There’s no denying that the culinary scene in Botswana continues to grow and indeed impress. From a burgeoning number of gastronomic platforms such as the Gaborone Food and Wine Show to the interest taken by such renowned figures as Master Chef Karl Guggenmos earlier this year, Botswana has a flair for fine food and an even greater flair for those who prepare it.
It’s a welcomed discovery, then, to see the meeting of culinary minds grow even stronger. As with any industry, field or speciality, magic comes alive in the sharing of ideas and tricks of the trade. Perhaps lying a little more on the fun side of the culinary spectrum, gastronomic entrepreneur and owner of the increasingly popular Young Chefs Academy Botswana, Gobonaone “One” Modisane joined forces with Lansmore Masa Square Executive Chef, Rico Carlinsky for a casual mix of culinary adventures.
Carlinsky joined One and her team in a baking session with children from Kgale Community Junior Secondary School (CJSS) as the team used the medium of cooking to instil a great sense of self expression and confidence amongst the children, most of which represented the special education class of the school. On the menu for the day was a chocolate cake from the Young Chefs Academy cache of recipes, allowing for a fun and engaging afternoon.
The duo then took to the kitchen of Lansmore’s La Touche de Provence, upping the ante to produce a bevy of impressive desserts. Typically exploring only child-friendly recipes for her students, One tried her hand at some of the more extravagant desserts that Rico and his team create. Cheffing around for the morning, the team laboured to produce a chocolate, vanilla and caramel cream cake, a chocolate mousse cake, a black forest cake, and a number of miniature dessert options that had everyone’s mouth watering.
Said Carlinsky, “It’s been a phenomenal time sharing ideas with such a creative person who, though in the same industry, uses her passion in a slightly different way. We’re in awe of the work One does with the kids at Young Chefs Academy and excited to have been a part of it and to be able to share our own tips and tricks with her. There’s a great deal more for culinary exchange in Botswana and this has proven to be a fantastic start!”
Young Chefs Academy Botswana was established in May 2010. The interactive space aims to sharpen youth’s life-skills and stir up creativity through the medium of cooking and baking. Young Chefs Academy strives to provide a safe, fun-filled, and friendly kitchen.
