A PORT Elizabeth father and daughter are among the 15 finalists competing in the inaugural Ultimate Braai Master, hoping to be crowned South Africa's top braaiers.
The two – Barry Davis of Sunnyridge and Roxanne van Breda of Charlo – were chosen from 6400 entrants to participate in the reality TV show by Cooked presenter and chef Justin Bonello.
Van Breda, 23, said she had not initially planned on entering with her father.
"I saw an advert on TV and went to the website to apply. I wanted to go with my husband but he could not go. Then another partner pulled out at the last minute, so I ended up taking my father," she said.
"It was tough. A lot of people were buddies at the competition. I had to tell dad what to do. Spending a lot of time with my dad was fun. We bonded as a family and got to meet new people."
Van Breda said their name, Popeye and Olive, was a last minute decision.
"I could not find a name and settled on the name because a lot of people say I look like Olive."
The two – who come from a braai- loving family – made the cut with a three course meal that included fillet steak.
Davis, 48, said the competition was a lot of fun.
"I would do something like this [competition], but not the same thing though. I am too old for this," he said.
Van Breda said she would enter again.
"I am doing it again next year, but I am not taking my dad again – I love him to bits but I want to take someone with more knowledge next time."
Van Breda encouraged viewers to follow their progress to learn a few tricks.
"What I can say, however, is that it started at the Orange River and was a 8000km race across South Africa, that got more difficult," she said.
"It was such an amazing experience with amazing people. I definitely enjoyed it."
The contestants competed in various outdoor cooking challenges in a 52-day, 8000km road trip.
The show boasts substantial prizes, including R500000, a brand new Renault Koleos 4×4 valued at R325000 and a Cadac BraaiMaxx valued at R15000. The show airs on Thursdays at 8pm onSABC 3.
