21/06/2026
Over a decade. Over a decade of changing lives 💫
For 10+ years, RIO LARGO has been proud to support the Reaching for Young Stars programme; an inspirational initiative founded by Annette Kessler and Chania Morritt- Smith that mentors, educates, and uplifts student chefs from various hotel schools in and around Cape Town. These chefs come from all walks of life- a truly life changing few months!
It starts with a day of learning from sponsors, from the very folk that make, create or sell the products they will be using! A few weeks later the students step into real kitchens to see how it all happens “on the other side”. Months of trial, error, late nights, and growth lead to one big moment: the cook-off. All using the same ingredients…with strict rules but lots of loving support around them!
This year we had 9 teams from different schools compete. Hard. Some arrived a bundle of nerves but that’s where the mentorship kicks in. We calm them, they rise.
This is one programme that proves what you put in, you get out. And the rewards are incredible… not just in prizes but in confidence too.
The judges are phenomenal. Many have walked this road with the programme for years. No fear, just guidance and real talk. And the prizes are truly life-changing. Too many to list, but every sponsor is honoured to send winners on adventures from here that shape their futures.
The awards were held at the stunning TAJ Hotel Cape Town, and we celebrated in the Reserve. Such an honour to be part of it.
Here are a few photos from the day.
RIO LARGO: Nurturing excellence, from farm to future.
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