The final round of Ultimate Braai Master auditions got under way at the Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg over the weekend.

This time however there was something a little different about them… a Gourmet Guy was around as a guest judge for the audition phase.

It is not surprising that the producers call on an array of people to help with this part of the process, 60 teams lined up on Saturday with as many as three courses on offer. Far too much for Bertus Basson and Marthinus Ferreira to handle.

The judges were assembled into groups of four with my compatriots being restaurateurs Martin Venter, Local Grill, Dillon du Plessis, Burnside Cafe and some Gal Power provided by season one’s Top Five Braai Buddy, Lethu Ncengwa.

Others in the star studded judging cast included Season One Winner, Laertes ‘Tubby’ Melidonis, Luca from the very popular Luca’s in Sunginhill, Braaiboy – Gareth Daniell and an array of professional chefs including Dallas Orr and Coco Reinharz.

Many of the contestants had been preparing since 6am to get ready for the first round of judging which commenced at 11:45am which considering some of the braai contraptions seen at the auditions was essential.

Judging the first table is always a difficult challenge as this is the benchmark against which all other meals will be judged and extra care was taken to ensure that each aspect of the meal is judged appropriately. What makes it even more important is that all the judges where informed that the first meals they taste will generally be the best. They were the people who were up the earliest and put the most work into getting everything perfect.

They were not wrong, as the judges passed from table to table the food generally got worse.

When I say worse it was not that the food was inedible (apart from the camel kebab) but mostly poorly thought out, under-seasoned and in some cases under/over cooked. Many of the competitors over complicated their dishes and did things that were totally unnecessary like marinade a beautiful rack of lamb in balsamic vinegar overnight… Why???

Perfect tortilla made on the braai with a little feminine flair.

Those who shone however really did shine brightly and for me it was the Diamond Divas who stood out head and shoulders above the rest of the meals we tasted that day. They displayed knowledge, skill, innovation and most of all confidence in what they were presenting, no doubt fostered by the preceding three qualities.

They made it through to day 2 of the audition process along with 14 other talented Braai Masters. How they performed the next day in the pressure test we do not know. The second day is a tough challenge and seeing as we did not get to taste everybody’s food we’re not quite sure how our favourites would stack up against the rest. We don’t have long to wait as the finalists are due to be announced on Friday 5th April.

The Diamond Divas get to meet Justin Bonello.

The teams that made it through to day 2 are:
1. Bravo Echo ta From Scratch
2. The Plot Rots
3. Blus
4. Ying Yang
5. Bare Grills
6. Darkies Unleashed
7. Diamond Divas
8. Simply Sisters
9. Team Spectacular
10. Kasi Guys
11. Sprigs & Sprouts
12. Hot Coals
13. Sumting Fresh
14. Mojo

Ultimate Braai Master will air on SABC 3 in September 2013.

Ultimate Braai Master wrap up the audition phase in Jo’burg. first appeared first on Gourmet Guys

It was a windy day in Port Elizabeth as the Ultimate Braai Master auditions got under way.

Nine teams made it through to the second day of competition bringing the total number of teams from which the final 15 will be selected to 31.

The PE Teams who made it through to day 2 are, in no particular order:
1. Braai-O-Holics
2. The Wild Ones
3. BBB
4. West Coast Bros
5. Elephant Spitbraai
6. Coal Play
7. Smoke, Sweat & Tears
8. Huiskombuis Boys
9. Smith & Krohn

It was not all clean sailing in the windy city though as some of the locals were a little put out when some of those who failed at the Cape Town auditions arrived to try again in Port Elizabeth.

Tarryn in particular made her feelings known on the Ultimate Braai Master Facebook page.

Despite the unrest in some quarters of Port Elizabeth the food on display looked great, we like the look of the bacon wrapped asparagus.

Justin Bonello was always on hand keeping an eye on the proceedings.

The last round of auditions take place in Johannesburg next week, after that the 15 finalists will be told to go and prepare for the trip of a lifetime.

Ultimate Braai Master is due to screen on SABC 3 in September 2013.

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The Ultimate Braai Master Durban auditions have not been a smooth run this year.

First 15 entrants pulled out of the competition which left the show’s producers scrambling around to get some more entrants involved with the days activities and then when the day finally arrived so did the wind and rain.

It was a trying day for the braai master hopefuls as they battled inclement conditions while trying to impress the audition judges and make it through to Day 2 of the competition and then on to the final 15.

Nine teams made it through to day two, we shall have to wait and see how many will make it through to the final 15.

1. Same Same
2. Amsterdam
3. Pot Bellie Chillie Ballies
4. Dew South
5. Sell Out
6. Fired Up
7. Team Rocket
8. 2 Chops
9. Shisa Mfethu

In typical Durban style the contestants pitched up as though they had just come from the beach, in Cape Town the UBM hopefuls had arrived in some cool threads and many had aprons with the teams name printed on them.

Not the case in Durban as the best you could hope for was a name tag was printed on an A4 sheet of paper (Same Same excluded), no doubt printed by the show producers

The name does not appear to be a wise choice either, “two chops”…. hmmm. Let’s hope they make it onto the show, Gourmet Guys could have a lot of fun with that name.

.

The food does look very good though, especially all those crayfish.

Next up are the Jo’burg auditions on the 23rd of March.

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Troy May and Roscoe Kleinloog failed to make the grade for season one of Ultimate Braai Master and failed again for season two.

Last year the two hopefuls entertained everyone with their “smash hit” Worsalicious video (watch extended play version) but failed to impress the judges when it came to their braai talents.

This has not stopped them from having another go and were spotted at the Cape Town auditions roasting up a beef fillet and a few moink balls, which too be honest does not look like Braai Master fare.

The judges felt the same way as we do not see Chop ‘n Dop in the Top 13 photograph.

The Cape Town hopefuls were part of 250 national teams of two contestants each who were singled out of the 4200 online competition entries received since December last year. Teams consisting of a Braai Master and Braai Buddy have been invited to put their tongs to the test in a series of regional audition events kicking off in Cape Town, followed by Durban, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg during March 2013.

