“We wanted to demonstrate the different ways in which to prepare maize meal so that the guests can turn White Star into a meal which suits their lifestyle – anything from traditional pap dish to a gourmet meal,” says White Star marketing manager, Mokhele Makhothi.

At the cook off, guests were divided into teams – each with a professional chef – and allocated to a cooking station where they were provided with a mystery basket containing the ingredients that had to be used to prepare a two-course meal. For two hours, onlookers could feel the heat as guests cooked up a storm, trying to impress the judges with their skills. “White Star had to be included in every dish proving the versatility of the brand and showing how we have put a completely new spin on how to use maize meal. The cook-off certainly demonstrated that White Star has earned its own star status,” adds Makhothi.

In the end, team ‘Wasabi’, led by Chef Kami, won the best starter and ‘Bona Apati’ were awarded first place for their culinary talents in the main dish competition.

Celebrity guests included Menzi Ngubane, Pearl Thusi,Tsholo Monedi, Motlatsi Mafatshe, HHP, Thato Molamu, Penny Lebyane, Kelly Khumalo and Eddie Zondi while the professional chefs in attendance were speciality chef Julian Molongoa, sous chef Earl Larkin, sous chef David Loate, sous Chef William Mcotoyi and Sushi Chef Kami, led by executive chef Andrew Robertson.

After an exhilarating competition, guests were able to enjoy the entertainment and accommodation offered at the resort, armed with some new recipes and knowledge to show off to their friends and families.