Battle of the Chefs: Harare

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Battle of the Chefs: Harare
Genre
Presented by
  • Joseph Bunga (season 1)
  • Zihlo (season 2–)
Judges
  • Stephen Hyde
  • Cherylyn Conlon
  • Innocent Masuku
  • Lincoln Myambo
    (season 1–3)
  • Tafadzwa Anifasi
    (season 3–)
  • Karl Eckard
    (season 1-3)
  • Karen Mutasa
    (season 3–)
  • Rumbie Shoko
    (season 3–)
Country of originZimbabwe
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes41
Production
Executive producers
  • Joseph Bunga
  • Veronica Bunga
Running time45 minutes
Production companyArea 46 Productions
Original release
NetworkZimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation
ReleaseAugust 30, 2015 (2015-08-30) –
present

Battle of the Chefs: Harare is a Zimbabwean reality competition television series which premiered on August 30, 2015 on Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. The show features sixteen contestants competing across five rounds. It is open to both amateur and professional chefs.

Show format[edit]

Basic format[edit]

Battle of the Chefs is a cooking show that uses a progressive elimination format. From season 2 onwards, each season starts with sixteen contestants, with one chef eliminated in each episode until four finalists remain to battle for the title of Best Chef in Zimbabwe.

Each episode features three challenges designed to test the chefs' technique, creativity, and knowledge of food and flavour. The expert panel of three judges score the chefs' efforts during the episodes. In the end the chef with the highest score wins either an advantage or a prize; and the chef with the lowest score is stripped of their chef's jacket.

In the Technical Challenge the chefs are asked to produce their take on a basic dish. In the Innovation Challenge, they are given a basket containing three key ingredients they must use to create their most innovative dish. In the Set Recipe Challenge they are given a somewhat complex recipe to follow.

Variant formats[edit]

Season 1 of the show had sixteen teams,[1] each consisting of two individuals.[2] In each episode, a team of chefs is required to prepare three dishes: starter, main course and dessert.

In season 2 onwards the Judges Masterclass Round features an Identification Challenge where the chefs are expected to identify a number of mystery ingredients, as well as the Replication Challenge where the chefs must watch one of the judges give a recipe demo and then replicate it. In the Semifinal Round there is a Shopping Challenge, and the Innovation Challenge requires the chefs to produce a creative platter of multiple items. The finale requires the chefs to produce a signature three course menu.

Seasons[edit]

Season Winner(s) Runner(s)-up Finalists Air Dates
1 Tafadzwa Anifasi

Musodzi Mushonga

Ant Berens

Tony Attwell

N/A August 30 - December 6, 2015
2 Leandrah Makaya Jessica Vakos-England Tinotenda Mutamba

Donovan Layton

April 10 - July 3, 2016
3 Dylan Taylor Carmen Vlahakis Cherron Harry

Wilson Jamesom

April 20 - July 13, 2017

Season 1 (2015)[edit]

Contestants[edit]

Episodes[edit]

Episode Air Date
1 30 August 2015
2 6 September 2015
3 13 September 2015
4 20 September 2015
5 27 September 2015
6 4 October 2015
7 11 October 2015
8 18 October 2015
9 25 October 2015
10 1 November 2015
11 8 November 2015
12 15 November 2015
13 22 November 2015
14 29 November 2015
15 6 December 2015

Season 2 (2016)[edit]

Season 2 was shot in a custom built studio in Borrowdale - Harare.

Naming sponsor - TM Pick n Pay

Contestant Progress[edit]

Contestant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Leandrah Makaya SAFE SAFE SAFE SAFE Winner
Jessica Vakos-England SAFE SAFE SAFE SAFE Runner-up
Tinotenda Mutamba SAFE SAFE SAFE SAFE Eliminated
Donovan Layton SAFE SAFE SAFE SAFE Eliminated
Sara Thompson SAFE ELIM WIN ELIM
David Lupenga* SAFE SAFE ELIM
Fadzayi Mtuwa SAFE SAFE SAFE ELIM
James Chareka SAFE SAFE SAFE ELIM
Dimitri Adamakos SAFE SAFE ELIM
Zandi Mubi SAFE SAFE ELIM
Charlene Chisvo SAFE ELIM OUT
Tongai Zhou SAFE ELIM
Tinashe Sean Murove ELIM
Rakesh Pokhriyal ELIM OUT
Ryan Maidwell ELIM OUT
Portia Makwamanzi ELIM

