Executive Chef Justin Maharaj now rules the kitchen at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa - Award-winning five-star hotel Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa is excited to announce that Justin Maharaj is their new Executive Chef. With an extensive background in the industry he’s a perfect fit for the hotel and its flagship restaurant, Amuse-Bouche. Having grown up in Tongaat, KZN, Justin studied at the International Hotel School in Durban where he received his higher diploma in Professional Cookery and Kitchen Management. He also graduated with a Hospitality Management diploma and a Food and Beverage diploma awarded by The American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute. Initially unsure if his future lay in the kitchen, Justin studied towards a B. Com Accounting degree at the University of KZN.

Yet halfway through, Justin realised it wasn’t for him and answered his calling to become a chef. Justin’s impressive CV includes three years as the Executive Chef for the Maslow Hotel in Sandton, Executive Sous Chef at the Time Square Casino in Menlyn and four years as Sous Chef at Emperors Palace. Through owning and running two of the top 100 restaurants in South Africa, Rendezvous in Umhlanga and in Umdloti, Justin developed stellar entrepreneurial and business acumen. “I’ve worked with great chefs who inspired me to push through the demands of the industry,” he says. As a chef, Justin strongly believes in pushing the envelope and surpassing established benchmarks.

“Perseverance is the only way to pioneer success!” he says. Justin praises Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa’s essence of intimacy and exclusiveness. “As a venue, it has a great personality and I just love the gardens,” he adds. This seasoned chef wants to see Amuse-Bouche become the number one restaurant in Gauteng, through exceeding guest expectations and becoming a culinary leader. “Old-fashioned, wholesome food will be a constant,” he promises.

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa Managing Director Michael Kewley says: “Justin is intuitive, imaginative and driven to accomplish greatness. He’s a breath of fresh air and we look forward to seeing and tasting his creations.”   AboutFairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, an award-winning five-star boutique hotel, is conveniently situated in the Sandton suburb of Morningside Manor, Sandton. With close attention to detail and exceptional service, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa creates an intimate atmosphere where some of the globe’s most vibrant personalities converge.

The chic, upscale suites are individually decorated in varying themes ranging from Eastern influence to French provincial, each featuring every desired modern amenity. The hotel also caters to a variety of culinary tastes with an array of elegant dining experiences to choose from. Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa offers the upmarket guest a delicate mix of luxury and convenience, whether the visit is for leisure or business.

The stylish hotel, has an air of eclectic sophistication, considered a ‘home away from home’, where exceptional service and heartfelt hospitality can be soaked up like the African sun. Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa opens up a whole world of relaxation, complemented by superior service, a personal touch and constantly surprising guests by transporting them to a sanctuary that appeals to all six senses. A unique, exclusive, upmarket oasis.

Website: fairlawnshotel.co.za
Facebook: facebook.com/FairlawnsBoutiqueHotel
Instagram: @fairlawnsboutiquehotel

At just 27 years of age, Boldwin Barlow has been appointed as the new Executive Chef at the luxurious Radisson Blu Le Vendome Hotel in Sea Point, Cape Town. Inspired by both French traditions and the local cuisine of his home region, Barlow’s style shows a passion for bold innovation and a penchant for creative fusion.  

Hailing from the West Coast of South Africa, Barlow draws his inspiration from traditional Cape-style dishes and seafood, which he then fuses with French elements. A passion for learning coupled with a keen sense of adventure drives Barlow to develop exciting new dishes.  

“When it comes to ingredients, it is important to think rather than just throw various elements onto the plate,” he comments.  

Barlow places a particular emphasis on detail and enjoys fish for its diversity and versatility. “There is so much you can do with seafood and it can make for a truly mind-blowing food experience.” 

His flair for seafood marries well with the Atlantic Seaboard location of the Radisson Blu Le Vendome Hotel. His fine eye for detail matches the polished setting, with its sophisticated décor and upscale facilities including restaurants, a lounge and rooftop swimming pool.  

“Radisson Blu Le Vendome Hotel is about elegance,” says Barlow. “The customers we serve are those with a vulnerable taste bud – an adventurous type that enjoys the finer details.” 

Barlow’s interest in becoming a chef piqued at a young age; though his idols include celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver, Barlow learnt a great deal from his mother and close family members, who are caterers. “In the end, they were the real source of my inspiration,” he comments.  

Before joining the Radisson Hotel Group, Barlow worked in hotel properties across Cape Town including the Ambassador Hotel and Lord Charles Hotel, as well as the seaside restaurant Sotano and Hartenberg Wine Estate. After joining the Radisson Hotel Group in 2016, Barlow rose rapidly through the ranks from Sous-Chef at Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town Newlands to Executive Chef at Radisson Blu Le Vendome Hotel, where he brings passion, energy and creativity to the kitchen. 

ISSUED BY:
Scout PR & Social Media Contact:
Stephanie via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +27 (0) 21 685 0169

***About Radisson Blu®
Radisson Blu® is an upper upscale hotel brand that delivers a positive and personalised service in stylish spaces. Characterised by attention to small details and a Yes I Can!SM service philosophy, Radisson Blu® hotels are designed to make a big difference and inspire unforgettable experiences with every stay. Through personalised service and local nuance, each stay at a Radisson Blu® hotel offers a truly individual guest experience. Radisson Blu® hotels are in major cities, key airport gateways and leisure destinations. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson Blu® by participating in Radisson Rewards™, a global loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards. 

Radisson Blu® is part of the Radisson Hotel Group, which also includes Radisson Collection™, Radisson®, Radisson RED®, Park Plaza®, Park Inn® by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites® by Radisson and prizeotel.  

For reservations and more information visit, www.radissonblu.com.

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radissonblu/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/radissonblu
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radissonblu/