Fish Hoek High alumnus oversees anniversary feast

Chef Grant Kipling will be returning to his roots on Friday September 6 to oversee the preparation and serving of a four-course meal by Fish Hoek High School’s catering team for the school’s 70th-anniversary gala dinner.

The event holds particular significance for Mr Kipling who graduated from Fish Hoek High in 1986.

Fish Hoek High School head of marketing Celeste Venter said excitement was building in the kitchen as the catering team, headed by Rolanda Alexander, was testing the gourmet fine-dining menu inspired by the hospitality department’s curriculum.

Mr Kipling won’t be doing any cooking, but he will be overseeing the entire service from preparation to plating and serving.

“Execution is critical,” he said.

Mr Kipling’s career milestones include stints at La Colombe; Cafe 52 in Aberdeen, Scotland; and the Foodbarn in Noordhoek.

He served as executive head chef at The Brass Bell in Kalk Bay and recently led the culinary team at Klein Constantia Wine Estate.

He hails from Fish Hoek and his entire family are Fish Hoek High School alumni.

Reflecting on his school days, Mr Kipling recalls that back then, hospitality classes were non-existent, with only home economics offered as a subject— one he did not take.

Initially involved in construction, his career took an unexpected turn in 2002 after a serious accident in which he snapped his Achilles tendon. Bedridden for 16 weeks, he spent his days and nights watching the Food Channel, which ignited a passion he never knew he had.

As soon as he was able to move around, Mr Kipling began experimenting in the kitchen. He quickly discovered a natural talent for cooking, leading him to pursue formal training. In 2007, he completed a diploma and officially became a chef. Since then, he has honed his skills, building a career as a private chef.

“It’s an honour to return to Fish Hoek High and I would like to encourage the community to support the school in its fund-raising endeavours,” he said.

Ms Venter said the anniversary gala and art auction promised to be a night to remember. The school is raising funds to build an aquatic centre.

The event will take place at 6.30pm in the school’s Hepworth Hall. Tickets cost R900 and are available on Quicket.