In the heart of Westville, KZN, a culinary maestro is making waves in the food scene, and his name is Daniel Loumeau. Born and raised in this vibrant South African town, Daniel’s journey from a design enthusiast to the man behind ATE Kitchen is a delightful tale that blends his artistic flair with his love for delectable dishes.
Growing up, Daniel’s passion for food was kindled in his family kitchen. His mother, a culinary virtuoso, would often be found crafting delicious meals and tempting treats. Daniel, in his childhood days, played the role of an eager assistant, always ready to lend a hand, or perhaps more accurately, a tongue, for the bowl-licking duties. As he got older, the intrigue turned into a love affair with cooking and baking, leading him to experiment with new recipes and techniques inspired by magazines and TV shows.
Daniel’s journey into the food industry took a fascinating turn when he decided to marry his love for design and photography with his culinary pursuits. A new Instagram page, dedicated to showcasing his culinary creations, marked the birth of ATE Kitchen. What followed was a series of collaborations with some of South Africa’s favorite food brands and an outpouring of support from a community that appreciated the artistry in his content.
The career highlights for Daniel are twofold. Professionally, working alongside his brother in their own design studio for over 15 years has been a fulfilling accomplishment. On the culinary front, ATE Kitchen stands out as a testament to his creativity. ATE, an acronym for ‘Art, Taste, and Eat,’ encapsulates Daniel’s philosophy: have fun, experiment, use local ingredients, and create enjoyable food.
Of course, no journey is without its challenges, and for Daniel, mastering the art of food photography has been a continuous learning curve. However, his commitment to improvement and experimentation shines through in the visually stunning content he shares with his audience.
As for the future, Daniel remains open to the culinary adventures that lie ahead. His upcoming 2024 ATE recipe card calendar, a yearly tradition, promises a unique twist – it will be fully illustrated, a testament to his multifaceted talents. For now, Daniel aims to keep baking, enjoying the journey, and sharing his love for food with a growing community of enthusiasts. In the kitchen of Daniel Loumeau, every day is a Foodie Friday, and ATE Kitchen is an invitation to savor the blend of art and taste that defines his culinary creations.
Get the taste of ATE Kitchen in the comfort of your home with Daniel’s Peanut Butter Cookies recipe:
Ingredients
- 250ml Peanut Butter
- 250ml Brown Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
Instructions
Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well until a dough forms.
Roll teaspoons of the dough into approximately 30g balls.
Place the balls of dough, well-spaced, on a baking tray lined with baking paper then press down with a fork.
Bake at 180˚C for 12-15 minutes.
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Feature image: Instagram/ATE Kitchen
