Visited

South Africa

Few & Far, Kruger Shalati, Creation Wines and Cape Town

August and September. I started at Few & Far Luvhondo, cooking with Chef Henlu, and we filmed the first episode of The Kitchen there.

Next I cooked at Kruger Shalati, the train hotel parked on the Selati Bridge, then dinners at Creation Wines in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

The last stop was two nights at Curate, the restaurant at Ellerman House in Cape Town, on 25 and 26 September.

The first recipe from South Africa is bunny chow: chicken curry packed into a hollowed loaf and eaten with your hands. The full recipe is free below.

Curry in a hollowed out loaf, eaten with your hands.

  • Few & Far Luvhondo
    I cooked with Chef Henlu, and we filmed the first episode of The Kitchen here.    August 2026
  • Kruger Shalati
    Next I cooked at Kruger Shalati, the train hotel parked on the Selati Bridge.    August 2026
  • Creation Wines
    I cooked dinners around Creation’s wines on 29 August and 5 September.    23 August–6 September 2026
  • Ellerman House
    I cooked two nights at Curate, the restaurant at Ellerman House, on 25 and 26 September.    25–26 September 2026
Stories

From South Africa

29:20
Ellerman House

I’m Opening a Restaurant for My Mom | Building Elizabeth Ep. 1

15:09
Kruger Shalati

Cooking in the middle of South Africa | The Kitchen Episode 4

24:08
Creation Wines

Wine Dinner at the #7 Vineyard in the World | The Kitchen Episode 3

20:44
Few & Far Luvhondo

Farm Dinner | The Kitchen Episode 1

Shorts

Short clips from South Africa

All Shorts on YouTube →

my prep rule for a sold-out dinner | building elizabeth

i cooked a menu on a train bridge in kruger

chef vusi runs the kitchen at kruger shalati

bread, wine and a fire in the middle of kruger

i made abalone escabeche at creation wines

i asked carolyn martin what hemel-en-aarde means

the creation team wasn't sure about me at first

3 molds for a whole room of baked alaska

i planned the green course for the creation wines dinner

we were looking for a giraffe and found elephants

The dinners

What I served in South Africa.

Every dish I served. Where there’s a card in my notebook, it’s linked.

Aug 2026

Luvhondo, Opening Dinner Under the Stars

Aperitif
  1. Brandy SourSouth African potstill brandy, no pisco on siteCard: Brandy Sour
First
  1. Tiraditofirm white fish, lime, chilli, gingerCard: Tiradito
Second
  1. Shellfish & Gritsprawns, grits or samp, cheddarCard: Shellfish & Grits
Dessert
  1. Rooibos Sabayonroasted fruit, vanilla ice creamCard: Rooibos SabayonCard: Roasted Fruit
Aug 2026

Luvhondo, Bush Breakfast and Braai

Breakfast over the fire
  1. Squash Pancakesspiced syrupCard: Squash PancakesCard: Spiced Syrup
  2. Sausageboerewors, over the coalsCard: Sausage
Braai lunch
  1. Fire Pizzatomato and mozzarella, braaied onion and cheese, garden greens with nut pestoCard: Pizza DoughCard: Pizza Toppings
  2. Garden Saladfrom the morning harvestCard: Garden Salad
  3. Braai and Grilled Fruitbutcher's cut and chicken, fruit over the dying coalsCard: Braai and Grilled Fruit
Aug 2026

Luvhondo, Day Two Dinner

Snacks
  1. Sorghum Cheez-Itcheddar mornayCard: Cheddar MornayCard: Sorghum Cheez-It
  2. Cured Fish Escabecheshaved red onion, carrot and fennel, toasted briocheCard: Escabeche Brine
  3. Crispy Fishtempura strip on the leaf, avocado cremaCard: Crispy FishCard: Avocado Crema
First
  1. Mushroom Cappuccinosoubise foam, nut oilCard: Mushroom CappuccinoCard: Soubise Foam
Second
  1. Braised Beef Pastaspinach tortellini, sweet onion farce, braised beefCard: Spinach Pasta DoughCard: Sweet Onion Farce
Dessert
  1. S'mores Crepe Cakechocolate pastry cream, sorghum crumb, gelatin meringue torched to orderCard: CrepesCard: S'mores Crepe Cake
Aug 2026

Luvhondo, Croque Madame Lunch

Lunch
  1. Croque Madamebraised Indonesian pork, gruyère mornay, fried eggCard: Braised Indonesian PorkCard: Mornay for the Croque
Aug 2026

