"I AM INSPIRED, I AM EXCITED; WE HAVE ONE HELLUVA THING GOING ON"

It has been an exciting year! A shift from being in the kitchen, to a place where I quickly felt at home – as a guest at many of South Africa’s top restaurants.

This industry is where my heart lies, and my respect levels are very high for every one of the chefs and restaurateurs I have visited. I know what it takes, and recognise the relentlessness of the daily challenges and expectations. My Eat

Out journey, shared with a team of excellent fellow judges, has been incredibly insightful.

What made my heart jump was the celebration of diverse cultures across many menus, including a wide variety of our incredible indigenous ingredients.

Our South Africa is so unique and I found it thrillingly showcased through the likes of paratha, plankievleis, dombolo, chokka, klipkombers – and even mieliepap for dessert.

There is a great pride in the front of house, a serious playfulness and impelling ethical drive in the kitchen, and invigorating off-the-wall developments in the beverage offerings, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

I am inspired, I am excited; we have one helluva thing going on.