Celebrity Chef Cook-Off winner for 2015

Arina du Plessis becomes Spekko Rice’s first Celebrity Chef Cook-Off winner for 2015.

With over 2 000 people attending the Market at The Palms on Valentine’s Day – the attractions were definitely the first Spekko Celebrity Cook-Off for 2015, plus the appearance by Lize Mynhardt, runner-up in SA’s 2014 Idols. The theme of the cook-off was “travels with rice” and the chefs and well-known foodies rose to the occasion with dishes from all over the world.

The chefs included Arina du Plessis from Landbouweekblad who won the cook-off with her Spicy pilaf with cabbage, caramelized chili pears and yogurt drizzle. Zola Nene from Expresso impressed the judges with her Italian inspired Arancini with a mushroom filling. Christine Wessels, a DJ from Smile Radio cooked a strawberry and almond rice dessert; Martelize Brink from RSG “wowed” with her Mushroom pilaf with chutney; Merential van der Vent from Tygerburg 104fm prepared her family favourite, a Thai green curry chicken with vegetables; Alet van der Westhuizen, a finalist in Kokkedoor Season 2 was inspired by a visit to Chiang Mai in Thailand and prepared Phad Kapprow – pork mince on Spekko Royal Umbrella Jasmine Rice with a fried egg on top.

Martelize, a much-loved presenter on RSG is the daughter of South Africa’s first potjiekos king. With her siblings she compiled the book “Matie Brink se Potjiekos” after his death.

In the judging seats were Marinda Engelbrecht, a Kokkedoor Season 1 finalists and Nina Timm, food presenter on RSG. RSG’s Heidi Muller was MC.

In February last year, in a first for Spekko Rice, the brand embarked on a series of Celebrity Cook-Off Pop-Up events at the market. In the last months, food writers such as Huisgenoot, You and Drum food editor Carmen Niehaus; Herman Lensing, food editor Sarie magazine; Abigail Donnelly, food editor Taste magazine and Vicky de Beer, food editor Rooi Rose have matched their skills against food bloggers, street foodies and executive chefs.

Arina du Plessis, food editor of Landbouweekblad and Boerekos recipe books, cooked the winning recipe at the Spekko Celebrity Cook-off Pop-up event on Valentine’s day.

Try this pilaf for a perfect vegetarian meal.

Christine Wessels from Smile fm who made this vanilla pudding with strawberries
and roasted almonds.

RSG’s Martelize Brink who made this Mushroom pilaf with Chutney Basmati.

Zola Nene, celebrated chef, stylist and Expresso presenter, prepared Mushroom arancini
at the Spekko Celebrity Cook-off on Valentine’s Day.

Anet van der Westhuizen’s Phad Kaprow. This a Thai dish with minced pork and egg.

Spekko Winner Rukeya Isaacs and her son.

Hedi Muller from-RSG with judge Marinda Engelbrecht.

There is free parking.

The address is: The Palms Décor & Lifestyle Centre, 145 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock,
(021) 462 0394. www.palms.co.za.
Follow twitter @ThePalmsCentre or Market at the Palms on Facebook.