Episodes[edit]

ROUND ONE: GLOBAL CUISINE
Episode # Episode Title Contestants Technical Challenge Innovation Challenge Set Recipe Challenge
201 "Mexican Fiesta" David

James

Tinotenda

Portia

Tortilla Chips

with Salsa & Guacamole

Beef Mince

Corn on the Cob

Tequila

Molé Chicken Enchiladas
202 "Indian Adventure" Donovan

Fadzayi

Sara

Ryan

Chilli Sauce Mutton Chops

Chick Peas

Cream Cheese

Ras Malai
203 "Classic French" Jessica

Dimitri

Leandrah

Rakesh

French Trim a Rack of Lamb Rack of Lamb

Camembert Cheese

Sun Jam

Mille-Feuille
204 "Greek Games" Charlene

Zandi

Tongai

Tinashe

Pita Bread Dough Pita Bread Dough

Sardines

Capers

Baba Ganouch

Skordalia

Tzatziki

ROUND TWO: JUDGE'S MASTERCLASS
Episode # Episode Title Contestants Judge Technical Challenge Replication Challenge
205 "African Fusion Masterclass" David

Leandrah

Fadzayi

Sara

Innocent Masuku Debone Whole Rabbit Rabbit Roulade

with Peanutbutter Sauce

206 "South East Asian Masterclass" Donovan

James

Zandi

Tongai

Cherylyn Conlon Knife Skills Thai Green Prawn Curry
207 "Game Masterclass" Jessica

Dimitri

Tinotenda

Charlene

Lincoln Myambo Breakdown Guinea Fowl & Debone Thighs Guinea Fowl Ballantine

with Parsnip-Pea Mash & Tarragon Sauce

ROUND THREE: CLOSE TO HOME
Episode # Episode Title Contestants Technical Challenge Innovation Challenge Set Recipe Challenge
208 "Contemporary Zimbabwean James

Tinotenda

Jessica

Zandi

Marula Nut & Baobab Powder

Smoothie

Mopani Worms (Madora)

Mango

Rape

Pumpkin Leaf Ravioli
209 "Hunter Gatherer" Leandrah

Donovan

Fadzayi

Dimitri

Go Fishing & Foraging Whole Bream

Pecan Nuts

Fresh Herbs

Mini Salted Caramel Pecan Tarts
210 "Wildcard Battle" Sara

Ryan

Charlene

Rakesh

Mayonnaise Most Innovative Chicken Main Course Chocolate Soufflé
ROUND FOUR: SEMIFINALS
Episode # Episode Title Contestants Shopping Challenge Technical Challenge Innovation Challenge
211 "Contemporary High Tea" Jessica

Leandrah

Fadzayi

James

30 minutes & $100 to shop

for ingredients at TM Pick n Pay

Scones High Tea Finger Food Platter
212 "Pub Grub" Tinotenda

Donovan

Sara

David

30 minutes & $100 to shop

for ingredients at TM Pick n Pay

Sausages Pub Grub Platter
ROUND FIVE: FINAL
Episode # Episode Title Contestants Starter Main Dessert
213 "Grand Finale" Leandrah

Jessica

Tinotenda

Donnovan

Stuffed Pumpkin Leaf

Tian of Salmon Tartar

Pan Fried Tilapia with Spatzle

Sundried Tomato Tortelini

Fig & Hazelnut Pork Roulade with Potato Spiral

Poached Bream with Salmon Mousse & Beurre Blanc

Beef Fillet with Cabbage & a Red Wine Sauce

Herb Crusted Beef Fillet with Tangy Mushroom Sauce

Eton Mess

Chocolate Cheesecake Mousse

Vanilla Ravioli with Strawberry Broth

Decadent Choc Brownie

Season 3 (2017)[edit]

