Wow, what a great and exciting week that included lots of fun and hard work.

The chefs served us a delicious meal, once again. They came organised and, within seconds, whipped up this delicious meal.

Paul Hartman and Garth Stroebel are just wonderful. After so many years of experience in the kitchen, they look like they're on holiday while they're cooking – unlike me, trying every time to copy their presentations and meals and... oooops!

Garth Stroebel is named by many chefs in the country as their mentor. He has worked as executive chef in many hotels, including the Mount Nelson and the President Hotel. He has received many awards, including the South African Chefs Association's prestigious Pinnacle Chef Award. He is also an accredited judge on the World Association of Cooks Societies' roll.

Paul Hartman is a born chef. His knowledge of the history, the components, the science and the art of food is renowned across the industry. He has also worked in many top South African kitchens, such as the Royal Hotel, the Beverly Hills and the Mount Nelson. At the Mount Nelson, he met Garth Stroebel, who introduced him to culinary competitions.

Paul was part of the team who was crowned “World Champions in the Hot Kitchen” and the IKA Culinary Olympics in Frankfurt in 1992.

Garth and Paul have a school in Cape Town called the South African Chef's Academy. The number is 021 4473168 and their website address is www.sachefsacademy.com.

My week took me travelling. This is always exhausting, but interesting.

But more about this next week.

Wilma