We’re thrilled to welcome three new faces to the Eat Out team: Margot Janse, Zola Nene and Kholeka Kumalo.

Margot Janse will undertake the position of judging convenor of the 2018 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards. Margot, best known for her prolific work as the executive chef of The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français – a position she held until 2017 – will become the face of the rigorous judging process that determines the Top 20. Her role will be critical in maintaining integrity and consistency across the panel, serving as a touchstone for the judges, and providing feedback to restaurants.

Margot will undertake the position of judging convenor of the 2018 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards. Photo by Laura Oldenbroek.

“I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity,” says Margot, “not just because I get to eat at all the top restaurants in the country, but also because the Eat Out Restaurant Awards carries a great responsibility in the development of ​​the culinary scene in South Africa. I believe that with my in-depth knowledge and experience I will be able to contribute positively to this process.​”

Zola Nene will join the team as the Cape Town restaurant editor. Photo supplied.

Zola Nene and Kholeka Kumalo will be joining the editorial team in the roles of Cape Town and Johannesburg restaurant editors respectively. They’ll become our eyes and ears on the ground – visiting restaurants, talking to chefs, eating and reviewing, and gathering news stories.

Zola has been an Eat Out reviewer for the past two years and her background further includes impressive chef mentors like Margot Janse and Chris Erasmus, as well as experience in the catering industry. As the former resident chef on the Expresso Morning Show, a food stylist for various publications and a published cookbook author, she has a deep appreciation for food and an understanding of what distinguishes a good dish from a great one.

“I’m so thrilled to be joining the Eat Out team,” says Zola. “As a chef and passionate foodie, it’s an absolute honour to join a brand that is the go-to source for all things food-related in SA.”

Kholeka Kumalo will take on the new role of Johannesburg restaurant editor. Photo supplied.

Kholeka has also been part of our team of reviewers for the past two years. She’s also worked as a features editor, copy editor and writer at publications like House and Leisure, The Herald, the Sunday Times Fashion Weekly, The Edit and Home Weekly. She embodies the modern Johannesburg insider with a keen eye on the ever-changing restaurant scene.

Says Kholeka, “Eat Out has long been my go-to destination for what’s hot on the food scene, so I’m super excited to be joining the team. Joburg’s diversity lends itself to interesting, ever-changing food offerings and I can’t think of a better excuse to eat my way through the city.”

New Media managing director Aileen Lamb describes the reason behind the changes: “Though Eat Out has seen immeasurable success in the last 20 years, we never rest on our laurels. The three new additions to our team – especially the additions of Zola and Kholeka to the already excellent editorial team – is part of our evolution, which includes growing our audience and staying relevant to them. I’m particularly pleased that we have a Joburg insider in our inner circle now. I can’t wait to see how Zola, Kholeka and Margot’s contributions will shape our brand.”

We certainly can’t wait either.