Another four talented contestants enter the Cooking For A Cause kitchen on Monday.
Let’s get to know this week’s cook who are hoping to impress David Higgs and earn a spot in the season 2 finale.
[divider]Ravishni Mahadeo[/divider]
Describe yourself as a cook in 3 words.
Bold, inspiring and passionate.
Where did your cooking journey begin?
My cooking journey began at home trying to make the best out of terrible take out meals.
What made you decide to enter Cooking For A Cause?
I have a real passion for food photography, I’m also very comfortable working under pressure especially in the kitchen and I went absolutely crazy about the idea of David Higgs tasting one of my creations after tasting so many of his extraordinary dishes.
Tell us what inspired your entry dish?
Definitely my Mauritian heritage. We love our fresh seafood and tomato based dishes which packs a punch of flavors and aromas.
What are you looking forward to most about the competition?
To be able to step out of my bubble and express my passion and love for cooking on a platform that not only supports and encourages amateur cooks such as myself, but is also trying to ensure that those that share a passion for food benefit from this experience through amazing initiatives.
[divider]Aspasia Karras[/divider]
Describe yourself as a cook in 3 words.
Seasonal, mediterranean and comforting,
Where did your cooking journey begin?
At my mother’s knee. The Greek is strong in me – my family has always delighted in gathering around the table for delicious, spirit bolstering meals.
What made you decide to enter Cooking For A Cause?
I felt so fortunate during this time to be able to nurture my family and cook a fresh meal every evening – it made me very conscious of the great need facing our society.
Tell us what inspired your entry dish?
The ability of a beautiful seasonal dish to act as a balm for the soul – I think during this time more than any other the link between comfort and food has been reinforced for me.
What are you looking forward to most about the competition?
Having fun on a Monday night.
[divider]Kholiwe Rafu[/divider]
Describe yourself as a cook in 3 words.
Accessibility, flavour and refinement.
Where did your cooking journey begin?
I was introduced to fine food when I worked as a waitress for Havana Grill and Wine bar in Durban. I always use the food I eat at restaurants as inspiration when cooking.
What made you decide to enter Cooking For A Cause?
My friends cannot stop complementing my creativity and skill. This is my chance to get non-biased feedback from a professional.
Tell us what inspired your entry dish?
I divided to use the ingredients that I already had in my fridge and pantry. This inspired by David Higgs’ “what’s in your fridge” game from lockdown.
What are you looking forward to most about the competition?
I am looking forward to seeing how I will manage cooking under the pressure of time. This is a chance to get out of my head and just cook!
[divider]Anesca Latsky[/divider]
Describe yourself as a cook in 3 words.
Indulgent, adventurous and tipsy.
Where did your cooking journey begin?
Back in Bloem, I used to be a waitress all throughout high school and varsity, working in some great restaurants that served AMAZING food. I always sneaked into the kitchens to try and see what the chefs were cooking, asking them for the recipes and trying to go and make it at home. I think that is where my love for food started.
What made you decide to enter Cooking For A Cause?
My best friend, Vahsti (@littleredfeastinghood) entered Season 1 and on her cooking night, I was sitting behind the scenes pouring wine and cheering her on. She encouraged me to apply for Season 2 (I think she just wanted some more of that delicious wine). And of course, big fan of Dave, little bit of a girl crush going on there, but don’t tell him I said so…..
Tell us what inspired your entry dish?
When I saw the amazing list of ingredients we were given (including prawns and butternut), I immediately thought of that delicious South African tradition of Snoek & Patat, so I played my flavours around that. Like many a foodie, I’m addicted to Masterchef Australia (I mean, who isn’t), so I tried being fancy with my plating…looks liked it worked.
What are you looking forward to most about the competition?
I’m a new mom to a 8-month old baby girl, so I don’t get much time to socialise really. So I’m looking forward to a girls night (I’ll be cooking at my friend’s place, she knows the drill by now), lots of delicious food and a glass of wine or 6! I’m also really excited to be able to raise awareness and money for such a great cause. And to meet Dave. Of course.