Chef Larkin adds new flavour to Meropa

Meropa Casino and Entertainment World recently announced the appointment of executive sous-chef, Earl Larkin who joined the team on 1 February. Coming from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), Larkin has 28 years’ experience working in corporate catering, country clubs and hotels all around the country. He started his career at the Wild Coast Sun, and now that he joined Meropa Casino and Entertainment World, is back at work with Sun International.

Larkin completed his in-service training at a hotel in Port Alfred and a five-star game reserve in the Eastern Cape respectively, and previously worked as a chef at Sun City until 2016. He said his experience there was most rewarding, as he was part of the team during the opening of Sun City’s entertainment centre and he learned a lot.

Larkin left Sun City and worked at various hotels around the country and settled in Gauteng, where he was retrenched in 2020 after Covid-19 affected the hospitality industry.

He is hopeful that being back with Sun International will open more doors for him and ensure a rewarding career.

Larkin loves working with his hands and enjoys making hearty food. “I love to play with low and slow foods; Slow roasted brisket, twice cooked pork belly, deboned leg of lamb stuffed with rosemary, garlic and gravies to accompany these foods. I have also recently started to make my own signature aged chilli sauces, which are absolutely delicious,” he added.

Larkin wants to deliver excellent quality, value, taste and service to Meropa Casino and Entertainment World. He will also bring back popular sellers, based on guests’ experiences and recommendations.

“We are currently running a Thursday T-bone special, Friday Curry evening and also a daily Eisbein special. Hygiene is paramount and food has to be individually wrapped and served to our esteemed guests and colleagues,” he said in assurance that all Covid-19 health and safety regulations are adhered to.