The media hype has reached fever pitch with interviews and photo shoots galore. When you are The Best Lady Chef, that is par for the course. South Africa?s Chantel Darntall takes it all in her stride ? cool as a cucumber, she spoke to Upscale Living magazine about her path to the ultimate accolade.
A bit of background ? studies, training, etc.

When I arrived in London as a young, inexperienced commis chef in the busy Chez Nico kitchen, I was literally chucked in the deep end and had to learn how to swim very quickly. It didn?t take long to learn that the quicker and the more perfectly you performed the tasks you were given, the greater the rest of the team?s respect became for you, and eventually I was one of the team. This taught me that no matter how hard any task may seem, if you practice and persevere it all becomes easier in the end. Any anecdotal stories from your childhood and your ?foodie evolution?"

My mother was one of my biggest influences growing up. Even now the smell of a roast chicken brings back wonderful childhood memories. She squeezed a bit of lemon on it and added lots of spices. I can still smell it roasting. I longed for it while I lived in London ? it brought back memories of home, feeling safe and having someone else cook for me. My family has always supported me and encouraged me to do what I enjoy and they have exposed me to and provided me with the opportunities to explore the culinary world that helped develop my palate...