We are only one week away from welcoming our 12 fantastic students to the Eat Out Food School on 15 February 2021.

Many of the students reside on our doorstep in Cape Town and surrounding areas, while others have travelled from as far as Gauteng and the Eastern Cape to join us for this exciting fully-funded learnership, which has been developed with our training partners (Drum Beat Academy, Etiquette Hospitality, and ambassador and chef Jason Whitehead).

On 29 January, students eagerly gathered for the first time to sign their employment contracts, take their professional photos and meet the rest of their classmates. A few of the parents also popped in to introduce themselves and gain more insight into what the year ahead looks like.

“It was a wonderful moment to experience as I watched 12 young students take responsibility for their futures, while pledging their commitment for the year to come. I am so excited about this class. It’s such a diverse group of individuals who all show a passion for the industry in so many different ways. The year ahead will be challenging but these students will be equipped with so many valuable skills and will gain incredible exposure to some of our most talented chefs and industry leaders,” says Tarryn Corlett, Head of the Food School.

Starting in March, Eat Out’s students will be placed in the industry to clock in their hours, complete various assessments and gain much-needed practical experience from working in a restaurant while learning from those who do it best. Come November 2021, we hope to see all 12 students permanently employed and on a path to great success! Who knows … they may even be seen on the stage of the Eat Out Awards in the years to come.

MEET OUR EAT OUT 13

Lauren Bantom (20): Our creative who dreams of becoming a pastry chef and is inspired by Jackie Cameron’s success in what is historically a very male-dominated industry.

Leandré Philander (19): Our humanitarian, who would like to become a chef and owner of her own restaurant to create employment opportunities for others and to show children from her area that you can make it in life and reach your dreams.

Sandisile Sonka (18): Our hearty cook who aspires to be an executive chef like Reuben Riffel, who has shown him that when you do something you love, nothing is impossible. His favourite meal to cook at home is pap and wors.

Gugulethu Jamela (24): Our lady boss, all the way from Gauteng, wants to become a chef and owner of her own restaurant someday. She is inspired by Chef Benny because of his “boss-like” approach to everything he cooks and does in life.

Siyanda Ndabeni (21): Our lover of people enjoys all things to do with catering and restaurants and creating a joyful environment for guests to enjoy. Lorna Maseko is high on his list of role models in the industry.

Boitumelo Motshegoa (29): Our influencer and “Gautengalenga”, whose love of cooking was ignited when she watched Siba’s Table. Now the kitchen has become her happy place. Her favourite dish to cook at home is what she calls the Seven Colours Sunday Meal, in which she uses many different herbs, vegetables and spices.

Chandré Adams (25): Our dreamer who wants to open her own seafood food truck (what a mouthful!). If you meet Chandré, you will see that she is an absolute chatterbox, curious about the industry, and shows enormous dedication to achieving her dreams and going the extra mile.

Aqeel Narsigadu (19): Our entrepreneur who dreams big and wants to open his own coffee shop franchise or own his own restaurant. He is inspired by Jamie Oliver’s passion for creating colourful dishes and experimenting with different cultures and flavours.

Nicole Moolman (18): Our kind-hearted student who, in true Eastern Cape-style, enjoys making guests feel comfortable and welcome. She is on a journey to becoming a professional chef like Reuben and has travelled all the way from Port Elizabeth to achieve this dream.

Lindokuhle Lunguza (21): Our resident caregiver who redirected her career path due to having an absolute passion for the food industry. Buddy Valastro (the Cake Boss) is top of her list, inspiring her desire to become a top chef someday, but she also enjoys preparing a simple mac and cheese for her family to enjoy at home.

Sinazo Ntyiane (22): Our baker and another fan of Buddy Valastro. She wants to open her own bakery or business in the near future.

Nomtha Mhlakane (28): Our nutritionist is all the way from the Windy & Friendly City, Port Elizabeth. She dreams of becoming a chef and owning her own organic food restaurant, and is currently exploring a clean-eating phase. She is inspired by Khanya Mzongwana and loves how you can see and taste the expression of herself in her dishes.

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