Luckson Mare Wins S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Regional Final
Submitted by: Kaylin Van Der Vent
Chef Luckson Mare from The Living Room at Summerhill Guest Estate in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, has emerged as the winner of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy 2024–25 Regional Final for the Africa, Middle East, & South Asia region. Held on 18–19 November 2024 at Atlantic Studios in Cape Town, this two-day cook-off showcased some of the region's most talented young chefs.
An Exceptional Journey
Luckson Mare earned his title by impressing the esteemed jury—Roaya Saleh (Bahrain), Bertus Basson (South Africa), and Akmal Anuar (UAE)—with his signature dish, Duck, Sweet Potato, and Matungulu (Natal Coastal Plum).
Reflecting on his culinary journey, Mare shared:
“My journey began in my mother's kitchen as the youngest of five children. I’ve elevated her love for sweet potatoes and paired it with duck, a symbol of fine dining. Incorporating wild-foraged matangulu is my tribute to Chef Johannes, whose teachings have profoundly shaped my approach to cooking.”
As he prepares for the Grand Finale in Milan in 2025, Mare will work closely with his mentor, Chef Johannes Richter, Executive Chef at The Living Room, to refine his dish and skills.
Additional Regional Awards
Three other chefs were honoured during the Regional Final, earning opportunities to compete for global recognition:
- S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award: Zanté Neethling, Beyond Restaurant (Cape Town)
- Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award: Robin Höfer, Ossiano Restaurant (Dubai)
- Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award: Mahmoud Ali, Bold Restaurant (Ghana)
Gala Award Ceremony
The Regional Final concluded with a Gala Award Ceremony at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town. Under the theme “Bring Your Future”, Executive Chef Luke Barry crafted a sustainable menu reflecting his vision for the future. The dinner was expertly paired with Idiom wines and Nespresso coffee.
About the Competition
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy competition is dedicated to discovering and nurturing the next generation of visionary culinary talent. For more information, visit: www.sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com.
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Luckson Mare Wins S.Pellegrino Young Chef Regional Final
Chef Luckson Mare will represent Africa, the Middle East, & South Asia at the Grand Finale in Milan! Discover how his unique dish, "Duck, Sweet Potato, and Matungulu," wowed the judges. #SPellegrinoYoungChef #LucksonMare #CulinaryTalent #GrandFinale #pressrelease #AfricaNewsroom #bizcommunity #publicrelations #africa #southernafrica #southafrica
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