Creating opportunities to develop young chefs

Young chefs in South Africa need more opportunities to develop their skills through competitive events and that is why SAMFA (the South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association) initiated the SAMFA Rising Stars competition.

Explains SAMFA chairperson, Ross Richardson, “Contributing to the professional development of young chefs is a key objective of SAMFA. The annual Rising Stars competition presents a wonderful opportunity for  emerging young chefs to develop their skills, to demonstrate their talent, to be exposed to broader interactions and learnings and to share their experience with other young chefs.  Success here elevates their confidence and gives them a big boost to further develop themselves for other competitions and simultaneously for success in their career.”

Contestants from around the country are invited to enter their favourite mushroom dish and the only provision is that they are under 29 and currently studying at an accredited culinary institution. Five contestants are chosen from all the entries received and they compete at a challenging cook-off for the Rising Stars trophy and national recognition and acknowledgement of their talent. Dishes prepared by the finalists are judged on taste, ease and speed of preparation, presentation and originality.

The 2010 SAMFA Rising Stars winner (after a challenging battle) was Nodumo Ndovela of the Culinary Passions Provider School in Midrand.  Ndovela’s incredibly fragrant Mushroom and Madumbe curry dish simply wowed the 5 judges because it “just oozed creativity, authenticity and mushroom flavour whilst remaining quick and easy to make.”

By winning this prestigious trophy, Nodumo proved that having a passion for what you do, can lead to great heights, “I just love cooking and I love my course. Once I have completed my studies my biggest dream is to run my own culinary school. Cooking is what I live for and I want to do it for ever!” 

SAMFA is once again looking for that special young chef and, “if you win,” concludes Richardson, “you will not only be featured in one of SA’s leading magazines, you will also win cash for yourself and your school and take home the coveted Rising Stars trophy!”

For more information on how to enter call Julliet Ramatshila on 011 325 6006 or go to http://www.mushroominfo.co.za/ or www.mushroominfo.mobi