BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe

Nestled in the heart of Muldersdrift, an hour from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg, Avianto Hotel and Conference Centre is a luxurious enclave complemented by high service levels. The boutique hotel, best known for hosting spectacular weddings, offers individual experiences in a setting designed to connect people. Exquisite cuisine, prepared by Chef Ryan Houston and his team, is at the heart of the Avianto experience.

How would you describe your overall cooking philosophy?

It is keep as in keep it simple, stupid! 

What is your signature dish at Café Cielo?

All the food we produce is great but what stands out the best are our lamb tapas & prawns.

Which wine works best with this dish?

Definitely a Sauvignon Blanc for the prawns but a good old-fashioned black label goes well with everything. 

How do you ensure that your kitchen is run sustainably? 

My motto and philosophies are the 5 P’s – Proper Planning Prevents Poor performance. When you set out to do something, do it properly the first time. My team and I, eat, live, and breathe 5-star. Being a dictator is not beneficial to the well-being of my staff. I motivate them so that they grow and have the free reign to explore their creativity and  I’m always there to guide and ensure that they never walk alone. We start off with the building blocks which is important to get the foundation, once that foundation is built we can start to add on and on.

What is your personal favorite food to eat and how often do you eat it?

Peri-peri chicken livers. I hardly eat them because the Mrs and kids don’t eat them.