‘Kombuis Kaptein’ heats up the kitchen

THE vibe was simply ‘electric’ as round two of Serengeti’s ‘Kombuis Kaptein’ kicked off with a bang on August 1.

Friends and family gathered to cheer on three contestants as they battled it out in the kitchen to secure a spot in the finals of the cooking competition, to be held at the golf club on November 21.

Planning, execution, presentation, taste and initiative were some of the criteria the judges, Chef Klaus and Alice Piktija, were looking at when scoring the competitors.

It was Danielle van der Walt’s delicious and well-presented three-course meal that impressed the judges, making her a clear winner after their unanimous decision.

Van der Walt claimed first place with her peri-peri prawns and pok choi and caramelised pineapple salad starter, duck and litchi red thai curry potjie with rustic vetkoek main course and Thai/East Rand inspired chocolate and Amarula coffee shot for dessert.

“This was a very professionally run competition that was fun and challenging. I would definitely encourage everyone to enter,” Van der Walt said.

Participants were given a Thermomix and induction plate to cook with where they needed to create a three-course meal within two hours.

Piktija, who is also the managing director of Thermomix SA, said she was impressed by the focus, creativity, competitiveness and overall entertaining vibe of the competition. “Each contestant utilised their Thermomix and induction plates perfectly throughout the duration of the competition.”

Van der Walt now has to compete in the final round of the competition in November.

Rounds three and four will take place on August 29 and September 12.

All proceeds made from the competition will go towards a Kempton charity.