By Matṧeliso Phulane
Thabo Sylvester Ntoanyane, also known as Chef Sylvester owns the ‘Vesters Delights’ business which opened in 2020, in which he provides chef services which include baking, catering and dining.
In an interview with theReporter, the chef explained that both his mother and grandmother inspired him to becoming a chef.
His grandmother used to make a living out of cooking and he still uses her scone recipe until today.
“The most important women in my life are my mother and grandmother who instilled in me love for being a chef. My mother was a chef, and my grandmother used to make a living out of baking. I learned almost every basic cooking from my family and cook shows,” he explained.
Again what also inspired him was to introduce other ways of dining as chefs do not usually have a chance to try various fine dining ways.
“So fine dining is the future because you get a chance to learn more of the plated meals,” he added.
Ntoanyane holds a City and Guilds certificate in food preparation and cooking. He also has diploma in patisserie certificate obtained from Capsicum Culinary Studios in Cape Town, South Africa.
“My career began in 2018 when I was working at Investec, then in 2019 I went back to school to study pastry. While studying I was able to secure a job at Taj Hotel in Cape Town where I worked as an intern then.
“Sadly, 2020 Covid-19 occurred and I had to come back home, and that’s when my baby was born “Vesters Delights” whereby I do private chefing, baking, and catering.
“I love everything about cooking because it is therapeutic. I learn new skills all the time and explore recipes, ingredients and cooking methods,” he said.
Aged 30, Ntoanyane was born and bred at Moshoeshoe II in Maseru district where he was raised by his late grandparents. He attended school at Leribe English Medium High School in Leribe district.
He said most of the challenges he encounters include quality, variety and availability of ingredients.
The chef added that he works with a team of four all of whom are his cousins. They work from home due to expensive rentals.
He said so far he has achieved some goals since the business started and it is doing well, since after Covid -19 pandemic inflation is way too high.
“All I can say to the future chefs is as a chef you have to be constantly changing, because cooking requires patience, and patience backed with passion and dedication.
“In the next few years I want to become a cook book author and own a fine dining franchise restaurant,” he concluded.
For bookings people can contact him on + 266 57230310 or visit his Facebook and Instagram at Sylvester Ntabe.
