Eminence Ntwanano Hlabane, the visionary behind Immortal Kitchens, is a name steadily rising in the culinary world. Born and raised in Soweto’s Protea Glen, Eminence grew up in a household with both his parents and two siblings. Reflecting on his upbringing, he shares, “I’ve always been passionate about cooking and changing my current situation in Soweto.”
From Soweto to Culinary Heights
His journey into the culinary arts wasn’t a straightforward one. After completing his matric, Eminence found himself at a crossroads, unsure of what path to take. It was during a gap year, with the guidance of his mother, Octavia Hlabane, that he rediscovered his passion for food. “My mother reminded me about my passion for food, and that’s when I registered at HTA School of Culinary Arts the following year,” he recalls.
Eminence’s dedication to his craft paid off in a significant way when he had the opportunity to work in the USA. “Working in the USA last year has been the biggest highlight of my career,” he says. “It was a big jump that took my experience to new heights.”
Although cooking remains his first love, Eminence has other passions he hopes to pursue in the future, particularly in fashion design. “I’ve always known how to use a sewing machine, and to this day, I haven’t utilized that gift,” he adds with a laugh.
The Birth of Plated Saturday: A Fine Dining Experience
Eminence’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his latest venture, the Plated Saturday Fine Dining Experience. This event, which has been in the making for the past two years, was inspired by casual gatherings with friends at his mother’s house. “My friends always told me that I could make a fortune with this business, but for me, it was more about whether the food tasted good,” Eminence explains.
The concept behind Plated Saturday goes beyond just serving good food. “The whole idea was to bring people together to have good food and just forget about the challenges this life comes with,” says Eminence. “Plated Saturday was made for people to unwind and just have fun while enjoying amazing food.”
What to Expect at the Upcoming Event
This year’s Plated Saturday is poised to be the biggest yet, with live performances, top-tier wine brands from South Johannesburg, and a crowd larger than any Eminence has ever hosted before. The event’s theme, “Uplift your inner dream,” resonates deeply with him. “What I always say is, just awake the dragon,” he notes.
The menu, which celebrates South African ingredients, has been carefully crafted, reflecting Eminence’s excitement and passion. “This is a menu we have been dying to prepare,” he shares enthusiastically.
A Message from Eminence
As Eminence gears up for this significant event, he leaves us with a reminder of the importance of recognizing and nurturing one’s talents: “God gave you that gift for a reason.”
Follow Eminence Ntwanano Hlabane:
- Instagram: @immortal_kitchens, @chef_eminencehlabane
- Facebook: Eminence Ntwanano Hlabane, Immortal Kitchenz
- TikTok: @immortalkitchens
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