Chef’s dedication and passion pays off with top award

A STELLENBOSCH-based chef has proven he has the recipe to success after being crowned Chef of the Year at the Eat Out Awards.

French-born Gregory Czarnecki, 36, works at Restaurant in the Sky.

“I was really shocked when the announcement was made and to be honest I did not expect it, especially having tense food preparations on the day.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be recognised for a passion you have. I’m deeply honoured and can say that all my efforts have paid off,” he said.

Czarnecki said it was his dedication and passion for cooking, which led him where he is today.

“I know it sounds like a big cliché, but I’ve always had a passion for food.

“Some of my fondest memories are waking up on a Sunday to pots on the stove, or 15-course lunches that turned into dinners at my grandma’s house.

“I was always fascinated by the art of the table, the socialising and the experience.

“At the end of matric I took one week off to work in a kitchen for free, just to clear my mind and make sure I had made the right decision to study. “I absolutely loved the experience.” He came to South Africa in 2008 and had been working at his restaurant, which also placed third on Eat Out’s Top 10, for seven years.

While the French are known for their style and ingredients, Czarnecki said he preferred local foods.

“I use South African products, and they are just great.

I do introduce some French styles in my plates but my main style is contemporary French cooking with a South African twist.”

IT’S AN AMAZING FEELING TO BE RECOGNISED FOR A PASSION YOU HAVE. I’M HONOURED