Meet our Head Chef – Jono Kalika!
Posted on: September 14, 2021, in News
Born and raised in:
Born in Mooi River, raised in Nottingham Road.
Who inspires you the most?
Easy answer, my wife, Santanna. She is a real go getter, a people’s person and all she lives for is helping others less fortunate than us. She really does drive me to be a better version of myself.
What do you consider your greatest achievement to be?
Definitely my two sons, Kayden and Reece. Nothing gives me more joy than making them happy and spending time with them. Work wise my greatest achievement is to get others to believe that nothing is impossible, and that they are a whole lot better than they believe that they are.
What do you love most about Fordoun?
I love everything about Fordoun. The story behind Fordoun, the history and the vision to take a Dairy farm and turn it into one of the best Hotels and Spas in the country. I really do admire the people behind the vision and the drive that they had to follow through. it really is inspiring!
Perfect day off in the Midlands?
Meandering with my family! There is so much to see and so much to do.
What is your favourite hidden gem?
Indezi Cheese factory. It is a beautiful deli with great cheese, amazing dairy products and wonderful staff.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up at Clifton School as my Dad, Elvis, still works there. Beautiful memories of a much simpler, more wholesome time.
What do you aspire to learn more about?
Only one answer: food! There is so much more to learn, to investigate, to study and to get close to perfecting.
Why do you love working at Fordoun?
I love working at Fordoun as it is rich in history. The Fordoun team really go the extra mile to make all our guests happy and I love the colleagues that I work with. There really is a great vibe and a nice ebb and flow.
What do you value most in your colleagues?
I value honesty above all else.
What is your favourite spot at Fordoun?
I really love the Spa. I think that it is really amazing but my favourite spot is definitely the vegetable garden that is starting to produce some really interesting goods.
What do you think makes Fordoun so special?
I think what makes Fordoun so special is the people that work here, from the owners that are constantly invested in making sure that every guest leaves here feeling great and has a great time, to the managers that always go over and above what is asked to accommodate guests, to the different departments that strive to do their best.