Luvhondo, The Signature Dinner

Snacks
  1. Crispy Chickenbuttermilk brine, pickled chili, herbCard: Crispy ChickenCard: Pickled Chili
  2. Sorghum Cheez-Itsorghum cheddar financier, cheddar mornayCard: Cheddar Mornay
First
  1. Crispy Artichoke Caesarbaby gem or amaranth, sorghum crouton, shaved parmesan, Caesar dressingCard: Crispy Artichoke CaesarCard: Caesar Dressing
Second
  1. Whole Roasted Cauliflowerherb butter, marula kernel or macadamia, carved at the tableCard: Whole Roasted CauliflowerCard: Herb Butter
Third
  1. Duck Fritesrendered duck breast, truffle frites, béarnaiseCard: DuckCard: Truffle Frites
Fourth
  1. Gamekudu, springbok or venison loin, black sesame mole, potato purée, pommes AnnaCard: Black Sesame MoleCard: Pommes Puree
Dessert
  1. Baked Alaskagénoise, marula, chestnut or banana ice cream, gelatin meringue, dark chocolate, sorghum crumbCard: GénoiseCard: Ice Cream
Aug 2026

Private Dinner, Seven Courses for Twelve

One
  1. Cheez Itcheddar financier, cheddar mornayCard: Cheddar FinancierCard: Cheddar Mornay
Two
  1. Pork Bunsteamed bun, braised pork belly, pimento cheese, crispy pickles and slawCard: Steamed BunsCard: Braised Pork Belly
Three
  1. Crispy Tacocrispy protein on a nasturtium leaf, chili sesame mole, pickled jalapeñoCard: Black Sesame MoleCard: Chili Sesame Mole
Four
  1. Radisheswhipped parsley and lemon butter, flaked saltCard: Whipped Parsley & Lemon Butter
Five
  1. Spinach Tortellinibutternut squash farce, braised lamb, roasted lamb miso brothCard: Spinach DoughCard: Butternut Squash Farce
Six
  1. Beef and Beansroasted ribeye, pomme purée, ruby beet mostarda butter, braised pinquito beansCard: Pommes PureeCard: Roasted Ribeye
Seven
  1. S'mores Baked Alaskadark chocolate centre, marshmallow meringue, biscuit crumbCard: Dark Chocolate CenterCard: Marshmallow Meringue
Aug 2026

Private Dinner, Six Courses for Ten

One
  1. Devilled Eggsbacon chipCard: Devilled EggsCard: Bacon Chip
Two
  1. Crispy Fish Tacosspicy mayo, avocado cremaCard: Avocado Crema
Three
  1. Little Gem Caesarparmesan, croutonCard: Little Gem CaesarCard: Caesar Dressing
Four
  1. Mushroom CappuccinosoubiseCard: Sweet Onion Soubise
Five
  1. Braised Short Ribspomme purée, smashed potatoes, roasted carrots, carrot butterCard: Pommes PureeCard: Braised Short Ribs
Six
  1. S'mores Crepe Cakegluten free crepesCard: Gluten Free Crepes
Aug 2026

Private Dinner, Fire, Five Courses for Ten

One
  1. Cheez-Itcheddar financier, mornayCard: Cheez-It FinancierCard: Cheddar Mornay
Two
  1. Whole Roasted Cauliflowerrosemary lemon blanch, pimentón garlic rub, open fireCard: Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Three
  1. Seafood Paellafish, prawns, sausage, socarratCard: Seafood StockCard: Paella
Four
  1. Duck Fritesgrilled breast, confit leg, shoestring frites, melted onions, béarnaise, grilled broccoliniCard: Duck FritesCard: Confit Duck Legs
Five
  1. Baked Alaska Sundaebanana caramel, sesame brittle, torched to orderCard: GénoiseCard: Ice Cream
Aug 2026

Kruger Shalati, The Bushveld Menu

Snacks
  1. Smoked Local Fish TostadaAfrican bird's-eye chilli mayonnaise, fermented naartjie, crispy leeksCard: Sorghum and Maize Tostada ShellCard: Smoked Fish
  2. Crispy Mopane Worm Lettuce Wraptoasted peanuts, wild mint, local honey, pickled morogo stemCard: Lettuce CupsCard: Crispy Mopane Worms
First
  1. Bushveld Sorghum Risottosmoked and fried quail, morogo purée, Parmesan foam, wild rosemaryCard: Sorghum RisottoCard: Quail Brine
Second
  1. Natal Plum-Glazed Kuduplum Bordelaise, charred plums, ash-roasted amadumbeCard: Grilled Kudu LoinCard: Natal Plum Glaze
Third
  1. Coal-Roasted Banana CustardMillionaire's caramel, caramelized puffed sorghum, baobab, wild aniseed, smoked saltCard: Coal-Roasted Banana MilkCard: Banana Custard
Aug 2026

