By Chef Dan, Johannesburg (2024)

18/06/2024

Happy Birthday to my Co-Pilot, Sous Chef, partner in crime and my best friend! 🧑‍🍳🧑‍✈️💜

Oh and of course no1 bird mom! 🦜

I love you so much always! 💜

28/05/2024

Happy international burger day! 🍔

This photo is from a while ago but this was a damn good burger!

The hangover from Press Bar and Grill in Seapoint.

Mmm delicious 😍

24/05/2024

Starting the day off with Espresso ☕

The magical liquid created when water is forced through finely ground roasted seeds from a fruit cultivated and grown in central Africa and other such places. How bizarre yet I cannot live without it.

Making espresso has become a ritual for me as part of my morning routine. It has been integral to my mental health, and not just because of the caffeine.

I could talk about coffee for hours on end. Thinking about writing a blog post about it and maybe doing my next Radio Show/podcast on it...

What do you think?

22/05/2024

The Flavours of Freedom 🇮🇱💛

Check out my new blog post using the link in my bio. This one is based on my Yom-Ha'atzmaut show on ChaiFM.

This post is in honor of the over 100 men, women and children who have been held hostage now for more than 200 days. As well as all those that we have lost since October 7th.

20/05/2024

Living with a Professional Chef... 👨‍🍳

If you missed it, I was on .9 recently as a new presenter for the Essen Fressen (Cooking) Show! I thought it to be fitting for my first ever episode to have my biggest fan and my biggest critic on. She is my soulmate and my partner in crime.

We spoke about what it's like to actually live with a chef in your home. SPOILERS! It's not 7 course tasting menus every night.

If you didn't catch it live, check out the podcast link in my bio.

Follow me and my stories to see my next show! Tuesday @ 11:00am

17/05/2024

Introducing Nerdy Noshing Notes 🗒👨‍🍳🍽

Check the link in my bio for my new BLOG! Just as I said in my last Insta post, I am trying to post more and put out more content.

The next step is my new Nerdy Noshing Notes blog on my website bychefdan.com.

If you are hungry for more content like here on my page check out the NEW Nerdy Noshing Notes! I am going to be posting ancedotes, stories, recipes, food science and much much more!

15/05/2024

It's been a while... 😅

While I have been vlogging quiet consistently, I have not been making regular posts. As I have said in my vlogs and in some stories towards the end of last year, I was not in a good space. But I'm not going to dwell on that.

We are moving forward. Onwards and upwards! With the help of Hashem, I am going to be posting more regularly! I'm going to aim for 2-3 times a week but let's see what happens.

My Vlogs will remain as a window to see behind the scenes of what I Chef Dan, get up on a regular basis. I am going to use posts for more formalised content.

I want to share some of the amazing things I have seen, learnt and cooked!

So if you haven't already, hit that follow button to see more amazing things coming from me soon!

Photo creds: This guy is incredible! Please give him a follow too!

08/03/2024

✡️ What a special experience!!! ✡️

My father and I were invited to to help a group of international travellers make a minyan.

Being able to spend time with my father is special enough but to have the opportunity to travel to such a beautiful place, to experience the South African bush and to be able to daven together was truly special in a way that words cannot describe.

03/03/2024

🌭 Not your average Boerie Roll 🌭

These amazing gourmet Boerie Rolls featured, the best Kosher Boerwors in South Africa (IMHO) from , my signature tomato relish and caramelised onions.

🔥 Wow they were good! 🔥

But don't take my word for it, I'm biased of course 😂 Ask anyone of the amazing people who came out in support of us today! You guys are the real heroes! I want to thank each and every one of you! Without you none of this would be possible!

26/02/2024

🎉 Join us this Sunday at the Eden College Picnic Market from 10 AM onwards! 🌟 Indulge in the ultimate gourmet experience with our delectable 100% kosher boerewors rolls, crafted to perfection! 🌭✨ Don't miss out on this opportunity to savor the flavors of our gourmet creations for just R75 each! See you there! 🎈

22/11/2023

🍕✨ Join Us at the Eden Festival of Lights! ✨🍕

Indulge in an extraordinary culinary experience as we make our debut at the Eden Festival of Lights! 🎆 On November 30th, join us for a slice of heaven as we proudly present our first official event featuring Authentic Neapolitan Pizza.

