Cape Legends & Artisan Spirits Inter Hotel Challenge

The fourth annual Cape Legends Inter Hotel Challenge, culminated in a scintillating celebration at the Belmond Mount Nelson, Friday 29th July 2016. Each table was stunningly beautiful in 'Platinum & Pearls' creatively designed by individual hotels.

A national initiative with 23 hotels from the Cape to Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal on board, all part of a remarkable family of top hotels known for style and gracious expertise, a unique occasion, viewed as the Hotel Oscars. The vital aim of the Cape Legends Inter Hotel Challenge is to encourage development in the hospitality industry that will raise the bar!

Mentorship, recognition of talent and enthusiasm has been a part of the Cape Legends Inter Hotel Challenge from the beginning. The skills upliftment has had a huge ripple effect on our Tourism Industry, one of the major growth areas in our economy. South Africa has become recognized as a top culinary destination, while food and wine tourism is growing dramatically.

Message from Deputy Minister of SA Tourism Tokozile Xasa, "Tonight I share in your excitement. This competition acknowledges the talents of some of SA's most creative young chefs and wine stewards and at the same time recognizes the crucial role of mentorship.

Taking top honours on the night by winning top chef of the year was Beverly Hills Rucita Naidoo.

"There is anart to designing a balanced menu," says Annette Kesler Editor of Showcook.com. "Judges were looking for precise dishes,exciting both the palate and the imagination."

Executive chef of the Beverly Hills, Tony Kocke, and Rucita's mentor,could hardly contain his excitement. 'Hard work pays off,' he enthused

'Rucita Naidoo will be jetting off to a Michelin star restaurant in Prague for a brilliant opportunity of a three-week working visit. This is alife changing experience and we can't wait for her to share her experience and new ideas with us'.

And the Awards kept coming - Beverly Hills also won Best Table in the category 'Wish to Dine At' as well as Best Team the award for utter professionalism, generosity of spirit and team work.

Other Tsogo Sun hotels who fared well was Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani

Where Clinton Bonhomme received 3rd place for best bread category and Qhubokuhle Ntshangase came 3rd in the best chef category as well as winning best pork dish.