Events and Talks

HOSTING EVENTS

I wish that I could start this conversation off by saying that I’m a celebrity chef, that I trained in some of the worlds best restaurants; that I’ve won awards for my restaurant … Truth is I’ve been cooking in the great outdoors since ma and pa fell off the wagon, and the title I most deserve is that of Bush Cook.

If you’re looking to have me cater at your mates wedding or serve funny little canapés wrapped in basil foam – I’m not that guy, but if you want to go into the middle of the Karoo, the Wildcoast, the Bushveld, the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, a game lodge or just up the coast to Langebaan – in fact anywhere in the great outdoors and cook meals on the fire… then I’m your man.

Not only will I be giving tips on how to up your game, I’ll create a tailor-made menu and be the guy that serves up delicious smoky food all prepared on the fire.

And in South Africa – the land where we call it braai in all 11 official languages – where getting together around an open fire is a national pastime, I help to get a relaxed “kuier” on the go in an easy fitting manner and style.

TALKS:

I’ve  had insight into the entire food production system over the years and have developed two very important talks around our current broken  food system and sustainability in urban environments.

Let me know if you’d like more detail around THE GREAT FOOD HOODWINK, or CREATING THE WELLBEING ECONOMY.

ABOUT ME:

I’ve taken a global audience on a ride through Southern Africa in 6 seasons of Cooked. I hosted and created 7 seasons of the award winning reality series – The Ultimate Braai Master. And then there are the other 13 television shows that I creatively directed and produced.

I run an NPO called Neighbourhood Farm that is underpinned by a mosaic of urban farms that create employment, provide edible education and provide nutrient dense organic produce to community members in the South Peninsula of Cape Town.

I’m a avid home farmer, father to three children, husband to one fine woman, have 2 dogs (one of them a real big softy called Sophie – although she looks like she’ll take your hand off). I love the outdoors, travelling even more, and I’m at my happiest when there is no connectivity…

I love doing events where I get to get my hands dirty, mingle with all of you… and sometimes-even cook. If you would like to book me for a talk or an event, or would like me to host you on Neighbourhoood Farm, please contact me.

Whether it’s 20 mates, or 60 guests – I’ve hosted and cooked for events for Coca Cola, Standard Bank, Nedbank, OFM,  Capital Works private equity group, Liberty  and Pick n Pay to name a few.

Here’s what they say…

“I have organised many events for my clients, but this is without a doubt the best event we’ve had! As a radio sales house, we’re always looking for new and interesting ways to spoil our clients. I had an idea and reached out to Justin, who just understood exactly what I was looking for and brought it to life! 

We hosted the “OFM Braaimeester” event at the Cape Boat and Ski Boat Club in Millers Point. It was a stunning and perfect venue for this event. Our clients and agencies were split into teams, and Justin provided them with various recipes they had to create. With braai’s lit, sun setting, and knertsies in hand, everything was set for a relaxed but memorable evening. 

A huge thank you to Justin Bonello for organising! From the food to the catering and decor, everything was perfect. A warm and relaxed but very well organised host indeed. It was an incredible evening!”

Zaza Bronkhorst, Account Manager at United Stations Cape Town

“A very big thank you for being our Braai Master at our annual Nedbank CIB Clay shoot.

This is an event that our clients look forward to each year and to add something to it this year, we decided to bring in a Braai Master .

Having you at our event was the perfect choice and our clients loved the day more. The feedback we received was fantastic.  

Your food was outstanding and we still talk about how delicious the skilpaadjies were , how tender the rib eye was and the mussels that were oh so tasty.

Not to forget the amazing the salads, so interesting and different to the usual salads everyone is used to at a braai.

 The clients enjoyed your interaction with them from the moment they arrived .

I was amazed at how many queued up to have their Recipe book – Road Tripping,  personally signed by from you .

They loved the fun messages you wrote to them and being able to ask you a questions, this added such a personal touch.

 Thank you once again for everything and helping to make this such a successful event.

We look forward to having you at another one of our events.”

Lisa Quaresma, Nedbank, Events Specialist