Author: Azhar Obaray

Spring is a season of fresh starts – longer days, floral aromas, and a lighter mood in the air. For restaurants, boutique hotels, and event spaces, this is the perfect opportunity to shift your table setting to match the season’s energy: clean, stylish, and full of life.

Take a look at one of our spring-inspired table settings, using premium, professional-grade products from our exclusive brands. This setup blends soft textures, muted tones, and functional elegance to create an atmosphere that feels both contemporary and welcoming – use this as inspiration for daytime brunches, spring weddings, or hotel courtyard service.

Let’s explore the Spring table design using Core’s exclusive brands and how you can use this combination to bring your seasonal service to life.

Spring Table Styling: Light, Layered & Professional

Spring calls for simplicity that still feels intentional – think soft neutrals, delicate textures, and subtly stylish pieces that let your food and drinks shine.

1. Layer with Purpose

Use the APS beige placemat as your foundation – it softens hard surfaces and introduces a tactile element. Pair this with the Alina plate to create a clean, bright centre that naturally draws attention to the food.

2. Mix Glass Textures

Spring is all about light play. Use the vertical ridges of the Divergence tumbler to catch sunlight and reflections from drinks, while the SPKSY coupe adds vintage appeal – especially for your spring cocktails or desserts.

3. Keep Your Cutlery Simple & Sharp

Hepp Ecco’s slender profile and smooth finish make it a discreet but high-performing choice. It matches the theme without overwhelming it – ideal for service teams who need functional tools that still look polished on the table.

4. Bring Height to the Table

The APS Valo tiered tray can serve multiple purposes – display fresh breads, mini tarts, cheeses, or botanicals as a centerpiece. Its light wood tones fit perfectly with the season and invite sharing and exploration.

Running a successful bar is about more than mixing great cocktails – it’s also about creating a smooth, safe, and efficient workflow. Behind every fast-moving bartender is a lineup of unsung tools that keep service flowing and customers smiling.

In this article, we explore five essential items that no serious bar setup should be without: noise-reducing blenders, bar mats, glass rimmers and stands, pourers, and condiment caddies. Whether you manage a high-volume cocktail bar or a boutique hotel lounge, these tools play a crucial role in your daily operations.

Noise-Reducing Blenders: Quiet Efficiency in Action

Why It Matters:

In busy hospitality settings, noise can impact the customer experience. Traditional blenders can overpower conversation and disrupt the ambience, especially in smaller or upscale venues.

Noise-reducing blenders solve this issue. Designed with sound-dampening enclosures and powerful motors, they allow bartenders to whip up smoothies and frozen cocktails without creating a racket. They’re a must-have for venues that value customer comfort as much as drink quality.

Hospitality Benefits:

• Supports a more relaxed environment for guests
• Allows for clear communication between staff and patrons
• Ideal for open-bar layouts and hotel lounges

Bar Mats: The Unsung Heroes of Spill Management

Why It Matters:

Bar mats are often overlooked, but they’re essential for maintaining a clean and slip-free work surface. Placed along the bar top and workstations, they catch spills, reduce breakages, and help bartenders maintain speed and safety during peak hours.

Durable rubber or silicone mats also protect glassware and can be easily cleaned between shifts.

Hospitality Benefits:

• Improves hygiene and reduces clean-up time
• Prevents glass breakage and slippage
• Keeps bar stations organized and efficient

Glass Rimmers and Stands: Precision Meets Presentation

Why It Matters:

Presentation is everything in modern mixology. Glass rimmers and stands provide a fast and consistent way to apply salt, sugar, or spice rims to cocktail glasses. Whether you’re serving margaritas or creative craft cocktails, this tool helps bartenders maintain visual appeal without slowing service.

Many glass rimmers come with multi-tiered compartments, keeping ingredients separated and sanitary.

Hospitality Benefits:

• Promotes consistency in drink presentation
• Speeds up prep for high-volume cocktail service
• Prevents cross-contamination of rimming ingredients

Pourers: Speed and Accuracy Combined

Why It Matters:

Accurate pouring is a core skill in any bar operation, and liquor pourers make it much easier to measure quickly and consistently. Whether using free-flow or measured pourers, bartenders can increase output while maintaining portion control – a critical factor in managing costs and preventing over-pouring.

