Head chef at AtholPlace House & Villa, Zolani Vasco Sabelo, said his journey thus far has been a rollercoaster ride; though mostly filled with good memories and experiences.

Born and bred in Randfontein – a small town west of Johannesburg – Zolani is the youngest of three siblings. “I actually became a chef by default. I initially wanted to become a veterinary doctor but that didn’t work out so my second option was to become a chef as I did consumer studies in high school,” he said.

“I love the adrenaline rush and the opportunity to bring nostalgic memories through my food [and] flavours but giving them a modern presentation.”

There’s no sleeping in for this chef. He starts his day early to go over the menu for that particular day, then heads off to buy fresh produce. He then allocates stations and items that they will need before service.

His love for landscaping and art are what drive his creativity. “I always check what’s available during a certain season and work with that and also take inspiration from Chef Grant Achaz and Chef Anne Sophie Pic,” he enthused.

As for who he would love to have around his dinner table, Zolani said he’d invite the late Paul Bocuse. “For as much as I could remember I’ve always wanted to dine with the late Paul Bocuse because of how he modernised French cuisine and arranged his kitchen.”

Anne Sophie Pic is also on his ‘guest list’: “She’s dominating a male-dominated industry and that shows progression in our craft.”

And what would he serve his esteemed guests? “A classic Beef Wellington!”