A Table in the Corner

This is possibly the most fascinating episode I've recorded to date. Tapiwa Guzha was on my first ever list of guest. There were 10 or 12 people on that list, and had I spoken to Tapiwa way back then, it may well have changed the shape of the show. He is an incredibly engaging person, and to say he 'thinks out of the box' is to misunderstand him completely. He was never in a box, nor indeed was he ever anywhere near a box of any sort. I really loved talking to him and he raised some issues about food ways, modern food service and the way we consume that still have my head spinning. If you want to engage with him over a scoop of ice cream, you'll need to hurry. He's shuttering Tapi-Tapi for a year or so from the end of May this year.Tapi-Tapi Ice CreamFood Indaba TicketsSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

I'm following my curiosity about people who make a living from food outside of formal restaurants again. This time I'm chatting to Dean Roux who owns and operates a food truck called Truck Norris. Apart from the fact that his truck has a legendary name, he's a really good operator who understands the landscape in which he operates and offers a straightforward product. Truck Norris does burgers. That's it. Burgers. (And there are fries.) His team is slick and the truck is popular. We chatted about running food trucks, what it costs to get involved, the bloom in operators and the merits (or otherwise) of that.  'Deano' took some time on his birthday to chat to me, for which I was particularly grateful, but it was also a great chat.Note for listeners: This episode was recorded in a busy coffee shop, so there's a hubbub of activity in the background. Hopefully you'll bear with us to get to the nub of a very interesting conversation.Truck Norris food truckSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

The FOOD INDABA is an annual programme of talks and events that focus on the local food system. Running from 7-20 July this year, it brings together a wide range of speakers involved in shaping the food system, providing an opportunity for food growers, academics, activists, writers, nutritionists, policy makers, food lovers and anyone interested in sustainable approaches, to engage in key issues intimately connected to the food we eat, and the future of food. The conference component of the Indaba on July 18 explores the potential impacts and opportunities of AI (artificial intelligence) on African food systems. Their exciting, experiential series including guided walks and 'tea with a farmer'  kicks off on July 7. There's also a science component for kids which explores food through the lens of science. For more details and to book tickets, there are links below.Food Indaba, 7-20 July 2025 website Food Indaba tickets Send us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Send us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Nic Charalambous, the driving force, creator and voice behind the wildly popular Ouzeri restaurant in Wale Street, was my fourth guest on the show. Way back on Episode 4 he'd been open a year and found his easygoing eatery - which celebrates his Cypriot heritage and its culinary traditions as well as those of Greece - awarded a star at the Eat Out Awards. In year three, in late March 2025, Ouzeri joined the ranks of two star Eat Out Restaurants. Nic and I chatted about his journey, the focus and intention he brings to what he does, and what Eat Out recognition (and being added to the 50 Best Discovery list) meant to him and his team at Ouzeri.  Ouzeri WebsiteSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Veld & Sea has one of my favourite Instagram pages, and the mission of its founder - to teach people about the land and the ocean of Cape Town's south peninsula through foraging and flavour - has long fascinated me. I finally got to meet Roushanna Grey and we had an engrossing conversation. As always it was too short and there was so much more we could have explored. Links to her website and that beautiful Instagram profile are below if you want to learn more.Veld & SeaThe Instagram Page Send us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Week after week I see the menus for Egg & Shoulders ready meals. They are seasonal, interesting and depart from the norm of the home delivery or frozen meal services. Of course there are the standards - the lasagne, the ravioli - but there are always interesting things. While I've been tempted to order many times, I sometime wonder who else is ordering terrines or wild leaf salads. Curious about her drive for innovation, who her customers are, and how she reaches them, I sat down for a chat with Emily Harriet Bulbring Robertson. I learned she is a very capable, driven human with time in top kitchens under her belt, but perhaps even more important, I discovered she delivers in the Deep South. Hurrah!Egg & Shoulders WebsiteSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Matthew Gordon has been there since the beginning. He is one of the architects of the explosion of restaurants in the previously sleepy Western Cape village of Franschhoek. Haute Cabriere put him firmly on the map, but the little restaurant he operated out of his family guesthouse, Balon Rouge is where it all began. Today he is the chef/operator of French Connection which has been a popular eatery in the village for the past 23 years. We spoke about the growth of Franschhoek's dining scene, the changes he's seen, people he's worked with, and the importance of consistency in building a business that will survive in a tumultuous restaurant scene.French Connection BistroSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Chef Peter Ayub runs the excellent Sense of Taste Cooking school with his wife Deb, teaching young hopefuls the trade of being a chef. He reached out, concerned about how some of his students are treated when they go out into the industry to do their pracs and learn about how kitchens work. We share the view that these young chefs are there to absorb new skills and be taught by the chefs under whom they work. The reality in some frantically busy, sometimes under-staffed businesses is that they end up on the line, working as unpaid staff on a single station, pulling impossibly long shifts. Pete and I had a natter about that some of the challenges youngsters face and agreed that the old trope about initiating new blood on the brigade should perhaps be a more gentle process and not just a meat grinder where only the strong make it to a career in a kitchen.Sense of Taste Chef SchoolSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

