OUT TO LUNCH AT Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani at SKY Venue

Durban has always been an enthusiastic and dedicated supporter of the Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge which has been enormously heartwarming. So it is with particular pleasure that we begin a fresh year in the unique setting here in the SKY Venue at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani overlooking the Indian Ocean in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. We would like to thank Southern Sun Regional Operations Director Samantha Croft for her huge generosity over the years, GM Lettisha Singh for hosting and making this superb Launch possible, and to the really excellent F&B Banqueting team especially Executive Chef Shaun Munro for his continued support who together with his talented brigade prepared this very special lunch, which was received and applauded by a very appreciative audience.

Annette Kesler and Chania Morritt-Smith (Showcook) with Samantha Croft (Southern Sun Regional Operations Director, KwaZulu-Natal)

Shaun Munro, Executive Chef Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani with CEO Lindiwe Rakharebe, Durban ICC who generously hosted the Orientation Workshop for all the candidates.

Percy Dlamini (Acting Operations Director, Durban ICC), GM Lettisha Singh (Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani) and Paula Visser (Avanti Coffee SA)

F&B Manager Jean Christophe Gazzo and GM John Aritho (Beverly Hills) with GM Roberto Rosa and Executive Chef Kevin Joseph (The Oyster Box)

THANK YOU to our stalwart hotels in a year where we are beginning to see a revival we are encouraged with their really warm response.

Keynote Speaker Clarence Sibaya (Distell) with Michael van Deventer of the Vinotéque Wine Bank, Sarah Marinelli (Distell) and inspirational guest speaker Nederburg White Winemaker Pieter Badenhorst who continues to share his passion on what is important when you have to produce some of South Africa’s exceptional and award winning wines.

DISTELL is far and above a major player in the field of wine and spirits, a superb partner in this unique national initiative, totally committed to the Challenge. We thank them for their support and deep understanding shown over the years. The programmes that we have introduced with their continued assistance and commitment is vital if we are to have continued growth. Over time the Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge has evolved and will continue to do so, meeting this all important sector’s vital needs.

Dynamic MC Wendy Coetzee, has been an integral part of the Showcook team, spokeswoman and consummate professional and continues to stimulate her audiences.

Wonderful to have Dr Eubulus Timothy and Yegas Naidoo with us, an enthusiastic supporter of the programme.

On point at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani!

Cocktails and Canapés
A WELCOME TOAST!
JC Le Roux Scintilla & Three Ships Whisky
Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks Pompelmo and Oakwood Extract with S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna

Brenda Wilkinson (Rio Largo Olive Estate) and Sandy Harper (CWM) Wine Steward Judge. Cheers to a decade and onward of the Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge!

A line-up of the stalwart team; CEO Lindiwe Rakharebe, Executive Sous Chef Patrick Musubao, Sandile Makhathini (Pastry Chef), Trisha Naidoo (Chef), Nhlakanipho Mdletshe (Wine Steward), Phakamile Hlongwa (Barista) and Percy Dlamini (Acting Operations Director)
Durban ICC Team ~ JC Le Roux & Amarula

STARTER ~ DENNY’S ENSEMBLE

Denny Portabellini mushroom espresso | Thyme cream
Parmesan wafer ǀ Seared King Oyster mushroom carpaccio
Pickled Denny exotic mix | Roasted garlic infused with Rio Largo Olive Oil | Basil pesto | Bio-Wheat sourdough croutons

Durbanville Hills Cape Mist Sauvignon Blanc
Nederburg The Winemasters Carignan Grenache Rosé

Clarence Sibaya (Distell), Bruce Kudakwashe Tawonezvi (The Pencil Club) and Shirley Scrivener (Clearworld Suppliers)

Paula Visser (Avanti Coffee SA), GM Nicole Munro (Southern Sun The Edward) with Athizaam Rassool (Executive Chef Southern Sun The Edward)

Phakeme Zondi (F&B Manager) with Lungisani Mnguni (Barista) and Siyanda Mthethwa (Southern Sun The Edward)

Southern Sun The Edward Imraan Sithole (Chef), Andile Mfeka (Baker), Nonzuzo Mhlungu (Pastry Chef), F&B Manager Phakeme Zondi, Lungisani Mnguni (Barista), Siyanda Mthethwa (Wine Steward) and Executive Chef Athizaam Rassool
Southern Sun The Edward Team ~ Durbanville Hills & Amarula

KAROO LAMB RACK

Slow-cooked rack of lamb | Senqu River Pistachio gremolata
Honeyed butternut mash | Durban curry spiced lamb samosa | Minted zucchini ribbons | Rio Largo Balsamic glazed vine ripened rosa tomatoes

Nederburg Heritage Heroes The Brew Master
Durbanville Hills Collectors Reserve The Lighthouse Merlot

Jean Vincent Ridon of Sommeliers Academy (Wine Steward Judge) former chef, international sommelier, awarded winemaker, respected author, Jean Vincent Ridon is dedicating his career to transferring skills to the emerging leaders of the South African Hospitality Industry. He manages the Sommeliers Academy, in addition he coaches Team South Africa and sits on the exam board of the ASI, the International Sommelier Association, in charge of the certification of sommeliers in 64 countries.

