Brought to you Defy

On 30th November 2021 we celebrated the Eat Out Food School graduation ceremony of our 10 talented students at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town. Almost all of these students have already locked in permanent employment positions at Delaire Graff, Schoone Oordt Country House, Damhuis, Den Anker to name a few and one of them will be joining MSC cruise liners early next year. Cheers to these chefs of the future. They made it!

In 2020, just a few days into lockdown, it was very clear that eating out wouldn’t be the same for a long time. At the same time, food security for many South Africans became a major concern. Then, as the number of hungry people increased, we saw many cooks and restaurateurs step in to use their skills to help those in need. This act, demonstrating resilience and unity, made us proud to be part of the restaurant industry and sparked our own desire to help. We initiated the Eat Out Restaurant Relief Fund & Eat Out Food School projects.

We embarked on an unforgettable journey in February 2021 with 15 passionate students from various provinces in South Africa: Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng, all with high hopes of achieving greatness and pursuing their dreams in this exciting but tough industry.

We are resilient, courageous and brave and that when we work together, when we embrace change, when we rethink, when we are forced out of our comfort zones, forced to do more in less time, forced to take on jobs we had never done before when we are pushed beyond what we believe is possible, it is then that we realise that we are capable of greatness and that we can overcome it all if we continue to support each other.

“It is impossible to speak about the past two years and the impact it has had on our livelihoods, our families, our industry and our school without a heavy heart. But it is remarkable how in times of adversity, with the absence of social interaction, absence of events and diners in our restaurants, even now as the industry suffers yet another blow, we are somehow able to forge ahead.” Says Tarryn Corlett, Head of the Eat Out Food School.

At the graduation ceremony, Tarryn spoke to the students, saying “you have achieved what you have set out to achieve in 2021 and so much more. You were thrown in the deep end and your worlds turned upside down, but you found a way to swim, stay afloat and keep your dreams alive. We are immensely proud of you –  the next generation of our industry.”