As 2020 approaches...
“My dream of opening a culinary school came true. My dream, however, never stretched as far as the school’s fifth intake that’s just around the corner – January 2020! ”
Every day of every week of every month of every year has delivered excitement – some challenges too! Sceptics thought boredom would set in but there’s no time for that. Change being the only constant means I have learnt to adapt – at speed. This means continuously adapting, improving and developing. I have also learnt about the surprises – and fortunately I’ve had mostly good ones.
In my endeavour to boost the country’s culinary industry, I have been encouraging hoteliers and restaurateurs to send their cooks on a course – so far without success. But… a little while ago Ivy Gondwe - a very gracious, elegant Malawian – visited Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine with the idea of sending one of her team to join this year’s intake. Ivy owns Ufulu Gardens Hotel and Conference Center in Lilongwe. It is “renowned for its meticulously groomed landscape, friendly and attentive staff, and its quiet, relaxing atmosphere”, a short drive from Lake Malawi.
Our mutual understanding of a desire to enhance guest’s foodie experiences resulted in Maganizo Penti being selected out of more than 60 staff members to enrol for our three-year course. Maganizo is an absolute gentleman, respectful, hard-working, a popular team member and determined to take all his learnings back to Malawi. His eyes light up when we speak about home and how he will share his new-found knowledge with his colleagues. His patience and kindness are the perfect attributes for teaching and training, and I look forward to following his career, as well as the improvements he takes to the hotel’s kitchen. While studying, Maganizo leaves his wife, Harriet Penti – also employed at the hotel - and his five-year-old son, Mike, back in Malawi. They are prepared to sacrifice his stint away from home because they are aware of the benefits it will bring.
The time and energy spent acquiring a study visa failed to get Maganizo here on opening day - two weeks into the course he arrived. To the students’ excitement they were tasked to teach him all he’d missed. This proved invaluable because I was able to check the level of their understanding. And if marks are anything to go by, the students did a successful job because Maganizo recently achieved a certificate of distinction for food safety from City&Guilds, marked in London. In fact, all the students were awarded distinctions for this paper.
We, as a team, always want more of everything Maganizo cooks because his dishes are so tasty. Our regular Sundowner guests can vouch for this. The first meal that he made here – and the one he is sharing with you - was with his son in mind. He says Mike enjoys macaroni, in any shape or form but, particularly, with bacon, mushrooms and loads of cheese. Try it – you’ll agree that it’s packed with deliciousness.
Maganizo’s Bacon Mac and Cheese with Mushrooms
I wouldn’t change my career for anything - there are so many heart-warming experiences to share. Please take up our invitation to visit the school and meet the team – we’re open Wednesday to Sunday from 09h00 and take our last table at 13h00.
Explore my website to find out more about my women’s, men’s and children’s chef ranges. Remember Jackie Cameron Cooks at Home and Baking with Jackie Cameron – the books highlight all my foodie adventures. I always look forward to hearing from you so please communicate via email: jackie@jackiecameron.co.za Jackie Cameron - owner of Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine in Hilton, KZN. For enquires: Email admin@jackiecameron.co.za “Find me on Facebook – Jackie Cameron Cooks at Home, Twitter - @jackie_cameron and Instagram: jackiecameronincolour”
Food assistant and recipe developer: MAGANIZO PENTI
All Photos taken by:
Karen E Photography
0608622338
www.karene.me
kephoto500@gmail.com