(Below left to right) Sifiso Mngadi (Barista), Sibongile Majola (Wine Steward), Shanice Roberts (Chef), Isabel Nsele (Waitress), Eon Le Roux (Pastry Chef & Baker) and Dumisane Mantshogo (Wine Steward) (#ISeeYou:) Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani

Mentor Shaun Munro (Executive Chef), Debra Nxumalo (Waitress), Isabel Nsele (Waitress), Sifiso Mngadi (Barista), Sibongile Majola (Wine Steward), Mentor Shaun Meintjies (F&B Manager), Eon Le Roux (Pastry Chef & Baker), Shanice Roberts (Chef) and Dumisane Mantshogo (Wine Steward)
Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani with Durbanville Hills and Three Ships Whisky

The ‘Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge Chef of the Year 2022’ is set to enjoy a three-week internship with Valor Hospitality with flights to America sponsored by Distell. https://youtu.be/VBzcz4iDjmc

Over the years winners have been invited to Long Beach Mauritius (2013), Taj Mahal Palace India (2014), the Shangri-La in Dubai (2015), The Alcron in Prague (2016), The Marriott Ritz-Carlton Hotel and JW Marriott Marquis in Dubai (2017), NH Collection Barbizon Palace hotel, D’Vijff Vlieghen and Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky (2018), Minor Hotels in Bangkok; at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Hotel, Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel and Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotels (2019).

A sojourn at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai with Taj Hotels in India is on the cards this October for Ivanna Ganesh our 2020 Chef of the Year! Flights sponsored by Distell.

Ashleigh Christie of Minor Hotels will announce the destination for the 2021 Chef of the Year, Asanda Khanyile, representing the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani to travel in 2023.
Flights sponsored by Distell. (https://youtu.be/msVjMpUNQCY).

Beverly Hills Team; Jeremiah Govender (Wine Steward), Londeka Mkhize (Waitress), Nokubonga Dladla (Baker), Zandile Ngwane (Chef), Nontiskelelo Msweli (Pastry Chef)

GM John Aritho, Nkosikhona Mkhize (Barista), Londeka Mkhize (Waitress), Nokubonga Dladla (Baker), Shaun McGee (Mentor), Zandile Ngwane (Chef), Jean Christophe Gazzo (F&B Manager), Nontiskelelo Msweli (Pastry Chef) and Jeremiah Govender (Wine Steward) Beverly Hills Team with Nederburg and Van Ryn’s Brandy

Meaningful bursaries from Distell with the Sommeliers Academy and South African Sommeliers Association (SASA). Cape Wine Academy courses for the winning Wine Stewards plus stunning handcrafted lapel pins by The Diamond Works Institute.

(Top left) Judge Hugh Von Zahn and Belinda Sibbald (Denny Mushrooms)
Nontiskekelo Msweli (Pastry Chef, Beverly Hills), Thembinkosi Cele (Pastry Chef, The Oyster Box), CEO Lindiwe Rakharebe, Dr Eubulus Timothy and Yegas Naidoo with Linda Lee O’Flaherty and her husband, Mark (Food & Wine Pairing Judge).
Avinash Naidoo (Lancewood) and Belinda Sibbald (Denny Mushrooms)
Executive Chef Shaun Munro, Food Judge Fatima Stanley with Kitchen Evaluation Judge Chanelle Boucher, Head of Department Culinary Arts, at the International Hotel School who will be hosting the regional Cook-Offs and Service Presentation on Wednesday 19th October. Each year the International Hotel School presents a R30 000 online bursary designed to give candidates the tools to further their business aspirations. Going forward, education in all aspects is key. Broadening minds, encouraging entrepreneurship giving our candidates the tools and first steps to what could become a lifetime path.

Mentor Nathi Xaba (2021), Thembinkosi Cele (Pastry Chef), Ash Krishenduth (Chef), Lunga Sithole (Wine Steward) and Mentor Kevin Joseph (Executive Chef)
The Oyster Box with Pongrácz and Van Ryn’s Brandy

Exceptional opportunities for anyone wanting to accelerate their hospitality careers! The ‘Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge Wine Steward of the Year 2022’ will look forward to a 10-day internship in Ireland at the celebrated The Lodge at Ashford Castle with the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Irish country-house charm within the magnificent 350-acre estate of Ashford Castle, overlooking magical Lough Corrib. Flights sponsored by Distell.
See more Prizes in Store…

DESSERT ~ Zizzing Zesty Cheesecake

Lancewood mascarpone | LemonGold® cheesecake
White chocolate mousse | Salted red chilli Senqu River
Pistachio nut brittle and strawberry gel

Nederburg Noble Late Harvest
Pongrácz Méthode Cap Classique Brut