Cape Town born Lindsay Venn, former Executive Chef now turned Food and Beverage Manager at Tsogo Sun’s Southern Sun The Cullinan hotel has been asked to take charge of the kitchen for Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka in the upcoming Tour de France.
“I am humbled and very honored to be asked to cook for Team Dimension Data, particularly as they compete in one of the most prestigious and challenging cycling races in the world,” says Venn.
Having represented Tsogo Sun in various food shows all over the world, Venn also has extensive experience in cooking for professional sportsmen of all disciplines. He has cooked for the likes of The Springboks, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs but says that this experience will be a highlight for him.
“I used to watch the Tour de France as a kid, and now I get to play a part in contributing towards the team. It’s a phenomenal opportunity and I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get cooking.”
Venn will be travelling with the team for the duration of the Tour de France and will be taking care of all their culinary needs. He believes that providing correctly balanced nutrition is the key ingredient for fueling the team every day, and will be working closely with the team’s nutritionist and doctor. Always trying new dishes and experimenting with flavour combinations, Venn plans to create unique dishes for the riders whilst still maintaining the nutritional value needed to sustain them throughout the race.
Putting on his chef’s jacket, taking a crash course in French and representing Tsogo Sun on the international front once again, Venn is set to take on this next challenge in his already established career.
“We are very proud of Lindsay’s selection. Tsogo Sun has always recognised the tremendous value and appreciation of sport, and we have long embraced the opportunity to be an integral part of it. We wish both Lindsay and Team Dimension Data every success for the 2016 Tour de France,” comments John van Rooyen, Tsogo Sun’s Operations Director for the Cape Region.
