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South Africa Culinary Adventure

with James Beard recognized Chef, Chris Maher
Culinary & Cultural Immersion Week in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Dates to be Determined - Last Excursion was November 2018
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We welcome our students, friends and guests to join us for a week long (6 nights) food and cultural immersion in South Africa. We have reserved an elegant and luxurious private, historic estate which boasts its’ own water source and lies in the heart of The Crags – a spectacular part of the Garden Route, situated between the town of Plettenberg Bay and the Stormsriver bridge on the eastern border of the Western Cape, and nestled between the foothills of the Outeniqua mountain range and the Indian Ocean.

We can accommodate a maximum of 12 individuals for the week, which will include multiple cooking classes (with what is available locally and seasonally) and several group outings, with spare time for relaxing or exploring, enjoying the Indian ocean and luxury of the facility where we will be staying, cooking and visiting.

Upon arrival, Chef Chris will have a fabulous welcome dinner prepared for us. Guests will enjoy private guest rooms and en-suite bathrooms as the estate has ample space. Both indoor and outdoor common areas abound and everyone will have space for quiet time or for group gatherings with fantastic views in every direction. Part of the beauty of the estate is how well it blends wilderness and natural beauty with fine living.

Cooking will be a pleasure in this unique and well-outfitted kitchen and pantry. We will also utilize the outdoor kitchen when appropriate and Chef, Chris has chosen recipes from across Africa to teach and improvise with. We will be sourcing local, seasonal ingredients from the area. The local Farmer’s Market is on our itinerary where we will choose items to cook with as well as explore and taste the local ingredients. We will utilize the BBQ pits on the beach, shaded by big, beautiful trees during our week.

The walk to the private beach on the estate is a mere 20 minutes (you can also drive to it). The Crags has a uniquely rural character, which blends shrubland, afro-montane forest, farmland, vines, wilderness and African wildlife and fine living. Relax with a good book by the pool or in one of the other beautiful common areas around the compound.

Some of the most spectacular beaches in the world are within a 10 minute drive, and the town of Plettenberg Bay, with all its fabulous shops and restaurants, is just 20 minutes by car. Additional activities (some included some not) for those interested are hiking, bird watching, fishing and whale watching (seasonal), nearby wild animal sanctuaries (Monkeyland, Tenikwa Cheetah walk, etc) and shopping for local goods.

Our last evening together, we will enjoy discussing what we have learned, fallen in love with and what we will take home from our experiences. Let’s enjoy our last taste of South Africa together with new friends, memories and recipes!

For more details

Quick Facts

  • Six Nights Accommodations
  • All Meals During Your week
  • Welcome Dinner
  • Tours of local producers in the area: Italian Mozzarella producer (yes, there is a strong Italian contingent of in the area – how lucky for us!), local winery, local honey & more…
  • Hands-on African Cuisine AND one day of Italian Cuisine Cooking Classes with James Beard recognized Chef, Chris Maher
  • Local Farmers’ Market Tour for purchasing some of our ingredients and more…

We also encourage our participants to let us know if there are any particular South African recipes they are interested in learning in advance, so that Chris may incorporate with his lineup.

Getting into South Africa / arrival to our location – closest and easiest is to fly into Cape Town. You should definitely plan to visit Cape Town before or after your week on Plettenberg Bay with us and perhaps any other neighboring areas while you are there. More information and assistance will be provided to guests confirmed for the program.

You might plan to visit other areas of South Africa before or after your week with us while you are there. More information and assistance will be provided to guests confirmed for the program. We also are happy to suggest a couple options for a travel agent if anyone is interested.

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Guest Support​

We do everything we can to make your travels as fun and rewarding as possible!

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Local Immersion

When we introduce you to a country and it's foods we take pride in establishing a link for you to the people and the soul of the place.

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Family Friendly

We are a family that cooks, travels, and explores life together. Our invitation to you is to join us and find inspiration and delight whether you are traveling solo, with a friend, loved one, or a group. 

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“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life—and travel—leaves marks on you.” – Anthony Bourdain
About Us​

Come have an unforgettable food adventure with your hosts, James Beard recognized Chef, Chris Maher & Executive Director, Valerie Maher. Bon Appétit!

Contact Us

P: 575-776-2665
E: cookingstudiotaos@mac.com

To Visit

Located in beautiful Arroyo Seco, New Mexico - Call for Directions!

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