CAPE TOWN, 8th March 2025 – As we launch the prestigious 2025 edition of “Reaching for Young Stars,” the spotlight shines brightly on the Western Cape, celebrating the outstanding emerging talent in the hospitality industry.
This year, our initiative promises to inspire success and elevate young students from top academies, offering a unique platform to encourage, define and refine their skills.
South Africa’s Culinary Reputation Shines on the Global Stage
South Africa’s culinary establishments are quickly becoming a magnet for aspiring chefs and hospitality students from across the globe. Just as countries like Australia once experienced their time in the spotlight, South Africa has now earned its place in the sun. Our culinary academies are recognized for their excellence, attracting international students eager to learn from our world-class institutions. These students, in turn, become ambassadors for our thriving hospitality industry, spreading the word far and wide.
Hosted by the iconic Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel under the Accor brand, the “Reaching for Young Stars” competition has become a cornerstone event for aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals.
Leon Meyer, General Manager of Cape Grace, in a statement, emphasised the hotel’s dedication to building South Africa’s next generation and assisting in shaping tomorrow’s leaders in the important world of hospitality.
Now in its 17th year, the programme marks a significant milestone, demonstrating a continued commitment to nurturing and elevating talent in the hospitality industry. This initiative provides students with a valuable platform to excel and gain recognition within their chosen field. As these rising stars compete for top honours, their skills will be on full display, with the winners set to be revealed on Thursday, June 12th, 2025, at the prestigious Heirloom Restaurant at Cape Grace.
Organised by Showcook.com in partnership with renowned culinary expert Annette Kesler, the programme goes beyond celebrating culinary mastery rather it is a holistic platform aiming to develop potential.
Chania Morritt-Smith of Showcook.com says, “This year, the winners of the Cape Grace Reaching for Young Stars awards will again experience a transformative journey to the United States and France. These amazing programs offer invaluable global exposure that will shape your careers as young professionals, equipping you to step into leadership roles within the ever-evolving hospitality industry.”
Expertise in beverages and barista skills as well as baking is gaining greater prominence in the Cape region. This initiative recognizes and celebrates the proficiency of young students in this growing field, contributing to the region’s reputation for producing skilled youth.
Showcook continues its tradition of connecting young talent with industry professionals, a collaborative spirit, highlighting the competition’s role in providing a strong foundation for learning and personal development. These aims find their expression in workshops including the launch – The Skills Exchange Development Workshop hosted by CTIA – CHEFS TRAINING & INNOVATION ACADEMY at their Stellenbosch Campus on Saturday 8th March.
The candidates are selected from various academies Cape Town Hotel School, part of the Faculty of Business Management Sciences of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Capsicum Culinary Studio, Cooktastic, CTIA – Chefs Training & Innovation Academy, International Hotel School, IIE School of Hospitality and Service Management, Northlink TVET College, The Silo Internship Programme and the Superyacht Culinary Academy
Annette Kesler expressed, “We would like to acknowledge the indispensable support of the leading culinary academies in the Western Cape and commend their unwavering commitment to nurturing and developing talent. The dedication and enthusiasm of their principals and academic heads have been instrumental in the success of the awards since its inception.”
Dynamic MC Wendy Coetzee introduced motivational and inspirational speakers including highly regarded Winemaker Pieter Badenhorst, Lesego Modutle (TV Personality, Sign Language interpreter and Model Dream Chaser), and Janet Pillai (CEO Founder a of MLT Corp) as well as author Jessica Mtsweni who provided insights on blending passion, progress and perseverance with communication. Judges Lorraine Meaney (Executive Pastry Chef of Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, part of Accor), Julietta e Silva Overmeyer and Wanda Cronje (CWM) shared their expectations.
This year’s program of the Cape Grace Reaching for Young Stars was made possible through top-tier partners whose dedication to providing quality ingredients plays a pivotal role in the competition’s success.
Accor, Acqua Panna, Anthonij Rupert Wyne, Avanti Coffee, Bio-Wheat, Bruce Jack Wines, Cape Grace, Cederberg Wines, Ciao Pomodoro, Clearworld, ClemenGold, ClemenGold Gin, Cocchi, Denny Mushrooms, Didactix, Früt SA, Global Knives, Highfield Qualifications, Heirloom Restaurant, Hope Distillery, I Love Coffee, InUWell, InternAfrica, Italian Deli Online, Jordan Wines, Khoisan Sea Salt, KitchenAid Africa, Kleine Zalze, KWV Brandy, La Creuzette, La Motte, Lancewood, LemonGold, Lurpak, MLT Car Hire & Tours, National Youth Development Agency, Penguin Random House, Petals Group, Polli Marinated Italian Vegetables, Rio Largo Olive Oil, SA Brandy Foundation, SASSI, S.Pellegrino, Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks, Scanpan, Simonsig Family Vineyards, Sobremesa, SA Chefs Association, Tastic Rices of the World, Tiger Brands Food Service Solutions, Vinimark Wine Company, Von Geusau Chocolates, WWF SASSI, Van Ryn’s Distillery, Winslow’s Tavern
The SA Chefs Association‘s cooperation and enthusiasm for the event are so appreciated, with future objectives including the participation of a major star pastry and hot kitchen chef in the SA Culinary Olympic Team. An important aim.
The students will have the added opportunity to engage with esteemed winemakers from prominent Cape wine estates and master distillers from award-winning spirit producers. These collaborations offer invaluable experience and serve to inspire students to explore potential careers within the wine and spirits industry.
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) remains a proud partner of the Cape Grace Reaching for Young Stars initiative, underscoring the importance of skills development and global exposure for emerging industry talents. The NYDA has announced the introduction of bursaries aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among the participants.
In alignment with global sustainability efforts, the 2025 event places a strong emphasis on promoting eco-conscious initiatives. The program aims to raise awareness about the commendable work of WWF-SA, particularly through its collaboration with SASSI, while also spotlighting zero-waste practices and efforts to reduce single-use plastics. Additionally, the event will support and raise awareness for Earth Hour, encouraging participants to take action in environmental conservation. 22nd March, 2025- Sign up on wwf.org.za/hourbank
As the Cape Grace Reaching for Young Stars unfolds, it promises to be a captivating journey of talent, innovation, and sustainability, contributing to the continued growth of the Western Cape’s culinary landscape.
A distinguished and dynamic panel of judges will be part of the Reaching for Young Stars Cook-Off & Service Presentation, annually hosted by the International Hotel School. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 10th May.
JUDGES:
Food
Alexandre Barrière Izard, Chesray Assur, Craig Hibbert, Debbie Hall, Ghenwa Steingaszner, Jocelyn Myers Adams, Lorraine Meaney
Wine and spirit service
Penelope Horwood, Sommelier Marlvin Gwese and Vlad Klaic
Wine and food pairing
Wanda Cronje (CWM) and Winemaker Guy Webber
Kitchen skills
Hot Kitchen Julietta e Silva Overmeyer Cold Kitchen Cody Dodgen
Barista
Candice Dettmer, Wayne Abrahams and Paddington Chivare
About CAPE GRACE, A FAIRMONT MANAGED HOTEL
The distinctive Fairmont Managed Hotel, Cape Grace is part of Accor. A French multinational hospitality company that owns, manages and franchises hotels, resorts and vacation properties. It is the largest hospitality company in Europe, and the sixth largest hospitality company worldwide. Accor operates in 5,445 locations in over 110 countries.
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