Hospitality Benefits:

• Controls liquor costs through accurate dispensing
• Improves consistency in cocktail recipes
• Speeds up service during busy shifts

Condiment Caddies: Organized, Accessible, and Clean

Why It Matters:

From olives and lemon wedges to cherries and jalapeños, garnishes are the finishing touch on many popular drinks. A condiment caddy keeps everything clean, compartmentalized, and easily accessible. It also speeds up garnish selection and keeps prep stations tidy.

Most models come with ice-cooled bases or lids for hygiene compliance in warmer settings.

Hospitality Benefits:

• Keeps garnishes fresh and hygienic
• Saves time during high-volume drink prep
• Encourages standardized garnishing and portioning

Efficiency behind the bar isn’t accidental – it’s engineered through smart equipment choices. Noise-reducing blenders protect your ambience, bar mats protect your surfaces, glass rimmers keep your presentation sharp, pourers ensure profitability, and condiment caddies streamline your garnishing game.

For professionals in the hospitality space, these tools are investments in smoother service, happier guests, and stronger profit margins.

In busy hospitality environments, choosing the right ice machine is more than a technical decision—it directly affects service speed, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Whether you operate a high-volume bar, fine-dining kitchen, or luxury hotel, understanding the difference between modular and self-contained ice machines is essential. Let’s break down the key features of each type and help you decide which best suits your operation.

What Are Modular Ice Machines?

Modular ice machines, also known as ice machine heads, are built solely for ice production. These units must be paired with a separate ice storage bin or ice dispenser, making them highly customizable to specific volume needs.

Benefits of Modular Ice Machines

• High Output: Ideal for large-scale operations, producing between 100 and 1,000+ kg of ice daily.
• Custom Storage: Choose a bin size that matches your needs without over- or under-storing.
• Flexible Integration: Compatible with soda dispensers and other back-of-house systems.

Best For: Hotels, function venues, large restaurants, and catering operations where consistent, high-volume ice is critical.

What Are Self-Contained Ice Machines?

Self-contained ice machines combine both the ice maker and the storage bin in one compact unit. These are plug-and-play options that are easy to install and ideal for operations where space is at a premium.

Benefits of Self-Contained Ice Machines:

• Space-Saving: Perfect for under-counter or bar setups with limited room.
• Simple Installation: Fewer components make setup fast and straightforward.
• Moderate Output: Produces 40 – 150 kg of ice per day, suited to small- or mid-size establishments.

Best For: Coffee shops, boutique hotels, cocktail lounges, and cafés with moderate ice requirements.

Choosing Between Modular and Self-Contained

When deciding on the right machine, consider the following:

• Ice Volume Needs: Estimate daily usage.
• Installation Space: Modular machines require more clearance and room for bins.
• Workflow: Consider staff access and service flow needs.
• Maintenance: Modular units may require more upkeep; self-contained models may include auto-cleaning.

Both modular and self-contained ice machines have their place in hospitality operations. The key is to align the machine’s capacity and footprint with your venue’s specific service demands.

Contact us today to discuss your project and ensure you get the right equipment for long-term success.
Visit: https://corecatering.co.za/

#CoreCateringSupplies #CommercialIceMachines #ModularIceMachines #SelfContainedIceMachines #BarEquipment #RestaurantEquipment #HotelKitchenEquipment #HospitalityTips #FoodServiceSolutions #KitchenEfficiency #SouthAfricanRestaurants

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Featured Client Spotlight – Humble Coffee Brought to you by Core Catering Supplies, Durban Branch

A Humble Introduction

In the heart of Durban’s bustling hospitality scene, there’s a name that continues to percolate through the city’s creative and culinary circles—Humble Coffee. What began as a small roastery in Stamford Hill has evolved into one of the country’s most celebrated café and coffee roastery brands. And for our Core Durban branch, it’s been both a neighbour and a valued client—proof that the best relationships in hospitality are brewed slowly, with care.

Humble Coffee’s current home on Lilian Ngoyi Road is a beautifully curated space that blends simplicity with authenticity. Visitors are greeted with large windows revealing the behind-the-scenes action of their coffee and pastry lab—an intentional design choice that invites customers into their process. This transparency, paired with warmth and a welcoming team, is what defines the Humble experience.

As Core Catering Supplies continues to serve a diverse client base across KwaZulu-Natal—from the north coast to the Midlands—our Durban branch plays a pivotal role in supplying high-performance hospitality gear to both boutique operations and high-volume venues. Humble Coffee’s growth story is one we’re proud to support.