Pick n Pay’s General Manager of Marketing, Malcolm Mycroft said, “As family brand with a proud history of supporting “local”, Pick n Pay wishes to extend a hearty congratulations to the teams that went the extra mile to participate in the inaugural Audition! The Western Cape demonstrated the originality, camaraderie and sense of fun that makes braaing a quintessential part of the South African lifestyle.”

Supported by partners Coca-Cola, Standard Bank, Renault Koleos and BIC Firelighters, a team of local celebrities and discerning foodies joined Justin and Ultimate Braai Master judge Bertus Basson (Exceutive Chef and owner of Overture Restaurant) in a gruelling tasting schedule that included Executive Chefs, Chris Erasmus of Restaurant Pierneef a La Motte in Franschhoek and Tracey Orione of Massimo’s Restaurant in Hout Bay rating the best braai teams of the day.

Justin Bonello said, “The teams from the first Season set new benchmarks in what can only be described as ‘gourmet’ braai fare. The judges and I were thrilled to see that Western Cape teams delivered on our expectations with some unique variations on classic starters, mains and desserts! However, the art to getting ahead in this competition isn’t only related to cooking skills, but requires equal measures of street smarts, determination, and luck – making it anyone’s game. I was bowled over by the sheer determination and enthusiasm demonstrated by some teams, for example brothers from Team Salt & Pepper arrived at registration at 1am (five hours early!), while Team Boerie Brothers from MacGregor made it through the Auditions despite being involved in a car accident on the way to the event! ”

After a sizzling day in the sun, Justin announced 13 finalist teams from the Western Cape to go into the national pool from which the 15 final competing teams will be selected to participate in the 2013 Ultimate Braai Master competition.

In no particular order, the teams that made it through to Day 2 in Cape Town are:

1. Good Better Braai
2. Quince Cooks
3. Vuur en Vlam
4. Hayfah
5. SA Pillonas
6. The Braaight Brothers
7. Forged in Fire
8. Cherries and Braaitongs
9. Billy and The Kid
10. Wildthings
11. Berry Bright Food Fanatics
12. Boerie Brothers
13. Showoff Chefs

Chop and Dop make another failed bid for Ultimate Braai Master immortality in Cape Town first appeared first on Gourmet Guys

An unfortunate set of circumstances has seen 15 Ultimate Braai Master entrants drop out of the Durban auditions due to take place this weekend.

The good news is that this has opened up some places for any latecomers who may suddenly feel the urge to enter and embark on the journey of a life time across South Africa.

So if you think you’ve got what it takes, and you would like to compete in this weekend’s auditions, send the following details to ubm@cookedinafrica.co.za and they’ll put you on the list:

1. Braai Master Name:
2. Braai Buddy Name:
3. Team Name:
4. Contact numbers and Emails for the Braai Master and Braai Buddy

The Durban auditions are to be held 9 & 10 March 2013, The King’s Park Stadium, Fan Outer Field KP7

Think of this as fate!

Places available for Ultimate Braai Master auditions as Durban drops the braai grid. first appeared first on Gourmet Guys

Online entries for the second season of South Africa’s extreme outdoor reality cooking competition, Ultimate Braai Master, closed on Friday, 15 February with over 4000 contestants entering from across South Africa.

Sponsored by Pick n Pay and supported by Coca-Cola, Standard Bank and Renault Koleos, 250 braai hopefuls have been short listed from the thousands of entries to compete for a place in the Reality TV competition via one of four regional Audition events scheduled to take place in Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg during March.

Bronwen Rohland, Pick n Pay’s Marketing and Sustainability Director said:

As family brand with a proud history of supporting “local”, Pick n Pay is delighted to extend its’ headline sponsorship of the Ultimate Braai Master into a second season, highlighting the tremendous talent, culinary creativity and ingenuity that exists amongst our country’s amateur and semi-professional cooks.

The Competition provides an original and entertaining platform to showcase two quintessentially South African passions – braaiing with friends and family in the great outdoors. Stocked with our diverse range of fresh, sustainable and locally sourced products, this year’s Braai Master challengers will be supported in their mission by the Pick n Pay Pantry, which also features SASSI Green List seafood.

After the whirlwind culinary journey and new braai-inspired benchmarks that were established in Season One, Ultimate Braai Master 2013 promises to push more boundaries and venture even further off-road to uncover those undiscovered location gems and rough diamond bush cooks who have what it takes to win this year’s title of SA’s Ultimate Braai Master.”

Ultimate Braai Master Regional Auditions are not open to the public, and will take place at the following closed venues across the country:

• CAPE TOWN: 2 & 3 March 2013, the V & A Waterfront, Gateway Canal
• DURBAN: 9 & 10 March 2013, The King’s Park Stadium, Fan Outer Field KP7
• PORT ELIZABETH: 16 & 17 March 2013, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• JOHANNESBURG: 23 & 24 March 2013, the Indaba Hotel, Fourways

Supported by sponsors and media partners, SABC 3, Metrofm and YOU, Huisgenoot and Drum magazines; gourmet bush cook and veteran presenter, Justin Bonello and Ultimate Braai Master judges, Executive Chefs Bertus Basson and Marthinus Ferreira will be teaming up with local foodies and celebrities to assess the braai talent on display at each Audition, before announcing the final 15 competing teams in April.

Ultimate Braai Master host, Justin Bonello said:

Our aim when we launched Ultimate Braai Master last year was to raise the standard and shatter the stereotypes around the kinds of meals that can be prepared on the braai. Last year’s contestants and winners, Laertes Melidonis and Elaine Ensor-Smith from Who Dares Wins, helped to redefine the category while inspiring a new set of Braai Master contenders in 2013.  While we anticipated a decline in Season Two entrants due to the two month road trip, high standard and gruelling braai challenges that were thrown at contestants in our first Season, we’ve been thrilled by the calibre and diversity of this year’s entrants! This year’s contenders may have the benefit of foresight, but they better be prepared for the new challenges that Judges and taskmasters, Bertus and Marthinus have in store for them!

