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Kgomo aims to become Mzansi’s best tavern chef

Vosloorus tavern chef heads to Cape Town for grand final cook-off 

Moud Kgomo from Bafokeng Liquor Store in Vosloorus (Ekurhuleni) is on her way to Cape Town to test her cooking skills against other top tavern chefs in the country at the Mzansi Tavern Chef grand final, with a chance of winning a R100 000 tavern makeover. 

She will be up against the winners from the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Northern Provinces (Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West) when they cook for the national title at the Nederburg Wine Estate in Paarl on June 13. 

Kgomo tasted victory as the Central Provinces winner at the provincial Tavern Chef cook-off held in Centurion last month, earning her place at the final with a succulent dish of lamb shanks with creamy mashed potato, accompanied by chives and asparagus, covered in bacon. 

Before clinching the provincial title, Kgomo was thinking of looking for another job after a tough year in and out of the kitchen. 

“I’ve been doubting who and what I am,” she said at the time. “After today I know that this is what I’m meant to do.” 

With the regional title – and a prize of R30 000 – under her belt, Kgomo’s ambition is to open her own restaurant in the township and give free rein to her love for cooking.  

Promoting responsible drinking through dishes

Master chefs Pete Goffe-Wood and Benny Masekwameng, along with Drinks Federation of South Africa chairperson Monhla Hlahla were the judges, and will again be running the rule over competitors at the final in Cape Town. 

The Mzansi Tavern Chef Cook-off competition is the spearhead of a campaign by HEINEKEN Beverages SA to promote food serving in taverns as a way of combating binge drinking and promoting a culture of responsible alcohol consumption. 

Eating food before and while consuming alcohol reduces the likelihood of becoming intoxicated, while also promoting a more sociable environment in taverns that is not focused solely on drinking.

Serving food has the added benefit of expanding the outlet’s revenue streams, creating a more sustainable business and employment opportunities. 

The competition is a partnership between HEINEKEN Beverages SA, Nederburg Wines and the National Liquor Traders and forms part of the Bansela rewards programme which incentivises outlets to trade responsibly and comply with licence conditions and liquor regulations. 

Jolene Henn of HEINEKEN Beverages SA said the Mzansi Tavern Chef competition had inspired tavern chefs across the country to sharpen their skills. 

“More importantly, taverners are getting the message that serving food is a practical way of encouraging moderation and is also good for their business. Ultimately, communities will be the winners as the food serving programme helps to stimulate township economies for growth and increased employment, as well as building a culture of responsible alcohol consumption,” she added.

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