S01E02 Chef Coco | The Africa Whisperer, Lee Kasumba
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We take a second step in our Chess Masters journey with Chef Coco Reinarhz, the Burundian food entrepreneur creating diverse culinary experiences to reintroduce Africa through the palate. Passionately committed to advancing African cuisine on the international stage, Chef Coco shares his experience as one of its most visible culinary advocates.
Described by National Geographic as “advancing the culinary renaissance that is modern African cuisine”, Chef Coco believes there's no better time to elevate the experience of African food to a world-class level. “We are so proud of our music…of the way our African art is being regarded in the world…it is really about time we have the same achievements with food.” As one of a growing number of African chefs leading the evolution of their local food, Chef Coco employs a gourmet approach to transform perceptions of African cuisine. Whether at Épicure, his elegant restaurant in Sandton, Johannesburg or as one of the select chefs of Alkebulan, the world’s first African dining hall debuted at Expo 2020 Dubai, Chef Coco’s culinary portfolio is a luminous testament to the consistent investment he has made in distinguishing himself through authentic African food.
“I’ve always wanted to change the way Africa is seen”, Chef Coco shares, and one of his biggest dreams is for there to be cooking schools that are “100% dedicated to African cuisine”. He is an enthusiastic proponent of a new vision for African food and of making steady progress towards the exciting goal of taking it all over the globe.
This episode of The Africa Whisperer, Lee Kasumba presents an insightful look at Chef Coco‘s mission to tell authentic African stories through the food its people know and love. Meet the chef who considers his work a calling, pursues his commitment to crafting “food journeys” with conviction and is making a distinct contribution to the growing international recognition of African cuisine.
Described by National Geographic as “advancing the culinary renaissance that is modern African cuisine”, Chef Coco believes there's no better time to elevate the experience of African food to a world-class level. “We are so proud of our music…of the way our African art is being regarded in the world…it is really about time we have the same achievements with food.” As one of a growing number of African chefs leading the evolution of their local food, Chef Coco employs a gourmet approach to transform perceptions of African cuisine. Whether at Épicure, his elegant restaurant in Sandton, Johannesburg or as one of the select chefs of Alkebulan, the world’s first African dining hall debuted at Expo 2020 Dubai, Chef Coco’s culinary portfolio is a luminous testament to the consistent investment he has made in distinguishing himself through authentic African food.
“I’ve always wanted to change the way Africa is seen”, Chef Coco shares, and one of his biggest dreams is for there to be cooking schools that are “100% dedicated to African cuisine”. He is an enthusiastic proponent of a new vision for African food and of making steady progress towards the exciting goal of taking it all over the globe.
This episode of The Africa Whisperer, Lee Kasumba presents an insightful look at Chef Coco‘s mission to tell authentic African stories through the food its people know and love. Meet the chef who considers his work a calling, pursues his commitment to crafting “food journeys” with conviction and is making a distinct contribution to the growing international recognition of African cuisine.