Filming starts in May with the 13-part TV Series launching on SABC 3 on Wednesday 18 September 2013 at 8.30pm. The show will culminate in a cook-off between the top three teams on 11 December, with the 2013 winner walking away with the title; R500 000 in cash; and a new Renault Koleos 4×4 valued at R340 000, including a 5 year 100 000km service plan, a 5 year 150 000km mechanical warranty plus accessories.

Ultimate Braai Master auditions kick off this weekend first appeared first on Gourmet Guys

Two of South Africa’s best chefs will be back for season two of Ultimate Braai Master.

Cooked in Africa productions have confirmed that there will be no change to the judging line up for season two of South Africa’s premier cooking show.

Marthinus ans Bertus return for season two of Ultimate Braai Master

The two men whose restaurants consistently rank in the Top 10 in South Africa add a touch of specialist knowledge to the show, proving to be invaluable to the contestants as Elaine Ensor-Smith testified when she accredited Marthinus as a driving force as she and “Tubby” went on to win Ultimate Braai Master.

The words that Marthinus spoke to me one night, will sit with me for the rest of my life and I believe that’s why we’re here.
So I would like to thank Marthinus for that actually because it was really coming out of my shell and doing what I know I can do but he’s behind it.
So I’m really grateful

Cooked in Africa productions confirmed that show averaged 650 000 viewers a week trumping M-Net’s MasterChef whose numbers averaged below 200 000.

Season two has seen over 3700 entries come in so far and with a couple more days to go the number is expected to go a little higher.

Part of the audition process has to been to ask contestants who they would most like to invite to a braai with Julius Malema ranking high on the list.

Others include:
Evita Bezuidenhout
Nataniel
Jamie Oliver
Desmond Tutu
Gordon Ramsay

You still have time to get involved, closing date for entries is Friday 15 Feb 2013.

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Team ’2M’ went Moroccan for their Ultimate Braai Master Sun City audition.

Braai Master, Sebastian Matroos and his Braai Buddy, Dumisani Malaza have been friends for four years and have teamed up to take on the Ultimate Braai Master challenge.

They went for a Moroccan vibe at their Sun City audition.

Sebastian said, “Moroccans are very renowned for cooking outdoors, so today we’re doing a bit of a Moroccan spread for everybody.”

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Braai Master, Sebastian Matroos and his Braai Buddy, Dumisani Malaza of team ’2M’ celebrate success at the Sun City Ultimate Braai Master audition.

Sebastian Matroos chats to the Ultimate Braai Master camera while he leaves his Braai Buddy and friend of 4 years,  Dumisani Malaza to keep an eye on the braai.

The ’2M’ Moroccan spread included Chicken & Olive Tagine served with couscous, a smoked rack of lamb with mint glaze and a skilpadjie which they prepared Moroccan style successfully fusing two African culinary styles together.

Skilpadjie is traditional South African dish of lamb’s liver wrapped in kidney membrane.

The liver is minced together with chopped coriander, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce and a little seasoning, rolled into balls, wrapped in the membrane and cooked on the braai until crisp.

Team ’2M’ laid on an impressive Moroccan spread at the Sun City Ultimate Braai Master audition which included a Moroccan style skilpadjie.

Sebastian kept a very level head when he heard the good news that they had made it in to the final fifteen of Ultimate Braai Master and is fully aware as to how well they have done to reach the last fifteen.

He said, “Seven thousand wrote in, three hundred people tried out and fifteen called out in the end and we hope to stay there.”

A delighted Dumisani Malaza embraces Ultimate Braai Master host, Justin Bonello when they get the good news. Sebastian, while happy, is a little more circumspect knowing full well that the journey has only just begun.

The good news came as great relief to the two Ultimate Braai Master hopefuls as they had spent their last money to take part in the Sun City audition.

This should sound out as a warning to the other competitors, ’2M’ are not afraid to put it all on the line to follow their dreams.

No Facebook or Twitter yet… hmm!

Perhaps we need a sponsor seeing as they spent the last of their money getting to Sun City… anyone?

The ’2M’ UBM bio says that they are most scared of encountering wild animals during the competition and of not being true to themselves.

They think the weakest team will lack vision, hope, humour, enthusiasm and the spirit of adventure, but admit that at this point any one of their competitors can win the title.

The one thing they’ll miss the most during the trip is solitude and warmth, but if they win Team ’2M’ say they’ll be able to get their lives back on track.

Check out:

Ultimate Braai Master – How the competition works

All the Ultimate Braai Master Teams

The Ultimate Braai Master Judges

The Prize! What are they competing for?

Vote for your favourite in the GGS Ultimate Braai Master Winner Poll

Braai Recipes

Braai Tips

’2M’ Team Mantra: “The Universe will provide”

But you still have to go out and get it guys…

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WATCH ULTIMATE BRAAI MASTER ON SABC 3, THURSDAY 8PM

Stay up to date with the most comprehensive and ”independent” Ultimate Braai Master coverage in South Africa with GGS on Twitter and Facebook.

Scroll down to post a comment and have your say!

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The Chi Town Braaisters, Frank Dunn and Claire Walker were inspired to enter Ultimate Braai Master after braaing for friends in Chicago.

Frank Dunn (a rugby coach) entered Ultimate Braai Master to see how he would fare in the world of SA Braaiers while his partner, Claire Walker joined him on this adventure for the experience and the money.

The couple have been together for 8 years and in that time have lived in the USA where they built a reputation of being the best around a barbecue in Chicago.

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Braai Master Frank Dunn and his Braai Buddy, Claire Walker

The name ‘Chi Town Braaisters’ is inspired from the time they were living in Chicago.

They built their barbecue reputation after having been invited round to a friends house for a BBQ and horrified to discover that this meant hot dogs, hamburgers and cheese.

They immediately set about fixing this aberration inviting their hosts back to their place for a braai so that they could show them how it should be done.

They very quickly assumed the mantle of Chicago’s Braai Masters.

Now that they have conquered the third largest city in America they are out to conquer South Africa on Ultimate Braai Master.

