Chef patron, author and owner of La Pentola in Pretoria, Shane Sauvage, has recently released a cookbook – The Edge of Fusion. Which means you can now try all his dishes at home.

The passionate chef has brought his kitchen secrets out into the open, showing you how to prepare crocodile (in case you’ve ever wondered!), mix salmon with strawberries and whip up a plethora of fab Afro-Parisian fusion dishes.

Shane draws from 12 years experience creating South African dishes, presenting unusual but workable combinations of flavour and texture – using classic culinary principles but with leftfield gourmet turns. The book is an energetic and picture-filled guide with easy-to-follow recipes.

Excerpts from the foreword by Victor Strugo, Le GastroGnome
The Edge of Fusion is a launching pad for exciting culinary journeys, a palate revolution with a hearth full of soul. The intense flavours and creative exuberance contained in these pages cannot fail to seduce any person with a detectable pulse.’

‘In Shane’s hands, fusion was the natural way to embrace both emerging South African identity and universal curiosity. In deference to his legendary predecessor, Shane initiated his own exploration of ‘Afro-Parisian fusion’. The French connection became a conscious commitment to respect classical cooking methods.’

The Edge of Fusion is available from Jacana Media, R275 (www.jacana.co.za)

Established in 1995, La Pentolas culinary roots are drawn from French, Italian and rich Mediterranean flavours, fused with the best local produce available. Game being a permanent fixture for the adventurous diner – honey-glazed crocodile with kiwi fruit and granadilla sauce or the honey mustard warthog in a fresh cream brandy sauce, to name only two. After 12 years La Pentola is one of the most critically acclaimed and successful restaurants in Pretorias culinary history. La Pentola is the perfect venue to celebrate special occasions, business functions, birthday parties, year end functions and wedding receptions.

La Pentola, Riviera Gallery, 5 Well Street, Riviera, Pretoria
Call 012-329 4028