Masterchef SA’s popular judge, chef Benny Masekwameng’s first gig this year was in East London, where he launched a new restaurant menu with his characteristic charm and jocularity this week.
Masekwameng, or chef Benny as he is affectionately known, conducted a punchy “interview” with Hemingways Hotel executive chef John Quinn in front of media and invited guests about casino restaurant Latitudes’ new gourmet burger and rib menu.
He said he was particularly impressed with the decision to use local meat.
“I commend the team for sourcing supplies locally because it is a boost for farmers in the area.
“It is good for the area’s economic growth, as well as for freshness and low cost.
“It’s not shipped in so that the quality deteriorates by the time it gets here.”
The chef spent last year jet-setting around the world as hotel group Tsogo Sun’s celebrity chef, in collaboration with SA Tourism and SAA, so he was grateful to take much of December off to stay at home with his wife Purity – also a chef – and their four-year-old daughter Dimakatso.
“All the travelling I do takes away from family life, so we just spent our time at home and on Christmas and Boxing days, as well as over New Year’s our family and friends came to us.
“Our whole family pitches in with the cooking.”
Masekwameng, who helped his mother prepare meals for factory labourers in Alexandria when he was growing up, and delivered newspaper-wrapped vetkoek to hungry workers, said he loathed traditional Christmas dishes.
“I hate turkey and gammon because it’s only meant for the northern hemisphere, so we had lots of fish on the braai, as well as many salads and vegetable dishes.”
Masekwameng is gearing up for a busy year ahead, which may or may not include shooting another season of Masterchef SA.
“We haven’t been filming for a year and were told a year ago there would be a change in production companies, but I don’t know when or where it will be shot. I do hope there will be another 20 seasons though.
“I’ll always give the show preference. It’s the show that made me.”
In the meantime, he has a full schedule of international travel planned, said the chef, who hinted he might also be appearing in his own culinary television show soon.
Germany has invited him to the Rheingau Gourmet and Wine Festival next month, then it’s off to the Taste of Sydney in Australia, where he will do demos, before his culinary skills take him to Lagos, Nigeria, and possibly to Argentina. — barbarah@dispatch.co.za
Celeb chef serves it up in EL
Masekwameng, or chef Benny as he is affectionately known, conducted a punchy “interview” with Hemingways Hotel executive chef John Quinn in front of media and invited guests about casino restaurant Latitudes’ new gourmet burger and rib menu.
He said he was particularly impressed with the decision to use local meat.
“I commend the team for sourcing supplies locally because it is a boost for farmers in the area.
“It is good for the area’s economic growth, as well as for freshness and low cost.
“It’s not shipped in so that the quality deteriorates by the time it gets here.”
The chef spent last year jet-setting around the world as hotel group Tsogo Sun’s celebrity chef, in collaboration with SA Tourism and SAA, so he was grateful to take much of December off to stay at home with his wife Purity – also a chef – and their four-year-old daughter Dimakatso.
“All the travelling I do takes away from family life, so we just spent our time at home and on Christmas and Boxing days, as well as over New Year’s our family and friends came to us.
“Our whole family pitches in with the cooking.”
Masekwameng, who helped his mother prepare meals for factory labourers in Alexandria when he was growing up, and delivered newspaper-wrapped vetkoek to hungry workers, said he loathed traditional Christmas dishes.
“I hate turkey and gammon because it’s only meant for the northern hemisphere, so we had lots of fish on the braai, as well as many salads and vegetable dishes.”
Masekwameng is gearing up for a busy year ahead, which may or may not include shooting another season of Masterchef SA.
“We haven’t been filming for a year and were told a year ago there would be a change in production companies, but I don’t know when or where it will be shot. I do hope there will be another 20 seasons though.
“I’ll always give the show preference. It’s the show that made me.”
In the meantime, he has a full schedule of international travel planned, said the chef, who hinted he might also be appearing in his own culinary television show soon.
Germany has invited him to the Rheingau Gourmet and Wine Festival next month, then it’s off to the Taste of Sydney in Australia, where he will do demos, before his culinary skills take him to Lagos, Nigeria, and possibly to Argentina. — barbarah@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos