PASSIONATE about cooking from a tender age, internationally acclaimed chef Neil Byrne (39) is ready to show Zululanders just what he is capable of as he gears up for the DICE Zululand Chef of the Year competition.
New to town and already settled in as Executive Chef of Umfolozi Casino Resort, Neil is no stranger to the industry and has spent more than a decade travelling the globe in a quest to perfect his culinary skills.
Working with some of the most highly renowned chefs, Neil quickly moved up the ranks, but not before beginning at the very bottom.
After leaving his Johannesburg home in 1994, Neil made his way to London where he studied at the prestigious Prue Leith Chef’s Academy.
Four years later he ventured to Tuscany and Italy where he completed his one year practical.
From working in the scullery to perfecting delectable masterpieces, Neil quickly soared and has now achieved more in his 39 years than most do in a lifetime.
Moving from country to country, Neil was exposed to some of the best restaurants and styles of cooking and soon secured a job at Sir Richard Branson’s famous Ulusaba Game Reserve in Sabi Sands.
He also opened a number of restaurants including Al Gusto Italiano in Abu Dhabi and Louie’s Backyard in Key West, Florida.
After spending the last five years in Dubai, Neil is now happy to be back in SA and is ready to introduce himself to the community by serving a mind-blowing dish at the chef competition.