Frank and Claire spent a year and a half in Chicago where they taught the locals how to braai. Chi Town is a Chicago nick name.

Chi Town is a common ghetto nick name for Chicago. Mostly used by south side residents, and famous people from the city, giving ‘props’ to their home town.

Pronounced “shi-town” we hope this does not reflect in their food during Ultimate Braai Master.

Braai Master Frank Dunn taking care of business at the Ultimate Braai Master Wild Coast auditions

Frank said that there is “lots of competition out there and this is the ultimate challenge to see who is best”. Chi Town Braaisters are looking pretty good here.

Chi Town Braaisters served up a de-boned pork belly stuffed with beef fillet steak. If they served this to their Chicago friends they would have blown (windy city… get it?) their minds away. Hot dogs on a braai… eish!

Ultimate Braai Master host, Justin Bonello said that it was the best pork belly he has possibly ever had.

For the Ultimate Braai Master Wild Coast audition the Chi Town Braaisters served up a pork belly stuffed with beef fillet steak but Frank Dunn;s braai philosophy extends further than just the meat on the braai.

He said, “Most people forget that the element of the braai master is not just necessarily about the braai meat.”

“(It’s) the ambience and the atmosphere around it that make(s) it.”

Frank and Claire have been together for 18 years. If they win Ultimate Braai Master wedding bells may be in the air. Frank still sounds a little pensive.

Frank displays an air of confidence about him while staying humble, he says, “when it comes to braaing, that’s what we’re good at.”

They had a good feeling that they’d made it through once they saw the judges reaction to their stuffed pork belly.

Justin Bonello recognised that the Chi Town Braaisters have talent, “these guys here did a pork belly stuffed with a fillet which is possibly the best I’ve ever had.”

No Facebook or Twitter yet… vey un-chi town?

On the ‘Chi Town Braaisters’ UBM bio it says that the thing that scares them the most about the road trip ahead is not knowing what challenges to expect.

If they win, they’ll use the money to start their own business, although Frank has said something about a wedding too.

Check out:

Ultimate Braai Master – How the competition works

All the Ultimate Braai Master Teams

The Ultimate Braai Master Judges

The Prize! What are they competing for?

Vote for your favourite in the GGS Ultimate Braai Master Winner Poll

Braai Recipes

Braai Tips

‘Chi Town Braaisters’ Team Mantra: “Small Town, Big Taste”

Does that mean Chicago is Big Town….small taste?

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WATCH ULTIMATE BRAAI MASTER ON SABC 3, THURSDAY 8PM

Stay up to date with the most comprehensive and ”independent” Ultimate Braai Master coverage in South Africa with GGS on Twitter and Facebook.

Scroll down to post a comment and have your say!

Team ‘Chi Town Braaisters’ Profile | Ultimate Braai Master first appeared first on Gourmet Guys

Johannesburg tattoo artists Roger Harris and Lee Jennery of Team ‘Coal Shoulder’ see themselves as a bit of a wild card on Ultimate Braai Master.

Braai Master Roger Harris loves cooking and saw Ultimate Braai Master as an opportunity for a life changing journey.

The engaged couple are busy building a little bistro and pub near their tattoo shop so regardless as to the outcome of their Ultimate Braai Master challenge, they will be furthering their culinary adventure once it is over.

A victory in the competition may very well come in handy for quickly establishing their bistro though.

Roger is a traditional man, he says he is the braai master and as a result he cooks and Lee cleans up after him.

Lee on the other hand sees things differently and simply laughs saying, “that’s what he thinks”.

Lee laughs a lot, mostly at things that Roger says.

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Braai Master Roger Harris says “Fit for life”, and Braai Buddy, Lee Jennery laughs.

Roger Harris reckons that he is the Braai Master, “I cook, she cleans”. Lee Jennery says “that what he thinks” and … laughs.

Lee Jennery says that they bicker a lot but sort it out. Roger admits that “he always” apologises… Lee laughs.

Roger repeats what Lee said, “epic adventure” in a very deep voice and Lee… laughs.

Team ‘Coal Shoulder’ came into their Ultimate Braai Master Sun City audition pretty confident and prepped everything “to the gill”.

Lee Jennery said, “It was great, we knew exactly what we we’re doing.”

Braai Master Roger Harris plates up at the Ultimate Braai Master Sun City auditions.

Justin Bonello with a couple other Ultimate Braai Master audition judges get a mouthful of ‘Coal Shoulder’.

The couple often entertain at home and see Ultimate Braai Master as a wonderful opportunity.

They feel quite positive about the challenge that lies ahead with Roger believing that they are a bit of a wild card in the pack.

Lee said, “it’s going to be an amazing adventure.”

“An epic adventure.”

“Like” Coal Shoulder on Facebook

The ‘Coal Shoulder UBM bio says that the thing they’re most scared of on the trip is freezing to death.

If they win the title and the cash, they’ll invest some of it into their business and create a nest egg with the balance.

Check out:

Ultimate Braai Master – How the competition works

All the Ultimate Braai Master Teams

The Ultimate Braai Master Judges

The Prize! What are they competing for?

Vote for your favourite in the GGS Ultimate Braai Master Winner Poll

Braai Recipes

Braai Tips

‘Coal Shoulder’ Team Mantra: “When life gives you lemons, squirt someone in the eye”

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Stay up to date with the most comprehensive and ”independent” Ultimate Braai Master coverage in South Africa with GGS on Twitter and Facebook.

Scroll down to post a comment and have your say!

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Ultimate Braai Master contenders, Team ‘Cooking Soul’ brothers, Nqobani and Mbuso Mlagisi are true their name and have got a lot of soul.

The Mafikeng brothers entered Ultimate Braai Master for the adventure, the thrill of the challenge and the opportunity to have an amazing adventure together.

Braai Master Nqobani Mlagisi said, “cooking runs through our family.”

“We’re like a small little catering company.”

“There’s auditions for almost everything now, if you think you can dance, if you think you can sing so we thought we could cook.”

Braai Buddy Mbuso Mlagisi talked up his brothers abilities, “there’s a lot of knowledge up in there (Nqobani’s head) and I’m just good support.”

