The chef with a calling and a passion to help others

Chef Adré Abrahams has always had a love for sharing so considers her appointment as a chef lecturer at Capsicum Culinary Studio’s Cape Town campus the pinnacle of her career.

The Elsies River resident has been in the culinary industry for 18 years, having first started working in a bakery on weekends while studying.

“It was while there that I developed a love for baking and the frenetic environment of the job. I loved the initial rush and then how things all came together at the end of the day.”

That daily adrenalin high led Abrahams to switch careers and train to become a chef instead. She started her career at Radisson Granger Bay in 2006 and over the years has worked at places such as the Lagoon Beach Hotel, the Vineyard Hotel and a number of other top establishments gaining invaluable experience along the way. But it was always her calling and her passion to help others that was at the forefront.

“During my time in the industry, I have had a lot of compassion, sympathy and patience for trainees as I know what it is like coming into a kitchen for the first time and not even knowing where to find a pot or a pan. I always told myself that one day I would love to give back and share the knowledge that I have gained over the years so when I was offered a position at Capsicum I jumped at the opportunity.”

So, what advice does Abrahams give her students?

“Three key things: Firstly, I always tell them to never give up! Rome wasn’t built in a day and everything takes time! It’s a tough industry but it builds character and teaches resilience. Secondly, to learn as much as possible, never say no and steal as much as they can with their eyes. And finally, to see negative outcomes as a learning curve rather than as a failure.”

And what advice does she have for anyone wanting to make a career in the culinary industry?

“If you have a passion for cooking or baking go for it but be prepared to work long hours and have almost no weekends off.”

We also asked Abrahams a few quickfire, fun questions:

Name five things always in your fridge or pantry
Water, fruit, vegetables, and snacks for my children

What would be your last meal?
A proper cottage pie.

Favourite celebrity cook?
Fatima Sydow from the TV series Kaap, Kerrie en Koesisters

What do you think are the latest food trends?
People are more health conscious, especially after Covid. Also, plant-based dishes are becoming more and more popular as people increasingly eco-cons,

For more information visit one of the Capsicum Culinary Studio campuses during business hours from Mondays to Thursdays. Contact them on +27 86 111 2433 or email chef@capsicumcooking.co.za to arrange a visit.

Capsicum campuses are located at:

  • Boksburg: Unit 6, Bartlett Lake Office Park, Cnr Leith and Trichards Roads, Boksburg
  • Cape Town: 6th Floor, Rex Trueform Office Park, 263 Victoria Rd, Salt River.
  • Durban: 300 Granada Square, 16 Chartwell Dr, Umhlanga Rocks.
  • Johannesburg: 3 Keyes Ave, Rosebank.
  • Nelson Mandela Bay: 1 Newmarket Rd, Greenacres, Gqeberha .
  • Pretoria: Menlyn Square, Ground Floor, South Building, 134 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen.

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