Behind every great chef is a hardworking team. We asked our 20 nominees for the 2014 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards to send us a kitchen selfie so we can meet the muscle behind these culinary masters. (It’s clear they can handle the heat – they’ve stayed in the kitchen!)

Bread & Wine

British-born chef Neil Jewell heads up the kitchen at Bread & Wine on the Môreson wine estate, where he’s been since 1999. Described by some as the ‘king of charcuterie’, Neil cooks up rustic country fare crafted from fresh seasonal ingredients and artisanal farm produce. Neil Jewell is one of six nominees who will be cooking at this year’s awards ceremony.

Meet the dream team
In no particular order: Shelvin Jacobs (sous chef), Nezel Jacobs (senior chef de partie), Priscilla Persens (junior chef de partie), Ronald Pongola (junior chef de partie), Laurence Smith (pastry chef), Betty Machache (trainee baker), Riaan de Villiers (scullery), Deidre Pietersen (scullery) and Anne Douglas (scullery).

Meet the dream team at Bread & Wine. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

DW Eleven- 13

Marthinus Ferreira worked at some of the finest restaurants in the United Kingdom before opening DW Eleven-13 in 2009. Today, Marthinus (who has a couple of awards under his belt) brings his diners the best in modern South African cuisine.

Meet the dream team
From left to right: Andrew McKinnon (sous chef), Marthinus Ferreira (chef and owner), Mario Monteiro (restaurant manager) and Mandla Patson Mathonsi (sommelier).

The dream team at DW Eleven-13. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Five Hundred at The Saxon

2013 Chef of the Year David Higgs pushes the boundaries of contemporary modern cuisine with his creative dishes and artistic plating at Five Hundred. You can look forward to a course prepared by the legend himself at the Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards ceremony this year.

Meet the dream team
Candice (head chef and menu development), Steve (menu development), Wynand (cold kitchen), Vusi (meat), Gareth (fish) and Kirsten (pastry).
Unfortunately, technical issues have prevented us from posting a selfie from the Five Hundred team. You’ll have to visit the restaurant to see them for yourself!

The dream team at Five Hundred. Photo courtesy of @SteveActonChef.

The Greenhouse

Internationally acclaimed Relais & Châteaux Grands Chef Peter Tempelhoff continues to showcases his vast experience and expertise at The Greenhouse with an elegant menu inspired by local produce and the diverse cultures of South Africa.

Meet the dream team
From left to right: Amy Young (pastry chef), Ashley Moss (head chef), Peter Tempelhoff (executive chef) and Kieran Whyte (sous chef).

The dream team at The Greenhouse. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Jordan Restaurant

Chef George Jardine won Chef of the Year at the Eat Out Awards for two consecutive years (2006 and 2007) and he continues to delight diners with his fresh, unpretentious and beautiful food. Jordan Restaurant was at number six on the 2013 Top 10 and George is set to cook at the awards on Sunday 16 November.

Meet the dream team
From left to right: ‘Pepsi crazy grilled’, Dale ‘Five Bellies’, Kyle ‘The Boss’, ‘Big Richie’, Kat ‘the Lady’ and George ‘the old man’.

The dream team at Jordan Restaurant. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Kitchen @ Maison

Chef Arno Janse van Rensburg swears by local and seasonal produce while sticking firmly to his principle of treating ingredients with respect. His menu at The Kitchen @ Maison offers tapas and bistro fare with a contemporary twist.

Meet the dream team
Back row: Ruaan April (pastry chef), Arno Janse van Rensburg ‘fearless leader’, Ben Mwandelile (head cleaner), Gernot Bird (executive sous chef) and Donald Mwangiasi (junior chef de partie in starter section).
Bottom: Cyndi Xhakaza (junior chef de partie in starter section) and William Malan (senior chef de partie in vegetable section).

The dream team at The kitchen @ Maison. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

La Mouette

After spending years making a name for himself in London, Henry Vigar brings his expertise in fine cuisine to local favourite La Mouette in Sea Point. His tasting menus give diners a chance to savour dishes that take cues from contemporary French and Mediterranean cuisine.

Meet the dream team
Back row: Laduma (senior chef de partie for sauce), Joseph (demi-chef de partie for garnish) and Mike (scullery).
Front row: Tasneem (pastry chef), Siviwe (demi-chef de partie for sauce), Landry (kitchen and pass runner), Edward (demi-chef de partie for pastry), Andre (senior sous chef) and Nicole (demi-chef de partie for pass, garnish and larder).