The brothers felt that entering Ultimate Braai Master would be a good bonding experience.

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True to their name ‘Cooking Soul’, Ultimate Braai Master finalists Nqobani Mlagisi and his Braai Buddy brother, Mbuso have got a lot of soul

Tactically they got their audition menu spot on serving up ox tongue which none of the judges appeared to have had before and were impressed with.

The brothers also approached their audition with a very calm attitude and were not even thinking about whether they would make it or not.

They made sure that they had fun with what they were doing and allowed the result to take care of itself.

Cooking runs in the family as Nqobani and Mbuso get to work at the Ultimate Braai Master Sun City audition.

Ultimate Braai Master audition judge, Braai Boy is impressed and gives ‘Cooking Soul’ the thumbs up

It was only when their names were called out did it sink in as to how important Ultimate Braai Master was to them.

It was only when the audition finalists were being called out that it sunk in how important this was.

Mbuso said, “It actually matters whether we are in or out all of a sudden, I found myself nervous.”

“I just though we were going to braai, don’t worry about it but when they called out my name I found myself ecstatic and so overjoyed to be part of it.”

Part of Mbuso’s strategy now is to focus on half a million rand, a beautiful car and believe that they can do anything.

“Follow” Cooking Soul on Twitter

No Facebook yet…. c’mon guys we need some of that ‘soul’ in our timeline.

On the ‘Cooking Soul’ UBM bio it says that Nqobani will miss his comfy bed and bubble baths????

If they win the cash they will fix up their parent’s house and invest the balance as a stepping-stone to even greater things in their lives.

Check out:

Ultimate Braai Master – How the competition works

All the Ultimate Braai Master Teams

The Ultimate Braai Master Judges

The Prize! What are they competing for?

Vote for your favourite in the GGS Ultimate Braai Master Winner Poll

Braai Recipes

Braai Tips

‘Cooking Soul’ Team Mantra: “Fortune favours the brave”

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COOKING SOUL ULTIMATE BRAAI MASTER AUDITION

COOKING SOUL ULTIMATE BRAAI MASTER INTERVIEW

WATCH ULTIMATE BRAAI MASTER ON SABC 3, THURSDAY 8PM

Stay up to date with the most comprehensive and ”independent” Ultimate Braai Master coverage in South Africa with GGS on Twitter and Facebook.

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Love them or hate them Team ‘Fat Cow’ are in it to win Ultimate Braai Master.

Braai Master Warwick Thomas and Braai Buddy Dayle Dohne have been friends for three years and own a cooking school.

This might explain their extreme confidence that they are better than everyone else in the competition.

Warwick said, “Our team work is top and I think we cook better than everyone else anyway.”

Dayle shares the same opinion as Warwick saying, “Chefs might be good in the kitchen but they might not be a braai master so we just want to take on that challenge.”

She also has complete faith in her business partner Warwick, ” I have confidence in my braai master.”

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Braai Master Warwick Thomas and Braai Buddy Dayle Dohne are full of confidence with Warwick in particular believing that they can cook better than everyone else.

They put together a feast for the Wild Coast audition, totalling eleven recipes.

Dayle who in addition to being the Braai Buddy took up the mantle of team spokesperson said, “The whole idea is to do the cooking and make sure that the food is good.”

“Doing eleven recipes was quite a challenge in itself and starting from scratch.”

They presented Justin Bonello and the Ultimate Braai Master judges with prawn, chorizo and lemon skewers, smoked salmon, roasted baby veg with tuna steak and rock cod.

Fat Cow gets everything prepped for the Ultimate Braai Master audition.

Justin Bonello and the Ultimate Braai Master audition judges tuck in to the Fat Cow spread.

One of the Ultimate Braai Master judges said, “I’m not gonna forget these guys.”

Their early confidence was justified as Justin and the judges tucked into ‘Fat Cows’ audition menu.

One of the judges said, “I’m not gonna forget these guys.”

Justin Bonello said, “that is amazing”, “that’s fantastic”.

“I have a suspicion we’ll be seeing more of you.”

Justin Bonello tells Warwick and Dayle that he has a suspicion that he’ll be seeing more of them.

A triumphant Dayle said, “It’s been a long week planning.”

“I’m glad it all came together like it did.”

“Like” Fat Cow on Facebook

“Follow” Fat Cow on Twitter

Fat Cow Website

The ‘Fat Cow’ UBM bio says that they entered Ultimate Braai Master to showcase their culinary skills.

They’re most scared of is sharing their beds with snakes.

Insomniac Warwick says he’ll miss his TV the most.

If they win, they’re planning a trip to Italy.

Check out:

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‘Fat Cow’ Team Mantra: “Udderly Delicious”

on the udder hand Darren…

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Team ‘Gal Power’ made their first Ultimate Braai Master appearance at the Sun City Auditions.

This female double act from Gauteng are caterers by nature and have a point to prove that they can pull it off on the braai too.

Sisters, Sindi Manthata (Braai Master) and Lethu Ncengwa (Braai Buddy) fell in love with the idea of travelling for 52 days, braaing and leaning new things all the way.

They made it into the Ultimate Braai Master finals by way of a Wild Card.

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Team Gal Power sisters, Sindi Manthata and Lethu Ncengwa have ambitious plans ahead of them if they win Ultimate Braai Master

They said that never expected to make it through to the final 15, but but believe that it must have come down to their creativity.

When asked about what worries them the most about competing to become South Africa’s first Ultimate Braai Master, Sindi revealed her fear of snakes and that she’s scared of being eaten by one, while Lethu thinks having to slaughter an animal will be much worse.

Sindi has a dream of opening her own restaurant while Lethu wants to build a children’s home.

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To get noticed by the judges they went with a unique starter that stayed true to their roots with “Chicken Feet & Gizzards” which they quickly followed with another South African braai favourite, Steak Rolls with Potatoes and Salad.

The “Walkie Talkie” chicken feet, a shrewd choice.

The Gal Power Steak Rolls

‘Gal Power’ Team Mantra: “We’ll blow your taste bud’s away!”

