Fabio Daniel came by his culinary career by rather an unusual route.
After an injury ended his career as a professional basketball player, he went to travel the world, where he started working in kitchens as a necessity to fund the travel bug.
 
Working in various establishments in the UK, New Zealand and Brazil, he unearthed a passion for food and flavours. It was also while on his travels that he met his South African wife, who eventually brought him to South Africa to settle. This is when he decided on the kitchen as a career and managed to get himself the most junior position in David Higgs’ kitchen at Rust en Vrede.
Working first under David and later under John Shuttleworth, Fabio honed his skills and took over as Head Chef in August 2017.
 
With his Brazilian background and Italian heritage, he adds some flair to the contemporary French cuisine offered at Rust en Vrede.
He draws inspiration from his extensive travels, the fantastic fresh produce available in the Western Cape, and from his team in the kitchen with sommelier Cameron Bishop.