🇮🇹 Crafted with passion and authenticity, our pizzas bring the flavors of Italy to South Africa. Every bite is a journey through the streets of Naples, thanks to ingredients imported directly from the heart of Italy. 🌍🍽️

Event Details:
📅 Date: November 30th
⏰ Time: Starting at 5 PM
📍 Location: Eden College, 48 Johannesburg Road, Lyndhurst

Pizza Price:
🍕 12-inch Neapolitan Pizza - R90

🌟 What Sets Us Apart:

100% Kosher Ingredients
Made with Love and Tradition
No Certification, Just Pure Culinary Passion
This is a culinary adventure you don't want to miss! Gather your friends and family, and join us as we light up the night with the warmth of authentic Neapolitan pizza. 🌠✨

Thank you for your continued support, and we can't wait to share this delicious moment with you at the Eden Festival of Lights. See you there! 🎉🍕

13/11/2023

🍕🇮🇹 Savoring the Taste of Italy! 🇮🇹🍕

Behold the beauty of authentic Neapolitan pizza, crafted with love and precision. Each bite is a journey to the streets of Naples, where this culinary art form was born. 🌆

Did you know that the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) in Italy has strict guidelines to ensure the authenticity of Neapolitan pizza? We're proud to bring those traditions to your plate.

We're excited to remind you about our upcoming appearance at the Eden Festival of Lights, where we'll be serving these mouthwatering creations cooked in a real pizza oven. Join us on November 30th at 5 PM for an unforgettable culinary experience! 🎉

Before we wrap up, we want to express our gratitude to all who entered our knife competition. Your enthusiasm and support mean the world to us. 👏

We're pleased to announce the winner Glitter & Toast our warmest congratulations! 🎁 Stay tuned for more delicious updates, and we can't wait to share the flavors of Italy with you at the festival. 🌟

10/11/2023

🍕🎉 Exciting Announcement! 🍕🎉

We've been keeping a secret, and the time has finally come to share it with you! Our culinary journey now has a new name: by Chef Dan! 🌟

We are thrilled to unveil our new identity, and we couldn't be more excited to embark on this delicious adventure with you. To mark this momentous occasion, we're excited to announce our very first official event:

🌟 Eden Festival of Lights 🌟
📅 Date: November 30th
⏰ Time: 5 PM
📍Location: Eden College, 48 Johannesburg Road Lyndhurst

Join us at the Eden Festival of Lights, where we'll be serving up 100% Kosher and Chalav Israel Neapolitan Pizzas that are as close to authentic as it gets. 🇮🇹🍕

While we're not certified under a specific institution, we're committed to delivering a culinary experience that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy while maintaining the highest levels of kashrus. Our ingredients are imported from the very source of Neapolitan pizza, ensuring each bite is an explosion of flavor.

Raffle Update: The entries for our Japanese knife raffle are officially closed, and we'd like to thank everyone who participated. 🎁 The winner will be announced on Monday, so stay tuned!

We can't wait to see you at the Eden Festival of Lights. It's the beginning of an extraordinary journey, and we're delighted to have you by our side. Your culinary Journey starts here!

09/11/2023

👨‍🍳🌟 Meet the Faces Behind the Culinary Magic! 🌟👩‍🍳

Hey, foodie family! 👋 It's Chef Dan here. Let me take a moment to introduce myself and my wife, the incredible team that makes your culinary dreams a reality.

👨‍🍳 Chef Dan - Executive Chef & Managing Director:
After chasing the skies post-high school, I found my true passion during the chaos of 2020. After enrolling in and completing culinary school, I've had the privilege of working in top Johannesburg restaurants. However since then, I've transformed my career into being your personal chef. Cooking for international guests across Southern Africa, my goal is to bring you the highest quality kosher food.

👩‍💼 Zahava - Chief of Operations & Front of House Manager:
Meet the powerhouse behind our operations! Zahava, my incredible wife, a talented nail technician and owner of Studio StylZ Artistry. Last year, she joined the culinary world during a Garden Route tour where she was so exceptional that she became a full-time member. In our biggest project this year, she emerged as our MVP, keeping the wheels turning smoothly.