Kruger Shalati, The Dinner Menu

To Begin
  1. Cheez Itmini cheddar financier, cheddar mornayCard: Cheddar FinancierCard: Cheddar Mornay
First
  1. Chilled Carrot & Monkey Orangeescabeche, bird's eye chili, marula kernel, spekboomCard: Chilled Carrot SoupCard: Monkey Orange Puree
Second
  1. Sweet Onion & Wild Morogo Tortellinibrown butter misoCard: Sweet Onion TortelliniCard: Egg Pasta Dough
Third, choice of
  1. Red Curry Grilled Lamb Chopscauliflower purée, sultana, pine nuts, lamb jusCard: Cape Curry RubCard: Lamb Chops
  2. Grilled Red Curry Squashcauliflower purée, sultana, pine nuts. VeganCard: Cape Curry RubCard: Vegan Cauliflower Puree
Fourth
  1. Homemade Churrospumpkin custard, candied pumpkin seeds, cinnamon sugar, rooibos caramelCard: Rooibos ChurrosCard: Pumpkin Custard
Aug 2026

Kruger Shalati, Trackside Dining

Watch the film from this dinner →
Bread & Soup
  1. Cheddar Financiercheddar, pepper, parmesanCard: Cheddar FinancierCard: Sorghum and Cheddar Financier
  2. Wild Mushroom Cappuccinosoubise foamCard: Sweet Onion SoubiseCard: Mushroom Cappuccino Base
Starters
  1. Duck Liver & Thyme Wafflepickled onion relish, maple whipCard: Pickled Onion RelishCard: Chicken Liver Mousse
  2. Yellowtail Escabechebrioche, red onionCard: Yellowtail EscabecheCard: Rosella Yellowtail
Salads Station
  1. Crispy Artichoke Caesarbaby gem, fried artichokes, shaved parmesan, sorghum crouton, smoked anchovy dressing. Plus four salads from Chef VusiCard: Baby GemCard: Crispy Artichokes
Flame Meets Passion
  1. Goat Barbacoacharred salsa verdeCard: Goat BarbacoaCard: Charred Salsa Verde
  2. Grilled Ribeyeblack sesame mole, green onion cremaCard: Black Sesame MoleCard: Green Onion Crema
  3. Cajun Smoked Troutpickled onion relishCard: Smoked TroutCard: Piquante Pepper Garnish
  4. Whole Roasted Cauliflowerherb butter. Vegetarian
  5. Whole Roasted Pumpkinwild-herb butter, marula kernel. Vegetarian. In the 2 Aug recipe book this replaces the cauliflowerCard: Coal-Roasted PumpkinCard: Wild-Herb Butter
Sides
  1. Pommes AnnaCard: Pommes AnnaCard: Wild-Rosemary Pommes Anna
  2. Pomme PuréeCard: Pommes PureeCard: Smoked-Salt Potato Puree
  3. Coal-Roasted Seasonal Vegetableslocal honey, bush herbs, smoked salt. From the 2 Aug recipe bookCard: Coal-Roasted Seasonal Vegetables
Taste of Africa
  1. Chef Vusi's Potjie CourseCard: Potjie Course
Dessert on the Tracks
  1. S'mores Baked Alaskatoasted marshmallow meringue, dark chocolate, sorghum biscuit crumbCard: Marula Ice CreamCard: Dark Chocolate Center
  2. Chocolate & Xigugu Cookiesdark chocolate, roasted ground peanut, flaked saltCard: Chocolate and Xigugu Cookie
  3. Rooibos Tea Macaronsrooibos ganache, honeybush caramel. And the Shalati cheese boardCard: Rooibos Macaron ShellsCard: Rooibos Ganache
Aug 2026

Creation Wines, Dinner One

Snacks
  1. Black Truffle Cappuccinosoubise foamCard: Truffle Cappuccino BaseCard: Soubise Foam
  2. Smoked Trout Toastsoft scramble, avocado, nasturtium onion relish, trout roeCard: Cured and Smoked TroutCard: Sorghum Toast
  3. Beet and Yogurt Terrinechampagne gelée, endive leaf, beet purée, mustard seeds, fines herbesCard: Beet LayerCard: Yogurt Layer
  4. Crispy Fish Lettuce Tacogreen onion crema, pickled onions, black sesame moleCard: Fried YellowtailCard: Green Onion Crema
First
  1. Escabeche Abalonechilli, fennel, citrus, basil emulsionCard: Braised AbaloneCard: Escabeche Brine
Second
  1. Whole Roasted Duckcorn and black truffle risotto with confit leg, Jerusalem artichokes, Parmesan foam, leeksCard: Whole Roasted DuckCard: Confit Duck Legs
Third
  1. Bacon-Wrapped Springbok Loinpommes Anna, pommes purée, asparagus, tomato, choron hollandaiseCard: Bacon-Wrapped Springbok LoinCard: Pommes Anna
Dessert
  1. Wild Berry Baked Alaskathree ice creams, lime meringue, brandyCard: Sponge BaseCard: Wild Berry Ice Cream
Mignardises
  1. Xigugu Nutter Buttergrape jellyCard: PBJ Nutter Butter
Aug 2026