Rooted in Durban, Roasted with Purpose

Founded by Amy Gardiner in 2017, Humble Coffee started as a mobile roastery. In 2019, Amy took a bold step and opened a café alongside the roastery on Churchill Road, creating a hybrid space where guests could enjoy specialty coffee and witness the roasting process up close.

Humble Coffee has since been crowned South Africa’s Café of the Year by Coffee Magazine, and rightly so. Their menu reflects their values: no meat, gelatine or alcohol—just vibrant, Halaal-friendly dishes, fresh juices, baked goods, and quality coffee roasted in-house twice a week.

The roasting, handled by their in-house machine fondly named “Big Rosie,” is done every Tuesday and Friday. Their roast philosophy is straightforward: let each coffee’s natural flavour shine. Medium-roast only, Humble offers three distinct profiles—Espresso, Filter, and Omni—ensuring every guest finds their perfect brew.

More Than a Café—A Community Space

Humble Coffee is proudly women-led and deeply connected to its community. The space is a magnet for creatives, entrepreneurs, and early morning joggers alike. From their commitment to local, small-scale suppliers, to their belief in transparent sourcing and eco-friendly packaging, every decision reflects their values of humility, empowerment, and quality.

Their founder’s journey—from barista in Scotland to coffee entrepreneur in Durban—is as compelling as the brand’s steady growth. Today, the café and roastery not only serve exceptional coffee, but also inspire a new wave of mindful, modern hospitality in South Africa.

Client Connections That Matter

For Core Catering Supplies, supporting businesses like Humble Coffee affirms our commitment to empowering hospitality excellence—whether it’s with quality glassware, efficient kitchen tools, or coffee-specific solutions. Our Durban branch continues to offer tailored service across KZN’s wide-reaching hospitality map, while building genuine, long-term partnerships with inspiring brands like Humble.

As Humble puts it: “Being nice, humble, and gracious will take you far.” We couldn’t agree more.

Visit Humble Coffee at:
– 222 Lilian Ngoyi Road, Windermere, Durban 4001
– 262 Florida Road, Morningside, Durban

At Core Catering Supplies, we’re proud to work with exceptional hospitality destinations across Southern Africa—and increasingly, beyond. This month’s client feature takes us to Rwanda, where The Pinnacle Kigali has emerged as a standout in the region’s luxury accommodation scene. It’s also a valued client of our Core Randburg branch.

As one of Core’s two corporate-owned stores, Randburg serves much of Gauteng—Southern Africa’s economic hub—backed by extensive stock access, product expertise, and long-standing supplier relationships. While our Franchise branches in Midrand and Boksburg actively serve their surrounding territories, Randburg remains a key hub for regional logistics and cross-border client support.

From Private Retreat to Pan-African Landmark

The Pinnacle Kigali was born during the global pandemic as a private family retreat nestled in the scenic hills of Rebero. What began as a vision of connection and refuge has since evolved into one of Kigali’s most striking hospitality addresses—offering an immersive experience that blends luxury, Pan-African identity, and a forward-thinking sustainability ethos.

Today, The Pinnacle welcomes guests from around the world, promising an elevated stay that reflects Rwanda’s rising influence in the regional hospitality landscape.

A Guest Experience that Redefines Comfort

At The Pinnacle, no detail is overlooked. Guests enjoy beautifully designed rooms equipped with iPads, minibars, soundproofing, walk-in showers, and plush robes. The rooftop infinity pool offers sweeping views of Kigali, while the property’s wellness facilities—gym, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi—create a sanctuary of calm and restoration.

Beyond its serene atmosphere, The Pinnacle boasts versatile event and meeting spaces, ideal for conferences, private celebrations, or wellness retreats. Dining is equally impressive, with breakfast and meal options that include à la carte, buffet, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free selections—all reflecting Kigali’s growing cosmopolitan flair.

A Commitment to Sustainable Excellence

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at The Pinnacle—it’s a core philosophy. From electric vehicle transport and smart energy systems to water-saving technology and waste management strategies, the hotel is built to leave a lighter footprint.

This approach mirrors Core’s own commitment as a distributor—acknowledging the challenges of sustainable supply chains, while continuing to support partners who innovate with care and conscience.

