Single mom wins aha Hotels & Lodge Cook Off Competition valued at R30k
To win, she had to “out cook” five other finalists under the scrutiny of a judging panel.
Earlier this month, Mayenziwe Nombela, a single mother from Durban KZN, cooked her way to a mouth-watering holiday valued at R30k, in the final cook-off of the “aha Tastes: Designed to Delight competition that took place at aha Lesedi.
To win, she had to “out cook” five other finalists under the scrutiny of a judging panel that consisted of some of the top chefs at aha Hotels & Lodges; Group Executive Chef Renzo Bico and Chef Remarlin, as well as aha Lesedi General Manager, Lloyd Moeng.
Chef Lesego Semenya, who has worked at well-known restaurants including The Westcliff and Richard Branson’s private game reserve, also formed part of the panel.
The “aha Tastes: Designed to Delight” competition ran from 20 March 2017 to 24 March 2017.
Every day, for the duration of the competition, a number of surprise ingredients were announced – either via radio, or via Facebook.
To enter, you had to use those ingredients to create and submit a recipe within the timeframes provided. Chef Renzo then evaluated these recipes and chose a daily winner.
Daily winners won a cash prize and competition entrants were placed in line to be selected as one of six finalists to partake in the final cook-off.
“The aim of the competition was to challenge ordinary members of our community to design recipes that delight, just like we challenge our own staff to push the envelope to create delightful experiences for our guests,” explains Graeme Edmond, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for aha Hotels and Lodges.
According to Chef Renzo, selecting an overall winner at the final cook-off was no small feat though.
“We were generally in awe of the culinary artistry that our entrants displayed and the other finalists all delivered an impressive performance at the cook-off,” he enthuses. But ultimately it was Mayenziwe’s take on an impala goulash that tipped the scales in her favour.”
For her outstanding efforts, Mayenziwe won a 4-night stay for two at the spectacular aha Makalali Private Game Lodge and 2 nights at aha Casa Do Sol Hotel & Resort.
Mayenziwe says “I am a big fan of reality cooking shows, such as Chopped and The Ultimate Braai Master, so I was very nervous to enter this competition.
“I am glad I decided to though; it was a very exciting and enjoyable experience that I will never forget.” She also says she feels honoured to have been chosen as the winner.
“This self-enriching experience was a reward in itself, but I am thrilled about winning the competition. I love to travel but have never been able to go to a game lodge. I can’t wait for my aha holidays!”
To check for more competitions and special offers at aha Hotels & Lodges, simply go to www.aha.co.za.
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