South Africa’s Margot Janse has been invited to cook with some of the world’s top chefs for a fun Valentine’s initiative: The inaugural Girls Night Out experience is an international celebration of female talent in the culinary sphere.
It sees a selection of the world’s most prominent female chefs cooking for a series of bespoke dinners – from the 11th to 13th March 2012 – at 1 Lombard Street Restaurant in London.
During the Girls Night Out series a group of hand-selected globally renowned female chefs are paired with three top female chefs from the UK.
The three intercontential chefs include: our own Margot Janse – Executive Head Chef of The Tasting Room (currently Africa’s only female Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef); Gabrielle Hamilton of Prune restaurant in New York (the current James Beard NYC Chef of the Year); and Helena Rizzo of Mani restaurant in Sao Paulo, Brazil (South America’s number one female chef, and one of Brazil’s top chefs).
These three acclaimed chefs will be partnered with three of the UK’s finest: Clare Smyth of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea (holder of 3 Michelin Stars), Anna Hansen of the groundbreaking The Modern Pantry in Clerkenwell, and Angela Hartnett of Murano restaurant in Mayfair and The Whitechapel Gallery Dining Room.
In addition to the exceptional female chefs on show the sommeliers selected – for the series of Girls Night Out dinners – are all leading females. They are headed-up by the reputable Dawn Davies of Selfridges Wonder Bar fame.
Guests at any of the Girls Night Out dinners can expect to experience a Champagne and canapé reception followed by an unforgettable five-course menu. Each guest will also be able to put their questions to the chefs through Nigel Barden – ardent food lover, radio and TV presenter – who will host each event in conjunction with Angela Hartnett and Fiona Sims.
The Girls Night Out dinner calendar:
• Sunday the 11th March 2012 – Gabrielle Hamilton with Angela Hartnett
• Monday the 12th March 2012 – Helena Rizzo with Clare Smyth
• Tuesday 13th March – Margot Janse with Anna Hansen
To reserve a spot at the 2012 UK Culinary Event of the Year please contact Elena Leva
at 1 Lombard Street – on el@jessen.co.uk.
Margot Janse
Margot Janse is the executive chef at the award winning Relais and Châteaux Le Quartier Français Hotel in Franschhoek. Born and educated in The Netherlands her creative talents were evident right from the start and her tertiary studies included drama and photography. However at the age of 23 the kitchen beckoned and she approached Ciro Molinaro, a highly respected Johannesburg restaurateur, who agreed to teach her in his own kitchen. Two years later, in 1995, Margot joined the culinary team at Le Quartier Français. The hotel restaurant was already considered one of South Africa’s best, so it was an enormous challenge for Margot when she was asked to take over as Executive Chef shortly after her arrival. However, sixteen years and many national and international awards later, Margot continues to thrive and enthral diners from around the globe.
Margot travels extensively to continually be inspired by new ideas and stay abreast of emerging trends. Her stimulating African inspired surprise menu changes regularly based on the seasonal fresh produce which she sources from Le Quartier’s own indigenous garden and small local producers. Margot has received numerous accolades from some of the world’s most respected publications including San Pellegrino Top 50 best restaurants awards 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2002, Best Restaurant in Africa and the Middle East 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005; and Hotel Magazine USA – Top Ten Restaurants in the world 2008.