The owner and chef at the oldest restaurant in Hermanus completed a two-year diploma at the well-known ICA chef school in Stellenbosch. Rudolf says “A qualification does not make you a chef, though. Hard work without recognition is more important.” He mirrors this at Burgundy where he is always ready to serve with a smile. Burgundy has expanded under Rudolf’s management yet it remains an iconic meeting place for locals and visitors to share a meal of just a coffee.
For Rudolf a kitchen also cannot function without loyal employees. “It has to be people that you can trust, and people who can give 1 000 people food on a busy day and never stop smiling. Without this a restaurant cannot be successful.” Burgundy staff are old hands and have been with the business for many years. He will be joined by his wife Lezan in the new year.
Rudolf believes the golden rule is that the visitor is priceless. The client comes first, not the chef’s preferences. Rudolf – you are a legend!
