This season, 13 teams faced a range of exceptionally tough challenges from host Justin Bonello and equally rigorous judging courtesy of executive chef, Bertus Basson and chef, Petrus Madutlela, neither of whom did much to pull their punches.
The winning pair, John Grundlingh and Piet Marais, weren’t daunted however, choosing instead to focus their efforts on what they do best: make really good food on the braai. Ultimately, it was this combination of exceptional braai skills and strength of character that landed them on the winner’s podium.
Marais, an entrepreneur from Gordon’s Bay, originally tried his luck in season 3, but got sent home early in the game. Determined to prove he has what it takes to nab the title, he returned with Grundlingh, also a previous contestant on the show, to flex his braai muscles in Seasons4. Their motto; “When at first you don’t succeed, braai, braai again!” clearly stood the duo in good stead.
“It was quite a privilege for us to be part of two seasons and a complete fairy tale ending to win season 4. It’s a truly unique experience to travel your own country with an amazing group of people, seeing places you would never normally see and taking part in some seriously tough challenges on the way. I wish we could do it again next year,” says Marais.
Grundlingh says; “Amazeballs doesn’t come close to describing what it’s like to travel to the best locations in South Africa and then still braai at each of them. It takes your breath away when you realise how many beautiful gems we have hidden in each province. Best of all, I got to do this twice in a row.”
Grundlingh plans on using his winnings to renovate the kitchen in his new house and was quick to add that this would include a five-station braai, while Marais’ money will be going straight into his company, Santa Anna’s, which specialises in Mexican products and American style barbecue.
The Suzuki Sx4 was a clear winner with both; “We took the Suzuki all over South Africa’s toughest terrains and she performed perfectly in all conditions,” says Marais, and Grundlingh agrees; ”John and I put it through its paces on the show and we plan on doing the same for this coming year. There’s nothing like a Sho’t Left in a Suzuki Sx4.”
With a request from SASSI/WWF to be their celebrity brand ambassador and going head to head with some of South Africa’s best seafood chefs to claim the coveted Seafood Kings in South Africa title with partner, Chris Kasterns —from season 2— it’s anyone’s guess what Grundlingh will do next. One thing’s for sure, though, it will include a braai. In addition to his company and catering business, Marais says there are possible plans afoot to open a restaurant in Stellenbosch and Paarl next year; “Whether for business or for pleasure, braaing will always be a part of my life.”
Predictably, both are indulging in South Africa’s favourite pastime on Christmas Day, with seafood featuring front and centre on Grundlingh’s menu, while Marias’ Greek-themed affair will be focused around a lamb on a spit.
Produced by Cooked in Africa Films, the fourth Season of South Africa’s most-watched cooking show saw audience numbers treble this year, with
Ultimate Braai Master now reaching 1.7-million viewers each week. With numbers like these sponsors, Robertsons Herbs & Spices, Coca-Cola, Suzuki and South African Tourism, are sure to have their pens poised in anticipation of
season 5.