Season 3 was shot in a custom built studio in Msasa, Harare

Naming sponsor - TM Pick n Pay

Contestants[edit]

Contestant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Dylan Taylor LOW HIGH LOW HIGH Winner
Carmen Vlahakis WIN LOW WIN WIN Runner-up
Cherron Harry WIN WIN WIN WIN 2nd Runner-up(s)
Wilson Jameson HIGH WIN LOW HIGH 2nd Runner-up(s)
Ednos Tavirima HIGH LOW HIGH ELIM
Chengetai Makawa* WIN WIN ELIM
Tatenda Nyamande WIN HIGH HIGH ELIM
Kendall de Souza LOW ELIM WIN ELIM
Tatenda Gudu HIGH HIGH ELIM
Kundai Muchanyuka HIGH LOW ELIM
Sue Hodgson LOW ELIM OUT
Nicola 'Cola' Kagoro LOW ELIM OUT
Pam Taiirodza ELIM OUT
Deevya Lethwala ELIM
Caroline Ruzario ELIM
Amanda Mhundwa ELIM

Episodes[edit]

ROUND ONE: GLOBAL CUISINE
Episode # Episode Title Contestants Technical Challenge Innovation Challenge Set Recipe Challenge
301 "Americana Extravaganza" Tatenda N

Wilson

Cola

Amanda

Cheeseburger & Fries Chicken Wings

Potato Chips

Cola

Mini Apple Pies

with Caramel Butternut Pastry Cream

302 "Chinese Festival" Cherron

Kundai

Kendall

Caroline

Vegetable Stir Fry

with Egg Fried Rice

Eggplant

Bamboo Shoots

Green Tea

Pot Sticker Dumplings
303 "Italian Escapade" Chengetai

Ednos

Sue

Deevya

Fresh Pasta

with a sauce

Salami

Focaccia

Coffee Grounds

Zabaglione

with Ladyfingers

304 "Food on the Flame" Carmen

Tatenda G

Dylan

Pam

Open Fire Bread Braai Pack

Dry Spice Rub

Pineapple

Grilled Orange Cupcakes
ROUND TWO: JUDGE'S MASTERCLASS
Episode # Episode Title Contestants Identification Challenge Technical Challenge Replication Challenge
305 "Judge Steve's Beef Masterclass" Chengetai

Tatenda N

Kundai

Kendall

Flavoured Jellies Prepare Beef Fillets Beef Tournedo

with Fondant Butternut & Smoked Garlic Mash

306 "Judge Taf's Fish Masterclass" Cherron

Tatenda G

Ednos

Cola

Unusual Ingredients by Sight Scale & Fillet Whole Fish Kapenta Rubbed Bream Fillet

on Irio & Orange Burnt Butter

307 "Judge Steve's Dessert Masterclass" Wilson

Dylan

Carmen

Sue

Blindfolded Prepare Sugar Work Chocolate Delice

with Honeycomb & Sugar Work

ROUND THREE: CLOSE TO HOME
Episode # Episode Title Contestants Technical Challenge Innovation Challenge Set Recipe Challenge
308 "Zimbabwean Homecoming" Cherron

Tatenda N

Dylan

Kundai

Sadza & Relish Kapenta (Fresh & Dried)

Maputi

Sweet Potato

Mopani Worm (Madora) Quiche
309 "South African Soiree" Carmen

Ednos

Wilson

Tatenda G

Boerewors Rusks

Peach Chutney

Rooibos Tea

Bunny Chow
310 "Wildcard Battle" Kendall

Cola

Sue

Pam

Paté Trio of Offal hors d'ourves Humble Pie
ROUND FOUR: SEMIFINALS
Episode # Episode Title Contestants Shopping Challenge Technical Challenge Innovation Challenge
311 "Band of Braaiers" Cherron

Wilson

Tatenda N

Kendall

20 minutes & $75 to shop

for ingredients at TM Pick n Pay

Signature Gourmet Vodka Cocktail Braai Platter of at least 6 unique items
312 "Fine Dining Collective" Carmen

