There’s no doubt Rikku O’Donnchu is one of the best culinary wizards in South Africa. His expansive repertoire includes being the head chef at 5 Diamond Amorette In Pennsylvania US, Immersion, collaborating with Michelin Star restaurants from around the US, Michelin Star Restaurant Adam’s in Birmingham UK and Michelin Korean fusion restaurant Doshi in Orlando, US.
Now running the delicious RIKŪ Chef’s Counter in Woodstock, Cape Town, the celebrated chef teamed up with Louis XIII Cognac to create something magical. The partnership saw Rikku create ‘Levitate’, a dessert with a floating cloud. Paired with the prestigious cognac, it makes for a perfect night of celebrating innovation and luxury in the food space.
We caught up with the chef to talk about all things, passion, creativity and food.
Firstly, congrats on the recent Best Chef Awards. What do these awards and recognition mean to you?
Just to be recognised by such a prestigious organisation is in itself a complete honour, but to be given this award on the same stage as my heroes was absolutely mind-blowing.
So, you are 15 and someone tells you that you were ‘born to do this’ (being a chef). Fast-forward to 2025, do you have that feeling every day – that you were born to do this?
Haha! That’s a difficult question because I feel like I was just born to create, be it food, music, art, film and experiences…
You have spoken before about living your passion – what do you do on the days the passion is not there or a little less?
You go deep and you find that passion, there will always be bad days, but the good days will never feel so good without those bad days. It’s the universal balance.
Tell us about your partnership with Louis XIII Cognac
It’s the partnership of a lifetime, really. Innovation, paired with the pure prestige of Louis XIII, what more could a chef ask for? And it’s an absolute honour and privilege to be associated with the brand itself… like little old me haha.
How long did it take to get the floating cloud right?
It took 6 months of solid R&D. It was a wonderful journey of exploration and led to a few other discoveries, so watch this space!
What is the ultimate measure of success for you?
Honestly? A well-nourished, healthy, happy family. And then happy returning guests of course.
