This week, we’re thrilled to introduce Chef Ollie Swart, a culinary icon in South Africa and a longstanding friend of the Diet Starts Monday team. Born in Durban and now based in Cape Town, Ollie’s passion for cooking began in childhood, receiving a frying pan for his sixth birthday. This early love for food has shaped his career, leading him to earn top degrees from the prestigious Silwood School of Cookery and work in Africa’s top high-end restaurants like The Test Kitchen, La Colombe, and the Pot Luck Club.
Ollie’s high-energy, larger-than-life personality translates into his hearty and boisterous approach to cooking. “Freestyle Cooking”, his new, unique cookbook, showcases his innovative style, blending traditional techniques with creative flair, alongside a sneak peak into South Africa’s diverse culture through cuisine.
South Africa’s diverse culinary landscape has profoundly influenced Ollie’s cooking. Having lived in various areas of the country, he incorporates a wide range of flavors and techniques into his dishes, reflecting the nation’s multicultural heritage. After his experience in top restaurants, Ollie transitioned into high-end catering, co-owning one of South Africa’s largest catering companies, Annalize Catering.
Looking to the future, Ollie is excited about potential TV show opportunities and continues to inspire others through his catering business and online cooking videos (check him out @chefollie).
His journey from restaurant kitchens to freestyle cooking and catering demonstrates his versatility and passion for sharing South African cuisine with the world and showcases the evolution of one of Africa’s top chefs breaking into the international scene.
Link to purchase the book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Freestyle-Cooking-Chef-Ollie/dp/1485901359?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
