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Chef Patron : Chris Black
Chris was always going to run restaurants. His career started in
Australia in 1995, where he set about learning everything there was
to learn about the business. He took control of The Aubergine from
his brother Jason, who had started it two years earlier. His
passion has moved from the kitchen to the day-to-day running of the
business, "because I realised there were people who cook far better
than I do," says Chris. However on any working day you will find
Chris working over the grill with his team.
Chris' passion lies in the individual relationships he builds with
each guest that enters the front door.
On the occasions that he gets away from the restaurant, Chris loves
to continue his ongoing adventure through food and wine in the
company of good friends. "A groups of mates and their partners
together, around ten different plates of food, with some exciting
wines, ideally completed with a stroll down the beach afterwards,
preferably with an ice cream in my hand." |
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Financial Director
Angus Black
A well known Durban
businessman Chris' father Angus is the perfect foil to Chris in the
business of running the restaurant. A meticulous and astute
entrepreneur, Angus lends the business acumen to the creative
output of The Aubergine.
"It's perfect, because he is not into food and wine like I am,"
says Chris.
"He tells me what I can spend and what I can't spend," he adds,"
and it is usually the latter!" |
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Guest Relations Manager:
Alison Denysschen
Seasoned restaurateur,
consummate professional and sister of chef patron Chris Black.
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Floor Manager: Catherine Black
Seasoned restaurateur,
consummate professional and sister of chef patron Chris Black. |
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Head Chef : Joyce Phosile
One of the stars at The
Aubergine since Chris took over, Joyce Phosile has been a stalwart
in the kitchen since 2003.
Lovingly nicknamed Percy Montgomery because she is utterly
unflappable, even under the demanding of pressures in the kitchen,
Joyce is a key figure in The engine room of The Aubergine.
"Joyce is totally in tune with the techniques required to work in a
very busy modern kitchen, and is unbelievably calm when it gets
hectic," says Chris. |
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Barlady : Pretty Dlamini
Always smiling Pretty Dlamini runs the bar at The Aubergine, where
she happily caters for the wide range of orders that cross her
counter.
"Pretty is generous with the tots, and is always willing to make up
a really great cappuccino," says Chris. |
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