It's taken a while to get the timing and travel right to sit down with South African culinary icon, Chef Reuben Riffel, to explore his incredible journey from a simple start in Franschhoek kitchens, to becoming a household name. In this episode we dive into his early mentorship under Chef Christophe Dehosse, his pivotal partnership with Chef Richard Carstens, and his evolution through fine dining to casual ventures like Let's Frite. Reuben's, FranschhoekLet's Frite, FranschhoekSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Hilde-Lee Olivier left cooking school and quickly climbed the ranks in local kitchens. By the time she was 26 Hilde-Lee was running the Kitchen at Terroir and went on to be head chef for George Jardine at Jardine Restaurant in Stellenbosch. After a brief stint and a huge learning curve running her own place - Toebroodjie, she pitched it all in and went sailing. We spoke about her journey and about the life she's chosen running a kitchen on a private yacht - it's quite a trip.Send us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

For some time now I've been wanting to talk to someone on the show who manages the marketing - and the profiles - of restaurants. I'm interested in how eateries, especially the top shops, market themselves. This is particularly tricky in a world where everyone seems to be a critic and even the very best operators can find themselves at the mercy of 'keyboard warriors'. While people have a legitimate right to tackle venues on poor service or experiences - balance, good judgement and manners are often left at the door in the online world we navigate. Then there are those who may never have set foot in your shop who will weigh in with their 'opinion', and hack at you about anything from pricing to menu choices, labour practices or the car you drive. It's an issue constantly on the minds of restaurateurs. Jo Smith runs Pillar9 and describes herself as a Reputation Strategist. I've chatted to a few of her clients on the show, and started nagging a while back about getting her on to talk about what she does. I learned a lot about what it takes to build and manage the reputation of a restaurant, and picked up a classic new word: 'bandwagonism'. Thanks Jo.Pillar9 InstagramSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Carlotta Sabbalini is fantastic - she's a real entrepreneur who's built a food business on the back of a lasagne recipe she learned from her grandmother, Nonna Santina. Along the way she's tried new things, added elements to the business and learned a whole lot of skills that are really vital for a small business operator. I've been wanting to talk to someone whose built a cottage industry based on family recipes and Carlotta just happened to message me and ask if she could join me on the show. That took some chutspa, and it's exactly the kind of thing you need to do as a small operator in the food space. Loved this chat and learned a lot from Carlotta despite the wonderfully rich Italian accent.Italy At Your Door on InstagramT-shirts and Merch by Italy at Your DoorSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

It started with a dream and a little Piaggio three-wheeled scooter with a pizza oven in the back, but Mario Gaito has built a business that delivers delicious Napoli-style pizza to selected deli and supermarket chillers around Cape Town. It's a great story that features one of my favourite things - wood-fired pizza ovens. We could have gone on and on chatting - this was one of my favourite episodes so far. However we were recording in a very loud place and had to call it a day eventually. I really look forward to my next encounter with Mario and on of his delicious pizzas - perhaps at the OZCF Market.Pizza Proper Instagram Send us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

