Renowned chef hosts fundraiser dinner

Craig Cormack, the world-renowned South African “salt” chef, is preparing a four-course dinner for eight people, as a charity fundraiser that will help fund the children and youth of Sir Lowry’s Pass Village.

The proceeds of the evening will to towards purchasing land for a multi-purpose centre, including an ECD centre and rehabilitation centre.

Craig, who is currently stationed at Neethlingshof Estate in Stellenbosch, has been in the hospitality industry for 30 years, and worked in multiple five-star hotels for 18 of those years, and has owned his own business for the past 11 years.

One of South Africa’s leading chefs in his craft, and after years in the industry, Craig took up the position of Executive Chef at the Cape Grace Hotel, which in the two years he was there, was rated Best Hotel in the World Award by Conde Nast traveller, in the year 2000.

He was invited to become a member of the Chaine de Rottiseurs, and vice chairman and then later chairman of the South African Chefs Association, Western Cape.

After a few years abroad, he joined Spier five-star The Village Hotel, as executive chef.

Opening his own business, in partnership with Bertus Basson, All Things Culinary, Food Artisans, Somerset West, as Chef Patron... a professional team of chefs specializing in creative catering, fine dining meals in your home, training of young chefs, consultancy to restaurants and Hotels, hands on workshops, food demonstrations, food styling and product development.

He was promoted by the Chaine des Rottiseurs to Vice Consileur Culinaire for the regional committee, Western Cape in 2007, and is a member of the Olive and olive oil tasting panel – Olive Awards South Africa in 2006, 2007, 2008.

They added on a 50-seater restaurant onto their portfolio, Overture, situated on the Hidden Valley Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, and opened another restaurant, for a three-year contract where Craig was the Chef Patron, Sofia’s at Morgenster.

Craig has a salt range called Amoleh with nine salts in the collection, and opened Salt at Waterford Estate, The Manor House and the Palm Terrace on Neethlingshof, among other restaurants in the past, and he has also authored books on cheffing.

He has cooked for Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, and the South African Parliament, among many other dignitaries and celebrities.

The dinner takes place on Thursday August 25, at 6pm for 6.30pm, at the Somerset West Town Hall, and the cost is R10 000 for a table of eight people.

RSVP by Sunday August 21, with Elize Ludick, at 063 446 4712, Venessa Alexander, at 084 046 6936 or Shamiema Dulvie, at 081 760 7601.