At RIO LARGO, we are passionate about quality, sustainability, and supporting the next generation of chefs. That’s why we were so thrilled when Brenda Wilkinson, our owner and the heart behind our premium extra virgin olive oil, was invited as a supplier to the COOKtastic ChefPreneur Day! It was a morning filled with inspiration, passion, and excitement — a true celebration of culinary education and entrepreneurship.
An Amazing Experience with Inspiring Young Chefs
Brenda had the privilege of meeting and engaging with the remarkable students at COOKtastic Hub. She was truly blown away by their knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm for the food they prepare. “Wow! Those students! They have fabulous knowledge of the food they prepare and are just so lovely!” Brenda shared. What made the experience even more inspiring was that each student is encouraged to take their culinary skills beyond the kitchen and venture into entrepreneurship by starting their own businesses. Amazing!
The Winners! From left to right: Brent Lessing, Chris Ngomo, and Yonela Radase with RIO LARGO owner Brenda Wilkinson
From left to right: Justine Vlok, Business Development Manager of COOKtastic, Chefpreneur “MK”, and Brenda Wilkinson.
A Hub of Culinary Excellence: COOKtastic Hub
Established in 2019, COOKtastic Hub is a non-profit organisation based in Cape Town that is transforming the lives of disadvantaged youth. The organisation serves as a hospitality hub, providing a comprehensive culinary training programme that not only hones cooking skills but also focuses on personal development and job placement within the hospitality industry. Situated at The Palm Centre in Woodstock, COOKtastic is more than just a training centre; it is a vibrant space open daily where visitors can enjoy great coffee and delicious lunches prepared by students honing their craft.
The COOKtastic Hub aims to bridge the gap between the high demand for skilled culinary professionals and the limited opportunities available to marginalised young people. By providing essential training and nurturing talent, COOKtastic is shaping the future of South Africa’s culinary scene — one chef at a time.
Brenda Wilkinson with Ello Mbuyi, Director of COOKtastic Hub.
Mentorship and Education: A Vital Part of South African Tourism
Brenda Wilkinson has been involved in culinary initiatives for over 12 years, including her work with Showcook. However, COOKtastic is a very different and special initiative that she holds dear. She believes that giving back through mentorship and education is crucial, especially in the context of South Africa’s growing tourism industry. “It is really important to portray the importance of giving back by ways of mentoring and educating future chefs,” says Brenda. “It is a very important role of tourism in our country of South Africa.”
The Role of Quality Ingredients in Culinary Excellence
At RIO LARGO, we are committed to ensuring that these future chefs are not only trained in culinary techniques but are also well-informed about the quality of ingredients that make up a great meal. Brenda emphasises that true and pure ingredients are the foundation of exceptional cuisine. By participating in programs like Showcook and COOKtastic, we have the opportunity to educate young chefs from the grassroots level. They learn the importance of using authentic, high-quality products like our RIO LARGO extra virgin olive oil, and they gain a deep understanding of what they are putting into the meals they create.
“By giving them product information and education from the beginning of their careers, when they go into the profession, they know exactly what they’re doing and what they’re putting into those meals they’re presenting from their kitchens,” Brenda says. “It’s quite an important part that we are educating future young candidates in the food industry.”
A Commitment to the Future
At RIO LARGO, we are immensely proud to support initiatives like COOKtastic that are building a brighter future for South Africa’s culinary talent. It’s more than just about olive oil; it’s about empowering young people, nurturing talent, and giving back to the community. We look forward to more opportunities to work alongside organisations like COOKtastic and ChefPreneurs, inspiring and guiding the chefs of tomorrow.
Together, we can cultivate a future that celebrates both our rich culinary heritage and the promise of what’s to come. Stay tuned for more stories about our journey, our commitment to quality, and the inspiring collaborations that help shape the future of our culinary landscape!