Creation Wines, Team Lunch

To Start
  1. French Onion Soup Pizzagruyère béchamel, caramelized onion, parmesan, chivesCard: Caramelized OnionsCard: Gruyère Béchamel
Cold
  1. Classic Cevichetiger's milk, red onion, cucumber, sweet potato, corn, corianderCard: Tiger's MilkCard: Classic Ceviche
  2. Caesar Saladromaine, parmesan, croutonsCard: Caesar DressingCard: Croutons
Tacos
  1. Crispy Fish Tacoslettuce cups, avocado purée, black sesame mole, pickled onionsCard: Pickled OnionsCard: Avocado Purée
Dessert
  1. Churrosbanana caramel, cinnamon sugarCard: Choux BaseCard: Churros, Pipe and Freeze
Sep 2026

Creation Wines, Dinner Two

Snacks
  1. Black Truffle Cappuccinosoubise foam, chivesCard: Truffle Cappuccino BaseCard: Sweet Onion Soubise
  2. Smoked Trout Toastegg mousse, nasturtium onion relish, trout roeCard: Cured and Smoked TroutCard: Egg Mousse
  3. Beet and Yogurt Terrinechampagne gelée, kohlrabi, beet purée, mustard seeds, chervilCard: Beet LayerCard: Yogurt Layer
  4. Crispy Fish Lettuce Tacotempura yellowtail, green onion crema, black sesame mole, lemon, sesameCard: Tempura YellowtailCard: Tempura Base
  5. Duck Itcheddar financier, pepper mornayCard: Cheddar FinancierCard: Pepper Mornay
First
  1. Escabeche Abalonechilli, fennel, citrus, basil emulsionCard: Braised AbaloneCard: Escabeche Brine
Second
  1. Whole Roasted Duckcorn and black truffle risotto with confit leg, six minute egg, sunchoke chips, Parmesan and corn foam, melted leeksCard: Whole Roasted DuckCard: Confit Duck Legs
Third
  1. Springbok Loinpommes Anna, pommes purée, peas, spinach and pea purée, demi sec tomato, choron hollandaiseCard: Springbok LoinCard: Pommes Anna
Dessert
  1. Wild Berry Baked Alaskathree ice creams, lime meringue, brandyCard: Sponge BaseCard: Wild Berry Ice Cream
Mignardises
  1. Nutter ButtersPBJ and ElvisCard: PBJ Nutter ButterCard: Elvis Nutter Butter
Sep 2026

Ellerman House, Curate × Elizabeth

Watch the film from this dinner →
Passed Canapés
  1. Cape Yellowtail EscabecheEscabeche, brioche, nasturtiumCard: Escabeche BrineCard: Escabeche Gel
  2. Crispy Market FishBlack sesame mole, avocado, sesameCard: Tempura BatterCard: Kob, Tempura
  3. Mushroom and Wild Garlic SoupSoubise, black truffleCard: Mushroom EssenceCard: Mushroom Soup
At the Table
  1. Sorghum Cheez-ItCheddar, parmesan, chiliCard: Cheddar FinancierCard: Comté Mornay
  2. French Onion ParfaitCrème fraîche, caviarCard: Mushroom EssenceCard: French Onion Bouillon (Vegetarian)
  3. Carrot TortelliniRoasted chicken broth, celeryCard: Pasta DoughCard: Carrot Farce
  4. Pan-Roasted Cape BreamTomato conserva, white beans, parsley blanquetteCard: Cornstarch-Egg White BatterCard: Pan-Roasted Cape Bream Fillet
  5. Smoked DuckAsparagus, tarragonCard: Whole DuckCard: Grilled Asparagus
  6. Burnt Lemon Meringue PieBlood orange sorbet, lime sabayon, meringueCard: Set Lemon Curd, the BaseCard: Lime Sabayon
  7. PicaronesChancaca, rooibos, orangeCard: PicaronesCard: Chancaca Rooibos Glaze
Recipes

Cook South Africa

All recipes →
South African · 1 hr 15 min

Bunny Chow, Durban Chicken

by Jason
South African · 5 min

Braai Seasoning

by Jason
Photos

On the road in South Africa

167 photos
EverywhereFew & Far LuvhondoKruger ShalatiCreation WinesEllerman HouseCape Town
On the pass · Few & Far Luvhondo
Cooking outside · Kruger Shalati
At the pass · Creation Wines
Bantry Bay · Cape Town
A Cape Town dinner
The farm
Working with the team
The finishing touches
Walking through Bo-Kaap
Getting ready for service
Over the fire
The vineyard · Hemel-en-Aarde

The rest of the road

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