We are looking forward to seeing more from the sisters who are doing it for themselves.

Check out:

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The Green Feet Team is punting a Rainbow Nation vibe on Ultimate Braai Master with Tinus Els and Lekitlane Mokiti teaming up like Mandela and de Klerk.

Braai Master, Tinus Els is a winemaker and his Braai Buddy, Lekitlane Mokiti a restaurateur so the two as a combination have a lot to offer the show, especially if Tinus is able to turn his talents from wine making to witblits while out in the bush on Ultimate Braai Master.

Leki’ says that he likes to run restaurants wherever possible and we are looking forward to see how well he sets up stall in the locations that UBM takes them to on their epic journey across South Africa.

They never for a moment thought they wouldn’t make it through to the final 15, because they have flair, are organised and have great timing.

Lekitlane Mokiti and Tinus Els get caught by the Ultimate Braai Master camera’s while Tinus was trying to sneak in a banana.

Tinus Els said, ” I think it is nice to have a buddy that we can show our culture… braai.”

The Green Feet Team prepared a suckling pig on a rotisserie for their Ultimate Braai Master Cape Town audition.

It was the 10th pig that Tinus has braaied so he was never going to have any problems of his own making but he was concerned that the weather gods may have other idea.

As the clouds began to gather over Cape Town (as they do) he began to worry that he would not have enough time to get everything cooked on time.

It was going to take 3 hours before the 10kg  Miss Piggy would be ready.

His decision to go with a small one paid off as they managed to plate up their audition dish to the judges with no problems at all.

This little piggy went to market and then it went to it’s Ultimate Braai Master audition.

Tinus Els gives his little piggy a good basting.

Braai Buddy Lekitlane Mokiti applies the finishing touches, he said “it’s gotta be done one way, just right”.

The Ultimate Braai Master judges made quick work of The Green Feet’s team suckling pig on the spit.

Tinus said that if they win Ultimate Braai Master they would like to start up a braai academy to teach people how easy it is too cook food with just fire and source ingredients from the natural environment around them.

He the wrapped up his day with a beer followed by a good pinotage.

No Facebook or Twitter yet from the Green Feet Team… sorry for you!

The UBM bio for the Green Feet Team says Tinus is most scared of being eliminated from the competition first and Leki really doesn’t want to eat worms.

If they win, they’ll take a percentage of the money for their own personal use and the balance will be invested in a business that they say will be a result of winning the competition.

Check out:

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Green Feet Team Mantra: Keep things simple, colourful and tasty!

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Tshepo Nkosi and Modise Khoabane of Team ‘Green Okes’ won the award for ‘Best Original Team’ at the Sun City Ultimate Braai Master audition.

Braai Master Tshepo Nkosi and his Braai Buddy Modise Khoabane have been friends for seven years.

There was no doubt in their minds that they would not make it to the final fifteen of Ultimate Braai Master.

They said that their audition was solid and winning the award for ‘Best Original Team’ pretty much confirmed that they would make it through.

They do know however that there is a very strong field out there and they will not be underestimating any of the competition.

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Ultimate Braai Master contenders Braai Master Tshepo Nkosi and his Braai Buddy, Modise Khoabane.

It appears that Tshepo was being quite literal when he said they will bring a green slant to braaing.

Tshepo says that they “bring a green slant to braaing”.

We are not sure what that means but wonder if it has anything to do with ‘The Stoned Olives’ or simply braaing with green leaves wrapped around their food.

He went on to say that they have “been talking about starting a social movement, getting young people to look at different opportunities, not only in the country but on the continent.”

He says, “It’s about giving back and paying forward.”

Prepping the Yellowtail, stuffed with citrus and a feta crumbed crust

When it comes to the braai Tshepo likes to challenge himself.

“I like to try my skills on the braai, I always challenge myself and I get compliments all the time so I thought why not?”

“Share my secrets with the rest of the country.”

The first secret he shared is how he prepares a Yellowtail, crusted with feta and stuffed with citrus fruit.

It’s wrapped up in leaves as it cooks on the braai and most likely a trademark style of braaing and the reason for the name, ‘Green Okes’.

The Yellowtail that helped ‘Green Okes’ win the title of ‘Best Original Team’ at the Sun City Ultimate Braai Master auditions.

Braai Master, Tshepo sounds like he will be the mischievous one on the show.

He said of the partnership, “it’s a match made in heaven.”

“I cook and he eats all the crap that I cook.”

Giving a warning as to what we can expect from him during the show he finished off saying, “there’s more to me than meets the eye.”

No Facebook or Twitter page yet…come on ‘Okes’ sort it out…

It’s paperless!

The UBM bio says that If Tshepo and Modise win the title, the car and the cash, they’re starting an organic farm.

So the name ‘Green Okes’ has nothing to do with ‘The Stoned Olives’ or wrapping their food up in green leave… it really is about going green.

When asked what the hardest thing to braai was they replied, “politicians, because they‘re so hard to clean”.

Check out:

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‘Green Okes’Team Mantra: “Be the change you want to see”

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Team ‘Hout Cuisine’ brothers, Oscar and Christopher Foulkes are ready to take on whatever twists and turns come their way on their journey to becoming the Ultimate Braai Master.

The siblings entered Ultimate Braai Master for the simple opportunity to go on an “amazing road trip” around South Africa.

They also view it as an incredible opportunity to bond and have plenty of fun together.

Braai Master, Oscar Foulkes said, “We just really enjoy playing with food on the braai.”

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Braai Tappas was the theme for ‘Hout Cuisine’s’ Ultimate Braai Master audition in Cape Town.

Braai Master, Oscar and Braai Buddy Christopher Foulkes are ready for the twist and turns that lay in wait for them on Ultimate Braai Master.

The brothers put together an amazing spread for the Cape Town audition, a selection of what Oscar Foulkes called “braai tappas”.

Justin was very impressed and said, “when we started at this competition, we said someone who can slap a tjop on the braai won’t win it.”

“The thing is you guys, I think, have set another bar.”

