As an absolute foodie, one of my favourite pastimes is cooking up a storm in the kitchen and if you follow me on social media, you would know that if I could spend every minute of my day cooking, then I would.
So when I attended a Women’s Health Magazine event at The Cookery, I knew that I would find my happy place. I get to cook while sipping on bubbly and I get to socialise. All I can really say is this place was made for me.
When I met Paul Maciel for the very first time, I was completely starstruck. During the course of the evening we got to chatting and he told me his story and all he ended up doing was igniting my passion for cooking. Paul started out as the owner of a well known Jozi restaurant Pronto in 2004. Twelve years later he sold Pronto and launched his blog The Secret Jozi Chef as well as his cooking school, The Cookery. I chatted to Paul about my weightloss journey and I clearly remember him saying, “Eat whatever you want, as long as you make it yourself”. I never thought about food that way, but it made absolute sense. The Secret Jozi Chef strongly believes that the real chefs in the world are home cooks.
The Cookery is a venue where foodies converge to cook, learn and socialise. Irrespective of whether you can cook or not, you are guaranteed to have an uber fun experience. I always meet the most amazing and interesting people at The Cookery which makes for a fabulous time.
The kitchen is equipped with state of the art appliances and equipment that will make any cooks’ heart sing. Can you say Kitchenaid and Whirlpool?!?! Events are theme based and advanced bookings are essential. The Cookery can cater for up to 20 people per lesson. Lessons are super relaxed, entertaining and just pure magic. Paul is supported by his fabulous team who are beyond friendly and helpful. Paul, Emilio, Sicelo and Carlos operate with such ease and precision that they make the entire experience one that will keep bringing you back time and time again. Trust me on this, I speak from experience as I aim to visit The Cookery at least once a month. So, if you haven’t experienced The Cookery by The Secret Jozi Chef I highly recommend you put it at the the top of your list of things to experience in Jozi.
The month of May sees The Cookery celebrate 2 years of all-round amazingness. To Paul and his fabulous team, I sincerely wish you the very best and I look forward to making many, many more amazing memories with you. Thank you for giving of yourselves so generously and for just being truly wonderful people. Your love for food and people is contagious and I’m left in awe after each and every visit.
