In a momentous achievement for South African cuisine, Luckson Mare, the rising sous chef at Durban’s renowned The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate, has emerged victorious at the regional finals of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition, representing the Africa, Middle East, and South Asia region. At just 24, Mare not only showcased his culinary prowess but also brought forward a heartwarming story that resonates with many aspiring chefs.
Mare, mentored by The LivingRoom’s chef Johannes Richter, captivated the judges with his innovative dish featuring duck, sweet potato, and matungulu (a local coastal plum). The young chef’s victory comes as he prepares for the prestigious grand finale in Milan, marking an exciting new chapter in his burgeoning culinary career.
Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, Mare's passion for cooking can be traced back to his roots. Being the youngest of five siblings often meant taking on the role of kitchen helper for his mother. “As the youngest of five children, it was always my responsibility to help my mother in the kitchen. I learned so much from her,” Mare explained. His early experiences and fond memories of cooking alongside her instilled a love for food that has become a lifelong pursuit.
Inspired by both his mother and Chef Richter, Mare’s dish for the competition tells a story of heritage and personal growth. “I’ve paired sweet potatoes, which my mother adores, with duck—symbolic of fine dining and my learning journey in the industry,” Mare remarked. “The matungulu reflects my mentor’s influence in foraging for local, indigenous ingredients.”
The rigorous competition required entrants to submit their dish and its story, followed by a nerve-wracking two-day cooking challenge against 15 other talented chefs. With just five hours to perfect his creation, Mare faced the pressure head-on. “The hardest part was ensuring the duck was perfectly cooked. There were moments when components didn’t go as planned, but I focused on staying calm and delivering a dish that reflected my culinary voice,” he recalled.
The moment Mare’s name was announced as the winner was nothing short of euphoric. “I felt a mix of shock and joy. It was gratifying to have my hard work and my story recognised,” Mare shared. “The long hours and pressure in the kitchen can be tough, but this makes it all worth it.”
As he looks forward to the grand finale in Milan, Mare is filled with excitement—not only for the chance to showcase his skills on an international stage but also for the opportunity to connect with some of the world's best chefs. “It’ll be my first time off the continent. I can’t wait to learn and grow from this experience,” he enthused.
