Karen Rood’s Kitchen Le Calabash/Lexington

THE SEARCH IS OVER. THE FUTURE BEGINS.

For over twelve months, our international scouts have travelled South Africa, visiting restaurants, meeting chefs, observing brigades and identifying the country's most exceptional culinary environments.

Today, we are proud to announce that only six restaurants have been selected as official Le Calabash Dream Initiative selected Restaurants for the 2027–2028 International Skills Exchange Programme.

These restaurants represent the highest standards of:

• Culinary Excellence
• Leadership
• Sustainability
• Innovation
• Professional Development
• Mentorship
• Culture

These are not simply places to work.

They are places where future leaders will be developed.

Soon we will reveal the six restaurants and the extraordinary chefs who will continue to mentor South Africa's next generation when they return from France.

This is only the beginning.

From Potential to Possibility.

It is time to register for my next trip to France! Taking place next year, September 19 - October 1, 2027, this trip is a gastronomic journey through the heart of France! Three days at Le Calabash, three days in Burgundy, three days in Lyon and three days in Genoa, Italy! This is a trip you will not want to miss!Deposits are due by July 31st. Contact me for details!

It’s the end of strawberry season in Kentucky. This beautiful gallon of strawberries turned into delicious jars of strawberry jam this evening!

Day two of out first ever Fire and Spice Days at Karen Rood’s Kitchen Le Calabash was pure deliciousness and fun! South African favorites of lamb bobotie, Peri Peri Peri chicken, cheddar corn and chili bread and chocolate “melk” tart (among others) filled our bellies and our hearts were full! Thank you to all who participated in our two days! Thank you to chefs Sidney and Alison Bond from Le Calabash, France who came to teach us these delicious dishes! Can’t wait for next year when we bring them back for more!

Yesterday’s Mediterranean Adventure was certainly amazing with lovely people and great food! Can’t wait to see what today’s African Adventure brings!

Reception to meet Chefs Sidney and Alison Bond starts in 45 minutes! Hope to see you here! Mediterranean class tomorrow and South Africa class on Wednesday both start at 10 - for those who previously registered. Let the fun begin!!!!

I am so excited to present to you:
Open House and Reception for Sidney and Alison Bond from Le Calabash Petit Conservatoire de la Cuisine Monday, May 4 from 6-9!

Enjoy food and drink as we introduce to you Chefs Sidney and Alison Bond, and learn about our upcoming trips to France and South Africa!

A little about them: Chef Alison and Chef Sidney, our chefs at Le Calabash, bring a wealth of international experience and a passion for culinary innovation to every class. Accolades from major food guides and a medal-winning record at international competitions, their philosophy of ‘Balade Gourmande sans Frontière’—cooking without boundaries—sets the stage for an exhilarating ‘culinary adventure’ at Le Calabash.

Having cooked for esteemed guests including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William, Richard Attenbourgh, Mick Jagger, Madonna, Cher, Sylvester Stallone, U2, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton, Alison and Sidney’s culinary expertise has been lauded on the world stage. Together, as a perfect duo, they create a unique culinary experience.

Please RSVP by messaging me so we know how many to expect!

PS: I also have a few places open for our class with the chefs on Wednesday May 6, from 10 am to 7pm! Let me know if you are interested!

Update : Fire and Spice class for Tuesday, May 5 is full! I do have openings for May 6th, so let me know if you want to participate!

Time to register - emails have been sent out and it is starting to fill up! Email me at [email protected] and I will send you registration info!