Wellness, Leisure & Global Recognition

Whether you’re swimming laps, playing padel, or enjoying a detox session in the sauna, The Pinnacle seamlessly blends wellbeing and luxury. It’s this balance of thoughtful design and exceptional service that recently caught the attention of NBA shooting coach Chris Matthews (a.k.a. Lethal Shooter), who praised his experience at the hotel. Watch his feature here: Chris Matthews TikTok at The Pinnacle Kigali

The Randburg Connection

Core Randburg is proud to have supplied The Pinnacle Kigali with tailored hospitality solutions, including ceramic ranges, buffetware, glassware, and professional kitchen tools. With access to exclusive international brands and a deep understanding of local and regional needs, our team offers more than just product—we offer partnership.

If you’re building a hospitality concept anywhere in South Africa or the wider SADC region, Core Randburg is here to assist:

• Full consultations and project planning
  
• Product sourcing and regional logistics
  
• Post-sales support and continuity
  

Explore our exclusive hospitality brands, or reach out to Core Randburg today to discuss your needs.
At Core, we don’t just supply—we help shape your hospitality vision.

Enjoy the Difference

In the world of hospitality, every detail counts, and the glass in a guest’s hand can say just as much as the drink inside it. For over 200 years, Libbey has been the name professionals trust when it comes to glassware that balances style, durability, and performance. From elegant fine-dining establishments and high-volume bars to luxury game lodges and events, Libbey glassware consistently delivers the quality you expect and the reliability your team needs.

With a legacy rooted in craftsmanship and a vision shaped by innovation, Libbey has become a global leader in premium glassware. The brand’s long-standing reputation is built not only on heritage but also on forward-thinking production methods that make its products a smart, long-term investment for hospitality businesses of all sizes.

What truly sets Libbey apart is its ability to combine beauty with real-world durability. Many of its collections feature rim-tempered edges, offering added protection against chipping and breakage—an essential in fast-paced service environments. For select lines, Libbey takes this a step further with its proprietary DuraTuff strengthening process, a specialized heat treatment that makes glassware up to two to three times more resistant to breakage. This also improves thermal shock resistance, meaning the glass can better handle rapid temperature changes, such as going from a hot dishwasher to an iced cocktail.

Durability, however, doesn’t come at the expense of elegance. Libbey’s pieces are crafted from high-quality soda-lime glass chosen for its clarity, strength, and environmental sustainability. Every design is carefully engineered to balance beautifully in the hand, enhancing the drinking experience while standing up to repeated commercial use. Many collections are created in partnership with industry professionals, ensuring every curve and contour serves a purpose in service.

When it comes to practicality, Libbey excels in the back-of-house, too. Its glassware is designed to withstand over 1,000 cycles in commercial dishwashers, maintaining its sparkle, clarity, and structure long after many competitors fade. This resilience translates to real savings: fewer replacements, more consistent inventory, and better long-term value.

Founded in 1818 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio—often referred to as the birthplace of American glassmaking-Libbey has spent more than two centuries refining its craft. Today, its products are found in restaurants, bars, hotels, and resorts in over 100 countries, trusted by chefs, bartenders, and hospitality operators who know the value of tools that work as hard as they do.

To protect your investment, Libbey also shares best practices for handling and care. It recommends using open rack systems with compartments to minimize friction, allowing hot glassware to cool before adding ice, and lifting glasses by the base rather than the rim. For optimal clarity, air drying is preferred over using harsh detergents.

At the end of the day, choosing Libbey is about more than just buying glassware; it’s about investing in a brand with a proven track record of performance and innovation. It’s about fewer breakages, elevated presentation, and the confidence that comes from working with products that meet the high demands of modern hospitality.

From classic to contemporary, everyday service to standout moments, Libbey delivers glassware that works hard, looks beautiful, and lasts longer.

Core Mbombela recently celebrated its first year in business—marking a steady, purpose-driven journey of growth in the Lowveld hospitality sector. Under the leadership of Michelle Schnepel, a long-time entrepreneur and owner of Michem, the team has worked to establish meaningful relationships, earn client trust, and bring Core’s exclusive hospitality ranges to Mpumalanga with care and consistency.

The success of the branch is not Michelle’s alone—it’s a reflection of the dedication of the entire Core Mbombela team, who have committed to building a presence in a region that is both demanding and full of potential. Now, with expansion plans underway into Hoedspruit, the team is embracing the same collaborative mindset that has helped them find their footing so far.

