LOCAL aspiring chefs and cooking enthusiasts had a chance to show off their culinary skills at Brookside Mall during the second annual Checkers Hyper Cook-Off & Food Fair.
Contestants were required to cook their signature dish, which was tasted by a judging panel headed by celebrity chef, Sherwyn Weiach.
The children were first up as they presented their best dish in an effort to win the first prize of R2 000.
Cameron Gevers returned to the cook-off for a second year with chicken pasta which earned him third place. Yavna Singh came in second showing that she is no novice in the kitchen with her toasties, but first place went to Belinda Somzana after her cheesy onion rings and bombs blew the judges away.
The adults were up next with chefs vying for the grand prize of R8 000.
S. Zuma, undeniably the wackiest chef, took his chance and nabbed first prize for his Dainty Dandy Falcoons de Neige.
Hot on his heels was Timika Maharaj, who cooked chicken parmesan, closely followed by Shae Schwenk who rustled up a sweet-and-sour chicken for third place.
Pauline Grendon was awarded the prize for most enthusiastic chef for the way in which she presented her dish and described her dish to the judges. She was passionate about her Devilled Chicken dish.
Danusha Ramthoola cooked a mutton curry potjie, which was given the thumbs up by Chef Weiach as his best dish of the day.
The aspiring chefs brought their competitive spirit to the table as they tried their best to get their hands on the grand prize and bragging rights for another year. Chef Weiach’s expertise was invaluable as he ensured that the cook-off was a fun-filled celebration of good food. - Supplied.
