A Journey of Passion and Skill
Mare’s signature dish,
Duck, Sweet Potato, and Matungulu (Natal Coastal Plum), captivated the esteemed panel of judges—Roaya Saleh (Bahrain), Bertus Basson (South Africa), and Akmal Anuar (UAE). Combining technical mastery with heartfelt inspiration, the dish reflected Mare’s roots and refined expertise.
“My culinary journey began in my mother’s kitchen, where sweet potatoes held a special place. My mother could determine their harvest date by taste and texture. I’ve paired this humble root with duck—a fine-dining staple—and wild-foraged matangulu as a tribute to my mentor, Chef Johannes Richter, whose teachings have shaped my approach to cooking,” shared Mare.
Preparing for the Grand Finale
Under the mentorship of Chef Johannes Richter, executive chef at
The Living Room, Mare will now refine his craft and signature dish ahead of the Grand Finale in 2025. This mentorship will provide him with the guidance to compete on a global stage, showcasing the vibrant culinary traditions of South Africa.
Recognizing Excellence Beyond Borders
The Regional Final also celebrated other remarkable young chefs with prestigious awards:
- S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award: Zanté Neethling from Beyond Restaurant in Cape Town.
- Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award: Robin Höfer from Ossiano Restaurant in Dubai.
- Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award: Mahmoud Ali from Bold Restaurant in Ghana.
A Night to Remember
The winners were honored at the glamorous Gala Award Ceremony at Cape Town’s iconic Mount Nelson Hotel, a Belmond property. Themed
Bring Your Future, the evening featured a sustainable menu curated by Executive Chef Luke Barry, paired with
Idiom wines and
Nespresso coffee, leaving guests inspired by the future of fine dining.
For more updates on the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy and its mission to nurture groundbreaking culinary talent, visit
sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com.