Together, we are unstoppable. A culinary journey fueled by passion, dedication, and a love for creating unforgettable dining experiences. Stay tuned for more delicious moments from our dynamic duo! 🍽️✨

08/11/2023

🍚🌟 Exploring the Flavors of Asia! 🌟🍚

This is not just any Kimchi Fried Rice; it's a journey into the heart of Korean cuisine. Made with homemade kimchi, every bite is a burst of savory and spicy delight! 🇰🇷🍽️

Lately, I've been immersing myself in the art of Korean and Japanese cuisine, finding inspiration in their rich culinary traditions. The result? Dishes like this, where the fusion of flavors takes center stage.

Now, I'm curious about your culinary adventures! What's your favorite international cuisine? 🌎 Drop your answer in the comments below, and you'll get an extra entry into our Japanese knife raffle. 🇯🇵🔪

Let's keep the culinary conversation going! Share your global taste preferences and let's celebrate the diverse world of food together. 🍜✨

07/11/2023

🍽️✨ Exclusive Culinary Delight! ✨🍽️

Introducing a sneak peek into a world of flavors you won't find anywhere else in South Africa! This one-of-a-kind dish made with, freshly caught Mozambican Seabass, was the star at our recent private dinner event. Served with a zesty Lime and Dill Creme and a refreshing Fennel Salad, it's a taste of excellence that sets us apart. 🎣🍋

We take pride in offering you a unique culinary experience that's truly extraordinary. Our kosher creations are a fusion of flavors and quality that can't be found anywhere else.

Dive into the extraordinary with our exquisite dishes, and stay tuned for more culinary adventures. This is just a taste of what's to come! 🌟

07/11/2023

🔪✨ Win a Japanese Knife in Our Grand Raffle! ✨🔪

As the countdown to our big re-brand continues, we've got an exclusive treat that's sure to sharpen your excitement! 🎁

Introducing our Japanese Knife Giveaway! 🇯🇵🔪 This finely-crafted culinary masterpiece is not just a kitchen tool; it's a work of art. And we're giving one lucky winner the chance to wield this culinary magic!

To enter and stand a chance to win:

Like this post ❤️
Share this post on your feed or story 📲
Tag three foodie friends who would love to level up their kitchen game in the comments below. 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️
That's it! You're officially in the running to own this incredible Japanese Knife. 🌟

Bonus Entry: For an extra chance to win, make sure you're following our page! 🌟

Our way of saying thank you for all the love and support you've shown us in the lead-up to our launch! 🙏

But remember, you must complete all three steps to qualify for the raffle, and the more friends you tag, the more chances you have to win! 🎉

The winner will be announced on our grand launch day, November 10th, so stay tuned! Get tagging, sharing, and spreading the word to increase your chances of being the lucky knife owner. 🔥

Thank you for being a part of our culinary journey. Your support means everything to us, and we can't wait to share our flavors with you very soon! 🍽️💫

06/11/2023

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

Get ready to satisfy your taste buds like never before because Chef Dan is re-branding this Friday, November 10th! We can hardly contain our excitement, and we're counting down the days until the big reGet ready to satisfy your taste buds like never before because Chef Dan is re-branding this Friday, November 10th! We can hardly contain our excitement, and we're counting down the days until the big re . 🚀

Starting today, we're going all out to make this week memorable and build up the anticipation for our grand launch. Each day, we'll be giving you a sneak peek into the culinary wonders we have in store, showcasing our mouthwatering creations, and sharing some behind-the-scenes moments from our kitchen. 🍽️👨‍🍳

Here's what you can expect from our daily posts:
📸 Exclusive Previews
👨‍🍳 Meet the Chef
🥘 Signature Dishes
🎁 Exciting Giveaways

Follow us closely to be a part of our countdown and get a taste of what's to come. Invite your friends, family, and fellow food lovers to join in the fun, because this is one launch you won't want to miss! 🤩

Help us spread the word by liking, commenting, and sharing our posts. Your support means the world to us, and we can't wait to serve you the finest dishes soon! 🌟

Stay tuned for a week full of delectable surprises, and remember to mark your calendars for November 10th. Get ready to experience a world of flavors like never before! 🍽️💫

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21/03/2023

Happy Human Rights Day! 🇿🇦

Our beuatiful country of South Africa has been frought with hardships for years and years. Still to this day we fight... I beilive we fight because we all have such enormous love for our home and we cannot agree on the best way forward for South Africa.

One thing we can however always agree on is a braai! No matter where you live, no matter what language you speak and no matter your culture we all agree that there is nothing like lighting up a braai with our friends and family and enjoying that taste that is so unquiely South African.