This was a conversation full of laughs with Chef Amori Burger of Upper Union restaurant. Her warm, engaging, fun personality permeates a restaurant which have quickly become an institution in Cape Town and a firm favourite among a legion of very happy customers. We sat down for a chat against the backdrop of their beautiful upstairs cocktail bar and spoke of Sunday lunches, bold flavours, the perfect bite and testing all the wines and cocktails to make sure they're up to scratch for guests. It was a hoot. Upper Union RestaurantSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Loubie Rusch knows a hell of a lot about local plants. How to grow them. What you can and can't eat. How to cook or prepare them for consumption. She also knows a lot about local food systems and how connection to the land preserves indigenous food plants and the environment at large. We got into a whole bunch of converging topics in the food security space and yet, after over an hour there was so much we left untouched. It's not the usual food fare for this show, but we started to unpack some compelling matters around access to land, farming methods, food ways and retail markets. All of it is fascinating, but just the tip of the iceberg. There's a whole avenue of the local food story that I've barely explored, but there are some pearls in here that might help take a few steps towards a better understanding of the hidden cost of Big Food.  Local Wild Food Hub - Loubie's BooksSustainability InstituteSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

In this episode, I chat to Durban chef, photographer and knife-maker Sebastian Amadeo Nico.  He's deeply connected to the food world through his father, Marco Nico of Ciao Italia fame, but his path has been somewhat winding - from working in his dad's kitchen at La Storia in the Westville Hotel, to mastering food photography which started out as a bit of a hobby inspired by his mom Kerryne. Along the way he's built motorcycles and taught himself the art of crafting knives - a combination of heat and heavy tools balanced with delicate precision. The knives he shows off on his instagram profile tend to be drawn from the Japanese culinary tradition and are becoming more and more sought-after, as commissions from chefs and collectors narrow the time he has available to create a stock of standard blades for sale. Influenced by Durban's culinary legends like his father Marco and the great Martin Lombard, Sebastian's early lessons in restaurants shaped his unique artistic path. While he continues to earn a living as a photographer, he's about to partner with another craftsman, Darkwing Blades, to meet demand for his blades… another chapter is about to begin .Seb SteelworksSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Send us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

With 100 episodes of A Table in the Corner in the bag, I felt it might be time to do a  biographical insert for episode 101. Some of my guests have asked when the spotlight would fall on me. A few of our regular listeners have also asked via Instagram DMs when I'm going to be interviewed. Jonathan Warncke recently invited me onto his industry-focused podcast 'How to Start a Podcast in South Africa', and I cajoled him into being the guest host on my show - to turn the tables on A Table in the Corner. Turns out there was a lot to cram in, but I kept the edit under 40 minutes.  So here's some background on how I came to host a podcast on the local food scene.Yours truly on 'How to make a Podcast in South Africa'Thumbnail image by Louise PheifferSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

George Jardine needs very little introduction if you've followed the Western Cape Restaurant scene for any length of time. There was a stretch when he was repeatedly named the best chef in South Africa and his restaurants have been in the local honour rolls regularly over the past two decades. I consider him a friend - even though it took ages for him to agree to appear on the show. Our chat ranged from his early career and getting going in cooking to his current role as the Culinary Director of Valor Hospitality for Africa and the Middle East. There's also a loaded question or two about the local restaurant scene and current dining trends. I never got him to break out in song, but it was a really great chat.Culinary director - fireman - for these guys.Send us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Send us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Ayesha Bibi (Juwaley) runs a superb little patisserie business out of Makers Landing at the Ocean Cruise Terminal in the V&A Waterfront. We sat down for a chat about her journey from studying film and environmental science at University to being an accomplished pastry chef. After studying at Capsicum Culinary Studio in Cape Town, she joined the kitchen at The One & Only Hotel, where she worked for six years before lighting out on her own. I was keen to understand how one runs an online business based on such a delicate and perishable product as cakes and baked treats, and our chat touched on that and other matters related to running a little business out of the Makers Landing food incubator.The Charming Chef onlineInstagram ProfileSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

David Higgs made his bones in the local dining scene in the mid- to late-‘naughties' when he helmed the multi-award winning Rust en Vrede restaurant in the Western Cape Winelands. Then he packed up and went to Jo'burg and chatter around this lively, entertaining and gifted chef got a bit quiet for a while. Then the buzz started about The Saxon's kitchen and he was in the awards lists again. In 2016, along with partner Gary Kyriacou, David opened Marble restaurant in Rosebank with its impressive wood-fired grill. It was all about live-fire cooking and a hell of a vibe - the toast of Johannesburg. Now he's opened Marble Cape Town. In the middle of a busy season, with one foot in the Mother City and the other in eGoli, David found some time to sit down for a chat about restaurants and the partners' baby; Pantry.Marble RestaurantPantry by MarbleSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

