To me, South Africa is an unknown country that I have always wanted to visit, especially to discover its culinary treasures. I have been introduced to the South African kitchen only once before, when Margot Janssen visited Ciel Bleu two years ago. That event was my first acquaintance with South Africa.

When thinking of South Africa, I think of Nelson Mandela, the Apartheid, Table Mountain, Robben Island, Krugerpark, the Big Five and several cities. On the culinary field, I am familiar with dishes like biltong, sosatie, koeksister and bobotie and the wine areas Constantia, Franschhoek, Cape Point and Paarl. And last but not least of course the World Cup Soccer 2010, which will be hosted by South Africa this year. While 32 countries from all over the world compete for the golden trophy, six Dutch top chefs will give acte de presence and will witness some unique moments.

Together with Ron Blaauw, Henk Savelberg, Hans van Wolde, Jef Schuur and Gerrit Greveling, I will make a 10-day journey through South Africa starting on the 20th of June. The climax of this journey will be cooking at the opening of Neil Ellis’ brand new wine cellar. Of course, sommelier Noël Vanwittenbergh does not want to miss this, which is why he will also accompany us. Besides that, we will prepare a ‘braai’ for 400 guests on the Orange Camping and we will watch the match ‘The Netherlands-Cameroon’ like real VIP’s. Without a doubt, we will have great experiences and I am really looking forward to discover the culinary treasures of South Africa!

To keep you, as a loyal reader of my weblog, posted of my journey through South Africa, I will put an update accompanied by nice pictures on this weblog daily. This way, you might feel like being in South Africa too!

Baie Groete,
Onno Kokmeijer