Slo Jo + Core Mbombela: A Co-Trade Partnership with Purpose

A standout initiative from the past quarter has been the launch of an in-store partnership with Slo Jo, a leading South African beverage solutions company known for its wide range of syrups, bases, coffee products, iced drinks, and more.

Slo Jo places a strong emphasis on local production—a factor that brings significant advantages in both supply chain reliability and economic empowerment. While their premium legacy products are imported, much of their popular range is proudly made in South Africa, allowing for faster turnaround, regional relevance, and practical flexibility.

This partnership isn’t just a product placement—it’s a co-trade collaboration. Based from the Core Mbombela showroom’s branded bar area, the Slo Jo team now offers on-site tastings, product demos, and fresh cups of coffee or hot chocolate to visiting customers. The space also serves as an informal industry hub—a place where clients can meet, taste, learn, and plan their next menu move.

The same model is already being integrated into the upcoming Hoedspruit expansion, with cross-trade partnerships forming a key part of Core’s regional growth strategy.

Local Solutions, Expert Support

From flavour-forward concentrates like strawberry-orange-basil to nostalgic local blends like ginger beer (add your own raisins), Slo Jo’s range meets the needs of an evolving beverage market. The products are versatile—used in everything from slushies and smoothies to cocktails, welcome drinks, milkshakes, and desserts.

To help clients get the most out of the range, Core Mbombela also offers in-store consulting—helping hospitality businesses design drink menus, choose the right glassware or dispensers (such as from ONIS or APS), and ensure their bar or welcome station reflects both creativity and consistency.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your café offerings or elevate your hotel reception experience, this kind of hands-on support is part of what sets the Core network apart.

A First Year Rooted in Purpose

While Mbombela is a relatively new branch, the people behind it bring decades of experience and a commitment to growing hospitality the right way—through trust, service, and local investment. With thanks to our team, partners like Slo Jo, and the growing support of the local market, year one is only the beginning.

We look forward to serving more of Mpumalanga and beyond—with great products, expert advice, and partnerships that make a difference.

Visit us in store, grab a coffee, and let’s talk about how we can support your business.

Enjoy the Difference.

At Core Catering Supplies, our commitment goes beyond supplying world-class hospitality products. It’s rooted in people, partnerships, and the places we serve. Across the country, our corporate-owned and franchise stores continue to invest in initiatives that uplift communities, support talent development, and promote wellness through sport and shared experiences. Here’s a look at some recent efforts that reflect the Core difference.

Head Office Leads the Way

Our Woodstock branch, home to Core Holdings’ Head Office, kicked off 2025 with purpose. During the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Africa’s biggest timed cycling event, our MD and Woodstock GM set up a water and support station in Noordhoek—offering essential refreshments like water and bananas to riders. More than just a race, the Cycle Tour celebrates health, sustainability, and community. Supporting events like this aligns with our brand’s energy, drive, and people-first values.

We also proudly sponsored new team shirts for the Enable Centre, a Cape Town-based rehabilitation facility offering physical and cognitive therapy to individuals with neurological and orthopedic conditions. Their message of thanks said it best:

“Your generosity helps us move, play, and make a difference at the Enable Centre every day.”

At Core, we know that dignity in care begins with feeling supported—sometimes, even a uniform can make all the difference.

Franchise Highlights

The Hermanus franchise once again supported the “Overberg Aspiring Chef of the Year” competition for high school learners. Organised by Kevin and Sumien Warwick, the competition gives students a platform to showcase their skills by reimagining family favourites. Our Hermanus team, alongside, Core Franchise and preferred suppliers, provided tools and prizes—reaffirming Core’s long-standing commitment to hospitality education.

Further up the coast, our Tableview & West Coast franchise sponsored the Mykonos Golf Day, a lively gathering of regional businesses and hospitality professionals. With support from LiQ-Core – featuring tastings from Wilderer Distillery and more, the event delivered great conversations, delicious drinks, and valuable industry networking.

The Core Culture of Community

Whether corporate-owned or franchise-run, every Core store is encouraged to invest in meaningful local partnerships. From sports events to chef schools, wellness programmes to charitable giving , we’re committed to backing causes that reflect our shared brand values: Integrity, Trust, Service, Accountability, Value, Energy, and Solutions (IT SAVES)

We also recognise that sponsorships and support are about relationships. They build pride, fuel connection, and strengthen our industry one experience at a time.