Nikon D5000 | Nikkor 18-55mm | f7.1 | 1/25 sec | iso 400 |

08/03/2023

Vichyssoise 🍵

Developed at the Ritz Carlton by Louis Diat this is the ultimate summer soup, in my honest opinion.

This creamy soup can even be served hot if you so desire.

This soup contains in total 6 ingredients but sometimes simple recipes yield the most delicous dishes in the end. Try it for yourself here's my recipe:

1 tsp olive oil
4 large leeks - sliced
6 large potatoes - diced
1 tbs of chicken stock powder
1 tbs white wine vinegar

Heat the olive oil in a pot until shimmering.
Add the leeks and fry until translucent.
Add the potatoes.
Cover with water and add the chicken stock.
Cook until the potatoes are soft.
Blend with an immersion blender or in a blender until smooth.
Season to taste with salt and vinegar.

Yields 8 portions.

Enjoy! 😁

Nikon D5000 | Nikkor 18-55mm | f7.1 | 1/160 sec | iso 400 |

06/03/2023

Chag Purim Sameach 🥳🤩🥸

Hamantashen. The traditional Jewish pastry for Purim.

In celebration of our victory in the Purim story we eat these traditional pastries folded into a triangle to represent Haman's hat.

Filled with all sorts including chocolate, cheese, jam etc. We do not talk about mon (poppy seed filling). A follower recently told me that "mon should have died on the gallows with Haman". 🤣

Pictured here is a cheese filled hamantashen from Shula's bakery. I am so sorry to everyone who was hoping for Dan Does Dishes Hamantashen this year but I just could not find the time to make hamantashen this purim. Dan Does Dishes is busy with so much right now so stay tuned to see all of the exciting projects coming up. Give us a follow if you have not already.

In the mean time wishing everyone Chag Purim Sameach! Have a happy and joyus Purim! May the rest of the year be filled with just as much happine

Nikon D5000 | Nikkor 18-55mm | f5 | 1/25 sec | iso 400 |

05/03/2023

Chicken Normandy, saffron rice, kohlrabi salad and basil pesto, strawberry panzanella. Just a taste 😜

This a little show plate I made to photograph from a recent client's Shabbos menu.

It's worth noting her menu contained a lot more than is pictured here. I just took some elements that I thought went well together on the plate. Based on the clean plate left behind after I let the members of the team have a taste, I would say everything was pretty tasty.

I so look forward to shabbos each and every week. Regular readers of Dan Does Dishes will know my love of challah. I cannot wait to sit down at the end of a long week, with my friends and family, to enjoy a delicous home cooked meal.

I am so grateful to be able to provide that joy to others. Even though my feet ache after a long day cooking. Even though I am beyond tired. Even though I cannot think of putting food in my own body; hearing the excitement when people taste my food is a reward unlike any other. That is what makes my job worth it!

Nikon D5000 | Nikkor 18-55mm | f7.1 | 1/250 sec | iso 400 |

03/03/2023

It's never too late for pancakes! 🥞

Apparently international pancake day was February 28... I made an error and made these on March 1. Oh well...

So what? I don't need an excuse to make pancakes. Honestly I love pancakes in any form. Whisper thin crepes ✅ Mini crumpets ✅ Fluffy flapjacks ✅

Today I went for the latter. These bad boys were about half an inch thick, super fluffy, lightly crisped around the edges and didn't last more than 10 minutes after I took this photo.

Speaking of photos; this is the first photo posted with Dan Does Dishes new DSLR camera. The quality of our posts are going to sky-rocket! That said I am not going to pretend I know what I'm doing, so if you have any tips, tricks or general photography advice I would really appreciate it! Please feel free to drop me DM!

From now on I'm going to add my camera set-up and settings at the end of each post. Enjoy 😉

Nikon D5000 | Nikkor 18-55mm | f7.1 | 1/500 sec | iso 200 |

01/03/2023

Cilimbir aka Turkish Eggs 🇹🇷

This incredible dish originated from the Ottoman Empire some 600 years ago.

Today this dish consists of soft poached eggs ontop of a yoghurt sauce drizzled with a spicy oil, often served with some kind of bread.

Here I made exactly that with homemade pita bread to boot!

Being Jewish I love Mediterranean cuisine. Turkish Cuisine is actually considered a fusion betweeen mediterranean, middle eastern and eastern European food. The canon of Turkish food is fanscinating and delicious.