William Jardine is a young chef who, at 22, is a line chef (or chef de partie) in a prestigious Edinburgh restaurant. The Kitchin was the first establishment in Scotland to receive a Michelin Star and focuses on working with the very best in Scottish produce. It is one of Scotland's most celebrated eateries. As the son of George and Louise Jardine, William is no stranger to award-winning restaurants though. We sat down for a chat about how it's going, how he got there, and what he's planning to do with his international cheffing experience. Send us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

In this episode, I chat to Andrew Nel of Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants, an ethical butchery with branches in the Woodstock, Gardens and Claremont suburbs of Cape Town. FFMM was founded by Andy Fenner and his wife Nicole to honour the practice of nose-to-tail eating, in which they emphasised sustainable practices by sourcing whole animals and using every part with respect. Andrew joined the business in 2017 and continues the journey, having added long table events to the FFMM calendar to foster a deeper connection between consumers and their food while promoting conscious meat consumption. By championing ethical sourcing in the heart of the city, they are the go-to supplier for an entire generation of Capetonians who want to make better choices about the provenance of their food - especially meat. Trigger Warning: We talk about killing and eating animals quite a bit in this episode. Send us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

In this week's episode of A Table in the Corner, the first for 2025,  we explore the delightful world of Grumpy & Runt, a vegan donut shop co-owned by Johke Steenkamp and Carla Gontier. This little beaut shares premises with Ditto, the oat milk ice cream spot on Kloof Street. I chat to Johke about how G&R started out, some of the challenges along the way and mostly about how they have intentionally built a business that celebrates inclusivity and sustainability through their artisanal donuts. Johke and Carla have crafted not just a menu of indulgent treats, but also become the centre of an alternative movement that champions delicious plant-based living in Cape Town.Grumpy & RuntSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

I've been wanting to chat to Abigail Donnelly on the show for absolute ages. Her recipes and food styling for local magazines have delivered global cuisines and flavours to South African homes for almost two decades. From the pages of Taste magazine - mouthpiece of Woolworths Food - to the tables of the country's top eateries, hers is a powerful voice in driving how we cook, and how we understand the restaurant industry. On the first day of Abigail's well-deserved year-end leave, we sat down for a natter at her home on Cape Town's southern peninsula.Send us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Chef Ollie Swart loves to cook and he really, truly loves feeding people. He even went out and got us cheese & ham croissants from Foxcroft to scoff during our chat. Ollie's Instagram Profile is a thing of pure joy - full of a happy, enthusiastic young chef enjoying the hell out of creating and sharing food. His more than 45k followers are testament to the infectious nature of his love for cooking and catering. We sat down for a natter about working for the iconic Annalize Catering; menus that are more than just 'chicken a la king'; creating a retail food range; and marrying the boss's daughter - among other things. We also squeezed in a mention of his cookbook, due on-shelf this Summer '24/'25. It was funny and loud and energetic, just like Ollie.Freestyle Cooking by chef Ollie SwartSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Catherine Haddad was recently appointed as FoH manager at the iconic Bao Down restaurant. We chatted about the service industry, and making your way as a server - the hours, the work. Mostly however, we chatted about her side-hustle. Catherine makes the most delicious dumplings. Her little cottage industry operates from the tiny kitchen of her City Bowl flat and everything - pastry to filling - is made from scratch. The evolution of Dank Dumplings kind of overshadowed the stuff about service, but it was a great chat nonetheless.Send us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

