Col’Cacchio pizzeria is famous for its delectable menu of pizzas, pastas, salads and more. They are also well-known for their Celebrity Chef Series campaign, which has been running since 2007. The Celebrity Chef Series stemmed from Col’Cacchio pizzeria’s desire to give back to communities through a medium they love, food. Three well-known chefs from around the country have each created a pizza that they feel represents their journey with food; all of which will run as a part of the summer menu. R5 from the sale of each and every Celebrity Chef Series pizza will be donated to a charitable cause.

Since inception, this amazing campaign has raised over R1,8m in aid of worthy causes.

So, as a consumer, you sit down to enjoy your choice of pizza from the Celebrity Chef Series; you enjoy its crisp thin base and wood-fired goodness, knowing that each and every bite you take is contributing to a very worthy cause

But who exactly is benefiting from this contribution? This year the money will benefit The Children’s Hospital Trust, which advances child healthcare through the Red Cross War Memorial’s Children’s Hospital. 100% of the funds raised by The Children’s Hospital Trust, go towards improving facilities and care for patients, not a cent goes towards administration of any kind.

The fundraising done through projects such as the Celebrity Chef Series is of vital importance; it ensures that while children are in the care of the hospital, they are in the best possible environment for fighting their illnesses and getting well.

For many who are of school going age, lying in a hospital bed can be tedious and boring, but with the help of volunteers they are kept busy and motivated. There are good days and bad days but through it all, loving staff, caring play therapy volunteers and many more, ensure that these children have the best chance possible of getting well and returning to childhood. That alone is reason enough to support this amazing cause.

Each year Col’Cacchio pizzeria approaches celebrity chefs to take part in the Celebrity Chef Series, and this year three decorated local chefs are taking part – namely Claire Allen, Neill Anthony and Zola Nene. This means there are three totally unique and delicious pizzas coming our way. We catch up with the second celebrity chef in the series, the lovely Claire allen, to find out a bit more about her and her pizza creation.

Multi-talented Claire is an entrepreneur, food presenter, blogger, and all-round celebrity chef. Claire has recently started her blog, Food is Love, adding to her extensive resume of competing on Master Chef South Africa and appearing as a chef contributor on the Expresso breakfast show. Claire’s pizza, the Phat Cat, is a riff on lasagne and features mozzarella, beef bolognese and béchamel sauce.

Meet Claire…

How did you come up with the idea for your pizza?

I love lasagne, and so does my little sister who lives in Oz. We are both miniature Garfield’s and totally obsessed with lasagne so it was the first idea to come to mind.

What would be your last meal on earth (other than pizza, of course!)?

Lasagne hahaha!

What do you love most about Col’Cacchio’s Celebrity Chef series?

It’s such a special concept that really touched my heart. Jodi, my younger sister, was in the Children’s Hospital for over 6 months a few years ago, so I’m passionate about raising funds and awareness for this campaign.

How will you be celebrating the coming festive season?

Spending lots of time in the sun, reading, cooking and eating with family and friends.

What is your favourite summer tipple?

I really love ice cold wooded Chardonnay or gin and tonic with a splash of cranberry and a squeeze of lemon.

See the Col Cacchio Pizzeria Portrait Series I here.

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