Although there are no South African restaurants with a Michelin Star, five South African chefs now carry the “badge of honour”!
Western Cape, South Africa (04 April 2023) – Hylton James Espey has joined the prestigious Michelin Star family after becoming the fifth South African Chef ever to receive the coveted award.
The 100-year-old Michelin Guide is the world authority in high-end dining. Michelin stars are awarded to restaurants judged to be of an exceptionally high standard. The accolade is coveted by eateries around the world and even though the distinguished title is awarded to a restaurant, the credit for it goes to the Chef in charge of the kitchen.
And there are now five South Africans who carry this incredible accolade.
In 2016, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen made history by becoming the first South African Chef to be awarded the Michelin Star and then in 2019, Jean Delport and Conor Toomey were also awarded the accolade. Last year Thinus Van Der Westhuizen won the award and now, in 2023, Chef Espey has joined the esteemed South African group of culinary artists who can say they are Michelin Star Chefs!
Espey always dreamed of winning a Michelin Star but says it was his mom and dad that influenced him to pursue that dream.
“Growing up in a home with a mom who is an exceptional cook, we ate very well. She worked in the wine industry and I fell in love with small rural restaurants and wine pairings. Foraging mussels and alikreukel (Giant Periwinkle) with my dad has influenced my modern, nature-inspired style today,” Hylton Hames Espey explained to Good Things Guy.
But Espey says that he was still emotional when receiving the award.
“It is something you think about as a chef. We won three Rosettes at my previous restaurant and hoped to have a Michelin visit but they never came. We opened ‘Culture’ less than eight months ago and we were so excited and proud to be listed. Three weeks ago, when we received the invite, it was emotional, to say the least.”
Espey is the solo chef-owner of Culture in Falmouth, Cornwall, which the 40-year-old South African says was the realisation of a lifelong dream between two chef college students who fell in love with cooking, wine and each other.
“After globetrotting experiences across the world, we have found ourselves at home in Cornwall. These experiences, working and eating, have instilled in us a passion for sharing our journey through food and wine.”
The open kitchen takes centre stage at an old quayside warehouse. Each dish on the set menu is named after the inspiration behind it, be it a local farmer or place, and foraged ingredients also play their part.
Also, don’t be surprised to see the occasional South African influence too, as Espey is originally from Cape Town and still very-much proudly South African.
When asked how it feels to be the fifth person in South Africa to have a Michelin star, Espey says that it feels amazing to be flying the flag for South Africa.
“As far as I know, I am the first and only South African with a green star. Sustainability has always been a big part of my menu and after 20 years of cooking, it is great to get some recognition for it.”
But that doesn’t mean the Award-Winning Chef doesn’t miss South Africa! In fact, Espey is currently in Cape Town celebrating the win with family and friends.
“I really miss the well-priced meat, wine and the weather in South Africa. My family all still live here and we miss them obviously. The surf is good and the cape mountains are something else.”
Espey hopes his story and the incredible accolade he has received will inspire South Africans to keep working towards their dreams!
“Believe in yourself, take criticism in a constructive way, and be stubborn in your beliefs. Be humble when your dreams are realised and remember all those who were part of your journey.”
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