The menu at Ember & Oak on Constantia Uitsig is a fantastic mix of globally inspired dishes prepared over live fires or in a charcoal oven. It's particularly enjoyable because Chef Tim Picks creations are served in a very casual, laid-back atmosphere, but the cooking is impeccable. I sat down to chat with Tim about his journey through some of our finest local kitchens to opening a deeply cool little eatery in the Southern Suburbs with his wife Judy. It's likely they'll be slammed in season, but it really is worth taking a chance and seeing if they can squeeze in a table if you're in the area. Tim's menu changes regularly and there's always something delicious to tempt you to one too many small plates.Try booking a table on Dineplan, but if the tables allocated there are full, you can always try calling to see if there's table going begging. Send us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Absie Pantshwa is the other half of the Edge team that created a bunch of outstanding pop-up live-fire African dining experiences, crafted the menu at Boma on Bree, and operates Mlilo out of Time Out Market, Cape Town. Partnered with chef Vusi Ndlovu, she is a driving force behind a fresh way of looking at how African cooking lives in the culinary landscape. We sat down to talk about how she runs operations for their joint projects, but ended up spinning into a bunch of engaging thoughts on the state of play in the emerging use of African flavours, techniques and ingredients in the dining scene. There's plenty of food for thought here and I thoroughly enjoyed chatting to Absie.Send us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Vicky Gurovich has recently been promoted to Executive Sous Chef at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town. It's been a long time coming. She was head of pastry there under Chef Rudi Liebenberg and now runs the kitchen under the steady hand of Executive Chef Luke Barry. Together they've driven innovation in the iconic 'Nellie' Hight Team Tea and have launched a Saturday Braai experience for guests, as well as an extension of the Planet Bar serving a Mediterranean-inspired menu driven by local produce. We chatted about the revered hotel's commitment to working with sustainable local supplier and the importance of this 125-year-old institution's footprint on the culinary landscape of cape Town. Small wonder the 'Pink Lady' was recently named the best hotel in Africa and currently sits at number 28 on the World's Best Hotels list. It was so good to sit and natter with Vicky.Send us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

They call him 'the beef guy' because he knows a lot about beef. Steven Maresh created the Local Grill Group of restaurants in Gauteng and started Beef Club where he raised both consumer and producer knowledge about raising and preparing beef products. Today he consults to beef producers on branding and marketing and works with restaurants to improve both the quality and the profitability of the beef they serve. It was fascinating chatting to him on the show.Send us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Ivor Jones is one of my favourite chefs, and someone who is often mentioned on the show by his contemporaries. He's all about technique and a pin-sharp dedication to exploring, and getting, the very best out of ingredients in terms of flavour and presentation. I simply can't get to CW Beau Constantia often enough, but when I do, it's always a joy. There as so much to chat about on this episode, especially abut the challenges of seasonality in Cape Town and keeping the engine of a complex operation running, that I never got to chat to him about his recent collaboration with Jason Kosmas from Pot Luck Club and the Meuse Farm lunches. He was the very first guest on this show, so perhaps I can get him back for a third round some time soon. Hope springs eternal... but this was a great chat nonetheless.Season has started by there may still be space to book on DineplanChefs Warehouse Beau ConstantiaLuggage Warehouse - Take me to ZanzibarSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

In this episode, I sit down with one of my food heroes - Chef Chris Erasmus. He's now Group Chef of the Newmark Hotel Group, and we discuss his commitment to sustainability and the importance of sourcing from small, family-owned suppliers. We rummaged around in his culinary journey and the philosophy behind his new restaurant, Terrarium, which recently opened at the Queen Victoria Hotel in Cape Town's V&A Waterfront. Join us as we explore how Chris is redefining fine dining with a focus on hyperlocal ingredients and innovative flavors. Chris is such a lekker oke and I really enjoyed chatting to him.You can book for Terrarium on DineplanLuggage Warehouse - Take me to ZanzibarSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

In this episode of A Table in the Corner, I chat with Ken Kinsey-Quick, co-founder of Banhoek Chilli Oil, about the journey from kitchen experiments to national success and the opening of a global market. A quest with his brother-in-law Adi Meintjies to develop the perfect chilli oil to use at their dinner table led to the creation of a brand that enhances flavours in food without overpowering them. It also birthed a community farming project run by locals in Banhoek Valley where they grow chillies for the oil. There are some interesting aside about entrepreneurial spirit and focusing applying simple principles to running a successful business. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to Ken and learned a lot from our conversation.Banhoek Chilli Oil is available on their website and on Amazon USA and UK.Luggage Warehouse - Take me to ZanzibarSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Lance Gibbons is the CEO of SA Chef Media, and along with other players in the industry like FEDHASA and SA Chefs Association, he's put together the SA Chef Conference & Expo which is happening in Cape Town on November 25 & 26. On the cards are talks by Liam Tomlin, Luke Dale-Roberts and Chris Erasmus, as well as an address by Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille. One of the hoped-for outcomes of the gathering is a direction for branding South Africa as a food destination to build on our already robust culinary tourism scene. My chat with lance raised some interesting talking-points and it is great to see an initiative being driven to get chefs collaborating on building our food scene further as a global tourist attraction.More on the SA Chef Conference & Expo 2024Luggage Warehouse - Take me to ZanzibarSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Vusi Ndlovu is the mind behind Mlilo at the Time Out Market, Cape Town. His journey to All Star chef began in hotel kitchens and grew through his time at the Greenhouse with Chef Peter Tempelhoff and later at The Saxon with Chef David Higgs. He's also been staging abroad and was a regular on the global culinary competition circuit. With partner Absie Pantshwa, he created Edge to explore his take on contemporary African cuisine in the fine dining milieu, until Mlilo gave him a chance to present simple, delicious street food from across his home continent. This was a great chat with an inspiring and inspired young chef.Mlilo at Time Out Market, Cape TownLuggage Warehouse - Take me to ZanzibarSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

