Cape Town chefs are the best

Mondli Makhanya, editor of Sunday Times, with Henrico Grobbelaar and Justin Williamson, CEO of Foodcorp

"Originally conceived as an adjunct to the Sunday Times Food Show, the competition now stands firmly on its own two feet. Sunday Times is proud that in three years the competition has grown a life of its own, establishing itself as a highlight on the culinary calendar," says Avusa's project manager for the awards, Jacqui Gunn.

"The awards were designed to give something back to the South African culinary community, to recognise and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of South Africa's top chefs, and the aspiring culinary stars of tomorrow."

This year's Chef of the Year received R50 000 plus a Weber Q300 valued at R5999; the Young Chef of the Year won R20 000 plus a Weber Q300 valued at R4999; and winners of the Chef School Challenge took home R5000 and a Weber Smokey Joe valued at R749 per team member and R5000 was awarded to the winning school.

"We are fully aware of the amount of stress and pressure all chefs are under on a daily basis, therefore clearly justifying our decision to the increase the prize money for this year's competition. Without them, there is no competition," concludes Gunn.