ICA alumni of 1999 and first-time winner of the Eat Out Chef’s Chef Award (as voted for by each of the 30 nominated chefs on the 2017 list) Kobus van der Merwe clearly stands out as a mentor that inspires.  Modestly accepting his congratulatory message from Letitia Prinsloo (ICA Principal and recipient of the 2017 Eat Out Lifetime Achievement Award), Kobus also honoured Letitia’s influence within the culinary arena as “wide and far-reaching and nowhere near complete”.

Drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape and its dramatic seasonal transformation, Kobus’ signature Strandveld food encompass the true meaning of creative sustainability and culinary brilliance, which resonates perfectly with the ICA’s ethos of culinary professionalism.  It is, therefore, no surprise that the ICA includes Kobus and his unique coastal restaurant, Wolfgat, as one of its valued industry partners for continued student education for a duration of +/- 6 months.

This year’s 1st year ICA student carefully selected to commence his experiential training at Wolfgat, Derek Shaw, remarked on what he regards as “an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enthusiastically soak up practical and theoretical knowledge in a very special culinary environment”.  With international exposure on acclaimed culinary stages alongside the world’s best chefs, Kobus’ global experience filters back to his humble kitchen. Derek’s time at Wolfgat is certain to leave him enriched and inspired to return to the ICA campus for his second year of studies in April 2019.

The ICA also proudly displays Kobus’ highly acclaimed cookbook, Strandveldfood / Strandveldkos in its campus library alongside cookbooks from numerous other ICA graduates including Herman Lensing, Vickie de Beer, Zola Nene and Johnny Hamman.

From Westcoast foraging and authentic cooking to cookbook author and host of his own television series (Wolfgat, Mondays at 21:30 on DStv Channel 147), Kobus van der Merwe remains a discernable inspiration to ICA chef students.

To follow in the footsteps of these great chefs, enrol now to study at the Institute of Culinary Arts – internationally rated as the best in the whole of Africa and one of the 3 best chef schools in the world.