Bertus Hendrik Basson (born 12 April 1979)Basson is 34 in December 2013 if his birthday was in April: is a South African chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur and TV personality best known for his work as head chef of Overture in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Early life After being born in Cape Town in 1979, Bertus was brought up in Polokwane, Nelspruit and Witbank. He began to help his mother with cooking in the kitchen at a young age. Growing up, Basson also worked as a waiter at Spur Steak Ranches, as well as at a liquor store and a toy store.
Career Bertus Basson began working in the culinary career when he was 17 years old. He moved to London at the age of 19 to work at the Michelin starred restaurant Chez Bruce. Basson began his first catering business, All Things Culinary, in 2005. In 2007, Bertus was named Unilever Chef of the Year, before establishing his first restaurant, Overture in November. Overture has been awarded distinguished accolades from both the Eat Out Guide and Rossouws Restaurant Guide while under his leadership.
Basson appeared as a judge on Season 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the national cooking show The Ultimate Braai Master on SABC 3. He also appears as a guest on the lifestyle TV show Top Billing as well as the daily talk show Expresso.
Basson was crowned with "Chef of the Year" at the 2019 South African EatOut Awards for his work at Eike and Overture.
Restaurants Year Opened Restaurant Location 2007OvertureHidden Valley Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, South Africa2016Spek & BoneStellenbosch, South Africa2017The Deck at Hidden ValleyHidden Valley Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, South Africa2017Die Vrije BurgerStellenbosch, South Africa2018EikeStellenbosch, South Africa2025OngetemCape Town, South Africa
Books Bertus Basson has two books to his name:
Homegrown (2017, Jacana Media; ) Being Bertus Basson (2018, Jacana Media; )
Awards and nominations YearOrganizationAwardWorkResult2019EatOut Mercedes-Benz Restaurant AwardsChef of the YearHimselfTop 10 RestaurantsEike
References