Renowned American celebrity chef and TV personality, Carla Hall, is currently in Victoria Falls. She’s here as a special guest for a luncheon highlighting local traditional dishes.
Carla arrived on Tuesday and is being hosted at the iconic Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls by its founder, Dr. Mati Martha Nyazema.
The luncheon is scheduled for today and will feature various tourism executives and local women demonstrating their traditional culinary skills.
Carla, known as Chef Carla in the hospitality industry, first connected with Dr. Nyazema in early 2022 after watching a video about the challenges faced by the Zimbabwean hotel entrepreneur in developing the first black female-owned five-star hotel in Victoria Falls. Carla immediately committed to visit the hotel.
She’s accompanied by Jacque Mgido, a Zimbabwean makeup artist and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles, who hosted her in Harare.
To celebrate Carla Hall’s visit, Mbano Manor Hotel is hosting a special event called ‘Mabiko nanaTete – Meal with the Sisters – Luncheon’ on September 6, 2023. This luncheon is a tribute to Zimbabwean village cuisine prepared by the hotel and local women from Victoria Falls. In honor of her visit, Carla has been given a local name, Zanele, meaning “the girls are enough,” by Dr. Nyazema.
This visit is a significant moment for the tourism community as it marks Carla’s first time in Victoria Falls. As an author, Carla is traveling with her technical crew and plans to share her culinary expertise with the Mbano team.
Carla Hall gained fame through her appearances on shows like “Top Chef” and “Top Chef: All Stars” in the United States. She’s known for combining her passion for food, people, and culture, and she has authored several cookbooks, including her latest one, “Carla Hall’s Soul Food: Everyday and Celebration,” which celebrates the rich culture and history of soul food.
Her previous cookbooks are “Carla’s Comfort Food: Favourite Dishes from Around the World” and “Cooking with Love: Comfort Food That Hugs You.”
Mbano Manor Hotel by Mantis, an independent luxury boutique hotel in Victoria Falls, opened its doors in 2020. Situated in a four-acre enclosed ancient teak forest, it offers an eco-luxury experience with 18 luxury suites and one forest villa.
The hotel’s tranquil setting combines rich cultural history with world-class hospitality, creating a unique experience at the majestic Victoria Falls.
Source iHarare
