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 world’s 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 mate’s 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 Cederberg, 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, but 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.

I love that fire and food break down the walls and barriers between us!

TALKS:

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

Let me know if you’d like more details about THE GREAT FOOD HOODWINK.

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 a bunch of television shows that I creatively directed and produced. Currently, I’m filming Bushcook, a 10-part series that will be aired in 2024.

I run an NPO called Neighbourhood Farm which is focused on fixing a broken food system and provides edible education and nutrient-dense organic produce to community members in the South Peninsula of Cape Town.
I’m an avid home farmer, father to three children, husband to one fine woman, and 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 and mingle with all of you… and sometimes even cook. If you would like to book me for a talk, an event, or an Escape or would like me to host you on Neighbourhood Farm, please contact me.

Whether it’s 20 mates or 500 guests – I’ve hosted and cooked for events for Coca-Cola, Standard Bank, Nedbank, United Stations, Liberty and Pick n Pay to name a few and I’d love to host you.

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 salads, so interesting and different from 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 question, this added such a personal touch.

 Thank you once again for everything and for 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