CHEF RYAN COLE NAMED CHEF OF THE YEAR 2023
The award-winning chef has been named this year’s Eat Out Woolworths Financial Services Chef of the Year at the annual Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards
Camps Bay, Cape Town: Chef Ryan Cole, the executive chef and co-owner of Salsify at The Roundhouse has been announced as this year’s Eat Out Woolworths Financial Services Chef of the Year.
The title was awarded to Cole by Woolworth’s Financial Services CEO Sivendran Pillay and Eat Out Head Judge Abigail Donnelly at the annual industry affair on Sunday, 19 November 2023, at Grand West Casino.
On bestowing the award, the judges noted: “Ryan demonstrates a high degree of creativity and displays a passion for driving the local food scene forward. This is a chef at the height of his powers.”
The evening held many reasons to celebrate for the chef as Salsify at the Roundhouse was also awarded the most prestigious three-star rating, and Cole took home the Eat Out Birkenstock Chefs’ Chef Award – a special award voted for by last year’s star-rated chefs, a true testament to the chef’s standing within the industry and the respect he holds amongst his peers.
(L) Chef Ryan Cole wins Chefs of Chefs, and (R) the Salsify team receive their Three Stars – (from L to R) Eden Danda, Nina du Toit, Ryan Cole, Victor Okolo and Sydwell Mayika.
“I’m incredibly humbled and honoured to have received these awards,” says the chef, adding, “It’s an incredible honour to be recognised both by the judges and by my fellow chefs within the industry. I couldn’t be prouder of the Salsify team and all we have achieved this year, the three-star rating means a lot to the team and is the result of a lot of hard work by everyone who helps bring the restaurant to life each and every day.”
Salsify, situated within the storied walls of the historic Roundhouse, with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Lion’s Head as a backdrop, sees Chef Ryan Cole draw from both land and sea to create his modern seasonal dishes. Inspired by nature, driven by the seasons, and guided by an unwavering sustainable ethos, the chef and his team deliver a sensational, seafood-led, multi-course menu celebrating beautiful South African ingredients.
Never one to rest on his laurels, the chef is excited for the up-coming year and all it will bring with it.
“It’s been an amazing year and we’re thrilled with the recognition received for what we do, most of all though we’re grateful for the support of our guests without whom none of this would be possible. We’re already looking forward to next year and working to ensure Salsify is the best it can possibly be,” concludes the chef.