With a sparkling track record which includes some banging cocktail bars in New York, Tetsuo Hasegawa has brought his brand of precisely crafted cocktails to Cape Town. Anthm Bar in Loop Street is an intimate 35-seater with a fabulous small plate menu where local ingredients and global techniques are explored in both drinks and food. We sat down for an excellent chat about his journey from Japan to New York and thence to the Mother City. Enjoy.Anthm BarItalian WInes and Spirits by Gabba InternationalSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

Crush! online magazine is a digital food publication that started documenting food and food people in Cape Town way back in 2008. I sat down for a natter with founder, publisher and general creative head Matthew Ibbotson, and while food was at the core of the discussion, it was also about media, publishing and the effect the restaurant scene had and continues to have on the global media scene.Read CRUSH! here Cheese from Dalewood FromageItalian Wines from Gabba InternationalSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pxabay

Pop-ups fascinate me. I'm interested in the business model - how they work, and the benefits or challenges they present for operators. I've seen and heard a lot about Not Sad Food Co. so I reached out to Claudia Alberti for a chat about how (and why) she and her partner Yoraya Nydoo run pop-ups and kitchen takeovers. They've developed a fun, funky food brand, free of the constraints of walls and a permanent location - but what's next?Not Sad Food Co.Gabba International - Italian Wines & SpiritsKaas Club by Dalewood FromageSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pxabay

Limoncello in Gardens was once my favourite neighbourhood eatery. It was always buzzing and fun, the pizzas were fantastic - in fact everything on the menu was. Then it closed. Limoncello became a beautiful food truck for a while and now it's a much-loved local in Noordhoek. I sat down with owner and chef Luca Castiglione to talk about his food journey and food trucks, then I nearly made him cry when I mentioned putting pineapple on pizza. Limoncello RestaurantGabba International: Italian wine importersDalewood cheeses from Kaas ClubSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pxabay

Motherdough was started by Lance Littlefield and his partner Willem van Schalkwyk during lockdown as a source of advice, equipment and a a reliable starter for people caught up in the craze of baking sourdough bread. Lance's starter 'Alfonsina' is over a century old and comes from Piedmont in Italy. He's been her care-giver for over 25 years. When the world started returning to normal after Covid, and people were less focused on baking at home, Lance and Willem made the leap to open their own artisanal bakery with Alfonsina in Franschhoek. Their mission is to bake real bread and a host of other naturally leavened baked goods. I sat down with Lance to chat about Alfonsina, their travels together, and why we should all be eating real bread. Send us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pxabay

Ryan Shell is a lekker oke. He kindly and very graciously jumped into the gap when the original Ryan booked for this slot was suddenly called away on family business. It was a serendipitous moment though, as Ryan Shell of Ōku restaurant has been on my target list of people to interview for a while. He's a very capable operator who creates happy teams and runs great restaurants and his perspectives were refreshing and often funny. We also had a couple of good-natured jabs at Ryan Boon who I look forward to chatting to in a future show.Ōku Restaurant in FranshhoekKaas Klub by Dalewood FromageEmail for a rate card for the show on: russel@rwm2012(dot)comSend us a text On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pxabay

Send us a textChef Craig Cormack is completely obsessed with salt. It began when he started reading Mark Kurlansky's brilliant book, 'Salt: A World History' and began a journey into a rich and global culinary past. It has seen him develop entire menus based on the salts of the world, the wines of the Western Cape and recipes that have been knocking around for a couple of thousand years. He has a restaurant called Salt at Waterford Estate with his business partner Beau du Toit, and they are about to open a concept restaurant in Doha, Qatar called The Salt Road. We sat down recently for a fascinating chat about his enduring love affair with one of our most basic and perhaps least-understood culinary pillars.SALT at Waterford EstateSalt: A World History by Mark KurlanskyThumbnail image supplied On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: In Time by Olexy via Pxabay

