JUNIOR SUPER CHEF WITH DEFY AND HIRSCHS IN SOUTH AFRICA

JUNIOR SUPER CHEF FINALS Danika van der Walt (13), a pupil at Hoerskool Florida was announced the winner of the JHB Hirsch’s and Defy Junior Super Chef competition that took place in Fourways recently. Six finalists claimed their spot in the finals through various exciting stages of cook-off through the month of June at all Hirsch Branches around the country – Gauteng branches include Boksburg, Meadowdale, Centurion, Silverlakes, Strubens Valley and Fourways. Ranging from age 8 to 13 and from all over JHB, the enthusiastic finalists had to battle it out on the showroom floor. They had to show off their cooking skills, using a mystery bag of products and cooking on a Snappy Chef induction plate and Defy Microwave Air oven to impress judges. Van der Walt’s dish, a Beef Wellington with asparagus and blue cheese sauce was the judge’s favourite of the evening. “I’m so proud of her! She is a brilliant cook and her food always tastes so great! She was so fortunate to be in this position regardless of whether she won or not” Said Johan van der Walt, Danika’s very proud father. Danika started cooking and preparing meals for her family when she was six and her grandmother, Ina Willemse, has been her inspiration. “I love both cooking and baking. I have my own small business named “The Cake Fairy” and love to bake and decorate novelty cakes.” Said Van der Walt. Christine Phillips, a Judge on the evening, well known for her recent cook-book (The timeless family food Journal), qualified chef and founder of the “little cooks club” was involved in the JHB Junior Super Chef from the very beginning. “The highlight of this whole competition was watching how the contestants confidently plan their menus and final dish. It was an unforgettable experience working with these and the Hirsch’s team.” She said. Hirsch’s CEO, Mr Allan Hirsch was also a Judge at the finals. “We wanted to assist with the encouragement of young chefs and have been blown away with their ability to demonstrate the use of recently launched products in front of an audience.” He said. Second place went to 10 year Emily Gimaraens of St Peters Girls School (Fourways) and third place was awarded to 11 year old Dean Barnard of Laerskool Kruinsig (Kempton Park).