Executive Chef of the Grande Provence restaurant in Franschoek, Peter Templehoff, was declared winner of the Sunday Times Food Show Chef of the Year award on July 7 at a bash in Sandton.

Templehoff, an internationally experienced chef extraordinaire went head to head earlier that morning in a cook off with fellow maestros Matthew Gordon and Rudi Liebenberg in front of a packed food auditorium to decide who would be winner.

The trio were presented with mystery baskets filled with an assortment of uniquely South African ingredients such as eland, guinea fowl and waterblommetjies to assess their on the spot culinary genius. None disappointed, whipping up exotic and fanciful creations to wow the crowds and judges alike.

After much deliberation and tasting by the judges, the award went to Peter for his creativity and flair for flavour.

Other awards
Alex Gaspar, 23, a Junior Sous Chef at the Saxon Hotel, won the Young Chef of the Year (Qualified) Award and the Young Chef of the Year Award (Unqualified) was won by Alexi Mostert, 19.

The Sunday Times Great Tastes Awards presented a number of awards to South African producers for their innovative creations that celebrate local ingredients in a variety of categories.

Here are the winners:

Chocolate and confectionary:
NoMU Vanilla Paste – Paul Raphaely
Condiments:
Bella Vita: Shiitake Mushroom, Lemon & Ginger Chutney – Jules Harris and Ermanno
Kovacich Dairy:
Belnori Chevre Frais – Rina and Norman Belcher
Dried Herbs and Spices:
NoMU: Stir Chilli & Pesto Sauce – Paul Raphaely
Drinks: Non-alcoholic:
NoMU: Hot Chocolate – Paul Raphaely
Honeys, jams, preserves:
Jelly Babe: Marula Jelly – Glynis Hardy
Oils and vinegars:
Prima Donna Vinaigrette – Solvejg Fugard-Gous
Olives, pastes and spreads:
Gourmet Africa Sundried Tomato & Cashew Pesto – Debbie Alcock
Organic:
Tierhoek Organic Peach & Apricot Jam – Alison Gilson
Snacks:
Squirrels Snacks – Patricia Lee Bromley-Norton