Dylan

Ednos

Chengetai

20 minutes & $75 to shop

for ingredients at TM Pick n Pay

Signature Gourmet Vodka Cocktail Fine Dining Platter of at least 6 unique items
ROUND FIVE: FINAL
Episode # Episode Title Contestants Starter Main Dessert
313 "Grand Finale" Dylan

Carmen

Cherron

Wilson

Bouillabaisse

Duck Salad with Plums

Sweet Potato Maple Bacon Soup

Rosemary Beef Fillet

Beef with Mushrooms & Carrot Butternut Puree

Pasta Verde with Creamy Prawns

Chicken Curry with Banana Raita & Spiced Rice

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Assorted Purees

Beetroot Sorbet

Chocolate Tartlet with Coffee Mousse

Date Pudding

Mess in a Glass

Season 4[edit]

The show's fourth season began pre-production in 2018 - with auditions taking place in August. However, following the renewed economic crisis in Zimbabwe, production was put on hold indefinitely.

Judges[edit]

Judging is done by consensus among a panel of experts selected from Zimbabwe's hospitality industry, the majority of whom are restaurant owners, consultants, and executive chefs with hospitality background and experience.[3]

Judge Title Organisation Appearances
Stephen Hyde Executive chef Emmanuel's Seasons 1-3 (26 episodes)
Cherylyn Conlon Cooking instructor & restaurant consultant Seasons 1-3 (22 episodes)
Innocent Masuku Executive chef & restaurant consultant Seasons 1-3 (20 episodes)
Lincoln Myambo Consultant chef Seasons 1-3 (19 episodes)
Tafadzwa Anifasi Private chef Season 3 (7 episodes)
Karl Eckard Chef & restaurant owner The Pariah State Group Seasons 1-3 (6 episodes)
Karen Mutasa Chef & restaurant owner Organikks Season 3 (3 episodes)
Carl Joshua Ncube Comedian Cotton Country Inn Season 1 (2 episodes)
Douglas Chareka Executive chef Bronte Hotel Season 1 (2 episodes)
Joseph Bunga Executive Producer Area 46 Productions Seasons 2-3 (2 episodes)
Rumbie Shoko Chef & founder Zimbo Kitchen Season 3 (2 episodes)
Lesley Orford Chef & restaurant owner Alo Alo Restaurant Season 1 (1 episode)
Sebastian Benning Restaurant owner The Glass House Season 1 (1 episode)
Tecla Mapota Legal practitioner Gwaunza & Mapota Season 1 (1 episode)
Glenn Stutchbury CEO Cresta Hotel Africa Season 1 (1 episode)
Emma Hacker Food service representative Sea Pride Zimbabwe Season 1 (1 episode)
Roy Lumsden Executive development chef Meikles Africa Season 1 (1 episode)
Mario Da Silva Food critic Season 1 (1 episode)
Tawanda Muchineripi Restaurant owner Belcantos Season 1 (1 episode)

Chefs' Competitions (off season/offline)[edit]

The inaugural Chefs' Competition in association with Battle of the Chefs was held on 5 August 2017. The following chefs competed:

Name Organisation
Tinashe Sibanda Towers
Lesley Chiremba Alo-Alo
Romeo S Mandizha Delhi Palace
Lyoid Kofi Bronte
Webster Mupingo Bronte
Jannet Banda Oasis
Jessie Chivhunga Cresta Lodge
Portia Murungweni Cresta Lodge

A similar event was held featuring journalists in the Media Cook Off on 9 August 2017, hosted by season 3 finalist Cherron Harry.

See also[edit]

Iron Chef

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Impressive Battle of the Chefs reality TV cooking contest premieres Sunday on ZTV - Of Zimba". www.ofzimba.co.zw. Archived from the original on 2017-05-20.
  2. ^ "Battle of the Chefs Harare". September 2015.
  3. ^ "Battle Of The Chefs: 16 Teams – 60 Days – 1 Winner". www.battlechefs.co. Archived from the original on 2016-02-01.