Celebrity SA chef hosts exclusive dinner for the Foo Fighters at iconic Adelaide

Image: Duncan Welgemoed

Huge name celebrities like Bon Iver’s frontman Justin Vernon, tennis legend Novak Djokovic and pop star Katy Perry have all made popular Adelaide restaurant, Africola, their go-stop while on tour in South Australia.

Last Friday, iconic US rock legends, the Foo Fighters, were no strangers to the “Africola” celebrity pull.

But instead of dining at the popular venue, Africola’s renowned chef Duncan Welgemoed hosted an exclusive dinner for them at The Exeter (a beloved Rundle Street pub) a day before the their sold-out concert at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night.

Dave Grohl, the frontman of the Foo Fighters, along with bass guitarist Nate Mendel and other members of the band’s entourage, were treated to a meal by Welgemoed himself. Apparently Africola “was too full”, so The Exeter became the backdrop for the unique gathering.

Duncan Welgemoed, the talented chef behind Adelaide’s acclaimed Africola, is no stranger to pushing boundaries. Known for his innovative take on African cuisine, Welgemoed’s Africola has become a hotspot in Adelaide since it opened in 2014.

On Sunday Welgemoed expressed his excitement and gratitude on Facebook, sharing, “We had the best time cooking for @foofighters, the most wonderful of people. Dream collaboration of my holy trinity of Adelaide.” His holy trinity included Africola, Ochota Barrels, and The Exeter, each playing a role in the putting on a great meal before the US rock legends took the stage at Coopers Stadium.

Welgemoed also expressed his appreciation for Fiona, Gus, and the team who made it all possible.

Nate Mendel, who is also known as his role as a former member of Sunny Day Real Estate and worked with musical acts The Jealous Sound and The Fire, celebrated his birthday during the visit, adding to the atmosphere of the evening.

Welgemoed had warm words for Dave Grohl, calling him a brilliant storyteller and one of the warmest humans one could ever meet.

The Foo Fighters’ concert on Saturday night was a hit and saw over 21,000 people rock out the iconic band.