In a top hotel the role that a good concierge plays is both indispensable and crucial. Concierges are the first port of call particularly for visitors from abroad for whom they represent the face of the hotel. They often have exclusive worldwide networks with contacts that can span continents. They are expected to deliver a […]
PRIZES IN STORE
These are exceptional opportunities for anyone wanting to accelerate their hospitality careers. The ‘Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge Wine Steward of the Year 2022’ Pieter Bekker (Taj Cape Town) (Pongrácz & Three Ship) will look forward to a 10-day internship in Ireland at the celebrated The Lodge at Ashford Castle with the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Irish […]
MEET THE WINE STEWARDS AND WAITERS
Meeting the candidates this year we were struck by the enthusiasm, warmth and joie de vivre with their appreciation of the exceptional opportunities ahead. Enjoy hearing from our wine stewards and waiters and how they describe themselves, what their goals are, who their role models are, and of course the books that they read that […]
OUT TO LUNCH AT TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL & SPA
The setting was blissful at The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa and the sea view exquisite as the wintery sun broke through the clouds. What a splendid start to the 2022 Launch of the Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge now in its tenth year and proudly going forward. The excitement of our candidates was tangible. WELCOME TOASTCrispy […]
In the news…
In the ten years since the Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge began we have seen many profound changes and none more so than the devastating COVID years. For one brief moment we wondered whether the Challenge could continue. It is testament to our partners; the hotel industry, our farming community, the wine and spirit makers and of […]
A MEMORABLE DAY AT TAJ CAPE TOWN!
Inspirational and stunning presentations were the order of the day for the Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge Orientation Workshop, which took place on Wednesday 13th July 2022 in Cape Town, the first of three regional Orientation Workshops, which are one of the most important pillars of the program ~ A day of exploration and training with role […]
MOUNT NELSON REACHING FOR YOUNG STARS 2022
2022 sees a splendid new home for The Reaching for Young Stars at one of the most celebrated hotels worldwide, the Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town, hosted by General Manager Tiago Sarmento. SEE… ANNOUNCING THE WINNERSSEE… A NIGHT TO REMEMBER! To access images from the Cook-Off Presentations Click here and for all the […]
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER – Mount Nelson Reaching for Young Stars Gala Awards Dinner 2022
“It has been 14 formidable and stimulating years since Chania and I began The Reaching for Young Stars programme,” says Annette Kesler of Showcook.com. “We have seen many profound changes in curriculum, commitment and professionalism as our culinary academies rose to meet fresh challenges. There is a greater understanding today of a rapidly changing hospitality […]
ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS MOUNT NELSON REACHING FOR YOUNG STARS 2022!
The Reaching for Young Stars Cook-Off & Service Presentation, annually hosted by the International Hotel School, took place on Saturday 4th June with an enthusiastic high calibre panel of judges: Kitchen Evaluation: Julietta e Silva Overmeyer & Cody DodgenHot Chefs: Rudi Liebenberg & Mariëtte CraffordPastry Chefs & Bakers: Jac Kolver & Debbie HallCocktails, Wine & […]
MEET THE YOUNG STAR CHEFS TAKING TO THE HOT STOVE WITH APLOMB
On the menu; Denny Mushrooms with superb Rio Largo Olive Oil and flavourful Karoo Lamb supplied by Ryan Boon‘s Speciality Meats. Terise Pillay – Chef, 18INTERNATIONAL HOTEL SCHOOL I’m an honest, kind and hardworking person that finds comfort in the kitchen and no place else. In Five Years: I would like to be travelling and […]