The ‘Hout Cuisine’ Braai Tappas kicked off with sourdough flat bread, grilled mushrooms and wood roasted tomatoes.

Yellowtail smoked with citrus leaves

Kudu loin seared with black pepper, coriander and cumin (now they are really showing off)

Pork Belly with mango salsa, which they prepared with fresh mango, dried mango and atchar (now having a real go)

To finish it all off ‘Hout Cuisine’ served up a chocolate pudding that was a big hit with everyone, especially the youngsters

Oscar was very a confident man after Justin’s comments but is definitely the pragmatist on the show.

He said, “For the people that are there for the 8000km and all 52 days, there will be more than enough twists and turns in the road to keep everybody on their toes.”

Oscar also believes that there is no room for fear in a competition such as this and that fear will get in the way of creativity.

Team ‘Hout Cuisine’ appear to be preparing for a long and arduous journey to become South Africa’s first Ultimate Braai Masters.

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On the ‘Hout Cuisine’ UBM bio, Christopher says that he’s scared of orphaning his son.

Things the Foulkes brothers will miss the most are for Oscar, making himself a cup of delicious coffee in the mornings and for Christopher it’s cigars, if he doesn’t plan his supplies very carefully.

If they win, Christopher will put his share of the money in an educational trust he started last year for underprivileged, but deserving kids and Oscar will get rid of some debt, buy his kids new shoes, school uniforms and invest the rest.

Check out:

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The Ultimate Braai Master Judges

The Prize! What are they competing for?

Vote for your favourite in the GGS Ultimate Braai Master Winner Poll

Braai Recipes

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‘Hout Cuisine’ Team Mantra: “If you’re feeling in control, you’re just not going fast enough”

Keep it steady round the twists and turns though guys…

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Father and daughter team up to form ‘Popeye and Olive’ in Ultimate Braai Master.

Team ‘Popeye and Olive’ arrived at the Wild Coast Ultimate Braai Master auditions with everything except the kitchen sink.

Roxanne van Breda is the Braai Master and she has brought her father Barry Davis along as her Braai Buddy.

They presented the judges with a nifty three course meal which consisted of a mushroom in garlic herb butter stater, a steak with cream cheese, chives and jacket potatoes for mains and finished it all off with a fruit sosatie with bar-one sauce dessert.

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Father and daughter team up to create Popeye and Olive on Ultimate Braai Master

The three course meal of a mushroom in garlic herb butter stater, steak with cream cheese, chives and jacket potatoes and a fruit sosatie with bar-one sauce.

The judges were very impressed with the presentation to which Barry admitted, “he would never think of this”.

Roxanne, whose bubbly character is no doubt going to entertain everyone was very quick to quip, “Well, I’m the brain”.

So the roles and responsibilities of this father and daughter double act have been clearly laid down right from the very beginning.

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It would also appear that Ultimate Braai Master is, just as MasterChef SA before it, going to be giving contestants the chance to follow their dreams.

Roxanne fell pregnant at the young age of 18 and had to put her dreams of pursuing a career in food on hold as parental responsibilities took centre stage.

She said, “I love cooking”.

“I love working with food and experimenting”.

“I had a baby when I was 18 so I couldn’t go and study (to be a) chef because I became a mom”.

“Maybe this will give me an opportunity to have my dream of being a chef”.

Check out:

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Roxanne’s worst fear is making a weird dish like offal and then having to eat it, she’s not really a tripe kind of girl.

She says she’ll really miss her husband (sorry guys) and her daughters, but that it’ll be worth it because “mommy’s bringing home the bacon”.

If they win, Popeye and Olive will split the money and share the car. Barry will donate a portion of his share to charity.

‘Popeye and Olive’ Team Mantra: “Positive thoughts lead to positive outcomes!”

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Greg Gilowey and Karl Tessendorf of Team ‘Rust n Dust’ prove that persistence pays off by auditioning three times for Ultimate Braai Master before making the cut.

‘Braai Master’ Greg Gilowey is a man with the gift of the gab and we have no doubt that it was his attention grabbing personality that convinced Justin Bonello to personally invite them to the Sun City auditions for a third attempt at making the final cut for Ultimate Braai Master.

Greg and his Braai Buddy, Karl Tessendorf failed at the Wild Coast and they failed in Cape Town but they made sure that they repaid Justin’s generosity by serving up a meal that was worthy of a place in the last 15 of this uniquely South African culinary competition.

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Braai Buddy, Karl Tessendorf and Ultimate Braai Master host Justin Bonello listen while ‘Rust n Dust’ Braai Master, Greg Gilowey does all the talking

Justin Bonello cracks up while Greg Giloway ‘tunes’ him saying, “I don’t think you want to put us on the show. We’ve had too much practice, it’s unfair on everyone else.”

Team ‘Rust n Dust’ travelled 6432km of what they claim was ‘blood, sweat and braais’ to make it into the final 15 of Ultimate Braai Master. They have another 8000km to travel if they are to win the competition.

All the travelling they had to endure to make it to their third audition worked in their favour though as they were able to plate up with a variety of dishes that represented the regions they had visited on their journey.

Greg said, “It’s been an amazing few weeks, it’s been crazy.”

“Now we’ve got different meals.”

“We got basically (the) best from Kwa-Zulu Natal, best from Caoe Town, best from Jo’burg.”

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From KZN they did a Roostekoek Bunny Chow with chicken & pineapple kebabs and the curry sauce in the bunny for dipping.

Representing the Cape they had a Yellowtail (which they claim was swimming the day before) with grape relish which Greg brilliantly described as “a bit of a line and wine vibe.”

For Gauteng they did an Egoli Roly Poly, a skilpadjie with feta, strawberries and a “red wine, onion vibe”.

Skilpadjie is traditional South African dish of lamb’s liver wrapped in kidney membrane.

The liver is minced together with chopped coriander, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce and a little seasoning, rolled into balls, wrapped in the membrane and cooked on the braai until crisp.

Finally ‘Rust n Dust’ went with a ‘Sun City’ dessert, honey bread with white Lindt chocolate, honeycomb and a cherry because “you’re in a casino, you’ve got to have a cherry”.

