The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa appoints new Executive Chef: Henrico Grobbelaar

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, a member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, is delighted to announce the appointment of Henrico Grobbelaar as Executive Chef at the celebrated luxury five star hotel in Cape Town.

Regarded as one of ’s most creative and illustrious Chef’s, Grobbelaar will oversee the culinary experience in the hotel’s fine dining restaurant Azure, the 24-Hour Café, as well as the famous Leopard Bar. Guests visiting the hotel for arguably the most romantic and memorable South African weddings and celebrations will also benefits from Grobbelaar’s coveted palate.

Grobbelaar changed his career as an engineer in November 2002 for the culinary world, and has never looked back.  He began his love affair with food peeling vegetables for three years at the Erinvale Golf Estate in Somerset West under the leadership of Australian Chef Michael Bridgeman and was happy to do so for the privilege of wearing the white Chef’s jacket. He went on to win the Salon Culinaire in 2004 and then headed for the high seas to cater for millionaire clients on their luxury yachts. On his return to he went to train with legendary Garth Stroebel and Paul Hartmann at their new Culinary Academy and this is where his passion went into high gear and his desire to learn increased. During the World Cup he was responsible for Quality Assurance of the VIP Programme during the FIFA World Cup which involved him working tirelessly to prepare and create seven rotational menus in ten stadiums. This entailed his assurance that the 660 VIPs at each game had dining experiences as never before. Known in the industry as a hands-on Chef, the hours were sometimes gruelling, which only added to his passion for ensuring the job was done and at the highest standard.

Grobbelaar brings with him a long list of accolades and an enviable resume which includes – Sunday Times Chef of the Year 2009 – San Pellegrino International Young Chef of the Year 2009 – The World Economic Forum in Switzerland  -  The 2010 FIFA World Cup and has been chosen to be part of the of the South African Culinary Olympic Team.

Grobbelaar comments, “Working at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa fulfils another career ambition. The hotel is known around the world for superior service levels and award-winning standards and it’s an absolute honour to now be heading up this impressive culinary team. I plan to bring a fresh burst of flavour to my new menus, launching in the summer season, drawing from the freshest seasonal ingredients.”

To make a reservation contact Tel: +27 (0) 21 437 9000, email bookta@12apostles.co.za or visit www.12apostleshotel.com