Eight South African chefs were honoured at the SASSI (South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative) Trailblazer Awards, held at Harbour House at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on Monday. SASSI creates awareness around marine conservation.
Pavs Pillay, the SASSI Programme Manager at WWF SA said, “Our partnership with chefs is inspired by a commitment to help restore our overexploited seafood species. The chefs we are recognising have gone the extra mile in advocating the sustainability message. Chefs serve as the gatekeepers for the food and hospitality industry and therefore play a critical role in leading market forces, influencing popular taste and promoting ocean-friendly seafood.”
These chefs were recognised and celebrated for actively championing sustainable seafood practices in their restaurants. The eight award winners are:
Kayla-Ann Osborn
Chef Kayla-Ann is passionate about sustainability. Her love of fresh, seasonal and locally sourced produce has driven her to create dishes that honour the flavours and textures of ingredients.
Address: The Chef’s Table, Protea Mall, 1 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga
Contact: 0310010200
Ash Heeger
Sustainability is in the heart and soul of the food which Chef Ash dishes up.
Address: Riverine Rabbit, 81 Church Street, Cape Town City Centre
Contact: 0214247204
Glen Williams
Chef Glen Williams is a born and bred Capetonian, who is passionate about using sustainable produce.
Address: Foxcroft, High Constantia Centre, Groot Constantia Road, Constantia
Contact: 0212023304
James Diack
Chef James Diack is determined on only using sustainably caught fish when he prepares meals.
Address: Coobs, 38 4th Avenue, Parkhurst, Randburg
Contact: 0114470710
Louis van Reenen
Chef Louis believes, there is an important role to play in countering the negative effects in the world especially when it comes to sustainable issues.
Address: Arabella Hotel and Spa, R44 to Kleinmond
Contact: 0282840000
Lucas Carstens
Chef Lucas Carstens is the executive chef at Makaron Restaurant at Majeka House committed to using only sustainable fish.
Address: Majeka House, 26 Houtkapper Street, Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch
Contact: 0218801549
Michael Cooke
Chef Michael Cook creates sublime dishes, everything he does is sustainable. He’s adamant that green is the only way.
Address: Vergelegen Wine Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West
Contact: 0218472100
Xavier Francis
Chef Xavier Francis uses seafood produce which he purchases, cooks and serves his dishes. His main priority is to make a difference when it comes to sustainability.
Address: The Hyatt Regency, 191 Oxford Road, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Contact: 0112801234