When Executive Chef, Wendy Dunn joined Emnotweni Casino recently, she brought with her over 27 years experience in the culinary industry. It is evident that she has an absolute passion for food and combined with a lot of dedication and hard work she is today one of the country’s finest Chefs!

“I always dreamed of becoming a great Chef, not a good one, but a great one. After many years of training and experience I am satisfied that I achieved my own personal goals,” says Dunn, Executive Chef at Emnotweni Arena as well Explorers Restaurant Emnotweni Casino. 
“I enjoy my work at Emnotweni, from Explorers to the Arena… every event proves to be a challenge on its own and with a great team in place, and we aim to please each and every customer who chooses us.”

Dunn’s food journey began when she first trained at the Landdrost Hotel School in Cape Town. After that she moved on to train at The Vineyard Hotel in Claremont and since then she’s travelled and worked overseas in Australia and also created outstanding menu’s at a variety of well-known local restaurants and guest lodges including Shamwari Game Reserve, Langoustines by the Sea, Bean Bag Bohemia, Jatinga Country Lodge and Green Way Woods Resort.

She also consulted and trained staff at Londolozi and Imbali Game Reserves, Likweti Game and Sanctuary, Zannas Flavour Junction and Orange Restaurant. Dunn also enjoys sharing her knowledge and under her guidance, various trainee Chefs graduated in March this year. “It gives me great pleasure to see how these young Chefs develop and grow. They are very talented and will certainly become wonderful Executive Chefs,” comments Dunn.

Besides what she does best, and that is creating mouth watering culinary delights, Dunn is also dreaming about her own little ‘Spice Shop’ where she can share her ideas and passion for food with everyone willing to learn. “At the moment I love my work and it is a nice challenge to ensure that Emnotweni delivers only the best food for their guests. However, I never want to stop sharing my passion and knowledge with others and will continue to do so for as long as I can!”

“We are very lucky to have Wendy in our midst and would like to invite everyone to come and visit Explorers to experience her talent firsthand. She is a magnificent Chef and a wonderful person to have on board; we are certain, that with her help, the Emnotweni Arena and Explorers Restaurant will become renowned for its delicious food,” says Ig Olivier, General Manager at Emnotweni Casino and Entertainment Complex.

Besides many other achievements, Dunn was also chosen as the overall winner of a Night of A Thousand Stars – a cooking competition hosted in Mpumalanga. She was the winner of the main course and received second place for both the starter course as well as dessert. She has also been featured in many lifestyle magazines and newspapers.

Explorers Restaurant now boasts a brand new contemporary look and feel and offers guests a greater variety – from classic breakfasts right through to light lunches, snacks and hearty meals. The Restaurant is open daily from 8am till late, seven days a week and offers a menu that is set to target all palates including fresh salads, Morish grills, decadent desserts and a variety of light style bites for the not so hungry.

For more information please visit www.emnotweni.co.za or contact Explorers Restaurant on (013) 7574300.