Life Hotels OR Tambo, Life Hotels The Aviator, Zebula Golf Estate and Spa, Holiday Inn Sandton Rivonia Road, Royal Marang 5* Hotel and am currently at Protea Hotel by Marriott OR Tambo Airport.