Send us a textPJ Vadas once worked for Gordon Ramsay, so he swears a bit. He's also a really clever and successful restaurateur who has an easy and fun approach to what he does. Vadas Smokehouse at Spier Wine Estate is a fabulous place to visit - modelled loosely on Texas BBQ, but with a distinct local signature that PJ can't help stamping on anything he does. We had a great chat and touched on fishing, pasteis de nata, his background in fine dining, his early days interning for Marcus Farbinger at Ile de Pain and, of course, the success of his smokehouse in the winelands.Vadas Smokehouse & BakeryThumbnail image by CL Thomas On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: In Time by Olexy via Pxabay

Send us a textHeleen Meyer is a Cape Town-based food consultant who works across a wide range of disciplines to service companies in the broader food sphere. From recipe development to writing, styling and photography to video content production, she tells stories about food across a range of platforms. The former Sarie Magazine staffer has built a career advising and creating for corporates mainly in the fresh ingredient sector and has become a noted and respected voice in the arena of healthy eating. Chatting to Helen was fascinating and refreshing.Heleen Meyer FoodHeleen Meyer on Instagram - @heleenmeyerfood On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited Title music: In Time by Olexy via Pxabay

Clarke's Bar & Dining Room is an enduring favourite daytime spot for me. It's a cool, easy spot for a coffee, breakfast or a solo lunch. If I lived in the city, I'd probably prop up their counter on many nights too. Their burgers haunt my dreams, although anything you care to order at that counter is likely to be perfectly executed and delicious. On this episode, I chatted to Lyndall Maunder - creator and owner of the Bree Street stalwart, fashioned in the style of an American diner. Look out for the new 'Takeaways' segment at the start of the show which is a 5 minute sprinkling of things we like featuring lifestyle writer Kimberley Schoeman. The segment is sponsored by Yardstick Wines who've come on board to help me continue the work of documenting the craft and thoughts of our chefs and food entrepreneurs. On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited

At the water's edge, amid the bustle of a working harbour, Chef Ryan Cole has opened a gorgeous little restaurant simply called COY. While the location is in the heart of the V&A Waterfront, midway between Time Out Market and The Cape Grace, it is also aloof. Isolated from the foot traffic and bustle of the precinct, unassuming but beautiful, COY sits at the entrance to Robinson Dry Dock, the oldest operating dry dock in the world. Well known for his innovative menus centring African ingredients and techniques, Chef Cole is exploring the coastline of Africa - through his cooking - from its southernmost port where diners have a view of both Table Mountain and the comings and goings of commercial fishing boats and luxury yachts alike. I don't mind suggesting COY (like Salsify) is set to be one of the great restaurant experiences of Cape Town, if not the world. Meeting with him for the second time on the show produced an absolutely fascinating conversation with a chef I greatly admire.COY Restaurant, V&A WaterfrontBook at COY with Dineplan On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited

Lindile Ndzaba is a young man I admire tremendously. He has built a wine brand with nothing but an idea and his drive to do something extraordinary in his community. Khayelitsha's Finest Wines started as a project to bring decent wine to his neighbours 'elokshini', in the sprawling township of Khayelitsha outside Cape Town. Working in the city, exposed to fine wines in his role as a front-of-house staff member, he was frustrated by the shoddy wines on offer in the taverns and eateries around his home. Working in his spare time he learned about wine and started seeking out unique and interesting wines he could bottle under the KFW label. It's been a long and hard journey, juggling his dream with a full time hospitality position in Cape Town, but it really took off when he was able to resign and focus full time on KFW in 2021. He's just returned from a trip to the USA where he was promoting KFW and I managed to sit him down for a chat about the road he's walked.Khayelitsha's Finest WinesThumbnail portrait by Brandon de Kock On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited

I initially reached out to Tania Olivier of ATE Eatery when she posted online about working on a cookbook. I've been wanting to talk about cookbooks on the show for a while. Turns out her publishing project is another thing entirely, but we started talking about South African food and how she cooks her experiences of being South African for guests in her home. Tania is fascinating and such an enthusiastic and patriotic cook that this episode could have gone on for hours. Some interesting perspectives on welcoming people into your home and serving them food derived from your own life experiences. Follow Tania on Instagram here. On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited