roots@Forum Homini – Executive Chef Adriaan Maree

Roots restaurant, one of Johannesburg’s top restaurants and part of Forum Homini, set in the popular Cradle of Humankind, welcomes Adriaan Maree, an up and coming young and very talented executive chef.

Adriaan brings with him experience that has helped him become the chef that he is today. Working in London at 2 star Michelin restaurant, Claude Bosi, has been one of the highlights in his career. “Being part of the team at Claude Bosi, gave me insight into the discipline and passion that a Michelin restaurant requires,” he states.

Rust en Vrede was also part of Adriaan’s experience gained over past years. “I love the Cape and working at Rust en Vrede is a feather in my cap,” he smiles, “I have been very fortunate in my life to have been able to be part of some amazing teams in superb restaurants.”

His cooking philosophy is light and simple but impacted with flavor. He only works with fresh ingredients – the fresher the better he feels. Being big on flavor, Adriaan enjoys cooking with ingredients that overflow season wise; if strawberries and celeriac are available at the same time he will use both ingredients in his menu.

With roots introducing new, monthly menus, he is keen about the challenge ahead. He also looks forward to using local products, including using Springbok off the game estate where Roots is situated.

“Taking over the kitchen of such a popular restaurant adds pressure, which I embrace thoroughly, to ensure that Roots goes from strength to strength and with the current team, consisting of a few new faces, there will be no looking back,” he says.