Wonderful prizes for ALL the winners from Dr Susanne Reuther of Wings Group and KitchenAid Africa including KitchenAid Artisan Mixers, Gadget & Utensils, Ceramics, Bakeware and more… Hot Chef Jessie Olivier (CTIA) and ‘Ultimate Lancewood Young Star Pastry Chef of the Year’ Jenna van Niekerk (IHS) will earn an extraordinary three-month working experience in France, […]
WINNERS ANNOUNCED – Where Talent Meets Opportunity
Cape Town, 11th June 2026 – The culinary spotlight shone brightly on the Cape’s most promising young talent at the iconic TAJ Cape Town. Now in its 18th year, the Reaching for Young Stars 2026 competition has officially crowned its winners. Congratulations to all! Reaching for Young Stars is more than a competition; it advances […]
TAJ CAPE TOWN HOSTS WINEMAKERS’ LUNCH FOR REACHING FOR YOUNG STARS PROGRAMME
South Africa’s finest winemakers gather at Bombay Brasserie to celebrate wine, food, and the next generation of hospitality talent Cape Town, 7th May — TAJ Cape Town recently played host to the eagerly anticipated annual Winemakers’ Lunch, a highlight on the Reaching for Young Stars calendar, now proudly in its 18th year. Held in the magnificent […]
Kleine Zalze Wines partners with Reaching for Young Stars Competition to nurture talent in South African hospitality
As part of preparations for the 2026 Reaching for Young Stars Competition, Kleine Zalze is equipping young entrants from the hospitality industry with wine knowledge. Chania Morritt-Smith (Showcook), Nkululeko Mateke (Chef), Winemaker Hanri Ferreira, Likhona Yam (Pastry), Carina Gous (GM Kleine Zalze), Ntando Vilakazi (Beverage) and Mentors Marike Gerricke (Pastry Chef, The Silo) and Bianca […]
Unforgettable Visits to the Cape Winelands
As part of the Reaching for Young Stars programme, we take learning beyond the classroom and into the heart of the Cape Winelands, where our young chefs and hospitality students experience first-hand the superb wineries that define the region. Through immersive visits, they meet leading wine producers and gain insight into world-class standards, as well […]
Craft, Crema and BARISTAS: The Art of Extraction
Our Young Stars are learning the skills and techniques, perfecting espresso shots to milk frothing, they are gaining hands-on experience that sharpens their palate and builds their confidence. Each new skill they acquire is a boost toward a promising career in hospitality. They’ll soon put their talents to the test as Avanti Coffee Judges Paddington […]
Balance in the Glass: Cocktails & Pairing Meet the Young Star BEVERAGE STUDENTS
The role of the Beverage Students of the ‘Taj Cape Town Reaching for Young Stars’ is not simply to serve, but to enhance every dish through thoughtful pairing and a deep understanding of flavour. They are tasked with creating a signature cocktail using KWV 3 YO Brandy, lifted with the elegance of Perrier and complemented by a […]
GRAIN & CRAFT WITH THE YOUNG STAR BAKERS
The Bakers of the ‘Taj Cape Town Reaching for Young Stars’ programme now bring their quiet discipline and craftsmanship to the fore. Bread, in its purest form, is a reflection of patience, precision, and respect for ingredients, a true test of a chef’s understanding of fundamentals. As part of their journey, they had the privilege […]
SWEET SPICE FOR OUR PASTRY CHEFS
Anique Ramawoothar of LANCEWOOD with Q&A Winners Tariro Mtoko (Pastry Chef) and Tafadzwa Mupotsa (Beverage) from Capsicum Culinary Studio representing Emeris & La Motte Team! Congratulations 🙌 Fabulous prizes from LANCEWOOD – #ReachingForYoungStars2026 The Pastry Chefs of the ‘Taj Cape Town Reaching for Young Stars’ programme now take centre stage, bringing with them a sense […]
Spice, Skill & Rising Stars ✨Meet the Young Stars HOT CHEFS 2026
The Hot Chefs of the ‘Taj Cape Town Reaching for Young Stars‘ programme step into the spotlight with both passion and purpose, having immersed themselves in a series of inspiring workshops at Taj Cape Town. Through these experiences, they have begun to understand that Indian cuisine is not simply about flavour, but about balance, heritage, […]