The dream team at La Mouette. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Makaron Restaurant at Majeka House

Having spent a great deal of time honing her craft in the food capitals of Europe, acclaimed chef Tanja Kruger presents an award winning à la carte menu at Makaron Restaurant. She believes in sourcing the freshest ingredients to achieve maximum flavour and visual appeal.

Meet the dream team
Back row, left to right: Rachael (pastry student), David (sous chef and right-hand man) and Raymond (chef de partie of vegetable section).
Front row, left to right: Stella (chef de partie of larder section), Vuyo (chef de partie on grill) and Germaine (junior sous chef and pastry chef).
Front: Tanja Kruger (executive chef)

The dream team at Makaron. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Overture

Chef Bertus Basson and his team have achieved some incredible feats, including being featured in the Eat Out top 10 restaurants for six consecutive years. Overture was number seven in the 2013 Top 10 and we can look forward to a course prepared by Bertus at the Eat Out awards ceremony.

Meet the dream team
In no particular order: Damien Dafel (chef de partie), Allistaire Lawrence (chef), David Mac Donald (sous chef), Sunday Ologbo (front of house), Bafana Zondo (front of house) and Bertus Basson (chef and owner).

The dream team at Overture. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Planet

Rudi Liebenberg is one of the country’s most acclaimed chefs and his out-of-this-world menu for Planet Restaurant at the Mount Nelson has secured him a spot as a local culinary legend. His menu caters to adventurous foodies and his degustation menu is bound to appeal to those with a sweet tooth.

Meet the dream team
In no particular order: Lungelo Masiza (chef de partie), Rudi Liebenberg (head chef), Jaco Goosen (sous chef), Vusi Mbem (meat chef de partie), Dean Seddon (vegetable and garnishes chef de partie), Dion Vengatass (sous chef), Thembelani Gunya (chef de partie and larder). Not pictured: Kirstin Hellemann and Albert Keswa.

The dream team at Planet. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Pot Luck Club

Dubbed by diners as one of the coolest places to be seen in Cape Town, The Pot Luck Club has been running to capacity (120 guests) each night throughout both high and low season since it opened. The menu is made up of tapas-sized plates divided into five basic tastes, each bearing Luke Dale-Roberts’s signature creativity and unique plating style.
Unfortunately we couldn’t attain a selfie from The Pot Luck Club team. You’ll have to (try) get a booking at the restaurant to see them for yourself!

Restaurant Mosaic

Award-winning chef Chantel Dartnall’s masterful approach to modern fine dining has resulted in Restaurant Mosaic at the Orient being one of South Africa’s top restaurants year after year.

Meet the dream team
Back row: Minette Smith (pastry chef), Agnes Ngwane (cold kitchen), Chantel Dartnall (head chef) and Refiloe Mosehle (junior pastry chef).
Front row: Agnes Ademosu (hot kitchen), Florence Manya (vegetable section) and Johanna Mathekga (bread baker).

The dream team at Restaurant Mosaic. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Restaurant at Newton Johnson

After leaving The Roundhouse, award-winning chef Eric Bulpitt took up residence at the Newton Johnson estate in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. His eye for plating and his interesting take on modern South African cuisine have made Eric a force to be reckoned with in the local culinary scene.

Meet the dream team
Back row from left: Leonieke Zuiddam (restaurant manager), Scott Knight (trainee), Petro Theunissen (pastry chef), Rickey Broekhoven (senior chef de partie), Celeste Bulpitt (general manager), Nia Carla Rittmann (demi chef de partie).
Front row: Deon van der Bank (waiter), Mike Chirwa (waiter), Eric Bulpitt (chef and owner), Golden Kamanga (scullery) and Watson Mwase (barman).

The dream team at The Restaurant at Newton Johnson. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Restaurant at Waterkloof

French chef Gregory Czarnecki demonstrates classic culinary techniques learnt at top Michelin restaurants with his contemporary menu at The Restaurant at Waterkloof. This innovative menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients from artisan growers and fresh, organic produce which travels from farm to plate.