After putting it all together Greg said, “I’m running on gees, I’ve got marinade coming out of my ears.”

He is bound to keep us and his competitors entertained during the show.

From left to right, representing the regions ‘Rust n Dust’ travelled, the Egoli Roly Poly, KZN Roostekoek Bunny Chow and Cape Yellowtail

The ‘Sun City’ Honey Bread dessert with the casino cherry’s

Braai Buddy, Karl Tessendorf did not get much of an opportunity to speak (watch the video to understand why) and unless they get him on his own during the filming of Ultimate Braai Master we are unlikely to ever hear him speak.

Greg wrapped everything up pretty well though saying, “Braaing. It’s South African, it’s the whole of South Africa. It’s beautiful, it’s a beautiful thing.”

Poetry in motion?

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The ‘Rust n Dust’ UBM bio says that Greg and Karl entered The Ultimate Braai Master because where some people love running, and others love crosswords, they love to braai.

If they win, they’ll split the cash.

Greg wants to take his family on holiday in the Transkei and Karl wants to give his fiancé the wedding she deserves.

The list of things that scare them about the trip includes cold fires, warm beer, salad, dirty underwear and old socks.

‘Rust n Dust’ Team Mantra: “You can’t fight the flow”

So go with it…?

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The Ultimate Braai Master Team, ‘The Stoned Olives’ comprises of Ronel Theron and Billy Stanley from the Western Cape.

The Stoned Olives, despite their appearance, have a very competitive streak and claim to have special powers of positive thinking.

They also appear to have psychic powers as they knew they would make it to the final 15 on Ultimate Braai Master.

They describe themselves as explorers of South Africa’s natural edibles and are obsessed with the ocean.

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Braai Master Ronel Theron and her Braai Buddy Billy Stanley

Billy Stanley gets to work on the previous nights catch for the Cape Town Ultimate Braai Master audition.

Braai Master Ronel Theron says that they fish and dive all the time and will be bringing a little slice of their life to Ultimate Braai Master.

They served up some freshly caught fish (night before) along with some stoned olive flat bread for the audition.

Naturally a few comments were thrown around about their choice of name with Ronel defending it by saying that they use a lot of stoned olives in their food and live in an area with lots of olive groves.

Yeah… sure! Just take a look at Billy’s hairstyle and facial growth…

Despite serving fish at the audition Ronel assured the camera’s that she is very good with meat too, being a Boeremeisie from Pretoria she is well versed in braaing meat.

Stoned olive bread anyone?

Justin Bonello chats with Ronel Theron about ‘The Stoned Olives’ audition dish

Talking about the show Ronel said ” a show like this is also a platform I think, it’s a platform to take you, if you want to, you can take it so far.”

“A top chef told me, but listen you gotta do this next time and do this next time and do this next time.”

“I’ve listened and now I’ll try it.”

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A surprisingly much more coherent Billy Stanley said, “This is not going to come around every day and whatever we can get from it, the most we can take from it is what we learn, what we pick up.”

“Nothing else we can take with us, the money, the car, all of that.”

“It’s a once in a lifetime experience to do something like this.”

Check out:

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On ‘The Stoned Olives’ UBM bio it says that  the only one thing that scares them about going on the road trip is leaving their 8 year old son behind for such a long time, but if they do win, it will have been worth it as the money will help them put a secure roof over his head.

‘The Stoned Olives’ Team Mantra: “Focus, be present…live in the now!”

How does a ‘stoned olive’ do that?

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Team ‘Umlilo’ on Ultimate Braai Master consists of Annerie Burger and Martyn Schickerling

For those of you that don’t know, Umlilo is Zulu for ‘fire’ and considering that Ultimate Braai Master is uniquely South African and all about fire, its a pretty neat name.

The couple met each other at a bar 6 years ago and have been engaged for seven months, with the wedding date set for this November.

They describe themselves (on Twitter) as young lovers and proud MOOTonians_pta.

Now to the best of our knowledge Mootonians were a race of orange-feathered owl-like ornithoids in Star Wars, native to the Mid Rim planet Mooton. Ban Papeega (whoever he/she is) was a member of this species.

It would appear that some have settled in Pretoria.

They love beer, braais and bollemakiesies

If anything a potential 52 days of travelling and braaing in South Africa will give them a unique perspective about life together before they tie tie knot.

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The happy ‘Umlilo’ couple who will be Mr & Mrs by the time the Ultimate Braai Master is announced.

Chatting about why they decided to enter Ultimate Braai Master Martyn Schickerling said, “We thought the ultimate thing you could have as a South African is a certificate saying that you are the Ultimate Braai Master.”

“Especially for a girl seeing that she (Annerie) is the Braai Master.”

Talking about working as a unit he said, “We know each other so well that we don’t have to say do this and do this.”

“We kind of just feel.”

The Umlilo audition starters, Salmon Skewers with Strawberry and Balsamic Glaze

For mains Team Umlilo dished up a Green Chicken Curry

When it came to the audition menu, Annerie and Martyn decided to stick with something that they knew.

They did not want to rush around and make mistakes but it did worry Martyn as to how relaxed they were.

He needn’t have worried as they very quickly made it onto the show.

They presented the judges with salmon skewers with a strawberry and balsamic glaze for starters, quickly followed by a green chicken curry with flat bread as a main.

Serving up a dish that you know well is without doubt the best strategy anybody can employ when entering a competition of this stature.

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In their UBM bio it says that both Annerie and Martyn are huge fans of  reality TV shows, and with their shared love of food, adventure and Justin Bonello, entering The Ultimate Braai Master was a no brainer. Umlilo say they will miss their animals the most while they’re away.

If Umlilo wins Ultimate Braai Master they will put some of the money toward their future together and then invest the balance in a housing idea they have.

Annerie says it’s important to not stress too much and to enter all the challenges with a clear mind.

Check out:

Ultimate Braai Master – How the competition works

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‘Umlilo’ Team Mantra: “Don’t blink – you might miss something”

Hopefully not the “Weeping Angels“.

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