Let’s Do More, Together

If you’re part of an initiative that aligns with Core’s hospitality mission—whether it’s education, wellness, sustainability, or community upliftment—we’d love to hear from you. Giving back is part of who we are.

Because at Core, it’s not just about supply—it’s about support.
Enjoy the Difference.

At Core Catering Supplies, we believe every choice matters—especially when it comes to sustainability.  As an importer and distributor in the hospitality supply industry, we are fully aware that our business model isn’t inherently eco-friendly. That’s why we take our responsibility seriously, choosing to work with brands that align with our values and backing that up with everyday efforts at branch level to reduce our footprint—through recycling packaging materials, consolidating deliveries, and streamlining operations wherever possible.  

This Earth Day, we’re highlighting some of our exclusive brand partners who are leading the way in sustainable design and production—brands that don’t just manufacture for the moment, but for the future.  

Steelite International is a recognised leader in sustainable ceramic tableware. Manufactured in the UK, their products are ISO 14001 certified and designed to last—complete with a lifetime edge-chip warranty. Their environmental initiatives focus on reducing water, energy, and raw material usage across all stages of production.  

HEPP, one of Germany’s most respected names in cutlery, combines precision manufacturing with sustainability commitments that include refurbishment services, local sourcing, and global standards like ISO 14001 and the UN Global Compact. Products are designed for longevity in even the most high-end hospitality environments.  

Leerdam Crisal Glass—makers of ONIS and Royal Leerdam glassware—have taken bold steps with their ESG Sustainability Update, aligning their production with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With centuries of heritage, their modern glassware is both stylish and increasingly efficient to produce.  

Libbey Glassware, with a legacy spanning over 200 years, is designed for durability and volume, reducing the need for frequent replacements. The brand also champions recyclable packaging and environmentally-conscious operations that support circular economy principles.  

APS Buffetware is known for durable, long-lasting buffet displays. Manufactured in Germany, APS uses recycled materials as well as strong materials like polycarbonate and stainless steel, and their modular food service systems help reduce overproduction and improve presentation efficiency.  

Core’s product philosophy is simple: high quality and longevity equals less waste. Whether it’s vitrified crockery, reinforced glassware, or sustainable buffetware, our brand portfolio is intentionally curated to provide lasting value—reducing the frequency of replacements and the environmental impact of operations. Our digital catalogue and QR-access tools also help reduce the need for printed materials across the network. 

This Earth Day, we acknowledge the challenges of our industry, but remain committed to playing our part in a more responsible and sustainable hospitality future. Through the brands we champion, the partners we trust, and the practices we adopt, we strive to do better—for our clients and the planet.  

Visit a Core store or explore our online platform to learn more about the brands helping lead the way in sustainable hospitality.  

#EarthDay2025 #CoreCateringSupplies  #SustainableHospitality #GreenSupplies #HospitalityIndustry #Steelite #Crockery #HEPP #Cutlery #ONIS #Libbey #Glassware #APS #Buffetware #EnjoytheDifference #EcoFriendlyDining #HORECA #HospitalityWithPurpose

Few things bring people together quite like the smell of fresh fish sizzling over open flames. The art of the fish braai—a uniquely South African take on grilling—is not just a cooking method but a culinary experience. Whether you’re running a boutique guest lodge, a bustling beachside bistro, or simply braaing at home, knowing how to prepare and serve fish to perfection is essential. Here’s how you can up your fish braai game—featuring expert tips, key tools, and product recommendations.

The Beauty of Braaied Fish

From the firm, flaky flesh of dorado to the bold, oily richness of snoek, fish brings texture, flavour, and versatility to the table. Unlike red meats, fish demands delicacy. It cooks quickly, and even minor mistakes can lead to dryness or breakage. But with the right techniques and tools, your guests will remember your fish dishes long after their plates are cleared.

Pro Tip #1: Choose the Right Fish

Not all fish are created equal when it comes to braaing. Here are some top choices:

• Dorado (mahi-mahi) – Great for fillets, dorado holds its shape and soaks up marinades beautifully.
• Snoek – A South African favourite. Best served basted with apricot glaze or traditional sweet-and-sour sauces.
• Yellowtail – Meaty and perfect for grilling whole or in thick steaks.
• Hake – Delicate and mild, ideal for wrapped or pan-based braais.