Meet the dream team
In no particular order: Giselle Leibrandt (chef de partie pastry), Garth Raubenheimer (chef de partie meat section), Sarah Mogoera (chef de partie tournant), Theo van der Merwe (demi-chef de partie meat and garnish), Edna Visser (commis starter section) and Rihan Gerber (chef de partie fish section)

The dream team at The Restaurant at Waterkloof. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Rust en Vrede Restaurant

After honing his skills at Michelin-starred establishments such as Mallory Court in England and Glenapp Castle in Scotland, John Shuttleworth joined the Rust en Vrede team in 2009 under the guidance of David Higgs. Rust en Vrede, under John’s leadership, occupied the number three position in the 2013 Top 10.

Meet the dream team
Front row: John Shuttelworth, San-Marie K, San-Marie P and Surine Barnard.
Back row: Fabio Daniel, Vandeline Pienaar, Katlego Mlambo, Kilian Zietsman and Danian Pelston.

The dream team at Rust en Vrede Restaurant. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Tasting Room

Award-winning chef Margot Janse heads up one of South Africa’s most lauded fine dining restaurants, The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français, with her unforgettable African-inspired eight-course surprise tasting menu.

Meet the dream team
In no particular order: Gerald van der Walt (head chef), Akona Mgogo (scullery), Christine de Villiers (pastry chef), Apiwe Nkonyana (chef de partie), Marcelle van Rooyen (trainee), Melissa Viljoen (trainee), Antro Davel (chef de partie), Samual Sauvé (trainee), Libby Green (chef de partie), Wessel van Kleef (trainee), Magda Raath (chef de partie), Annelies Louw (chef de partie) and Carmel Sars (chef de partie). Not pictured: Margot Janse.

The dream team at The Tasting Room. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Terroir

Since its opening in October 2004, Michael Broughton’s restaurant Terroir has become one of the most sought after gourmet destinations in the Cape Winelands. Michael’s menu, which he describes as ‘deceptively simple’, is guided by the availability of fresh produce, evolving with the seasons to bring diners classic fare with gourmet flair.

Meet the dream team
From left to right: Stefan Roos (chef de partie), Francis Sweizers (sous chef), Michael Broughton (chef), Hilda-Lee Olivier (chef de partie), Ruan Pretorius (sous chef) and Anemie Durandt (chef de partie).

The dream team at Terroir. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Test Kitchen

After retiring from his role as executive chef at La Colombe, Luke Dale Roberts opened Eat Out’s restaurant of the year for 2012 and 2013, The Test Kitchen, to rave reviews in November 2010. His other eatery, The Pot Luck Club, joins The Test Kitchen as a nominee for this year’s Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards. Luke’s innovative gastronomic creations have made him a household name in the culinary scene.

Meet the dream team
In no particular order: Nicholas Compton (restaurant manager), Jessica Brodie (Prue Leith Student), Katia Scherf (chef de partie), Kagiso Ken Phuduhudu (demi chef), James Park (sous chef), Markus Fiedler (restaurant manager), Nicole Loubser (ICA Student), Luke Dale-Roberts (chef and owner), Michel Roux, Ivor Jones (head chef), Keagan Schlunz (Silwood student), Michael Sabbagh (Silwood student), Junsu (Korean intern), Conrad van den Heever (junior sous chef), Devin Hogan (chef de partie) and Dhani (Korean intern).

The dream team at The Test Kitchen. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Tokara

Eat Out Chef of the Year for 2005 and acclaimed culinary whizz Richard Carstens puts Tokara on the culinary map with pure flavours and tantalising textures inspired by the seasons and natural environment surrounding the restaurant.

Meet the dream team
Bottom left below: Byron Samuels (chef de partie), Richard Carstens (chef), Clinton Farao (chef de partie), San-Marie Fenter (pastry chef) and Love Buys (chef de partie).
From top left: Dane Jack (chef de partie), Marius Krynauw (junior sous chef), Aviv Liebenberg (sous chef), Jasper Nielssen (student chef) and Justin Makurudzo (chef de partie).

The dream team at Tokara. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The White Room at Dear Me

It was just last year that chef Vanessa Marx was named our first-ever winner of the Rising Star Award and this year, we welcome her back as a Top 10 nominee and one of six chefs who will be cooking at this year’s award ceremony. At The White Room at Dear Me you can expect experimental food with an element of fun.

Meet the dream team
Left: Marieta (student chef); back: Jacques (sous chef); right: Corne (chef de partie); centre Vanessa Marx (head chef).

The dream team at The White Room at Dear Me. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

On Sunday 16 November we will announce the new Top 10 at the 2014 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards. If you haven’t already, buy your ticket here.