SA's first Top Chef crowned
In an exhilarating finale of Top Chef South Africa on SABC 3 on Tuesday Annemarie Robertson was crowned South Africa's first ever Top Chef.
The cheftestant, who quickly stood out as a firm favourite to win with her perfectionist ways, not only beat thirteen other established chefs to the coveted title, she also walked away with R100 000 in prize money.
The reality cooking series, which started in July, saw chefs from across South Africa compete in various culinary challenges to be whittled down to just two finalists. In the final tonight Annemarie, Executive Chef at Burrata, Bocca & Open Door, and Ayabonga Gope, from The Deck House in Cape Town, were given four hours to produce the best four course meal of their lives.
In an interesting twist, the previously eliminated cheftestants also made an appearance in the Top Chef SA kitchen and the two finalists had to select three sous chefs each from their fellow former competitors.
Annemarie chose to cook alongside Devin Hogan, Martine Christian and Linda Mazibuko, while Aya had Sachin Gosai, Phillip Nel and Hezron Louw cooking in his corner.
Annemarie and Ayabonga's very distinct leadership styles in the kitchen were interesting to watch.
Ayabonga wasn't happy about having to work in a team from the get-go, but built his menu up from his protein choice and then gave team mates room to make dishes, which he would then taste and axe if they didn't meet his standards.
Annemarie meanwhile had her team working for her; after writing down the menu and any recipes she delegated tasks to her team members.
Both chefs whipped up fascinating menus.
One of South Africa's most celebrated chefs and the owner of award-winning restaurant The Test Kitchen in Cape Town, Luke Dale-Roberts joined the judges; Lesego Semenya, Neill Anthony and Lorna Maseko at the final Judge's Table.
He said it was great to see the chefs in action and they both did well and presented some really good food.
Reflecting on Ayabonga's Top Chef SA journey with the numerous highs and lows, the judges commended him for his good attitude and for being a sponge keen to soak up all the feedback he received in each episode. Annemarie was dubbed the most consistent cheftestant, who despite being very organised sometimes lacked faith in her own skills.
Ultimately it was Annemarie's menu that won the judges over. Annemarie who was overwhelmed by her win said she never expected to scoop the prestigious title.
Annemarie said: "I wouldn't be sitting here if it wasn't for my boss who encouraged me to enter and for my husband and parents who got me where I am."
- Press Release