In light of the recent devastating earthquakes that have hit Turkey Dan Does Dishes will be donating R10 to ZAKA South Africa for each like this post recieves in 24hrs of posting.

2 weeks ago ZAKA South Africa sent 4 brave members of their team to assist in the rescue efforts in Turkey. Combing through the rubble and destruction left in the wake of a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, the team was able to rescue as many lives as possible as well as deliver life saving supplies to the wounded and displaced.

Please leave a like if not for the delicous food then for the amazing work that ZAKA South Africa does not only for our community in South Africa but for any and all people world wide ❤️🇹🇷🇿🇦

🇹🇷

27/02/2023

Not your bobba's babka 😂

I love transforming traditional recipes. I will keep the general ideas and basic concepts but then I transform the dish by elevating certain elements.

Enter, not your bobbas babka... On the left we have a dark chocolate babka. The filling is made with salted butter and dark chocolate. I do add some sugar so its not overly bitter but this babka is all about balancing those flavours to end up with an ooey gooey chocolate babka thats perfectly balanced in all areas.

On the right we have a peanutbutter and jelly babka. For this one I used raspberry jam to balance the salty peanutbuttter. This one came out just as you would excpect. It hoenstly tasted like my childhood all rolled up into a perfectly twisted little babka loaf.

I'm hoping to make more of these traditional dishes modernised in the coming weeks, so if this interested you please follow me for more!

24/02/2023

Dan's Buttermilk Scones 😍😍😍

What a perfect accoimpniment to your cup of coffee (or tea, if you're so inclined).

These are of course traditionally made scones using cultured buttermilk. That ingredient is the key to giving these scones their signature flavour. These are so tasty you don't even need to add any butter or jam to them. Speaking of butter; the key here is cold butter. The colder the better! The cold butter is what gives the scones their rise and flakey, crumbly texture.

One last naughty thing about these... Honey butter glaze. It is exactly what it says on the lid. Melt equal parts butter together with honey and brush over the top of the hot scones as soon as they emerge from the oven. When they cool what you are left with as a super shiny and glossy surface that just oozes flavour! This isn't traditional but we'll keep it a secret 😉

22/02/2023

Fusilli Bolognese 👌 What is more perfect than pasta and tomato sauce?

Few things to me give me comfort the same way bolognese does. This is a dish that transcends culture, country, regions, time and space. Everyone I know, no matter their heritage or background, has their own way of making bolognese. You can make this dish with just about any pasta you like. I had fusulli on hand but you could use, spaghetti, buccatini, farfalle, penne, fettucine, linguine...........

Who doesn't love a warm bowl of pasta with that bright, unctuous and flavorful red meat sauce spooned on top?!

My recipe has come a long way. I have been inspired by so many different things I have seen and learnt over the years. The number one tip I can give you however, comes from non-other than the mob-boss, Paulie. "He used a razor, and he used to slice it so thin that it would liquifey in the pan with just a little oil." ~ Henry Hill Goodfellas

P.S Mob movies have taught me a lot about Italian cuisine!

08/02/2023

Beer battered fish tacos for lunch 🌮 Asian inspired burgers for dinner 🍔

The tacos were served with salsa fresca, salsa verde and a mango, grilled pepper salad. Soft corn tortillas from Azteca Mexican Food Products South Africa of course.

The burgers were glazed with teriyaki sauce and topped with lettuce, mixed pickles, red cabbage soy slaw and a honey soy mayonaise. Absolutely the best kosher burger patties from non other than .

It's good eating here at Nkala Safari Lodge.

There is no reason kosher food can't be amazing! JHB kosher resturants take note!

06/02/2023

When your husband is a chef, Zahava Kusner 🤣

Just the other night I decided to treat my wife to date night at home.

For starters with had a rosted fennel and tomato soup.

Main course was fillet mignon with creamy pommes puree and a blueberry pepper jus.

Dessert (Not pictured) was chocolate torte and fruit salad.

This is just a taste of the kind of menues Dan Does Dishes puts together. I wanted to give me wife a taste of that luxury usually only reserved for our 5 star clientele.

05/02/2023

Grilled salmon burgers with miso glaze and chrain guacamole🍽

Sometimes a photo can say a thousand words and I think this amazing photo does just that. Enough said...

Photo creds go to for this one! I cannot even dream of taking photos that look half as good! Give this guy a follow!