Chef Gerard Vingerling
Affectionately known as Chef Gerard, Gerard Vingerling is handing the reigns of 54 on Bath’s culinary excellence over to Phil de Villiers, whilst he is preparing to step into the Executive Chef position at Tsogo Sun’s flagship Palazzo Hotel in the Montecasino Entertainment Complex, Fourways.
The move from 54 on Bath to the Palazzo hotel will almost be similar to a ‘homecoming’ for Gerard since he was the Executive Chef at the Southern Sun Montecasino during the launch of this hotel. When Tsogo Sun launched their new boutique offering, 54 on Bath in 2012, Gerard, with his unmatched experience managed this new offering, laying the foundation of culinary excellence and imparting his substantial knowledge to his team.
Gerard started his love affair with food when he landed his first job as a as a pizza chef when he left school, some 20 years ago. He loved the organized chaos and has since gone from strength to strength. His professional biography includes the ownership of a top-five gourmet restaurant, stints at several five-star hotels, and an outstanding reputation for exceeding the expectations of even the most discerning and demanding celebrity guests.
Gerard delights in blending classical cuisine with bold contemporary innovations – resulting in an intelligently conceived signature style that mesmerizes his many patrons. His favourite utensil in the kitchen is his Chef’s knives, and one wonders at the interesting stories these knives would tell if only they could talk!
He regards patience and calmness as some of the most important characteristics of a successful Executive Chef and is inspired daily by his family and the many brilliant up and coming chefs joining the industry.
