Cooked by Fire: A Night of Flames, Flavour, and Farming

There’s live fire cooking, and then there’s Cooked by Fire.

I recently had the privilege of teaming up with Hush in My Kitchen and the incredible team at Naledi Farm for an outdoor cooking experience that reminded me why I fell in love with fire in the first place.

The setting was a sprawling farm just outside Johannesburg. Golden hour light, a long table under ancient trees, and the smell of woodsmoke drifting across the fields. Guests arrived not knowing what to expect – but by the end of the night, everyone agreed: this was something special.

We built the fire at dawn. Not because we had to, but because that’s where the magic starts. Watching the flames settle into white‑hot coals, preparing the fire‑roasted vegetables, seasoning the free‑range meat from Naledi’s own pastures – every step was intentional, slow, and respectful of the ingredients.

The menu changed as the fire did. First, wood‑fired sourdough with smoked butter. Then flame‑licked steaks, pap cooked over the coals, and a tomato relish that tasted like summer. Dessert was simple: farm apples roasted in embers with honey.

But the real highlight wasn’t on the plate. It was the conversations around the fire. Chefs and farmers, guests and storytellers, all sharing a meal cooked by nothing but flames and patience.

The Johannesburg event sold out. So did East London. And I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who came, tasted, and stayed late.

Up next: We’re bringing Cooked by Fire to Birkview Lodge on May 30, 2026. If you want to experience real fire cooking, farm‑to‑table dining, and live entertainment in one unforgettable night, I’d love to see you there.

Tickets will be announced soon. Keep an eye on my social channels.