For consistency and sustainability, source your seafood from trusted suppliers—quality makes all the difference when it hits the flames.

Pro Tip #2: Master the Marinade

Hospitality chefs know that seasoning is everything. Create house marinades that complement the fish’s natural flavours. A mix of lemon juice, garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil, and a dash of chilli works wonders for dorado or yellowtail. For snoek, traditional South African apricot jam blends beautifully with vinegar and black pepper.

Insider tip: marinate for 30 minutes to an hour—no more, or the acids may start “cooking” the fish before it hits the grill.

Pro Tip #3: Equipment Matters

Your fish braai is only as good as your gear. At Core Catering Supplies, you’ll find a range of commercial-grade braais, fish grids, and heat-resistant utensils built for high-volume service. Look out for:

• Stainless-steel fish grids – Keeps fillets intact and evenly cooked.
• Adjustable braai stands – Let you control heat exposure.
• Smoker boxes – Add a wood-fired aroma guests will rave about.

With professional catering tools, your braai setup becomes more efficient and guest-ready.

Pro Tip #4: Perfect the Cook

Grill fish skin-side down first—it helps hold the fillet together and adds a delicious crisp. Don’t over-flip. Let the fish cook most of the way on one side before gently turning. For whole fish, slice a few incisions along the sides to ensure even heat penetration.

Use your thermometer—an internal temp of 63°C ensures it’s cooked through but still moist.

Pro Tip #5: Presentation Seals the Deal

Serve grilled fish with grilled lemon wedges, herb butters, and seasonal sides. For an upscale touch, plate it on wooden boards or cast iron pans for that rustic-meets-luxury feel. Use garnishes like fresh dill, edible flowers, or pickled onions for vibrant colour.

Beyond the Grill: Boosting Guest Experience

Fish braais can elevate themed nights, buffet spreads, or plated menus. Consider offering live braai stations where chefs interact with guests—this adds entertainment value and showcases culinary flair. With the right setup from Core Catering Supplies, your outdoor cooking space becomes an extension of your kitchen’s excellence.

In the hospitality game, details matter. Mastering the fish braai is a skill that blends tradition, technique, and presentation—qualities that set great venues apart. With the right know-how, premium equipment from CoreCateringSupplies, and a dash of South African spirit, you can transform a simple fish dish into a signature experience.

Libbey Glassware, a name synonymous with quality and innovation, is making a celebrated return to the South African market through Core Catering Supplies. This reintroduction not only revives a legacy but also reinforces our commitment to offering durable, high-performance glassware to the hospitality industry.

A Legacy of Strength and Craftsmanship

Founded in 1818 as the New England Glass Company, Libbey has been at the forefront of glassmaking for over 200 years. With a move to Toledo, Ohio, in 1888, the company established itself as a global leader, pioneering advancements in durability and manufacturing efficiency.

What set Libbey apart, and what still defines it today, is its extraordinary strength. When Core first introduced Libbey glassware to South Africa over 20 years ago, it came with a higher price point—not just for its premium quality, but because of the unmatched durability that allowed the brand to offer a chip warranty. To prove its resilience, we didn’t just talk about it—we demonstrated it. At trade shows and expos, Core representatives would bash Libbey glasses on tables and even stand on them to showcase their strength. The result? Wide-eyed amazement and a growing demand for one of the most durable glassware ranges on the market.

From a Tough Start to a Hospitality Favourite

Breaking into the South African market took time, but once hospitality professionals saw the value of investing in glassware that lasted longer and looked great, Libbey became one of Core’s most sought-after brands nationwide. With its chip-resistant quality, elegant designs, and long-lasting durability, it quickly won over chefs, baristas, and restaurateurs who needed reliable glassware that could withstand the demands of a fast-paced service environment.

Libbey Returns – Stronger Than Ever

Now, Libbey is back, and we are thrilled to bring this powerhouse of glassware back into the Core portfolio. Alongside our growing range of exclusive glassware, Libbey will once again be available to our customers nationwide.

Both Libbey and our expanded glassware collection will be available from April 2025—giving hospitality professionals access to the same high-performance glassware that wowed the industry all those years ago.

Stay tuned for more details as we reintroduce a true icon of durability and design!