Sherwyn Weaich – The Gourmet Bushie

From Masterchef SA to The Ultimate Braai Master and now about to open his restaurant, Newlands East boy, Sherwyn Weaich, is on his way to food fame in a big way! We’ve decide to catch up with him and get to know him a little bit better.

Q. Describe your childhood?

A. In one word – “Incredible!” I was surrounded by love, family and food.  I was not really popular growing up in Road so my brother and cousins were my friends.  The fact that they stayed 3 houses down from us with my grandmother in John Dory as well. I had loads of fun and knew my cooking was good back then with me always making the bush chow. Hahaha! I just realised I have been cooking in the bush a lot longer that I thought.  

Q. What is your fondest childhood memory?

A. It was on North pier. My father and uncle took my brother, cousin and I fishing at 2am. Not only was it freezing cold I was around the age of 9. Was it worth it? Yes Why? Those are memories I made with my family.  I live and work by my code, “FOOD FAMILY & FRIENDS” Did we catch anything, yes and no.  We caught a cold but no fish that night.  Today my cousin is no longer with us but I know he is still up to nonsense.  This one is dedicated to you, Wesley Weaich. 

Q. When did your passion for cooking begin?

A. According to my family began at the age of two where I used to come into the kitchen and demand I cook alongside my grandmothers.  I demanded real vegetables and meat. So looks like I ran a kitchen since the age of two with my two sous chefs Sandra Beyers and Lena Weaich. These two women are the foundation of my culinary journey.  

Q. What was your first dish?

A. It is complicated.  Okay my first dish was a minced meat curry and flying saucers. Why flying saucers? Simply because my roti could kill you.  Then it was lemon meringue pie. I mean every meal deserves dessert, it turned out pretty awesome too. 

Q. What has been your greatest moment thus far, as a cook?

A. Most people will think I’m going to name cooking for some high profile guest or official.  Yes, I have cooked and met several international and national stars but my greatest moment as a cook thus far changes everyday. Everyday I get a message or email about how I inspire others around me to be great and that in itself is my greatest moment.  

Q. You’ve now launched your own brand, Gourmet Bushie, what inspired the name?

A. The Gourmet Bushie, I was in Namibia the night before I knew I was coming home.  I had a beer in hand whilst staring at the stars alone. It’s what I like to call ‘me time’. I was in the wild, the bush, Sossusvlei Lodge. I talk to myself quite often about the direction my life is going.  So I had my nickname ‘Bushie’ and my gran always told me I make simple food look Gourmet.  So it stuck.  I am Sherwyn Weaich and I am The Gourmet Bushie.

Sherwyn has some major plans in the pipeline. You can catch him on Defy’s in-store training ad that plays in over 500 stores across Southern Africa. 

To follow his journey and find out more, check out The Gourmet Bushie Facebook page!