admin
AFTER a gruelling 13 weeks involving 35 challenges and 16 chefs Leandrah Makaya emerged on Sunday night the winner of the TM Pick and Pay Battle of the Chefs Season 2.
She received the Best Chef in Zimbabwe title and $10,000 cash prize.
Battle of the Chefs is a reality cooking TV show shot and produced in Zimbabwe, was directed by Ben Mahaka and presented by Samantha “Zihlo” Ndlovu.
The final round of the competition was intense involving the remaining four chefs namely Tinotenda Mutanda, Jessica Vakos, Leandrah Makaya and Donovan Layton. The judges for the finale were Steve Hyde, Innocent Masuku, and Lincoln Myambo.
The finale chefs kicked off the competition with an innovation first course, followed by a mystery main course. The final hurdle was the dessert. Leandrah prepared a tower chocolate and Vanilla stuffed Eton Mess for dessert.
Perhaps the secret to Leandrah’s triumph is in these words she said as the finale started:
“My journey to the finals was an interesting one, a bit challenging, a lot of lessons learnt. The first lesson I learnt was to stick to the basics. The second thing I learnt was never to underestimate anyone and not even to underestimate myself. What made me qualify is probably my confidence. Making sure you put something on the plate no matter what it takes. I am doing this for my family, for myself and I am doing this for the women out there. Whatever comes I am a winner already, I am in the finals.”
According to the judges the money was on any of the two ladies – Leandrah or Jessica.
“We think Jessica’s starter was good as supported by the judges’ comments. She was probably let down by her main course and dessert. In the main course she repeated same core ingredient – salmon – which she had used in the starter and this did not chaff the judges.”
Despite the whole season having been broadcast on analogue TV instead of the delayed digital TV, the TM Pick n Pay Battle of the Chefs presented millions of Zimbabweans with something to look forward to every Sunday evening on ZTV.
In responses sent to us via WhatsApp Joseph Bunga the Executive Producer of the show said they were ready for Season 3.
“We are pumped up for Season 3 – we had amazing support from our sponsors – Title Sponsor TM Pick n Pay making this dream possible with the support from all other sponsors
“Our National Broadcaster – ZBC has been very supportive to get this content in-front of 1.6 million people every Sunday night. Our plans for Season 3 are already underway and the applications are now open,” said Bunga.
“You may look out for the Battle of the Chefs Season 2 Cook Book coming out in the first week of September 2016,” according to Bunga.
Battle of the Chefs has arguably opened a new chapter in the Zimbabwe reality TV space. The show recently received funding amounting to $150,000.
– OFZimba
Online Reporter