People who call Sunninghill home love its strong sense of community, its security and beautiful surroundings.
Restaurant owner and the country's first MasterChef South Africa winner, Deena Naidoo, moved to the suburb three years ago from his home town of Chatsworth, Durban.
“The convenient location of Sunninghill makes it easy to commute as it’s close to major highways and main roads,” says Deena. Shopping centres in the area include Chilli on Top, Sunninghill Village, The Core and Chilli Lane. Other important amenities include the Netcare Sunninghill Hospital, St Peter’s College and various other good schools close by.
A DIY fanatic, you’ll find Deena at Builders Warehouse during the weekends shopping for his next project. He also loves to visit Montecasino with his family. Deena – an IT specialist with more than 25 years' experience – left the corporate world for the restaurant industry after winning MasterChef South Africa. “I’ve always loved good food and don't regret leaving the corporate world. I’ve received tremendous support and mentoring by Tsogo Sun.”
He won the first MasterChef South Africa show in 2012 and made international history by becoming the first winner to receive the rights to run his own restaurant, Aarya, which opened at Montecasino in November 2012 in partnership with Tsogo Sun.
He named the restaurant after his daughter, and the name means "noble, kind and honourable" in Sanskrit. Deena will open his second restaurant, Aarya at Silverstar, on 1 May at Silverstar Casino. “I will be introducing some legendary South African Indian dishes. Patrons can expect to experience a family-friendly restaurant serving comfort food to please the palate.”
Deena would love to open a restaurant in Durban. This has been his goal since winning MasterChef South Africa.
I love Sunninghill because it has some amazing community forums where residents engage and contribute positively to provide a safe, secure and socially healthy environment for all its residents. This is my home!
-says Deena Naidoo.
Best in food:
- Bosco Ristorante Italiano: for authentic Italian food
- C and C Sushi: for fresh sushi
- Contessa Tea Shop: for tea and cake, or a tea tasting
- Da Vincenzo Italian Country Restaurant: for delicious, homemade Italian cuisine
- Ghazal Indian Restaurant: for authentic North Indian cuisine
Attractions nearby:
- Bounce Waterfall
- Liliesleaf World Heritage site
- Mall of Africa
- Montecasino
- Rietfontein Nature Reserve
Top schools:
- Bryanston High School
- Curro Waterfall
- Redhill School
- Rivonia Primary
- St Peter’s College
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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