PRESS RELEASE – In an exhilarating finale of Top Chef South Africa (the local version of the hugely successful American TV series), Annemarie Robertson (née Steenkamp) was crowned South Africa’s first ever Top Chef.
The cheftestant, who quickly stood out as a firm favourite to win with her perfectionist ways, not only beat thirteen other established chefs to the coveted title, she has also walked away with R100 000 in prize money. Annemarie, Executive Chef at popular Cape Town restaurants – Burrata, Bocca and Open Door and Ayabonga Gope, from The Deck House (also in Cape Town) were given four hours to produce the best 4-course meal of their lives.
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One of South Africa’s most celebrated chefs and the owner of award-winning restaurant The Test Kitchen in Cape Town, Luke Dale-Roberts joined the judges; Lesego Semenya, Neill Anthony and Lorna Maseko at the final Judge’s Table. He said it was great to see the chefs in action and they both did well and presented some really good food.
Annemarie was dubbed the most consistent cheftestant, who despite being very organised, sometimes lacked faith in her own skills. Ultimately it was Annemarie’s menu that won the judges over. Annemarie who was overwhelmed by her win said she never expected to scoop the prestigious title.
“I wouldn’t be sitting here if it wasn’t for my boss who encouraged me to enter and for my husband and parents who got me where I am”, she says.